Dear Parish Family Surprise….It’s me again! Happy Spring! The sun has been shining and everything seems right with the world. As I write this note, Fr. Bill is on retreat as the rest of the parish staff are busy at work. The past month has flown by with Holy Week, Easter being a distant memory and First Eucharist and Confirmation being recent ones. Congratulations to all our First Communicants, Confirmandi and recent college graduates!
Today is Pentecost Sunday. Most Christians have some idea about Pentecost, but considering it is not as widely celebrated as Christmas and Easter, it is safe to conclude that many are uncertain about the significance of Pentecost to the modern church.
Pentecost is celebrated 50 days after Easter and commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles and their followers, and the beginning of their ministry to make disciples of all nations. It is also considered the birthday of the church, the beginning of God’s new covenant through Jesus, for everyone.
The celebration of Pentecost is meant to be joyful, and full of life. Different countries have different traditions including the scattering of rose petals from the ceiling in Italy, to represent the tongues of fire; the blowing of a trumpet in France, to represent the holy wind; the carrying of green branches and flowers in Russia and of course, wearing RED here at Sacred Heart!
You might be wondering how Pentecost is relevant in today’s world. Pentecost is a reminder that God's life, breath and energy lives in, with and among us. When we allow the Holy Spirit to guide us, we cannot help but to exude love, joy, peace, kindness, goodness, faith, and meekness; the same qualities of Jesus.
So, let’s take a moment and reflect on how we allow the Holy Spirit to guide us in our daily lives. Have we “put on Christ”? Pam Chaplin