I have attended Ascension Parish for two years. I joined the Parish because I felt the Spirit  of God sending me there. I am happy to have joined because for me, it is very uplifting and inspirational. The Spanish Mass and services are especially helpful to me. Ascension has helped me to know Almighty God and to know that He is awesome. Because my experience here at Ascension has been very helpful to me personally, I very possibly will invite others to join or visit the Church. –Anonymous

In March of 2025, I began attending Ascension Parish. It is the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ that brought me here. And it is here that I have found a natural, true way to serve and worship Jesus Christ through song, prayer, and praise offered together without prejudice or disdain. The celebration of the sacraments are very special moments for me. I have cried with thanks to the Lord Jesus Christ for finding a Roman Catholic Church that offers both the Body and Blood of Christ to the entire parish. My spiritual growth is continual in that every Sunday and every lesson is a new teaching. Everything that I have learned is elevated to a more intellectual, spiritual, and prayerful level of education. I have met a new friend at church who has proven to be a hallmark example of practicing the Catholic faith through fellowship and friendship in places other than the parish. I am very likely to encourage anyone who is interested in joining or visiting the Holy Roman Catholic Church at Ascension. I would love to share my faith and teachings of Christ as explained by the priest. I would not change a thing about Ascension!  – Anonymous

I have attended Ascension Parish for sixty years! As a child, I attended P.S. 165 Elementary School and regularly came to Wednesday afternoon Religious Instruction. Ascension has profoundly affected me. I received my First Holy Communion and Confirmation here, and I was married here. Brother Brian was the best influence on my life. Being an altar server at Mass many moons ago is an experience that will always be very special to me. Throughout my whole life, Ascension has been a guiding light for me. Through the years I have invited and brought dozens of people to this Church, including my whole family. For over sixty years, my entire life has revolved around Ascension Parish. –Domingo Roman


I was baptized at Ascension and, of course, that was the beginning of my Christian life. I served as a priest at Ascension for seven years (1962-1967). One of the beautiful remembrances was our attempt to bring the American and Hispanic parishioners and we had both groups come together for one hour and a half before Christmas Midnight Mass. We walked through the parish neighborhood singing Christmas carols in English and Spanish.  – Jim Welby


I have attended Mass at Ascension for about two years.  Ascension is nearby, and I wanted to find a Catholic church where I could attend Mass on Sunday.  Happily, I found Ascension! Attending Ascension has deepened my faith and helped me to grow as a more conscientious Catholic. Serving as a Eucharistic minister has made me take the  Eucharist more seriously. I have learned about the importance and theology of the Eucharist. Worshipping at Ascension has also strengthened my prayer life,  my sense of responsibility, and my connection to and relationship with God. The liturgy and music at Ascension are very special to me. The choir lifts the prayer of the Mass beautifully.

Also Fr Kearney’s sermons stand out as they are deeply relevant to current times and are very consistent with the teachings of the Gospel. Playing the violin has been very meaningful to me, as it has allowed me to offer my talents to God and to feel more connected to the parish. Spiritually, this parish has helped me to understand the Eucharist and the importance of being in a state of grace. Emotionally, it has given me peace and a stronger sense of purpose. I have formed new relationships with others and have met wonderful people who share our faith. In prayer, I have become more consistent and intentional. I would absolutely encourage others to join or visit this parish. Ascension is welcoming, rooted in strong liturgy, and led by priests who live the Gospel authentically. It is a parish where anyone can feel at home and grow in faith. I am very grateful for this parish. The priests, the community and the opportunities to serve have made a lasting impact on me. Ascension has shown me that Catholicism is truly for everyone and it continues to inspire me to live my faith more fully. – Javier Quiros


I have been a parishioner at Ascension since I was born, and I just love this church. I received my First Holy Communion here in April of 1967. I always love attending the Midnight Mass at Christmas. I love the way the church was restored. I love the architecture. (They don’t build churches like this anymore!) I like the way Mass is celebrated, and I like the fact that Ascension is a very liberal minded and welcoming parish. I definitely would encourage others to join or visit the church. My experience at Ascension has been only positive in every respect. 
– Kevin F. Casey


