Pentecost is celebrated seven weeks or 50 days following Easter Sunday and falls on the tenth day after Ascension Thursday. It is often referred to as the” Birthday of the Church”. Pentecost was the occasion of the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles.
In preparing to receive the sacrament of Confirmation, we learned of the Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit:Wisdom: It is the capacity to love spiritual things more than material ones;
Understanding: In understanding, we comprehend how we need to live as followers of Christ;
Counsel (right judgment): We know the difference between right and wrong and choose to do what is right;
Fortitude (courage): We overcome our fear and are willing to take risks as a follower of Christ;
Knowledge: We understand the meaning of God that helps us choose the right path through life;
Piety (reverence): We have a deep sense of respect for God and the Church;
Fear of the Lord (wonder and awe): With the gift of fear of the Lord/wonder and awe, we are aware of the glory of God.
St. Thomas Aquinas advises that the gifts of wisdom, understanding, knowledge and counsel direct our intellect, while the gifts of fortitude, piety and fear of the Lord direct our will toward God. Within a few weeks our parish family will celebrate the Sacrament of Confirmation. May those to be confirmed and all who guided them to this day receive the grace of the Holy Spirit on this very special day in the life of our parish.
Congratulations to our Confirmadi!![]()