A message from the Interim Rector

Hey Ya’ll, It’s Pentecost!

Well, it is almost Pentecost Day - it is this Sunday, May 24^th .  Last week we celebrated our graduates from college, high school, and other programs.  We heard how St. Catherine’s had impacted their lives and their faith formation, and we blessed them for their new journeys.  Now this Sunday in the life of the Church, we celebrate the gift of the Holy Spirit and mark the beginning of a new season that we in the Church call the season after Pentecost.  The season after Pentecost is the time we actually live in.  This season has no penitential or overtly joyous tone.  This is real time - the here and now.  The time after the coming of the Holy Spirit and the time before the glorious return of Christ.  We live in this season that the church celebrates for the longest span of time each year.  We begin using a different Eucharistic prayer and service music to signify this change of liturgical season.

Most of the readings for this season are about Jesus’ life and teachings.  We learn about Jesus, and we learn to see ourselves.  We meet Jesus on the road to Emmaus.  We recognize Jesus every week in the breaking of the bread.  We come together to be fed and to be strengthened so that we can go out into the world as Jesus did.  We go out to meet people where they are and to show them God by our actions.  We are resurrection people and so each Sunday we celebrate the gifts of God given to us to enrich our lives.

This time of year is filled with hectic activity graduations, celebrations, school events, and we long for the slower summer pace and for vacations.  This season after Pentecost is indeed a slower season, but the demands of discipleship do not take a vacation.  Remember, Jesus gives us one commandment, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and love your neighbor as yourself.”  Jesus reminds us that, by showing love for one another, we would be recognized as his disciples.

We live in a world in which poverty, hunger, violence, and injustice seem overwhelming.  We are called to action, for Jesus said that we will be recognized by the love we show.  Pray about how you might be called to live into your baptismal vows.

Remember the hungry every time you go into the grocery store. 

Take an action - buy something to donate every time you shop for yourself.  Your shelf-stable donations can be brought to the church each week and we will ensure they get to those in the greatest need, or you can drop them off at the charity of your choice.

Remember the homeless every time you buy shoes and clothes, then donate funds to the Church of the Common Ground or other ministry that provides people with clothing and other support. 

Take an action - give something (new or used) to the charity of your choice. 

Remember the oppressed and forgotten every time you make a choice of what to eat, where to seek entertainment, or how to cast a ballot in an election. 

Take an action - support organizations that fight for human rights around the world.  Let your elected representatives and senators know your positions on important issues that affect our community and the world.  Pray and Vote your conscience.

Visit the lonely; share what you have; offer your gifts in ministry and service.  Volunteer for a ministry to those in our midst who need a kind word, send a card, make a call, join the Eucharistic Visitor team to take communion to those who can’t come to worship with us.

O God, through the power of your Holy Spirit, help us to see the needs of those around us and grant us the strength and courage to actively be part of your saving actions in the world. 

God’s peace and joy, Mo Pat+