I have been a member of Ascension Parish for 52 years. During the first 42 years, I had been quite active. For the past ten years, I would call myself somewhat active. Ascension Church actually became my second home. How could I forget Sister Maria Magdalena? She welcomed me and my family with open arms. She was in charge of teaching Catechism, the Youth Group, and the SYEP Program, where I received my initial faith foundation and the opportunity to work for the first time in the USA. May God bless her soul! Ascension Parish has had a great impact on my life in so many meaningful ways: emotionally, socially, spiritually, and even economically. At Ascension I became actively involved in several groups including the Walkirios Choir and the Los Buenos Amigos Youth Group, which I had the honor of co-leading.

I also have served as a lector and Eucharistic minister. My God-given abilities were recognized by the principal of Ascension School, Mr. Piccolo, who offered me a position as the school’s gym teacher. That opportunity inspired me to pursue higher education in sociology and elementary education at the City College of New York. After graduating, I remained committed to serving both my community and my Church. I joined the Parish Council where I was entrusted with the re-establishment of the St. Vincent de Paul Society. I proudly led that ministry for six meaningful years.There were so many unforgettable moments, like receiving my First Communion and Confirmation. There are also very joyful memories, singing with my Walkirios companions.

We held retreats, staged performances, traveled to other communities, and sang to bring joy and faith to others. Being part of such a vibrant community even inspired me to complete three years of Theological Studies through the Archdiocese of New York’s Pastoral Ministry Program. That Program deepened my understanding of the Catholic faith and strengthened my call to serve. It was at Mass, during the Eucharist as well as in silent moments before the tabernacle that my relationship with Christ truly flourished. Reading the lives of the Saints also contributed to my spiritual journey. One saint wrote: “Whatever you do, say, or think, let it be for the good of others, for the good of your soul, and for the glory of God.” I have tried my best to live up to those words, supported by the openness and acceptance that I found in my beloved parish. I want everyone to pursue Jesus, to truly get to know HIm, to experience His boundless love and mercy. In Him, you will find everything: The strength to live, the purpose of your existence, and most of all, His living presence – a taste of eternity on earth. - Anonymous



For me, there has been no better place to begin that journey than at Ascension Parish. Fifteen years ago, I moved to a new community. I gave my best. I led a prayer group and was blessed to receive the love of many. But, there remains a deep, unshakeable attachment to Ascension Church that lives on in me.  My faith and small accomplishments have not come without trials and tribulations. To this day, my faith is tested. But I stand firm in Christ. God’s miracles in me have far outweighed the challenges. Nothing can stop the Holy Spirit when He chooses to move in you. Just open your heart, be patient, and you will see. While I was at Ascension, I wrote my first book: Tormando Control De Mi Ser (Taking Control of My Being). Later, in my current community, I wrote another titled Caramelos Para El Alma (Caramels for the Soul) which is now available on Amazon. — Yony Sanchez

I have been attending Ascension parish for about two years. My boyfriend lives in the neighborhood and I was visiting him. I love going to mass here. I go to the noon mass on weekdays. Sometimes, after mass, I stay and say the rosary with a small group of people. I pray for the world and this country. I am not working right now, so it gets me out of the house and gives me a routine to follow. I like praying the rosary with others. My boyfriend is Jewish and I do not know that many people that live in this area. I think the church is beautiful. It’s wonderful that it was built in 1895. I love the beautiful stained glass windows. Especially the one above the entrance of the church. It is a peaceful respite from the hustle and bustle of the city of New York. - Susan Campisi

I have attended Ascension Parish for two years. I joined the Parish because I felt the Spirit  of God sending me there. I am happy to have joined because for me, it is very uplifting and inspirational. The Spanish Mass and services are especially helpful to me. Ascension has helped me to know Almighty God and to know that He is awesome. Because my experience here at Ascension has been very helpful to me personally, I very possibly will invite others to join or visit the Church. –Anonymous

