PENTECOST SUNDAY (B)
19th/20th May 2018
(Day of Prayer for the Church)


Dear Parishioner

In the first reading today from the Acts 20:19-23 we reflect on the feast of Pentecost.

The feast of Pentecost is the celebration of the Spirit of God's compassion, peace, and forgiveness: the Spirit of God that gave meaning and authority to the Law and the Prophets, now 'breathes' in the young church's universal mission of proclaiming the Gospel. Each one of us through our Baptism receives the gift of the Holy Spirit to proclaim God's word in our homes, parish, and work environment and wherever we are called to carry out God's mission.

The Responsorial Psalm Send forth your spirit, O Lord, and renew the face of the earth invokes many images of the creation story from Genesis.

The second reading from St. Paul's letter to the Corinthians appeals for unity among the badly splintered community. Paul reminds the church there that the Holy Spirit's presence in their midst should bring together the different gifts that each of them possess. No one has merited such gifts; they are all derived from the same source: the goodness and compassion of God. God gives these charisms to individuals for the good of the entire 'body', the people of God.

The Gospel reading from John is the Easter night appearance of the risen Jesus before his disciples. In a room darkened by fear, Jesus appears, risen from the dead, bringing his peace, his joy and his forgiveness. These gifts are for us, but only for ourselves: by breathing the Holy Spirit into us, Jesus refashions us so that we too may become bearers of peace, joy and forgiveness.

God bless,

Deacon Kevin.

At the end of Paschal tide the Easter Candle is removed from the ambo and placed in the Baptistery to be lit during Baptism so that the baptismal candles may be lit from it. At Baptism the minister says receive the light of Christ as he gives the Baptismal candle to the parents and godparents of the newly baptised child.

During Ordinary Time (summer) i.e. up to September, we are asked to pray for these intentions: a deeper understanding between Christians and Jews; those who suffer persecution, oppression and denial of Human rights; Europe; Human Life and Seafarers


Notices:

Please remember to pray for:

Daily for the sick clergy of our Diocese

The sick and housebound

Those who have recently died: Paul Newman

Years Mind:
Sunday: Fr Michael Fitzpatrick, Fr Brendan Sheppard
Monday: Fr William O'Grady
Tuesday: Dory Pearson
Wednesday: Fr Henry Peace
Thursday: Fr Charles Carless, Fr Austin Thorburn


Next Sunday - THE MOST HOLY TRINITY (B)

First Reading: Deuteronomy 4:32-24,39-40
The Lord is God indeed, in heaven above as on earth beneath, he and no other.

Second Reading: Romans 8:14-17
You received the spirit of sons, and it makes us cry out, 'Abba, Father!'

Gospel: Matthew 28:16-20
Baptise them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.