Dear Parishioners, 

When I was a kid I always thought of Pentecost as the feast of a Ghost. Even with the word “Holy” added to it, it still seemed like a strange title for God. Yet we said it every time we made the sign of the cross or sang the hymn, Come Holy Ghost, which we as children learned by heart. Somehow we were led to believe back then that the Third Person of the Blessed Trinity was the invisible partner in the Godhead who really didn’t show up until Pentecost Sunday or when we received the Sacrament of Confirmation. 

With the substitution of Spirit for Ghost in the new English translation, I began to get a fuller understanding of the Paraclete, the Advocate, the Holy Spirit whom Jesus promised to send to His followers after He ascended into heaven.
Recently the word “spirit” in today’s language has become a popular term for all that is filled with life, enthusiasm, joy, peace and patience which scripture tells us are all gifts of the Spirit we call holy. In order to possess them we have to turn to the source of love who is God or as I saw on a sign outside of a church, we have to “Catch the Spirit.” 

St. Paul in his letters speaks constantly of the Spirit living and dwelling in the world and in us producing many different effects and manifesting His presence in particular ways for the common good. A number of the early Church Fathers such as Cyril and Basil compare the Holy Spirit to water always remaining the same but adapting itself to the needs of every creature that receives it or to sunshine that permeates the atmosphere yet enjoyed by each person as though it were for him or her alone.
Since the Spirit of God is holy and wants to make everything holy, too, it is my prayer that St. Charles Borromeo Parish and all of the members receive an abundance of God’s grace this Pentecost Sunday. Like the apostles who unbarred the doors when the Spirit came to work through them, we as “companions on a spiritual journey” must do our share to make the name and message of Jesus alive in our hearts, our homes, our parish and the community and world in which we live. 

We do this by praying often, speaking kindly, living gently, smiling more, frowning less, overlooking differences, accepting change, enduring pain and never losing our balance. As parishioners, we must support one another, share our gifts and constantly reach out beyond our own cares and needs. Ministry must become part of every segment and age group of our parish. No one should be allowed to slide through the cracks as if that person didn’t count. As the Spirit has come upon us all, all of us must not only “catch it” but spread it. 

This Sunday when we sing the traditional “Come Holy Ghost” may our understanding go beyond an invisible God to the fullest appreciation of the Spirit who kindles in us the fire of His love. May today be the beginning of a new Pentecost for us all.

Sincerely,