PENTECOST

On this Feast of Pentecost, we celebrate the gift of the Holy Spirit in our lives. Pentecost concludes our celebration of the Paschal Mystery – that is, the suffering, death and resurrection of Christ, His Ascension into heaven and the coming of His Advocate, the Holy Spirit. Pentecost is known as the Birthday of the Church.
The Spirit of God, bestowed upon the Apostles, gave them the strength and courage to continue the ministry of Jesus after His earthly presence among them. We too receive that same Spirit in the Sacrament of Baptism. Strengthened in the Sacrament of Confirmation, the Spirit enables us too, to carry on the mission of Jesus. Each of us has a responsibility to make Jesus known and loved and to contribute in whatever way we can to a living and active Church that will serve our own generation and future generations well.
We ask the Holy Spirit today to renew us in strength and courage, so that we will be faithful and diligent witnesses to the virtues of the Gospel, inspirational in living and handing on the gift of faith.
Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of Your faithful and kindle in them the fire of Your love.
Send forth Your Spirit and they shall be created, and You shall renew the face of the earth.
Lord, by the light of the Holy Spirit You have taught the hearts of your faithful.
In the same Spirit help us to relish what is right and always rejoice in your consolation.
We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.