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THE CATHOLIC PARISHES of Saint Joseph · Saint Juan Diego Saint Padre Pio · Saint Scholastica May 17, 2020
THE CATHOLIC PARISHES of
Saint Joseph · Saint Juan Diego
Saint Padre Pio · Saint Scholastica
May 17, 2020
Fr. Dale DeNinno Pastor/Administrator 412-963-8885 x 304
Fr. Michael Decewicz Parochial Vicar 412-784-8700
Fr. William Siple Parochial Vicar 412-781-0186
Deacon Robert Wertz, Jr. 412-784-8700
In Residence:
Fr. Hyeong Cheol Lee Saint Juan Diego Parish Korean Catholic Community
Fr. John Mark Ogu Saint Juan Diego Parish Student, Duquesne University
Fr. Dozie Egbe Saint Padre Pio Parish Chaplain, Presbyterian Hospital
CLERGY FAITH FORMATION & YOUTH MINISTRY
Delia Barr Director of Faith Formation 412-963-8885 x301 [email protected]
Marilyn Welsh Administrative Assistant 412-828-4066 [email protected]
Meredith Troyan Youth Ministry Leader 412-781-0186 x20 meredithtroyan@ saintscholastica.com
SAINT JOSEPH PARISH
342 Dorseyville Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15215 Phone: 412-963-8885 | Fax: 412-963-1945
Email: [email protected] Office Hours: Monday - Thursday 9:30 am to 4:30 pm
Friday 10:00 am to 2:00 pm Live Streamed Mass: www.LAVCatholic.org/mass-videos
Lori McKinniss Business Manager 412-963-8885 x303 [email protected]
Kathi Sterling Parish Secretary 412-963-8885 x306 [email protected]
Thomas Octave Music Minister 412-867-5032 [email protected]
Nancy Whistler Director of Preschool 412-963-8885 x302
Terri Weir Administrative Assistant 412-963-8885 x302 [email protected]
George Cavlovich Facilities Maintenance
SAINT JUAN DIEGO PARISH
Madonna of Jerusalem Church in Sharpsburg Saint John Cantius Church in Sharpsburg
Saint Mary Church in Sharpsburg
201 9th Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15215 Phone: 412-784-8700 | Fax: 412-781-1101
Food Pantry: 412-781-2866 Email: [email protected]
Office Hours: Monday - Friday 8:00 am to 4:30 pm
Rosemarie Haas Administrative Assistant
Rose Sacco Bookkeeper
Simon Vullo Underiner Music Minister
Jerry Auen, Scott Auen, Franco Ferraro, & Henry Sacco Facilities Maintenance
SAINT PADRE PIO PARISH
Saint Edward Church in Blawnox Saint Francis of Assisi Church in Harmar
450 Walnut Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15238 Phone: 412-828-4066 | Email: [email protected] Office Hours: Monday - Friday 8:30 am to 12:30 pm
Marilyn Welsh Administrative Assistant [email protected]
Peter Yohe Bookkeeper
David Volcheck Music Minister
Todd Daigneau and Rada Karlusic Facilities Maintenance
SAINT SCHOLASTICA PARISH
309 Brilliant Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15215 Phone: 412-781-0186 | Fax: 412-781-4316
Email: [email protected] Office Hours: Mon - Fri 9:00 am to 2:00 pm
Debbie VanDemark Administrative Assistant 412-781-0186 xl0 [email protected]
Amy Condosta Bookkeeper 412-781-0186 x ll financeoffice@ saintscholastica.com
Sr. Pat Baker, CDP Music Minister Bereavement Coordinator 412-781-0186 x17 patbakercdp@ saintscholastica.com
Andrew Bechman Adult Faith Formation 412-781-0186 x18 andybechman@ saintscholastica.com
Bruce Hassing and David Urso Facilities Maintenance
Website: www.LAVCatholic.org
Diocesan Victim Assistance Hotline: 1-888-808-1235
PA Child Line: 1-800-932-0313
Submit items for bulletin publication no later than Monday at noon to [email protected].
