Diocesan Directives for the Observance of the Ascension of our Lord in 2023

The Eucharistic Missal of the Communion of International Catholic Communities includes an expressed preference for the Solemnity of the Ascension of our Lord to be observed on Thursday of the Sixth Week of Easter. However, as noted in the rubrics of the Missal (page 228): "When genuine pastoral need requires, and with the consent of the bishop, the proper Mass for the Solemnity of the Ascension of our Lord may be celebrated on the Seventh Sunday of Easter. In this instance, the Mass formula on page 230-231 for Thursday of the Sixth Week of Easter (or a Saint's Day) is celebrated instead."

Because many parishes and ministries of the Diocese have routinely transferred the Ascension celebration to the Seventh Sunday of Easter, and the preceding directive is new, I hereby authorize the celebration of the Solemnity of the Ascension of our Lord to the Seventh Sunday of Easter (May 21) for Liturgical Year 2023 in any parish which desires to do so throughout the diocese. In those parishes transferring, May 18 will be observed as Thursday in the Sixth Week of Easter. Where desired, the Commemoration of Saint John I, Bishop and Martyr, may be kept in the celebration of the Eucharist and the Daily Office.

Beginning in 2024, parishes will need to request permission to transfer the Solemnity, in keeping with the previously quoted rubric.