May 24, 2023May 27, 2023
by in Communications, Uncategorizedtags
16

From the Pastor’s Desk

Pentecost Sunday

May 28, 2023

 “Receive the Holy Spirit.”

~John 20:22

Brothers and Sisters,

Have you ever had to sign for a package? There’s a thrill in accepting a delivery with your signature. It feels essential or special, made better when it’s an unexpected gift your signoff affords.

Culminating at the close of the Easter season, the celebration of Pentecost highlights the essence of God’s plan through the Paschal Mystery of Jesus’ passion, death, and resurrection. As God’s beloved sons and daughters, we are not passive bystanders to this pursuit. We are to be sharers of Jesus’ life and, through Jesus, our Lord’s coworkers and collaborators with the Holy Spirit.

Come, Holy Spirit!

We have no option but to open our hearts and receive this prepaid gift from Jesus. Like a delivery needing a signature on our receipt, Christ’s gift of the Holy Spirit requires our action and acceptance. Still, I understand that some days, we might feel like refusing the assistance of the Spirit, thinking the Church is about to crumble. Or maybe, you’ve felt that we, as disciples, are not executing God’s plan right. Take heart; God’s will does not reign. Let’s implore our Advocate to bestow us with wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, fear of the Lord, and any attribute required to align our hearts, minds, and souls with God’s intention. With our approval comes our commitment to employing the advantages of the Spirit so we can live our lives as God intended them, to better our little corners of the world, releasing the fruits of mercy, peace, and joy upon the hungry world while giving glory every step of the way!

We sincerely thank Bishop Bruce for celebrating our Pentecost Vigil and all of you who offered prayers of invitation to the Holy Spirit so that we might be strengthened and united as the Body of Christ, as one holy, catholic, and apostolic Church!

For Memorial Day, as we remember so many who have given their lives in service of our country, let us pray that their ultimate sacrifice may inspire us to live for the sake of freedom and justice for all. Join us for Mass on Monday, May 29, beginning at 9 am, shared with the Feast of Mary, the Mother of the Church, as we pray for those who have given the ultimate sacrifice.

In the Risen Lord,

Rev. Michael S. Triplett

Other Considerations in and around our Community:

  • YOUR HELP IS NEEDED – The Columbia Pregnancy Center is a non-profit organization that helps pregnant women and girls in difficult situations by offering medical, material, and spiritual support. The Center welcomes them with compassion and provides concrete help. We are looking for nurses, sonographers, desk greeters, client advocates, boutique helpers, data entry assistants, and individuals with expertise in information technology, media, graphic design, and writers/editors. Consider sharing your talents to empower women to choose life. Visit: https://www.columbia-babies.org/how-to-help.
  • OLPH SCHOOL ANNUAL FUND DRIVE – The cost to educate a student at OLPH is $8730, leaving a $430 tuition gap. The school’s fundraising events have met 50% of the gap. The Angel Fund Drive aims to fill the rest. Your support allows OLPH School to keep Catholic Education affordable for families in our community while preserving the OLPH legacy for the next generation. Visit www.olphschool.org/angel-fund-drive to join the effort to fund the gap for those seeking a Catholic Education.
  • YOUR INVITED – Mary’s Home’s 3rd Annual Open House is coming up on June 10th, 1- 4 PM, and we are excited to welcome the community to meet our team and families, tour the homes, enjoy some light fare, and learn more about our goals for this year. All are welcome, and we would love to see you there!
  • WORLDWIDE MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER – “And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.” Trust in the Lord that He is in your marriage. The Worldwide Marriage Encounter Experience gives you the tools to have the best marriage you can. Upcoming dates are Jul 14-16, 2023, in ROCKVILLE, MD, and Sep 22-24, 2023 in Herndon, VA. Early sign-up is recommended. For more information, visit our website at: https://moments4marriage.org or contact us at applications@moments4marriage.org or 301-541-7007.