This Sunday, the Church celebrates its “birthday” with the feast of Pentecost. It is a scene of great drama: rushing wind, tongues of fire, the uttering of many languages. It is also a scene of inner transformation: formerly timid disciples empowered to speak in such a way that no matter what the religious, cultural, and linguistic differences, each hears the message in a way they can understand. Such is the power of God’s Holy Spirit: to break down the walls of division, and to create the unity that is the Father’s desire for all creation.

Here at St. Monica’s, we also form a richly diverse community. We come from many lands, we speak different languages, we express our faith in a variety of devotions and spiritualities – yet in the Spirit, we form one Body. We gather in unity around the table of the Lord, where last weekend, we joyfully welcomed 25 children for their First Holy Communion. We also give thanks to God for pouring out his Holy Spirit in a special way on the 21 young men and women of our parish who received the gifts of the Spirit this Saturday in the sacrament of Confirmation. Over the next few weeks, we will have the opportunity to honour those celebrating special wedding anniversaries, and on the weekend of June 18-19, gather in appreciation of the many volunteers who, in a variety of ministries – liturgical, educational, social, organizational, and outreach – share their gifts with competence and generosity to make our community stronger.

Each and every one of us has been graced and gifted by the Holy Spirit. How is the Spirit calling YOU to make a difference – at home, at work, here in the parish, out in the world? Like Mary and the disciples gathered in the Cenacle, let us pray for a new Pentecost, in which each member of our community is gifted and empowered by the outpouring of God's Holy Spirit: