Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Today we celebrate the great Solemnity of Pentecost and the birth of the Catholic Church. Nearly 2,000 years ago, we celebrated the day when the apostles were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to preach the Good News of Jesus Christ, crucified, resurrected, and ascended into Heaven. We celebrate the fact that those first frightened followers of Jesus had been transformed into courageous preachers who feared neither prison, nor torture, nor martyrdom.

What is this new found conviction based on? The power of the Spirit was within them, emboldening them to live without fear.

That same Holy Spirit continues to work in God's children to this day. As Christians, we understand that "The Holy Spirit," the Third Person of the Most Holy Trinity, animates our soul, sustains our life, and is at the very core of our being. Thanks to this life-giving action of the Holy Spirit, our parish is growing, and new ministries are bearing fruit. People who were once dead, or dying, inside have found new life in the Church. Those who become involved in bringing others to Christ and Christ to others have found their hearts filled with peace and a deeper awareness of the presence of God. Of course, there are groups who need more members and groups that could be a bit more active, and so we pray, come Holy Spirit and guide them and give them strength to continue and to awaken that apostolic desire in the hearts of the faithful and especially the forgotten. We must allow the power of the Holy Spirit to awaken our gifts within us. There is still much God has for us to do.

We have reached the end of another busy school year. While we had our share of challenges in the school, I know God remains faithful. He continues to raise up faithful followers and He continues to call us all to holiness. He invites us to let go of the world and to trust in Him alone. While being a disciple and making disciples is hard work, it is an endeavor worth doing because Christ called us to do exactly that when He said, "Go make disciples!"

I want to congratulate the eighth-grade students who had their graduation ceremony on Monday, May 11th. Let us pray for them as they complete this important stage of their lives. Life will be very different for them as they will face new challenges. As they begin high school, they will meet new teachers, have new experiences, and build new friendships. Their faith will be challenged in ways they have never experienced. As a Catholic school, we are honored to be part of these young people's lives and their future. I pray that they will fall deeper in love with Our Lord, His Blessed Mother, and the Church. May their faith grow and they become the saints God created them to be.

On this Pentecost 2026, ask the Holy Spirit to fill your heart with heavenly fruits as mentioned in Sacred Scripture - "love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, selfcontrol..." (Galatians 5:22-23). Pray that you will never grow weary in service to God, but by continued faithful surrender to the inspiration of the Holy Spirit.

Lastly, consider being a part of our Vacation Bible School. This transformative biblical adventure engages ancient Rome! At Rome VBS, kids travel back in time and discover more about St. Paul and the Early Church where he was able to speak the Good News around the world! Each day at Rome VBS, kids travel through field-tested rotations that reinforce relevant Bible Points and immerse kids in new adventures. It is open to those who are 4-years-old up to 6th grade. The camp will be from June 22nd - June 26th. To register please visit our website. I encourage parents to register their children as soon as possible because we fill up. Don't put off until tomorrow what you can do today. Have a happy week. May the Holy Spirit guide you always.

PRAYER FOR THE SEVEN GIFTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

O Lord Jesus Christ, Who, before ascending into heaven,
did promise to send the Holy Spirit to finish Your work
in the souls of Your Apostles and Disciples, deign to grant the
same Holy Spirit to me that He may perfect in my soul,
the work of Your grace and Your love. Grant me the Spirit of Wisdom
that I may despise the perishable things of this world and aspire
only after the things that are eternal, the Spirit of Understanding
to enlighten my mind with the light of Your divine truth,
the Spirit of Counsel that I may ever choose the surest way of
pleasing God and gaining heaven, the Spirit of Fortitude
that I may bear my cross with You and that I may
overcome with courage all the obstacles that oppose my salvation,
the Spirit of Knowledge that I may know God and know myself
and grow perfect in the science of the Saints, the Spirit of Piety
that I may find the service of God sweet and amiable,
and the Spirit of Fear that I may be filled with a loving reverence
towards God and may dread in any way to displease Him.
Mark me, dear Lord, with the sign of Your true disciples and
animate me in all things with Your Spirit.
Amen.

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