Ascension Day

Ascension celebrates the day when Jesus Christ is said to have ascended bodily into heaven, in the presence of the apostles. On the 40th day following Jesus’ resurrection he appeared to the Apostles and led to the Mount of Olives where they watched him ascend.

Who celebrates?

Christians around the world.

How do people celebrate?

• Ascension Day is one of the six holy days where attendance at Mass is mandatory for Roman Catholics and Anglicans
• Some Protestant faiths will also attend services on this day.

What should I know?

• Ascension day is not a major celebration among the Protestant faith but it is among the Catholic Church
• The Ascension is believed to have occurred on the 40th day after Easter, and consequently falls on a Thursday. In recent times the Catholic Church has celebrated the Feast of the Ascension on the Sunday after Ascension Thursday
• Orthodox Christians will celebrate one week after Catholic and Protestant Christians as they use the Julian calendar rather than the Gregorian.

How can I support others?

• Be aware that not all Christians will celebrate
• Ask people about their faith and whether they’d be willing to share what it means to them
• Familiarise yourself with the diversity of religion in your area and how representative your organisation is of the community you serve.

Ascension day playlist: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b9lqDqQKU_8&list=PLTPkKKi0RCoeRm_XfHHjW25wVhcyabS6D&index=3

BBC: Asension day: https://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/christianity/holydays/ascension.shtml