SATURDAY May 16—6th Sunday of Easter Madonna Church 4:30 pm † Frank C. & Sadie T. Panza (The Panza Family)
SUNDAY May 17—6th Sunday of Easter Saint Mary Church 11:30 am † Aurelia Ferraro (August Ferraro & Family)
MONDAY May 18—Easter Weekday Madonna Church 9:00 am † Catherine Kopas & Elmer Smith (Joseph & Joan Bruno)
TUESDAY May 19—Easter Weekday Madonna Church 9:00 am † Gabe & Mary Sciulli and Toni Swierczynski (Friend, Evelyn)
WEDNESDAY May 20—Easter Weekday Madonna Church 9:00 am † The Phelan Family (Family)
SATURDAY May 23—7th Sunday of Easter Madonna Church 4:30 pm † Joseph Rudzki, Sr. (Wife, Theresa & Children)
SUNDAY May 24—7th Sunday of Easter Saint Mary Church 11:30 am † John & Marie Susi (Loving Children & Grandchildren)
SAINT JOSEPH PARISH
SUNDAY May 17—6th Sunday of Easter Saint Francis of Assisi Church 8:00 am † Mary G. Salmon (Beverly Campbell) Saint Edward Church 10:00 am † John J. Jesih (Debbie Chismar)
THURSDAY May 21—The Ascension of the Lord Saint Edward Church 9:00 am The people of Saint Padre Pio Parish
FRIDAY May 22—Easter Weekday Saint Edward Church 9:00 am † Jeanine Phillips (The Welsh Family)
SATURDAY May 23—Easter Weekday Saint Edward Church 9:00 am In Thanksgiving for Caregivers
SUNDAY May 24—7th Sunday of Easter Saint Francis of Assisi Church 8:00 am † August & Anna Bruno (daughter, Yolanda Wargo) Saint Edward Church 10:00 am In Thanksgiving (Society of Saint Vincent de Paul)
SAINT PADRE PIO PARISH
SAINT JUAN DIEGO PARISH SATURDAY May 16—6th Sunday of Easter 5:00 pm The people of Saint Scholastica Parish
SUNDAY May 17—6th Sunday of Easter 9:30 am † Thomas & Frances Maher (Jack, Mary Ellen, & Thomas Maher) 12:00 Noon † Rocky Benenton (Family & Friends)
MONDAY May 18—Easter Weekday 10:00 am † The Shanahan Family (John & Denise McCarthy)
TUESDAY May 19—Easter Weekday 10:00 am † Killian Cavanaugh (James & Vicki Cavanaugh)
WEDNESDAY May 20—Easter Weekday 10:00 am † Theresa Marsico, anniversary (Tish Marsico)
THURSDAY May 21—The Ascension of the Lord 10:00 am † Louis Certo (Jo Certo)
FRIDAY May 22—Easter Weekday 10:00 am † Arthur Bonessa (Dennis & Bernadine)
SATURDAY May 23—7th Sunday of Easter 5:00 pm † Irene Marsico Kelhofer (Tish Marsico)
SUNDAY May 24—7th Sunday of Easter 9:30 am † Christine Harmon (Bill & Kathleen Gavlak) 12:00 Noon May & Pete Koppel, 70th wedding anniversary (Family)
SAINT SCHOLASTICA PARISH
REST IN PEACE Saint Joseph
† Joseph Bubas (May 1, 2020)
Saint Scholastica † Dr. E. Kenneth Vey (May 10, 2020)
TABERNACLE VIGIL CANDLE Week of May 17
Saint Scholastica: In Honor of Parents & Teachers (Tish Marsico)
SATURDAY May 16—6th Sunday of Easter 4:00 pm The people of Saint Joseph Parish
SUNDAY May 17—6th Sunday of Easter 9:00 am The people of Saint Joseph Parish 11:00 am The people of Saint Joseph Parish
MONDAY May 18—Easter Weekday 8:00 am The people of Saint Joseph Parish
TUESDAY May 19—Easter Weekday 8:00 am † Jean Canel Eckert (Husband & Family)
WEDNESDAY May 20—Easter Weekday 8:00 am The people of Saint Joseph Parish
THURSDAY May 21—The Ascension of the Lord 8:00 am † James & Catherine Frennen (The Drennen Family)
FRIDAY May 22—Easter Weekday 8:00 am The people of Saint Joseph Parish
SATURDAY May 23—7th Sunday of Easter 4:00 pm † William Kotsenas (Grandchildren of Dorothy Kotsenas)
SUNDAY May 24—7th Sunday of Easter 9:00 am The people of Saint Joseph Parish 11:00 am The people of Saint Joseph Parish
Public Masses are currently suspended, but priests of the Lower Allegheny Valley grouping are offering private Masses each day during which the scheduled intention is being honored. The Sunday Mass at Saint Joseph Church will be video-taped and available at LAVCatholic.org.
