Prayers and blessings for Fr Eric as we celebrate his 25th Anniversary of Ordination to the Priesthood, Saturday, June 7, 5:00 p.m. Mass, party after Mass.
Opening Prayer:
All pray the Sign of the Cross
We thank you for sending the Holy Spirit. Help us to remember that the Holy Spirit still fills the church with power, just as He did on the day of Pentecost. Amen.
Using the Bible, invite a family member to read the Gospel aloud.
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Things to talk about:
What is the liturgical color for Pentecost? Why is this a good color for Pentecost?
Who is the Holy Spirit? Have you ever prayed to the Holy Spirit? Why or why not?
How does someone receive the Holy Spirit?
Which of the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit is strongest in you? Which one you need the most?
Things to do:
Make a Gifts of the Holy Spirit mobile. Cut out seven doves or flames and write the names of the gifts of the Holy Spirit received at Baptism: wisdom, knowledge, understanding, reverence, right judgment, courage, wonder & awe. Tie yarn or string to a dowel rod or hangar and hang in a visible space in your home to be reminded that these gifts can transform us, and help us change the world.
Pentecost is the Birthday of the Church. To celebrate make a strawberry short cake, click HERE for recipe ideas.
Begin every prayer this week by saying, “Come, Holy Spirit.”
Jesus offered a greeting of peace to his disciples, the priest tells us, “The peace of the Lord be with you always.” What do we say in response?
Charisms are gifts of the Holy Spirit given to each Christian to build the kingdom of God. Discovering these spiritual gifts helps us discover our call from God. Look up common charisms and discuss which charisms you see in yourself and each other.
Closing Prayer
Great Spirit Prayer
On this day that we celebrate the Holy Spirit, pray this American Indian prayer.
Oh, Great Spirit, whose voice I hear in the wind, Whose breath gives life to all the world. Hear me; I need your strength and wisdom. Let me walk in beauty, and make my eyes ever behold the red and purple sunset. Make my hands respect the things you have made and my ears sharp to hear your voice. Make me wise so that I may understand the things you have taught my people.
Help me to remain calm and strong in the face of all that comes towards me. Let me learn the lessons you have hidden in every leaf and rock.
Help me seek pure thoughts and act with the intention of helping others. Help me find compassion without empathy overwhelming me.
I seek strength, not to be greater than my brother, but to fight my greatest enemy-myself. Make me always ready to come to you with clean hands and straight eyes.
So when life fades, as the fading sunset, my spirit may come to you without shame.
Name those who need our prayers. Close with the Sign of the Cross.
Catholic Insights
The Great 50 days of Easter ends with Pentecost. Today we celebrate the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles gathered in the upper room in Jerusalem. This event marks the beginning of the Church. Happy birthday Church!
In this Gospel, we are reminded about the integral connection between the gifts of peace and forgiveness and the action of the Holy Spirit. Jesus greets his Apostles with the gift of peace, commissions them to continue the work he has begun, “As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” He breathes the Holy Spirit upon them to strengthen them on their mission.
We are reminded that the Holy Spirit is with us and in situations of conflict, we are to bring peace among people.
Did you know….A Novena is nine days of prayer and comes from Acts 1, where Mary and the Apostles prayed together “continuously” for nine days after the Ascension leading up to Pentecost. Traditionally, the Church prays the Novena to the Holy Spirit in the days before Pentecost.
Resources adapted from 52Sundays.com, Celebrating the Lectionary, At Home with the Word, Celebrating Families, Sunday Connection
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