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I have attended Ascension Parish for sixty years! As a child, I attended P.S. 165 Elementary School and regularly came to Wednesday afternoon Religious Instruction. Ascension has profoundly affected me. I received my First Holy Communion and Confirmation here, and I was married here.Brother Brian was the best influence on my life. Being an altar server at Mass many moons ago is an experience that will always be very special to me. Throughout my whole life, Ascension has been a guiding light for me. Through the years I have invited and brought dozens of people to this Church, including my whole family. For over sixty years, my entire life has revolved around Ascension Parish. –Domingo Roman

In March of 2025, I began attending Ascension Parish. It is the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ that brought me here. And it is here that I have found a natural, true way to serve and worship Jesus Christ through song, prayer, and praise offered together without prejudice or disdain. The celebration of the sacraments are very special moments for me.I have cried with thanks to the Lord Jesus Christ for finding a Roman Catholic Church that offers both the Body and Blood of Christ to the entire parish. My spiritual growth is continual in that every Sunday and every lesson is a new teaching. Everything that I have learned is elevated to a more intellectual, spiritual, and prayerful level of education. I have met a new friend at church who has proven to be a hallmark example of practicing the Catholic faith through fellowship and friendship in places other than the parish. I am very likely to encourage anyone who is interested in joining or visiting the Holy Roman Catholic Church at Ascension. I would love to share my faith and teachings of Christ as explained by the priest. I would not change a thing about Ascension! – Anonymous

I was baptized at Ascension and, of course, that was the beginning of my Christian life. I served as a priest at Ascension for seven years (1962-1967). One of the beautiful remembrances was our attempt to bring the American and Hispanic parishioners and we had both groups come together for one hour and a half before Christmas Midnight Mass. We walked through the parish neighborhood singing Christmas carols in English and Spanish.  – Jim Welby

I have attended Mass at Ascension for about two years.  Ascension is nearby, and I wanted to find a Catholic church where I could attend Mass on Sunday.  Happily, I found Ascension! Attending Ascension has deepened my faith and helped me to grow as a more conscientious Catholic. Serving as a Eucharistic minister has made me take the Eucharist more seriously. I have learned about the importance and theology of the Eucharist. Worshipping at Ascension has also strengthened my prayer life,  my sense of responsibility, and my connection to and relationship with God.  The liturgy and music at Ascension are very special to me. The choir lifts the prayer of the Mass beautifully. Also Fr Kearney’s sermons stand out as they are deeply relevant to current times and are very consistent with the teachings of the Gospel.

Playing the violin has been very meaningful to me, as it has allowed me to offer my talents to God and to feel more connected to the parish. Spiritually, this parish has helped me to understand the Eucharist and the importance of being in a state of grace. Emotionally, it has given me peace and a stronger sense of purpose. I have formed new relationships with others and have met wonderful people who share our faith. In prayer, I have become more consistent and intentional. I would absolutely encourage others to join or visit this parish.

Ascension is welcoming, rooted in strong liturgy, and led by priests who live the Gospel authentically. It is a parish where anyone can feel at home and grow in faith. I am very grateful for this parish. The priests, the community and the opportunities to serve have made a lasting impact on me. Ascension has shown me that Catholicism is truly for everyone and it continues to inspire me to live my faith more fully.   – Javier Quiros

I have been a parishioner at Ascension since I was born, and I just love this church. I received my First Holy Communion here in April of 1967. I always love attending the Midnight Mass at Christmas. I love the way the church was restored. I love the architecture. (They don’t build churches like this anymore!) I like the way Mass is celebrated, and I like the fact that Ascension is a very liberal minded and welcoming parish. I would encourage others to join or visit the church. My experience at Ascension has been only positive in every respect.    – Kevin F. Casey

I have been a member of Ascension Parish for 52 years. During the first 42 years, I had been quite active. For the past ten years, I would call myself somewhat active. Ascension Church became my second home. How could I forget Sister Maria Magdalena? She welcomed me and my family with open arms. She oversaw teaching Catechism classes, the Youth Group, and the SYEP Program, where I received my initial faith foundation and the opportunity to work for the first time in the USA. May God bless her soul! Ascension Parish has had a great impact on my life in so many meaningful ways: emotionally, socially, spiritually, and even economically. At Ascension I became actively involved in several groups including the Walkirios Choir and the Los Buenos Amigos Youth Group, which I had the honor of co-leading. I also have served as a lector and Eucharistic minister. 