SCRIPTURE READINGS FOR THE WEEK
Sunday—May 17 Acts 8:5-8, 14-17 1 Peter 3:15-18 John 14:15-21
Monday—May 18 Acts 16:11-15 John 15:26—16:4a
Tuesday—May 19 Acts 16:22-34 John 16:5-11
Wednesday—May 20 Acts 17:15, 22—18:1 John 16:12-15
Thursday—May 21 Acts 1:1-11 Ephesians 1:17-23 Matthew 28:16-20
Friday—May 22 Acts 18:9-18 John 16:20-23
Saturday—May 23 Acts 18:23-28 John 16:23b-28
Sunday—May 24 Acts 1:12-14 1 Peter 4:13-16 John 17:1-11a
Words of Wisdom from Pope Francis What does the Holy Spirit do in us? He reminds us of
everything Jesus said. He teaches us to understand it better, to grow in our understanding of the faith. He accompanies and supports us in discernment. He enlightens us in life's decisions, both great and small.
The peace the world gives isolates us from others. It lulls us to sleep, and is temporary and sterile. The peace the Lord gives is lasting, fruitful, contagious. It makes us go out to create community. It is filled with hope because it looks toward Heaven.
How does the Lord console? By drawing near, while speaking little. Through truth: He neither speaks formalities nor deceives. Through hope: "Do not let your hearts be troubled". The Lord's consolation is near, true, and opens to us the doors of hope.
In the midst of isolation when we are suffering from a lack of tenderness and chances to meet up, and we experience the loss of so many things, let us once again listen to the proclamation that saves us: Christ is risen and is living by our side.
RESOURCES
Prayer at Home:
Give Us This Day, a prayer resource published by Liturgical Press, is making its digital version available to all. Visit GUTD.net and select "Digital" in the upper right of the screen. They also offer mobile app version.
Living with Christ is offering online daily resources at www.livingwithchrist.us.
The U.S. Catholic bishops have gathered links to many resources, including the daily Scripture readings. To access, go to catholiccurrent.org/covid19.
We have a weekly handout called “Keeping the Season” that includes a prayer, reflection on the Sunday Scriptures, and shorter reflections for each day of the week. You can download a PDF of this week's edition at lavcatholic.org/news/resources-for-prayer-at-home.
Go to worship.pastoral.center for Sunday at-home worship services for families.
There are reflections and prayers for the Easter season on the Creighton University Online Ministries website at onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/Lent/e-celebratingeaster.html.
Live Daily Mass and other spiritual resources are available through the Diocese of Pittsburgh. Go to diopitt.org.
Coronavirus Updates:
For up-to-date information from the Diocese, visit https://diopitt.org/coronavirus-safety-precautions .
Visit alleghenycounty.us/healthdepartment or health.pa.gov for local health information.
Monetary Support of the Parishes: Each of the four parishes in the Lower Allegheny Valley rely on the contributions of the faithful. In this interim period when the collection basket cannot be passed, you are asked to make whatever sacrificial contribution that you can. Your envelopes may be mailed to the parish in which you are currently registered.
Saint Joseph Parish 342 Dorseyville Road Pittsburgh, PA 15215 Saint Juan Diego Parish 201 9TH Street Pittsburgh, PA 15215 Saint Padre Pio Parish 450 Walnut Street Pittsburgh, PA 15238 Saint Scholastica Parish 309 Brilliant Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15215 To donate online to Saint Scholastica go to: saintscholastica.weshareonline.org
Thank You for your generous support!
My dear parishioners,
“Unprecedented.” How often have you heard the word used in interviews, commercials and conversations in the context of COVID-19? The fact is that everything we are doing and experiencing is unprecedented, to the point that our dictionaries have gotten a workout in helping us understand the meaning of the word. It might even be thought similar to the other go-to word of “surreal.” Yes, the events of this time in our global history are unprecedented, making things feel surreal. The result being that everything is called into question. What is real? What is certain?
I can't help but think that the people who encountered Jesus in the flesh, heard him speak, and witnessed his deeds, may well have thought they were living in unprecedented times (even if that word wasn't in their vocabulary). But the truth is that He brought something altogether new into their experience of life. His words opened their ears. His miracles widened their eyes. His message challenged their very lives. The result? They were changed. And a movement began that was unprecedented in human history.
