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May 28, 2023
Happy Birthday and Looking to Our Future
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Happy Feast Day of Holy Spirit Parish! This is the birthday of the Church and the birthday of our parish, named in honor of the Holy Spirit!
Looking to Our Future
The Acts of the Apostles tells the story of the early church and their reliance on the gift of the Spirit. Our Lord did not tell his disciples everything that they were going to need to know after his ascension into heaven, but he promised to give them the indwelling of the Holy Spirit that would guide them to the Truth. The spirit would enlighten them to proclaim the Gospel and share the Good News in the midst of many demanding realities and cultural obstacles. Over these 2000 years, the church, in spite of modern day questions and challenges, has remained faithful to the command of Jesus to go forth and make disciples. As a parish, we are called to do the same as in every age before us, that is to go forth and announce the Good News of salvation, thus bringing others to Jesus by the power of the Holy Spirit. In addition we, like every age before us, are also facing challenging temporal realities that must be addressed. We are facing the need to move from maintenance to mission. In other words, to invest more in evangelization and discipleship while at the same time divesting of so many buildings that take from our precious human and financial resources.
As you may recall, from Ascension Thursday until Pentecost Sunday we have been praying a novena to the Holy Spirit to lead and guide us. On Wednesday, May 31st, in preparation for the upcoming parish meeting that will address mission and maintenance, we will pray the Rosary, led by the Legion of Mary, at St Vitus at 6:00PM prior to our presentation at 6:30PM. I'm sure it is not an accident, but truly divine providence that we have been given the Holy Spirit as our patron.
As we convene to discuss next steps for our parish, I have asked the Finance and Pastoral Councils of the parish to deliver a presentation on Wednesday, May 31st at 6:30PM in St. Vitus Church explaining our current realities, including the long-term maintenance needs of our buildings and parish finances. As good stewards we are called to take responsibility for our future, and to make the difficult decisions that will insure the mission of the parish for future generations.
Following the presentation, you will have a few days to reflect and pray over the information. Then, on Monday, June 5th, together with members of the Parish Staff, Finance and Pastoral Councils, I am convening a listening session at 6:30PM in the Parish Center at the St. Mary site so that I can hear your thoughts, concerns and hopes.
God Love You,
