Archive of Recent Programs 

September

Ascension Heritage Conversations
Sunday, Sept. 4, 18, and 25
St. Michael’s Hall, following the 9 a.m. Mass

Join Fr. Heard and fellow parishioners as we embark on an important part of our interim and transition work. We’ll explore our history and heritage from our beginnings in 1857 through to today. These conversations are intended to help us better understand who we are as the people of Ascension and to discern what we are called to be and do for the advancement of the Kingdom of God.

Church Music of the Elizabethan Era to the Commonwealth with David Schrader
Tuesdays, Sept. 6, 13, and 20
at  7p.m.
Click here to join via Zoom

September 6th—Session 1
We’ll explore the pre-Reformation rite before the Henrician reforms of the 1530's and 1540's. We’ll examine the works of Thomas Tallis whose remarkable career lasted through four monarchs. What was the role of music in the church during the pre-Henrician times? How did it differ from music for the court of Edward VI? Why did the music of John Merbeck change so radically during the reign of Edward VI?
 
September 13th—Session 2
A recording of this session can be found here.
Music during the reign of Elizabeth I (1559-1603).
The Act of Uniformity produced an uneasy but stable peace. We’ll focus on William Byrd as he composed music for both the Latin and English rite. We'll hear keyboard music from the period, especially from a collection of pieces compiled by an English recusant Catholic, Francis Tregian. We'll also 
explore the music of Orlando Gibbons, who died the same year as James I (1625).
 
September 20th—Session 3
The last session will focus on the gradual erosion of the reign of Charles I (1625-1649), his tastes, and the complete dissolution of the Anglican Church and its music under the Lord Protector, Oliver Cromwell, and then the restoration of 1661, when Anglican worship was restored. We'll discuss the music and esthetic of Charles II and the musicians who served him, including Pelham Humphrey, and Henry Purcell.

St. John the Evangelist on Patmos, c.1553/1555, Titian, National Gallery of Art, Washington

Bible Study--The Book of Revelations
Fridays beginning Sept. 9
On Zoom at 10 a.m. 
Click here to access session.

Dive into better understanding this fascinating last book of the Bible. This is a joint program with our neighbors at St. Chrysostom’s. 

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October

Michaelmas Celebration--
​Sunday, October 2
We’ll celebrate our patronal feast by welcoming back the full Ascension Choir, and enjoying a parish-wide potluck picnic following the 11 a.m. mass. An organ recital will be offered in the afternoon at 3:30 p.m. followed by Evensong and Benediction at 4 p.m.

St. Michael Shrine, Church of the Ascension, Chicago (photo by MB Hwang)

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Symposium on Anglo-Catholicism Saturday, October 15
11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Church of the Atonement Parish Hall
5749 North Kenmore Avenue
To register, please send an email to office@atonementChicago.org or call 773-271-2727.

Topics of the day include: 
History of the Oxford Movement
Dr. John Singleton-Prof. Emeritus of History, Northeastern Illinois University

Anglo-Catholic Liturgy and Sacramental Theology
​Br. Ron Fox, Vocations Director, Brotherhood of Saint Gregory and Senior Master of Ceremonies at Atonement

Progressive Social Policies of Anglo-Catholicism
Fr. Thomas Heard, Interim Rector of Ascension

Anglo-Catholicism and the Arts
Dr. Barbara Newman, Professor of English, Classics, and History, and John Evans Professor of Latin, Northwestern University

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Open House Chicago --   
Saturday and Sunday October 15-16
For the first time since the pandemic, Ascension will participate in this city-wide program sponsored by the Chicago Architecture Center. Mark your calendar and look for more information on how you can participate and help to welcome visitors from across the city. The last time we participated in 2019 (see our entry here) we welcomed nearly 500 visitors.

​End of Life Planning
Sunday, November 13 & 20th
10 a.m.
We will gather in the Undercroft (aka: the AA Room) to delve into topics that many wish to avoid and some ignore altogether. Last Will and Testament, Advance Directives, Durable Power of Attorney, and Healthcare Proxy are documents that can make our transition from this life to the next easier for those who care for us and follow us. In addition, there are approaches we can take with our financial resources to be sure that our wishes are followed. Barbara Susman will give us insights into the what, why, how these instruments can do for us and those we leave behind. Fr. Heard will take us through considerations for funeral options, including how we convey our desires for our final rites.

Anglo-Catholicism--Educational Opportunities
November 8 and 15, Via Zoom
Discussions on Anglo-Catholicism with Dr. Richard Kieckhefer
If you were unable to attend in person, recordings of both talks as well as ancillary materials can be found by clicking the title of the talk below.

"Notable Anglo-Catholic Churches of England and America" 
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​"From Saving Grace to Smells & Bells: Hymns of Evangelicals and Anglo-Catholics." ​

Altar, Pusey House Chapel, Oxford

Advent Lessons and Carols
Sunday, November 27th
4 p.m.

Join us for this traditional service of readings and music for the season.