Ascension Catholic Church
Kettering OH

Parish Mission

We, the Catholic community of Ascension Parish, are drawn together by our love of Christ as the center of our individual lives, families, community and ministry. We commit ourselves to being a praying, teaching, caring, serving sign of God’s presence to each other and to the world around us. We cooperate in building the kingdom of God by:

Living our Catholic faith and nurturing its growth; Extending a spirit of welcome and belonging in our prayer, liturgy, sacrament, and mission; Accepting and cherishing the dignity of each person; Working in partnership with individuals, churches, and communities in service to others.

(Pastoral Council, June 1999)

 

https://www.ascensionkettering.org/  

 

In June of 1955, Father Arnold F. Witzman receives a call from Archbishop Karl J. Alter to move from Cincinnati to Dayton to organize a new parish—a parish which came to be known as The Church of the Ascension. A month later, the first Mass was offered in the Greenmont Community Center. First Sunday attendance (for three Masses) was 1090, with 131 families registered. That was the beginning.

During the next seven years, the parish passes many milestones:

1956 – School Building (Mass celebrated here)

1960 – Rectory

1962 – Basement Church

1966 – Convent

Father Witzman retires in 1980 to become Pastor Emeritus.

Father Edward Rudemiller (Father Rudy) ushers in a new era in August of 1980. In his 12-year old tenure, Ascension experiences a new surge of growth:

1981 – Outdoor Festival Returns

1982 – Sister Maureen Heavey, R.S.M., assigned school principal

1988 – Parish Activity Center (the PAC) and the new Church completed

Father Rudy’s farewell in 1992 marks another turning point for Ascensionites. Father David Brinkmoeller arrives that summer. Under his guidance, Ascension builds upon the past, developing a much-needed lay leadership, continued commitment to being a praying, caring, teaching, serving parish.

1990s Events and Celebrations:

1995 – Parish Celebrates its 40th Anniversary

1996 – 25th Anniversary of Father Dave’s Ordination

1997 – Strategic Plan developed 1999- Brent Devitt becomes first lay principal of Ascension School 2003 - Christ Renews His Parish begins

The dreams and achievements of yesterday—lighting the way to the future.

In 2004, Father David Brinkmoeller is assigned to St. Helen’s and Father Chris Worland comes to Ascension to continue the tradition.

2009 - Fiesta Latina and the Refugee Resettlement Freedom have their beginnings; Our Lady of the Light chapter of the Knights of Columbus founded 2010 - Martha and Mary women's group founded 2013 - Rectory transformed into Notre Dame Center 2014 - Susan Digiorgio becomes first Ascension School graduate to be School Principal

In 2014, Father Chris Worland is assigned to St Albert. Father Ed Pratt, who had served Ascension as a Seminary intern, arrives at Ascension as Pastor