As Blessed Trinity Catholic Church celebrates the Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord, this week’s bulletin invites parishioners to reflect on Christ’s glorious return to the Father and the mission entrusted to His disciples. Father Skip’s pastoral message centers on the enduring presence of Christ through the Holy Spirit and the call for every believer to become a joyful servant-disciple proclaiming the Gospel with courage, compassion, and faith. The bulletin carries a strong theme of missionary renewal, spiritual growth, and active participation in parish life. Stewardship remains an important focus as the parish continues encouraging participation in the 2026 Our Catholic Appeal. Parish life is vibrant with upcoming retreats, VBS preparations, ministry gatherings, faith formation opportunities, and renewed initiatives for liturgical ministries. 

Pastor’s Message Highlights

Father Skip reflects deeply on the mystery of the Ascension, reminding the faithful that Christ’s departure is not abandonment, but His triumphant return to the Father after completing His saving mission through the Passion, Death, and Resurrection. The Apostles, though filled with wonder and uncertainty, are entrusted with the future mission of the Church and strengthened by Christ’s promise: “I am with you always, until the end of the age.” 

The message emphasizes that the Ascension inaugurates the age of the Holy Spirit and challenges believers not to remain spiritually idle, but to go outward in mission. Parishioners are encouraged to recognize Christ in the sacraments, the Word of God, and in one another, while renewing their trust that the Lord remains present even when unseen. Father Skip concludes with a powerful invitation for Blessed Trinity parishioners to embrace joyful servant-discipleship and proclaim the Good News with renewed zeal. 

Major Announcements & Milestones

Our Catholic Appeal 2026

The parish shared an updated snapshot of the 2026 Our Catholic Appeal. Blessed Trinity’s goal is $214,947, with $159,161 pledged and $116,487 raised to date as of May 8, 2026. Father Skip notes that only 12.7% of parish households have participated thus far and encourages an additional 200–300 families to join the campaign in support of the Church’s mission. 

Revised & Renewed Altar Servers Ministry

The parish announced the renewal of the Altar Servers Ministry with updated guidelines and formation standards for all future altar servers. New requirements include being baptized Catholics in fourth grade or higher, appropriate liturgical attire, and family registration within the parish. Parents are asked to complete revised registration forms available in the narthex, parish office, and online. The parish also encourages high school students and young adults to consider serving in this important liturgical ministry. 

Journeying in Faith with the Catechism

Blessed Trinity has begun a summer instructional program for adults and young adults seeking full initiation into the Catholic Church through Baptism, Eucharist, Reconciliation, and Confirmation. The program remains open for registration and is designed for non-Catholics as well as baptized Catholics who have not completed their sacramental formation. 

Spring Retreat – “From Egypt to the Promised Land”

The Spanish Prayer Group “Paz y Gozo” is hosting its Spring Retreat on May 29–30 at Blessed Trinity’s Family Center. The retreat theme, “De Egipto a la Tierra Prometida,” invites participants into deeper spiritual renewal and reflection. Breakfast and lunch will be provided. 

Stewardship & Financial Update

The parish reported strong offertory support for the weekend of May 10, 2026. Parishioners contributed generously through in-person, online, and mailed donations. The Master’s Plan collection and the upcoming Catholic Communications Campaign second collection were also highlighted. 

Sacrificial Giving Summary

Weekend of May 10, 2026
• Church Offertory: $10,154.00
• Online Collection: $6,685.43
• Mail Log: $5,375.00
• Total: $22,214.43

The Master’s Plan
• In-Pew: $67.00
• Online: $123.00
• Total: $200.00

Second Collections for May
• May 17: Catholic Communications Campaign

Ministry & Community Highlights

Vacation Bible School 2026 – Rainforest Falls

Preparations continue for VBS 2026: Rainforest Falls, scheduled for June 8–12. The parish is requesting donations of supplies including paper products, craft materials, tapes, poster boards, and decorations. Parishioners are invited to support the ministry by bringing donations to the parish office before May 31. 

Sunshine Seniors Potluck

The Blessed Trinity Sunshine Seniors will host their next potluck meeting on May 21 from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. in the Parish Center. Parishioners are encouraged to bring a favorite dish to share. 

Knights of Columbus Baby Bottle Drive

The Knights of Columbus continue their annual Baby Bottle Drive in support of the J.M.J. Pregnancy Center. Parishioners are invited to take bottles after Mass and return them with donations by June 13–14. 

Meal Train Ministry

The parish is seeking additional servant-disciples to assist with preparing meals for Blessed Trinity priests through the Meal Train ministry. Volunteers may register online or contact the parish office for details. 

OneBlood Community Appreciation

OneBlood expressed gratitude to Blessed Trinity parishioners for hosting a successful blood drive that resulted in 23 donors, 27 pints collected, and 81 lives impacted. 

Events Snapshot

• Guadalupe Ministry Meeting — May 18 — 6:30 p.m.
• Paz y Gozo Leadership Meeting — May 18 — 6:45 p.m.
• La Salette Book Club — May 18 — 7:00 p.m.
• Prayer & Life Workshops — May 19 — 9:00 a.m.
• Caring Quilters Meeting — May 20 — 1:30 p.m.
• Music Ministry Social — May 20 — 7:30 p.m.
• Sunshine Seniors Potluck — May 21 — 12:00 p.m.
• CCW Meeting — May 21 — 6:30 p.m.
• Adoration Hour — May 22 — 9:00 a.m.
• Servant Disciple Appreciation Dinner — May 22 — 5:30 p.m.
• Paz y Gozo Charismatic Prayer Group — May 22 — 6:45 p.m.
• Healing Prayer Ministry Meeting — May 23 — 9:30 a.m.
• Life in the Spirit Concluding Mass — May 23 — 11:00 a.m.
• Spring Retreat “De Egipto a la Tierra Prometida” — May 29–30
• Baccalaureate Mass & Luncheon — May 31 — 10:00 a.m.
• VBS Preparation Week — June 1–5
• VBS 2026: Rainforest Falls — June 8–12
• 2026 Rummage Sale — July 16–18