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Dear parish family,

Today we celebrate Pentecost Sunday, the “birthday” of the Church! It’s the day when the Holy Spirit descended upon the Apostles, just as Jesus had promised. In the Acts of the Apostles chapter 2, something remarkable happens. People from every nation hear the Apostles speaking, and each one understands in their own language. What does this mean for us?

It means the Church is universal. The Gospel is for everyone: every language, every nation, every background. On Pentecost, the confusion of Babel is reversed. Where once pride divided humanity, now the Holy Spirit unites us in God’s love. So, I encourage you to pray for the world this week. We are the Church. It’s a family brought together by the Holy Spirit, called to carry Christ’s message to the world. The Church helps us to live this mission through the sacraments, especially the Eucharist. We are nourished by Christ so we can be Christ to others.

So, what is our mission today as disciples?

Just like the Apostles, we’re sent out to speak a language the world can understand: the language of mercy, compassion, truth, and love. People may not always understand Church teachings, but they will understand kindness. They will recognize integrity. They will feel love. That’s our language.

This Pentecost, let’s celebrate the Church’s birthday by living our faith. Let’s welcome others into the Church by our joy, our witness, and our service. 

Come, Holy Spirit, teach us how to pray!

Brothers and sisters, Father Anthony Donatelli is celebrating his Mass of Thanksgiving at the 12 pm Mass this Sunday, June 8 at St. Mary's. A reception will follow Mass in the St. Mary's Banquet Room.

 

Mark your calendars for a Eucharistic Procession on Sunday, June 22. We will gather for the 12 pm St. Mary's Mass that day, and have a procession through the Chardon Square with rosary prayers said along the way. Eucharistic Processions are great ways to honor our Lord and give public witness to our faith in Jesus' risen and Eucharistic presence in our community. If weather will not permit an outdoor procession, we will do a shortened procession through the church. A time of adoration will follow the procession until 2:30 pm when we will end with Benediction. Until next week, take care, keep praying, and stay healthy! 

In Christ,

Fr. Fabian Han