Read the Acts of the Apostles in the Bible. You will hear of men and women, once timid, now making bold proclamation in the name of Jesus Christ. Those same individuals, previously filled with uncertainty, speaking in a definitive way about who Jesus was.
What happened that so changed them? First, they dared to follow Jesus and took the risk of believing. Secondly, they were unafraid to ask their questions and even share their doubts. And third, their lives were transformed when they were filled with the Spirit of God. An unprecedented moment that resulted in the words and writing of the apostles Philip and Peter found in today's first and second scripture readings (Acts 8: 5-8. 14-17; 1 Peter 3: 15-18).
Our lives have been definitively changed in these unprecedented times. What are we to do? Where do we go from here? When will life return to some semblance of normal? Questions asked repeatedly. All looking for an answer. Apart from guidelines that may be offered by civil and religious leaders in the re-opening of businesses and our churches, I propose that the ultimate and most important answer to all of our questions is found in Jesus Christ. Remember what he spoke to the disciples? “Do not let your hearts be troubled . . . I am the way and the truth and the life” (John 14: 1-6).
Even though our hearts may be troubled, our uncertainties may provoke anxiety, and social distancing is tiresome, we must be smart and cautious in moving forward. Listen carefully to the directives given by government, science, medicine, and religion. And more, be prompted by the Spirit of God in following the way of Jesus Christ. Listen to the truth that he speaks. Share in the life that he promises.
Dear friends, I continue to pray for you each day. May God keep you strong, healthy and safe.
Lighting Vigil Candles: If you would like to have a vigil candle(s) lit in one of the churches of our parish grouping, you may mail that request to the parish office. Please include your name, the intention, the name of the church in which you want the candle lit, and the $3.00 donation for each candle. The candles will be lit in the church of your choosing in the Lower Allegheny Valley.
Daily Mass Intentions: The three pr iests of the Lower Allegheny Valley continue to offer a private Mass each day: Father Dale DeNinno in Saint Joseph Church, Father Mike Decewicz in Madonna of Jerusalem Church, and Fr. Bill Siple in Saint Scholastica Church. At each Mass they honor the intentions that have already been scheduled. However, there are many open dates, particularly in Saint Joseph Church. Requests for Mass Intentions and the $10 stipend may be mailed to the parish office or you may choose to call the office.
Saint Joseph Parish 342 Dorseyville Road Pittsburgh, PA 15215 412-963-8885 Saint Padre Pio Parish 450 Walnut Street Pittsburgh, PA 15238 412-828-4066
Saint Juan Diego Parish 201 9TH Street Pittsburgh, PA 15215 412-784-8700 Saint Scholastica Parish 309 Brilliant Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15215 412-781-0186
Our Churches Are Open for Private Prayer
Beginning on Friday, May 15TH, Bishop Zubik has given permission for our churches to be open so that the faithful may come in for private prayer. Therefore, the churches of Saint Joseph in O'Hara, Madonna of Jerusalem in Sharpsburg, Saint Scholastica in Aspinwall, and Saint Edward in Blawnox will be open each day from 9:00 o'clock in the morning until 3:00 o'clock in the afternoon - 7 days a week.
Sacrament of Reconciliation
Beginning on Saturday, May 16TH, and continuing every Saturday, the three priests of the Lower Allegheny Valley grouping of parishes will hear Confessions from 11:00- 11:45am in Saint Joseph Church, Madonna of Jerusalem Church and Saint Scholastica Church. In the celebration of the sacrament the priest and the penitent are both required to wear a face mask.
Cancellations
The annual Parish Picnic held on the grounds of Saint Joseph Parish in early August has been cancelled for 2020, as well as the Vacation Bible School which has been held in past years at both Saint Joseph Parish and Saint Scholastica Parish in late June for the young children
The new dates for our Sacraments will be:
First Holy Communion:
Sunday – September 27, 2020 at the 12:00 Noon Mass in Saint Scholastica Church
OR
Sunday – September 27, 2020 at a 3:00 pm Mass in Saint Joseph Church
Confirmation:
Monday – September 21, 2020 at 7:00 pm in Saint Joseph Church
Teens, while you’re spending your time inside on your computer, check out our Life Teen Blog at lavcatholic.org/youth-ministry-st-scholastica.
