On Pentecost Sunday we relive the birthday of the Catholic Church.  We also relive our own spiritual birthdays through the Sacrament of Baptism and initiation as members of the Church.

Pentecost is a church-wide celebration of the effect that our baptisms have had on our lives and relationships.  It reaffirms the Sacrament of Confirmation when the Bishop confirmed that we truly received the Holy Spirit during our baptism.

Pentecost reminds us that through the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist, we received God's power and presence so that we can overcome sin, live in holiness, and change the world around us; in other words, to live happy, holy and healthy lives by spreading the Gospel message.

Through the Holy Spirit living and working in each of us God will renew the face of the earth.  God the Almighty Father gave the Holy Spirit to Jesus so that he could successfully fulfill his calling on earth.  Now, God the Father has given his Spirit to us, so that we can continue the work of renewal that Jesus Christ began and entrusted to us.  To share in the mission of Jesus Christ may be daunting to some but we can find our strength and courage in the Holy Spirit who can bring us endless joy and countless blessings.

Sometimes when we do the work of the Lord, we might feel inadequate and unworthy; after all, it is an awesome privilege and gift to share in the salvation of the world.  When the Holy Spirit of God dwells within us we are made adequate.  It is through the Holy Spirit that we can rejoice in working for the Lord and spreading the Good News  to everyone. 

The Holy Spirit works through, with and in us as long as we live in a state of grace, pick up our crosses daily and follow Jesus who is the way, the truth and the life.  This is a partnership that we can trust.  It is a union that produces good fruit, a companionship that generates enthusiasm and zeal.  Most importantly this is a relationship that is life giving and eternal. 

 With faith, hope and love,
Father Steven C. Rogers