Bulletins from May 2024

On the great feast of Pentecost, the outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles was fulfillment of the promise made by Jesus: “The Father will send you another Paraclete,” [also called “Comforter” and “Advocate”] “to be with you always” (John 14:16). This same Spirit comes upon us in Baptism, Confirmation and, in fact, in every moment of our lives. The Spirit comes upon our gifts of bread and wine, to change them into the Body and Blood of the Lord; the Spirit also forms us into “one body, one spirit in Christ” (Eucharistic Prayer III). On Pentecost, the frightened group of Jesus’ followers suddenly became bold in proclamation, speaking in ways that everyone understood, no matter where they came from. The Spirit gave them courage not only on the day of Pentecost, but for the rest of their lives.

As we celebrate the Lord’s Ascension into heaven, it is easy to overlook the significance of Jesus’ return to the Father: “But I tell you the truth, it is better for you that I go. For if I do not go, the Advocate will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you” (John 16:7). Jesus’ work on earth did not conclude with His Death, Resurrection and Ascension; through the power of the Holy Spirit, He continues to be with us, as he promised. This same Spirit comes upon our gifts of bread and wine, transforming them into the living Body and Blood of Christ, broken and poured out for the life of the world. Through the indwelling of the Spirit, the Lord invites us to share the holiness of God and sends us out into the world to proclaim God’s goodness by our very lives. Without the Ascension, there would be no great feast of Pentecost, which we will celebrate next weekend. Let us rejoice in the Lord who is with us – always.

Jesus invited His disciples to follow Him, to live as He lived: This is my commandment: love one another as I love you. No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends (John 15:12-13). On this, our second weekend of First Communion for some children of our parish and school, Jesus’ words remind us that the Eucharist is our ultimate way of sharing God’s life while we are still here on earth. As we share the life the Lord has “laid down” for our sake, He also urges us to a love so great as His love for us. We thank and congratulate parents and other family members whose self-sacrifice has helped bring their children to the Lord’s Table these weeks. Though it may not always seem so, the lessons you teach by your love are establishing the pattern of love and service that your kids will follow for the rest of their lives. Again, our thanks to you. On Saturday, June 1, Father Victor will celebrate the Fifth Anniversary of his ordination as a priest. He will be the celebrant of the 5:00 pm Mass that afternoon. The celebration continues with a reception in the Rectory Garden. All are welcome to be part of this milestone in Father Victor’s life and in the life of the parish. Details will follow during this month.