Our Lady of Joy Roman Catholic Church, Carefree, AZ Blog - Weekly Reflection

The Ascension of the Lord

Sun, 17 May 2026 00:00:00 -0700

Dear People of God,

What does it mean for our Lord to Ascend into heaven? What does it mean for us as disciples of Jesus?

The Ascension is not about Jesus leaving us, but of going ahead of us, as our forerunner, our High Priest, and our King, to prepare for us at the right hand of the Father. Far from being an absence, the Ascension is a gift of profound hope, purpose, and power.

Pentecost Novena Prayer

Sun, 10 May 2026 00:00:00 -0700

Dear People of God,

This coming May 24th is the Pentecost Sunday, and we will be starting our Novena on the 15th. So, I want to share with you the prayer for the Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit which we will be praying throughout these nine days:

The Priesthood of Jesus Christ

Sun, 03 May 2026 00:00:00 -0700

Dear Family of God,

What is Priesthood and how do you share the Priesthood of Jesus Christ?

Saint Peter teaches us from the Second Reading this weekend, that you, the laity, are “a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people of His own…” You share this priesthood through Baptism and anointing of the Holy Spirit in the Sacrament of Confirmation.