205 Brilliant Ave, Aspinwall PA 15215
412-781-7927
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.cdtca.org
Mark Grgurich, Principal
ADDICTION RECOVERY MINISTRY NEWS
412-218-5410 [email protected] addictionrecoveryministrypittsburgh.org
Reflections from Fr. Michael
This week, I encountered a few quotes that really spoke to me, and I think will speak in a powerful way to both those in recovery and those who are trying to live life to the fullest.
The first quote, “The past is where resentment lives...the word resentment means to feel again.” I believe all resentment grows out of hurt. We resent those who violated our trust, diminished our worth, rejected our love. Those arrows of pain struck at our self-esteem so that often we begin not to believe in ourselves, cherish our self-worth or even lovability and as long as I define myself by what others think of me I block, even sabotage, my own well-being because self-esteem only grows when I love and accept myself as I am.
All of this reminds us that we all live in relationship with others and some relationships can be toxic and destructive. But isolation can be fatal. My truth is not for someone else to define, but rather to be lived in the mystery of life.
When we divorce ourselves from relationships and intimacy, we take the risk of isolation, loneliness and emptiness. In this vacuum of love, anger and resentment take root, reminding us that alcoholism is a disease of isolation where our mind can be a dangerous place to visit. So try never to go there alone. Rather, pray that you may develop the divine spark within you, accepting yourself for who you are; a child of God!
A.R.M. Update
In order to adapt to the social restrictions warranted by the Covid-19 virus, we will be instituting a weekly reflection given by Father Michael Decewicz on the 12 Steps, 12 Traditions and 12 Promises every Monday at 10:00 a.m. starting on Monday, May 18. We will also be initiating monthly video mini-leads, grief reflections and guest speakers. All of these will be available for viewing on our website, which is addictionrecoveryministrypittsburgh.org.
A Facebook live video will also be shared on each Monday on our Facebook page, Addiction Recovery Ministry Pittsburgh. In addition, there is a phone line for those who need to speak to someone: 412-218-5410.
Please spread the word about this to all you know. Thank you for your support and prayers.
All of the students, faculty and staff at CDTCA send well wishes to all of the parishioners of LAV. We are busy with at home on-line learning and are doing are best to adjust to our new school days! We will keep you in our daily prayers.
Members of our community who are in need of shor t-term assistance can contact the LAV Saint Vincent de Paul Society at [email protected] or 412-254-4446.
If you need an empathetic ear, guidance or assistance during this time, the leaders of the churches of Aspinwall are here to help you. Membership in the congregation is not a requirement for seeking assistance. Please call one of the churches of the LAV or any church in Aspinwall for confidential
aid. If you would like to assist your neighbors in need, you can donate Giant Eagle gift cards by dropping them in the silver payment box outside the Aspinwall Borough building on Commercial Avenue.
The Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank has information about food assistance at pittsburghfoodbank.org. You can also make monetary donations at this website.
Saint Vincent de Paul donation bin at Saint Francis Church: As a result of the Covid-19 crisis the Society of St. Vincent de Paul is unable to service its the donation bins at this time. For now, please keep your valuable donations at home and we will gladly accept them once this crisis is over. Thank you for your continued support of our efforts to help the most vulnerable members in our community. If you or anybody you know needs assistance, please call 412-254-4446.
The Saint Vincent de Paul Food Pantry in Sharpsburg: This is an update to the status of our local pantry and the donations that have been made to feed those in need in our surrounding area. As noted in the last bulletins, Roots of Faith has been distributing approximately 500 bags of food weekly. Since the Diocese of Pittsburgh has closed all its church buildings, our pantry has not been open. Instead we have partnered with Roots of Faith to support the need in our area. Our pantry has donated the following in the month of April:
Food Items - $9,024.20
Non-Foods - $180.00
Pet Foods - $300.00
Although we have not been accepting food items for the pantry, we have been receiving generous monetary donations to help purchase the items needed for the food bags. Your generosity has been a tremendous gift to our pantry and will continue to be used to supply items needed for those requiring assistance. For this, we are ever so grateful. Once the restrictions are lifted and we are able to open up the pantry, we will need to fill our inventory shelves for our clients. At the present time, our shelves need to be replenished but as long as we can continue to purchase items in behalf of our pantry, we will continue to do so. Your donations will assist us in filling those shelves. Monetary donations can continue to be sent to St. Vincent de Paul, 201 9th Street, Sharpsburg, PA 15215. Thank you ever so much and may God Bless you for your generosity.
