Pentecost Sunday and the Church Today
This upcoming Sunday is known as Pentecost Sunday--the final climax of the Easter season and the official birth of our Church. Our Lord has already ascended into heaven, promising to send His followers the Holy Spirit so that they may become "witnesses in Jerusalem, throughout Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8). And now the apostles, once again, are left alone waiting. Yet whereas before their waiting was one of fear and uncertainty, this time Scripture tells us they "devoted themselves with one accord to prayer" (Acts 1:14). Not knowing where, when, or how the promised Advocate would come, they choose to focus instead on preparing themselves for His coming. The result is that their hearts are ready when the Holy Spirit comes upon them just ten days later--enabling them to fulfill their mission to go into the world and preach the gospel (Mark 16:15).
Now nearly 2,000 years later we face a similar situation to that of the Apostles. In the wake of a pandemic, financial hardships, and scandals, many of the faithful have been left wondering how to move forward. How do we live out our discipleship calling in a world that is rapidly changing? Where is God in all of these struggles and uncertainties? Yet God is faithful and does not abandon His children.
And so in these final days leading up to Pentecost let us each devote ourselves to prayer and preparation. Spend some time reading and reflecting upon the Sunday's readings; receive sacramental grace through the sacrament of Reconciliation; come visit our Eucharistic Lord in our Perpetual Adoration chapel. And let us say together with one accord: Come, Holy Spirit, come!
Your brother in Christ,
Fr. Matthew Johnston
Thank you, Mr. John!
After many years of faithful and generous service, Mr. John Stiegman has prayerfully decided to step down from his position as St. Benilde's Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministry in order to focus on his health. Mr. John has spent countless hours serving the youth of our parish, forming the future leaders of our society and Church. We are deeply grateful for his tremendous service and invite all parishioners to join us in prayerfully interceding for both him and his family as he battles stage 3 cancer.
Looking for a way to prepare for Pentecost even more? Check out the above virtual Pentecost Mission given by Deacon Lary and Andi Oney from Hope and Purpose Ministries at Divine Mercy Parish.
Have you moved or changed your number in recent years? Help us keep our parish records accurate by updating your information here. And if you are new to our St. Benilde community, why not register as a new parishioner? To sign up:
- Call the Parish Office, (504) 834-4980, and request that a registration packet be mailed or emailed to you.
- Visit the Parish Office at 1901 Division Street in Metairie and obtain the registration packet.
- Download the online New Parishioner Registration Form, complete, and return to the Parish Office by mail or in person.