My God-given abilities were recognized by the principal of Ascension School, Mr. Piccolo, who offered me a position as the school’s gym teacher. That opportunity inspired me to pursue higher education in sociology and elementary education at the City College of New York. After graduating, I remained committed to serving both my community and my Church. I joined the Parish Council where I was entrusted with the re-establishment of the St. Vincent de Paul Society. I proudly led that ministry for six meaningful years.

There were so many unforgettable moments, like receiving my First Communion and Confirmation. There are also very joyful memories, singing with my Walkirios companions. We held retreats, staged performances, traveled to other communities, and sang to bring joy and faith to others. Being part of such a vibrant community even inspired me to complete three years of Theological Studies through the Archdiocese of New York’s Pastoral Ministry Program. That Program deepened my understanding of the Catholic faith and strengthened my call to serve. It was at Mass, during the Eucharist as well as in silent moments before the tabernacle that my relationship with Christ truly flourished.

Reading the lives of the Saints also contributed to my spiritual journey. One saint wrote: “Whatever you do, say, or think, let it be for the good of others, for the good of your soul, and for the glory of God.” I have tried my best to live up to those words, supported by the openness and acceptance that I found in my beloved parish. I want everyone to pursue Jesus, to truly get to know Him, to experience His boundless love and mercy. In Him, you will find everything: The strength to live, the purpose of your existence, and most of all, His living presence – a taste of eternity on earth.

For me, there has been no better place to begin that journey than at Ascension Parish. Fifteen years ago, I moved to a new community. I gave my best. I led a prayer group and was blessed to receive the love of many. But there remains a deep, unshakeable attachment to Ascension Church that lives on in me. My faith and small accomplishments have not come without trials and tribulations. To this day, my faith is tested. But I stand firm in Christ. God’s miracles in me have far outweighed the challenges. Nothing can stop the Holy Spirit when He chooses to move in you. Just open your heart, be patient, and you will see. While I was at Ascension, I wrote my first book: Tormando Control De Mi Ser (Taking Control of My Being). Later, in my current community, I wrote another titled Caramelos Para El Alma (Caramels for the Soul) which is now available on Amazon.
— Yony Sanchez

I have been attending the Church of the Ascension for 35 years. From the beginning, I came because I am Catholic and it is the church closest to me. Over time, this parish has become a very important part of my life. My experience at Ascension has had a significant impact on me and my family. My children received their sacraments here, such as First Communion and Confirmation, and one of them was even married in this church by Father Dufe. In addition, this is a place
where I find peace and tranquility, which is very valuable to me.

Over the years, I have been actively involved in parish life. I am a lector, a Cursillista, and I currently belong to Emaús. I enjoy serving others; for example, I help cook for the community when needed. I am always willing to collaborate and support in any way within the church. The parish has also been a great help in my personal growth. It has helped me manage my anxiety and stress. I feel that by helping others, I am also helping myself, which has been a blessing in my life. I always invite others to join the church or participate in a group because I want them to come to know Jesus and the Virgin Mary, just as I have. 

I also believe it would be beneficial to have more training for lectors and for Eucharistic ministry, as well as more opportunities for evangelization among parishioners. It is important to teach how to behave properly in church for everyone’s well-being, as I have noticed that many people attend but do not know basic practices, such as making the sign of the cross. I also believe there should be more empathy within the parish community. In summary, the Church of the Ascension has been a fundamental pillar in my life, providing me with peace, spiritual growth, and the opportunity to serve others. –Anonymous




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