Grocery Donations to Roots of Faith: Food items can be dropped off anytime at 101 Cabin Lane, 15238 or at Roots of Faith (800 Main Street, Sharpsburg, 15215) on Wednesdays from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm ONLY. If you have questions or would like to volunteer, please email [email protected].
A Prayer
for Peace of Mind and Heart
Eternal, Holy God,
I come to you burdened
with worries, fears, doubts and troubles.
Calm and quiet me with peace of mind.
Empty me of the anxiety that disturbs me,
of the concerns that weary my spirit,
and weigh heavy on my heart.
Loosen my grip on the disappointments
and grievances I hold onto so tightly.
Release me from the pain
of past hurts,
of present anger,
of future fears.
Sometimes it's too much for me Lord -
too many demands and problems,
too much sadness, suffering and stress.
Renew me spiritually and emotionally.
Give me new strength, hope and confidence.
Prepare me to meet the constant struggles
of daily life
with a deeper faith and trust in you.
Let your love set me free ... for peace, for joy, for grace, for life,
for others ... forever. Amen.
A Prayer for Protection
In Time of Pandemic
O Mary, you always brighten our path
as a sign of salvation and hope.
We entrust ourselves to you,
health of the sick,
who, at the Cross, took part in Jesus' pain
while remaining steadfast in faith.
loving Mother, you know what we need,
and we are confident you will provide for us
as at Cana in Galilee.
Intercede for us with your Son Jesus,
the Divine Physician,
for those who have fallen ill,
for those who are vulnerable,
and for those who have died.
Intercede also for those charged with
protecting the health and safety of others
and for those who are tending to the sick
and seeking a cure.
Help us, O Mother of Divine Love,
to conform to the will of the Father
and to do as we are told by Jesus,
who took upon himself our
sufferings and carried our sorrows,
so as to lead us, through the Cross,
to the glory of the Resurrection. Amen.
Under your protection we seek refuge,
Holy Mother of God.
In our needs, despise not our petitions,
but deliver us always from all dangers,
glorious and blessed Virgin. Amen.
THE ASCENSION OF THE LORD
Reflection:
Where did he go? Many times when we think of those who have died, we imagine escape from this world to a purely spiritual place. Jesus' Ascension can leave us in a place of confusion. What happens to Jesus? And why does this matter to us?
The Ascension has been confirmed in the Creed for two millennia. In Jesus' Ascension, we're invited to consider our own ultimate end. Regardless of death's reality now, we believe in the resurrection of the body and the reunification of body and soul. One day, earth and heaven will meet perfectly and without end. We anticipate this "new heaven and a new earth" at every Mass and throughout the beauty, truth, and love of the Church and her members. Today, celebrate a foreshadowing of the fullness we all await!
Question:
Couldn’t Jesus have done more good if he stayed on earth, rather than ascended into heaven?
Answer:
This is an interesting question! During his earthly life, Jesus gave sight to the blind, healed paralytics, drove out demons, and fed thousands with only a few loaves of bread. Imagine what he could have done if he’d never ascended into heaven! Imagine what our world could be! It’s an interesting thought to consider, especially as the world faces challenges that only seem to deepen and expand. Yet at the Last Supper, Jesus says, “It is better for you if I go.” Why? His response must have seemed strange to the Apostles at the time. In his place, Jesus says, he will send the Paraclete, the Comforter, the Advocate. He promises to send the Holy Spirit.
Jesus’ departure allows the Apostles to become the leaders he has formed them to be. Jesus is no longer situated in only one geographical location, and his Church will never be a political kingdom. Soon after the Ascension, we celebrate Pentecost — the descent of the Holy Spirit and the radical empowerment of the followers of Jesus. We share in that empowerment and in that mission. Jesus is present in the sacraments, and he is present in us. Through our faith, hope, and love, we are called to be the good he does here on earth!
Dear Lord Jesus Christ, right before your Ascension into heaven you told your apostles to be His witnesses to the ends of the earth upon receiving the Holy Spirit. May I be similarly inspired to spread your Gospel message in word and deed, according to your will for me. And may I do so prudently and joyfully, with your help, your guidance, and your grace! And remembering this glorious event, help me to seek what is above, Heaven, where you are seated at the right hand of God the Father!
