My dear Friends in Christ,
On this Feast of Pentecost, we commemorate the descent of the Holy Spirit on the Apostles and other disciples following the Crucifixion, Resurrection and Ascension of Jesus Christ to the Father. It is also referred to as the Birthday of the Church, a reminder and fulfillment of Jesus’ promise that God would send the Holy Spirit. The feast is celebrated on the 50th and final day of the Easter season. The Holy Spirit is the Third Person of the Most Blessed Trinity. According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church (paragraph 691): “Holy Spirit is the proper name of the one whom we adore and glorify with the Father and the Son. The Church has received this name from the Lord and professes it in the Baptism of her new children.” Pentecost matters because it celebrated God giving spiritual gifts to the first followers of Jesus. The best part is, God keeps giving spiritual gifts to all God’s people ever since!
Our 2022 weekly Annual Catholic Appeal gift summary is $24,830, or 50% (half way home) of our $50,000 goal. Thanks to all who have made a pledge and sent it in. Pledge cards are available in the Sacristy if you would like to contribute. Thank you for helping us make our goal so that we may receive a nice Diocesan rebate!
Please mark your calendars for June 19, 2022 which happens to be Fathers Day. Bishop O’Connell will be with us to celebrate the 11:00 AM Mass which will mark the kick-off of the Eucharistic Revival in our parish and in The Diocese of Trenton.
May God bless you all,
Father John