Pentecost Sunday: Year A
Dear Parishioners,
Happy Feast day on this Solemnity of Pentecost. This is the day on which on receiving the Holy Spirit the apostles began to go out and proclaim the good news. On that first day alone, 3,000 became disciples on hearing the preaching of St Peter.
In the past few weeks social media has proved a real boon in sharing our faith among ourselves and perhaps, to some degree, in the wider community. For those who are connected, we have been able to join in prayer for Mass and have daily reflections on YouTube. There have been ‘virtual’ gatherings for Deacon Richard’s Scripture group, a Taize evening, and so on.
There is so much more we can, and hope, to do. Our parish is part of a bid from the diocese for grant funding to support our digital efforts. But, whether or not we are successful in that bid, this is something we really ought to develop further. Given the long distances and the age-profile of our parish, it would be a real benefit, especially for the sick and housebound, and those who will be prevented from attending Mass for some time to come.
We will need to help and encourage those who are not already connected, so that they can participate too. There are many possibilities: Live-streaming Masses, Funerals, Baptisms, Weddings for those who cannot attend, prayer and social gatherings, catechesis, parish council meetings, bereavement support.
Of course, nothing replaces the experience of being physically together; for Mass and the Sacraments this is crucial; and for other gatherings it is preferable. But it would provide us with so many more possibilities and opportunities; and an alternative to those who just cannot physically attend.
On this feast of Pentecost, we pray that the Holy Spirit fill our hearts, enkindle in us the fire of His love, and help us share our faith in every way we can.
God bless you.
Fr John
Links: