HOLY SPIRIT POWER: Wind. Oil. Fire. Water. These are all images we find in scripture to describe the Holy Spirit. Christ breathed the Spirit on his apostles after his resurrection from the dead and the Spirit descended upon the Church on the day of Pentecost. You and I received the gift of the Spirit when we were baptized. The Spirit is a constant source of life and vitality. St. Paul tells us that the Spirit has been poured into our hearts (Rom 5:5), that we cannot claim Jesus as Lord unless the Holy Spirit allows us to do so (1 Cor 12:3), and that the Spirit prays for us when we struggle to pray well (Rom 8:26-27). The British writer Caryll Houselander (one of my favorite Catholic authors) says this: “Not only does the Holy Spirit wash the stains from our souls and minds, but he heals the wounds and bruises of life, he softens the pride that is so often the major cause of our unhappiness, and bows our ‘stiff necks’ to the yoke that is sweet and brings peace.” My spiritual director often refers to the Spirit as "Demon Destroyer.” The Holy Spirit is powerful and pure. Yet the Spirit is also known as the “Consoler.” He’s tender and compassionate. I pray that a new Pentecost – a new outpouring of the Holy Spirit – is given to our world, to our Church, to our community, and to our families. Veni, Creator Spiritus! Come, Holy Spirit! It’s a prayer that we can turn to often.
FLIPPING PULPITS: Next Saturday, May 25, I am privileged to celebrate the nuptials of one of my Mercyhurst Prep kids (Braeden) and his local Warren girl bride (Lucy). The wedding is in the afternoon at the Mercyhurst University chapel. That same morning, I will also be concelebrating at a Mass of Thanksgiving with (soon-to-be) Fr. Luke Daghir. He will have been ordained a priest the evening before. Because of the late start time for the wedding – 3:00 pm – Fr. Rick has graciously agreed to celebrate our 4:30 pm Mass. In turn (and coming in hot off of I-86), I will celebrate the 5:30 pm Mass at St. Joseph.
A SACRAMENTAL SEAL: We definitely live during a time when belief in God is not universal and when many do not trust the Church. Nonetheless, because we are made for God, hearts are longing for God. If you have children, grandchildren or friends who struggle with faith, but are seeking God in some way, please know that I am more than willing to sit down with them and to listen to their story. It’s a great grace when we are able to find a path that leads to baptism, reconciliation with the Church, resolution of a difficult marital situation – whatever the need may be. Christ has given us the sacraments as an infallible sign of his presence. He wants his seal to be indelibly placed upon our soul. Do not lose hope. Invite to ignite!
HOSPITALITY AS A DOOR TO NEW LIFE: This Thursday evening, May 23rd, we are gathering around the firepit in an effort to grow the hospitality we offer to parish guests (and honestly, to each other). A good number of you are already planning to be in attendance. Thank you! Anyone who wishes to be involved in the ministry of hospitality is welcome. We will begin at 6:00 pm with a shared meal and end the evening before the Blessed Sacrament. Our rally cry is Totally on Mission! Hospitality is a critical component of our work. Have a beautiful and holy Pentecost Week.
Our Lady of Guadalupe – Pray for us!
St. Anthony – Pray for us!
St. Joseph – Pray for us!
Fr. Steve