Are you getting ready to celebrate Pentecost?  April 2008

By Lorene Hanley Duquin

Most Catholics don’t give Pentecost much thought.  It is one of the most important feasts of the Church, but it tends to be misunderstood and unappreciated. 

Here are some simple ways to help people reclaim the significance of Pentecost in their daily lives:

Read the Story of Pentecost

Most people can relate to the fear and confusion the apostles experienced after the death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus.  Pentecost was a turning point for the apostles. Encourage your parishioners to read the Pentecost account in the Acts of the Apostles (Acts  2:1-47).

Recognize the Gifts of the Spirit

When the Holy Spirit descended upon the apostles in the upper room, they received spiritual gifts that transformed their lives and gave them the power to touch the lives of other people. 

The gifts of Spirit are: Wisdom, Understanding, Knowledge, Good Judgment, Courage, Reverence, and Awe (Isaiah 11:2).

Remind people that they received the same gifts of the Spirit during the Sacraments of Baptism and Confirmation. 

Use the Gifts of the Spirit

A gift is useless unless someone uses it.  Pentecost is a good time to encourage people to ask the Holy Spirit to help them make these gifts an important part of their lives. 

Here’s a little prayer to help them focus on using the Gifts of the Spirit:

 Holy Spirit, help me to become a person of…

 Wisdom so that I will live my life in harmony with your divine will;

 Understanding so that I will person of compassion;

 Knowledge so that I will be open to truth and goodness;

 Good Judgment so that I will make choices that reflect your will;

 Courage so that I will be able to stand up for what is right and just;

 Reverence so that I will enter into your divine mystery;

 Awe so that I will see the beauty in all of creation.