Dear Parishioners and Friends,
“Put forth, O God, thy Spirit’s might, and bid thy Church increase...”
These are the opening words to a much-loved hymn that we will be singing this coming Sunday for the Feast of Pentecost. We celebrate the fulfillment of Jesus’ promise to his disciples that he would not leave them comfortless, but that he would send the Holy Spirit, the Advocate, to lead them into all truth. It was Jesus who laid the foundation of our faith, and who died so that we might live, but it was only through God’s gift of the Holy Spirit that we are empowered to do his work.
Jesus commanded his followers to love one another as he loved them, and to go into the world preaching and making disciples in his name. It was a rocky road for the first apostles. Indeed, St. Paul writes that the Spirit testifies to him that in every city imprisonment and persecutions await him. Nevertheless, he is compelled to share the good news of Jesus Christ.
The Holy Spirit compels us to go forth as well. We too are called to make new disciples in Jesus’ name. How fitting then, that this year we will celebrate the coming of the Holy Spirit by welcoming four people into the one holy, catholic, and apostolic Church through the sacrament of Confirmation as well as reception from other communions. We are building Christ’s Church! I hope you can join us this Sunday for what promises to be a beautiful and meaningful service. And—don’t forget to wear red!
Blessings, Father Rick
