In the 40s this part of the valley was known as the "Prune Basket of America." Saratoga-Sunnyvale Road was a one lane road and for miles on both sides stretched thousands of acres of land with trees weighted down with fruit. In 1951 the first church was established with 85 families. Soon afterwards, realtors began buying farms, builders erected ranch style houses, developers attracted growing families, and more and more people were in need of a parish to bring them the word of God.

Archbishop McGucken of San Francisco began a search for land on which to build what has come to be known as a "parish plant." Mr. Joseph Pon offered the family homesite, a choice piece of property at the corner of Prospect Road and Miller Avenue, thirteen acres located in the heart of the residential area. "The Farmhouse," the present parish offices, was the family residence.

The property had a few buildings but they were unsafe for large numbers of people to use. An alternate choice was a drying shed situated in a prune orchard on Miller Avenue across Prospect Avenue. For two months the men of the parish were busy boarding-in the front of the shed, putting in windows which were obtained from a discarded railway car, patching holes, and shoring up the roof. And so, the first Ascension Church was a converted drying shed affectionately called "The Barn".

In November 1966, the first of the great laminated beams of our present church building were hoisted into place. On Ascension Thursday, June 4, 1967, the first Mass was offered on the new marble altar. On November 1, 1967, exactly three years to the day of the establishment of the parish, the formal blessing and dedication of the hall took place. The building was intended as a multi-purpose church-hall to serve the spiritual and social needs of everyone in the community. For this reason, the pews were placed on runners so they could be removed to use the building as a social hall and this was done successfully for years.

Then for many reasons plans changed. In 1974 ground was broken for a new parish center and the church-hall building became our Church. Many great things have happened in our Parish Center over the years and it has been the scene of much growth, spiritually and socially, for our parishioners.

In 1977, Fr. Worner left Ascension and was replaced by Monsignor John T. Dwyer who stayed at Ascension until 1987. Fr. Art Harrison took over as Pastor and stayed until 1989, when Reverend Robert Passalacqua took over as Administrator. Fr. Robert Leger was Pastor from 1990 to 1995. Fr. Paul Duong took over the reins in 1995 to July 2007 and Fr. Joe Galang is currently the Pastor of our Parish.

Almost thirty-eight years have gone by since the first Mass in "The Barn." These years have been filled with memories -- some joyful, some sorrowful -- but they are memories of a great parish family. We see what has been accomplished with the enthusiastic cooperation of so many loyal and devoted people and we think of what more can be planned, organized and completed in the future.

Let us pray together that the coming years bear much fruit, that the life of the Spirit is renewed, that the material successes are overshadowed by the spiritual successes, and that all of us continue to worship and work and play together as the Ascension family.
 

Labyrinth

 

Ascension's Labyrinth, built by Bill Rasmussen.

The Ascension labyrinth is a replica of the Chartres Labyrinth, Chartres Cathedral in France. The Chartres Labyrinth was built into the cathedral floor during the Crusades, in 1206, to provide a spiritual journey for those who couldn't make the pilgrimage to Jerusalem.

Walking the labyrinth can be a powerful tool. It can deepen spirituality, help access intuition and creativity or provide a way to connect with your community.

Bishop McGrath and Bill Rasmussen

As you start, release your problems and worries. Seek guidance on some life issue or merely enter with an open mind.

The center is typically a place of prayer and meditation that helps bring clarity about your life.

Walk in quiet solemnity and please wear low heel or flat shoes.

Amid life's twists and turns,
the ancient practice of walking labyrinths is a way to regroup,
recharge and reconnect with God.