5/17/2024 Come, Holy SpirtHappy Pentecost! It’s always fun to dwell on the power of the Holy Spirit and the beauty of the Sacrament of Confirmation. Especially when we are lucky enough to watch and celebrate our own teen parishioners as they receive the Sacrament on the same weekend that we celebrate Pentecost. Whenever I find myself reflecting on the Pentecost, it often takes me some time to realize that when the Holy Spirit descended upon the Apostles in the upper room, that it wasn’t just to empower the Apostles, but it was done so we were all impacted, even to this day. It is often said that Pentecost Sunday is the birthday of our Church. The Apostles were empowered, even in the face of fear and death, to preach the word of Christ and bring other’s salvation through His church. But why is this personal to us? Because that same Holy Spirit who empowered the Apostles to evangelize the whole world (no exaggeration), is the same Holy Spirit that dwells within us. What does that mean? It means those of us with the same seal of the Spirit, is called to do the same. We have heard it many times when Jesus asked us to “make disciples of all nations”. At first glance, that is a scary commission. And honestly, when we overthink what Jesus asked us to do, it may seem impossible and it is, if we were alone in this endeavor. We are not relying on ourselves to do what he asked, but he sent His Spirit to aid us. We are not alone in this journey, because we have each other, and we have the actual, living God who never leaves our side. With the Holy Spirit, the impossible is possible. We as a church, need to help each other recognize this reality. As we celebrate our teens getting Confirmed, let’s also show them that we are on their side. Let’s be the church that helps them to see the power of the Holy Spirit in their own lives. Let us be the examples of the living church, and let us assure them that we are here to aide them on their journey. Let us also be humble enough to ask for their aide. On behalf of all those who help with Confirmation, I want to say thank you for all of your support for our Confirmation teens. You truly are the living Church. Veni, Sancte Spiritus, Brett Becker Youth and Young Adult Minister 5/17/2024 George Francis Ford
5/10/2024 Go out to the whole world ...Dear Parish Family, In today’s gospel, we, just like the apostles, are commissioned to “Go out to the whole world and proclaim the gospel to all creatures.” His promise is that those who “believe and are baptized will be saved.” He then is taken up to heaven and takes his place at the right hand of God. This great commission given to ALL of us, and the work of the community as a whole, has been very evident in recent weeks. Easter season, what an exciting time of the year! From Easter Vigil, welcoming children and adults into the church, as they were baptized and received the sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist. Most recently, this past Sunday, we welcomed 129 children to the Table of the Lord and received the Eucharist for the first time. Next weekend there will be 84 teens and adults who will be sealed in the Holy Spirit, confirming their Baptism. If you are like me, these days always bring to mind memories of our own sacraments. I specifically remember my First Communion most clearly. It was one of the best days of my life! I desired so deeply to receive Jesus in the Eucharist, and the experience was so visceral. The level of intimacy with our Lord; I can only describe as hearing his voice so clear and loud in my soul. Being told I am loved, and created for a purpose, to love and bring others to our Lord. The grace we receive with each of the sacraments strengthens the gifts of the Holy Spirit within us to do as we have been asked. “Go out to the world.” We were given a task, but we are not left alone to do it. Our Lord has given us his example to follow, his Spirit to be with us always. And we are fed with his body and blood to strengthen and sustain us. Whether you are “proclaiming the Gospel” in an official capacity as a catechist or teacher, or as a loving parent, grandparent or friend, it’s not always about what we say, but the opportunity to be Christ to others. The sacraments not only unite us intimately with Jesus, but solidify our unity as the body of Christ. I will leave you with a quote from St. Teresa of Avila, which reminds us, “Christ has no body now on earth but yours; no hands but yours; no feet but yours. Yours are the eyes through which the compassion of Christ must look out on the world. Yours are the feet with which he is to go about doing good. Yours are the hands with which he is to bless his people.” Today, in a special way, let us be grateful for: Our mothers, and mother figures, who nurtured us and supported us through life. Our Church who takes on the maternal role of guiding us through life. And our Blessed Mother, who protects both the Church and all her children. Siempre Adelante, Tere Delgado Faith Formation Minister |
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