May 23, 2021 – Pentecost Sunday

From our Parochial Vicar, Father Sinoj Pynadath:

  1. Festal Blessings! The Solemnity of Pentecost takes its name from a Jewish feast that was a celebration of thanksgiving for the first fruits of the harvest, celebrated on the fiftieth day after Passover.  In the Christian tradition it commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the early Christian community and the birth of the Church, the first fruits of the Mystery of Incarnation of Jesus Christ. As we are given this promised helper in our lives, this celebration encourages us to think of the role of the Holy Spirit in our lives. We permit the Holy Spirit to take control of our lives; by constantly remembering His holy presence, by praying for His daily anointing in order to fight against all temptations and evils, by asking His assistance to pray, and listen to God, and by letting Him use us to do good in this world.

  2.  Proud of you, friends! I would like to congratulate 16 young “soldiers of Christ” who receive the Sacrament of Confirmation on this Pentecost. Confirmation strengthens or confirms the grace of the Holy Spirit we received at Baptism. We are called to be filled with the Holy Spirit and manifest His gifts and fruits. Spirit-filled people acknowledge their weaknesses and ask for strength, anointing and guidance of the Holy Spirit. They continually try to grow in faith, and seek out every opportunity to discover Christ and what it means to be Children of God. Best wishes, my dear friends!

  3. We have a new priest! Hearty Congratulations to Rev. Fr. Corey Dale Bruns. Let us praise God for the gift of Corey to us. It is truly a joy for all of us as a diocese that we have a new priest. As we have been part of his journey to the ministerial priesthood, let us pray for God’s grace to be of more help in increasing and encouraging vocations to Priesthood. Let us come together at 6.00 pm on Monday, May 24th to celebrate Holy Eucharist with him. Fr. Bruns will be with us for few days before he takes his first assignment as the Parochial Vicar at St. Joseph Parish in Bowling Green on June 8th. Let us continue to accompany him in his priestly journey through our prayers.

  4.  Fr. Jerry Riney! We are just two weeks away from Fr. Jerry’s retirement. It is really hard and we will miss him from our parish life. We need to joyfully and thankfully celebrate his great ministry to us, to the diocese, and to the People of God in the Church. On the weekend of June 5/6, Fr. Jerry plans to celebrate all the Masses. I invite you to join us for any of those Masses and to share your appreciation and good wishes with Fr. Jerry. All registered parishioners should have received a note with more details by mail.

  5.  We have a new shepherd! We now know the next Rector of the Cathedral, Fr. John M. Thomas. He is currently the Pastor at Holy Spirit Parish, Bowling Green. He followed Fr. Jerry to be the pastor there, now he is to follow Fr. Jerry at our Parish. Let us welcome Fr. John Thomas into our midst. He will take his assignment on July 13th. Let us continue to pray for Fr. Jerry Riney and Fr. John Thomas as they make their transitions. Also, Bishop Medley has rescinded his decision for me to move to Hopkinsville. I will be staying here at Saint Stephen Cathedral!

  6.  Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church: On February 11, 2018, Pope Francis decreed that the Monday after Pentecost shall be celebrated as the Memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church, every year. This draws our attention to the significant role of Mary, being with the first Christian community as their Mother and guide. Let us entrust our parish community and the Universal Church to the care of the Mother. 

  7. The Catholic Communication Campaign (CCC) is a marvelous way to share the Gospel message of God’s mercy and love. By supporting this collection, you helped to spread the Good News to people around the country and world. Your donation supports several world radio stations that provide programming to share prayer, catechesis, liturgical celebrations, spirituality, and news. To learn more about the CCC and the projects it supports, visit www.usccb.org/ccc. This provides another way for us to “connect with Christ” through the dynamic Spirit. Envelopes for the special collection are in your tithing packets or you can give online through WeShare.