Dear Parishioners:
This weekend, we celebrate the Solemnity of Pentecost, one of the most important feast days of the year. This feast concludes the Easter season and marks the beginning of the Church. Pentecost Sunday always occurs 50 days after the resurrection of Jesus on Easter and 10 days after his Ascension into heaven.
The timing of these feasts is also where we derive the concept of the novena, which consists of nine days of prayer. In the Acts of the Apostles, Mary and the Apostles prayed together "continuously" for nine days after the Ascension, leading up to Pentecost. The Church prays the novena to the Holy Spirit in the days before Pentecost. The name of the day itself is derived from the Greek word "pentecoste," meaning 50th.
Pentecost celebrates the Third Person of the Holy Trinity, the Holy Spirit, descending upon the Apostles, Mary, and the first followers of Jesus, who were gathered together in the Upper Room. A "strong, driving" wind filled the room where they were gathered, and tongues of fire came to rest on their heads, allowing them to speak in different languages so that they could understand each other. It was such a strange phenomenon that some people thought the Christians were just drunk, but Saint Peter pointed out that it was only the morning and said the Holy Spirit caused the phenomenon.
The Holy Spirit also gave the apostles the other gifts and fruits necessary to fulfill the great commission — to go out and preach the Gospel to all nations. It fulfills the New Testament promise from Christ that the Apostles would be "clothed with power" before they would be sent out to spread the Gospel. It was right after Pentecost that Saint Peter, inspired by the Holy Spirit, preached his first homily to Jews and other non-believers.
St Peter Preaching in the Presence of St Mark, Fra Angelico (circa 1395–1455
He opened the scriptures of the Old Testament, showing how the prophet Joel prophesied events and the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. Saint Peter also told the people that the Jesus they crucified is the Lord and was raised from the dead, which "cut them to the heart." When they asked what they should do,
Saint Peter exhorted them to repent of their sins and to be baptized. According to the account in Acts, about 3,000 people were baptized following Peter's sermon. For this reason, Pentecost is considered the birthday of the Church — Saint Peter, the first Pope, preaches for the first time and converts thousands of new believers. The apostles and believers were united for the first time by a common language and a shared zeal and purpose to preach the Gospel.
As we celebrate this great Feast of Faith, we also celebrate the Sacrament of Confirmation for some adult parishioners at the 10:30 a.m. Mass. Pray for them as they receive the gifts of the Holy Spirit and confirm their Catholic Faith. Let us also pray that the Holy Spirit may renew the Church, our parish, and our own faith lives. We pray: "Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth your Spirit, and they shall be created, and you shall renew the face of the earth."
Next weekend, we will have the Annual Mission Cooperative Appeal at all Masses. Each year, we are asked to help support the good works of missionaries across the world in proclaiming the Good News of Jesus Christ. This year, we welcome Sister Angelina Giramma, M.P.F., a member of the Religious Teachers Filippini. Sister Angelina will be speaking at all Masses next week about the missionary work of the Sisters.
The Second Collection next weekend is in direct support of the Filippini Missions. There is no budget envelope for this collection. Please make checks payable to Our Lady of Mercy Church and indicate 'Mission Coop' on the memo line. I know you will give Sister your usual warm welcome to OLM. And I thank you in advance for your prayers and generosity in supporting the good works of the Filippini Missions.
Last Friday night, the OLM School Class of 2025 held its graduation ceremony. Now they're off to high school in the fall. They are well-prepared thanks to our excellent school and outstanding faculty. We offer them congratulations and the promise of prayers. Be well. Do Good. God Bless. Go Sox????!!