From the Deacon’s Desk 05/23/2021

Dear Friends:

Today we celebrate the feast of Pentecost. It’s the feast on which the Holy Spirit, the Advocate, comes to the Apostles. I find it amazing that before the Holy Spirit comes to the Apostles they are afraid of their own shadow. They hide from the Jewish leadership and Romans. They are afraid to tell the story of Jesus and all his good works because they just may experience the same fate Jesus did – crucifixion. When the Holy Spirit comes, all their fears are gone. They go out and preach the Gospel of Jesus in the portico of the Temple, along the streets, and even in the marketplace. The fear that kept them from the ministry Jesus gave them is now gone.

Just a few weeks ago, 34 of our parish’s teenagers were confirmed by Bishop Dennis Madden. They received the same Holy Spirit who came to us at our baptism and confirmation and to the Apostles that wonderful day over 2000 years ago. That is one of the beauties of our faith. It has stood the test of time and manifested itself in our world all these years.

I encourage you to pray to the Holy Spirit; ask him to be with you when you are troubled or struggling with your faith or an emotional or physical challenge. The Holy Spirit is the Advocate Jesus sends us so we will have the courage to spread his message with our families, friends, and those we work with. The Holy Spirit is waiting to hear from you. Please do not delay!

Peace and All Good!

Deacon Jim