Feast of Pentecost: Fifty days (Pentecost comes from the Greek pentecoste, which means “the fiftieth day”) after his resurrection the Lord sent the Holy Spirit down from heaven upon his disciples. This began the age of the Church. To this day, the Holy Spirit is the “soul” of the Church, the essential principle of her life. It’s a great day to wear red to denote the flames of fire that rested on the apostles when the Holy Spirit came upon them. Come Holy Spirit! May we be open to the Spirit just as Mary was at the Annunciation—“let it be done according to your Word.”
Confirmation: Speaking of Pentecost, Bishop Boyea will celebrate the Sacrament of Confirmation with us on Monday, May 23. There will be seventy-five students being confirmed.
Town Hall Meeting: This Tuesday, May 17, is our first town hall meeting to discuss the diocesan capital campaign coupled with our campaign to make some capital improvements on our campus. I am really excited about this endeavor, but a bit nervous at the same time. I’m not sure where the Spirit is going to lead us, but so many parishioners have told me that they are excited about the possibilities of some capital improvements for our parish.
Parish Meetings: Besides the town hall meeting this week, I am meeting with our Finance Council (May 16) and our Pastoral Council (May 18). We have been meeting monthly. I really appreciate their care and vision for the parish.
School Happenings: This Saturday, May 21, is our school auction. Thanks in advance for your generosity and kindness to our school. I hope to see you there! Thoroughly enjoyed “grandparents” day at our school on May 9. The musical renditions by the students were all great. I especially enjoyed the “who’s on first” baseball skit by our 8th graders taken from Abbott and Costello (I miss shows like that). On Sunday, May 15, I am attending the sports end-of-year banquet. Sports and other extracurricular activities are so important in the education process.
Pictorial Directory: Thanks to all the families that have signed up for our pictorial directory. So many of you have commented on the little taped phone message you received from me and how you actually started talking back to me! I don’t like getting phone calls like that; thanks for your cooperation.
Marriage meeting: This Friday, May 20, I am attending a workshop on the new marriage ritual for weddings. We have seen a great increase in the number of weddings for the year. We already have 22 marriages planned.
Another Eucharistic Miracle: Recently read the story of a Eucharistic miracle in Poland. On Christmas Day of 2013 a consecrated host fell on the floor. It was picked up and placed in a container of water. Soon after, red stains appeared on the Host. The Host underwent various testing by research institutes. They found that the Host contained “cross-striated muscle, most similar to heart muscle.” Amazing that Jesus is always willing to give His heart and soul to us!
Fire truck ride: I’ve always wanted to ride in a fire truck, and got my wish when I was picked up at the parish on May 6. This was granted when one of our parishioners bid on this at a fundraiser event. After picking me up, we went to the house of 4th grader and we rode back to school. When we arrived at the school parking lot, I blew the fire truck horn, which startled a great many parents dropping off their children.
Looking ahead: This Sunday is the last day of the Easter season. We will re-enter ordinary time (7th week) on Monday. However, we have two great feasts coming up: Holy Trinity Sunday on May 22 and the Feast of Corpus Christi on May 29.
So glad to be here. Please know of my love and prayers for you. Have a blessed week.
Msgr. Jerry
Saint quote of the week: “Every grace granted to humanity has three degrees in order; for by God it is communicated to Christ, from Christ it passes to the Virgin Mary, and from the Virgin it descends to us.”
St. Bernardine of Siena, whose feast day is May 20. He had a strong devotion to the Blessed Mother.