The Bishop’s Note
Blessed Pentecost to one and all! Weekends like the one we just had are times that we must file away in our minds, so that when more difficult times come and our imagination gets the better of us and tries to pull us into a downward spiral of negative thoughts, we can remember the good things God has done for us. Yesterday’s Vigil was one of the most encouraging as two babies were baptized with the newly blessed baptismal water, and some fifteen Catholics received the sacrament of Confirmation and became Soldiers of Jesus Christ. Then, of course, Our Lady the Mediatrix of All Graces had her part as several souls were enrolled in her Brown Scapular—a sacramental more important today than it ever has been. Heaven certainly has been busy with us these past few days.
Although today is Pentecost Sunday and marks the actual day when the Holy Ghost descended upon Our Lady, the Apostles, and Disciples, our celebration continues all week long. Monday and Tuesday were, in times past, Holy Days of Obligation, but are now feasts of devotion. Still, we should do our best to make Mass on those days. Each day of the week has a different liturgical text referring to the workings of the Holy Ghost. There is a booklet called “The Holy Ghost: Our Greatest Friend.” Truly, He is our Greatest Friend. A friend always wishes to be with his friends and to do good to them. Look at all the good He has done for us from the very moment we were baptized when He made our souls His Temple, His very dwelling place, as long as we remain in the state of sanctifying grace. Come and honor this Great Friend and thank Him for all that He has done in your soul and in the Catholic Church.
Christian Wright has not written a sermon in quite a while, so I was quite happy when he submitted his most recent one which you can find below. It is quite edifying! The children did a pretty good job at the Confirmand’s Day of Recollection, although at one point they all had the giggles and had to get it out of them. Naturally, it was after lunch! The practice which we ran for Confirmation and First Holy Communion was most entertaining. Some had to be taught which knee to genuflect on, while others nearly fell down trying to genuflect on the proper knee. It was quite entertaining. Parents, keep an eye on them and teach them these basic practices even when they are young.
Fr. Lehtoranta has been quite busy with the end of school, teaching seminary courses, and helping with the Day of Recollection. It has been a busy year for him and I hope he gets a little rest soon. Fr. Brueggemann and Fr. Simpson have been helping in the sacristy, while Fr. McKenna is out and about once again. They all really do a lot and I am glad God has given us such good priests.
May the Holy Ghost bestow many and great graces upon you this beautiful Pentecost Week!
– Bishop McGuire