Sunday 28 May is Pentecost Sunday. Pentecost Sunday, occurring fifty days after Easter, commemorates the moment when the Apostles were blessed with the gifts of the Holy Spirit. This event, often referred to as the "birth of the Church," is marked by the flame imagery symbolising the transformative energy of the Holy Spirit. This transformation allowed the Apostles to courageously proclaim the Gospel, despite the adversities they faced.

In a similar vein, the Sacrament of Confirmation, one of the seven sacraments in our Catholic tradition, involves the sealing of the Holy Spirit upon our young people. Those who receive this sacrament undergo a spiritual transformation, much like the Apostles during Pentecost. They are emboldened by the gifts of the Holy Spirit - Wisdom, Understanding, Counsel, Fortitude, Knowledge, Piety, and Fear of the Lord - strengthening their bond with the Church and their commitment to the teachings of Christ.

This Pentecost Sunday is especially significant for our St Joseph’s community as many of our students will make the Sacrament of Confirmation or their First Holy Communion. This special mass will be celebrated by Archbishop Christopher Prowse and will be a very special occasion to come together as a community. Please keep these children in your prayers as they prepare to make these important next steps in their faith journey.

Pentecost is a powerful reminder of the Holy Spirit's transformative presence in our lives. As we approach this feast day, let us encourage our children to reflect on the gifts of the Holy Spirit they have received in their journey toward Confirmation and how they can use these gifts to contribute to our faith community.

May this season of Pentecost rekindle the fire of the Holy Spirit within us, guiding us toward wisdom, strength, and love as we continue our journey of faith together.

Prayer to the Holy Spirit

Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful.

And kindle in them the fire of your love.

Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created.

And you will renew the face of the earth.

Prayer and Worship

Candidates for the Sacrament of First Holy Communion

Candidates for the Sacrament of Confirmation

Melanie Stratford

Religious Education Coordinator

melanie.stratford@cg.catholic.edu.au