Next weekend we will be celebrating the feast of Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit descended upon the Apostles in the Upper Room, and the Church was born. As we celebrate this feast, we need to remember that the descent of the Holy Spirt was not a onetime event that empowered a limited few to start the Church. The Holy Spirit is meant for all of us and all of us are called to share our gifts. In the sacrament of Confirmation, a Christian is filled with the Holy Spirit in the same way as those early Apostles. Just like them we are then called to break out from behind locked doors and share the good news, not only in words but in deeds as well. What this looks like depends on the person because each of us is called to share our unique gifts.

            One of the ways we share our gifts is through the ministries we foster as a wider Church, such as ministering at Mass, Outreach or Faith Formation to name a few. But we are also empowered to bring new ministries to bear when applicable. If there is something that you feel we should be offering to the world around us in our particular church here at Our Lady of Hope or St Anne’s God might be inspiring, you to help get it going. It should be kept in mind that one of the basic expectations of faith, from a God perspective is participation in the wider practice of the faith outside of Mass. This means that if you can’t name something you do to practice your faith, aside from going to Mass, you haven’t yet reached your full potential as a Christian. We are here to help but the responsibility is yours to take steps to recognize what God is asking of you and putting it into practice. A great way to start would be volunteering for one of our ministries or faith sharing groups.

            Another manifestation of the Holy Spirit is growing in faith. Our Sacramental Prep programs and Faith Formation are beginning registration for next year already and there will be opportunities to both register in person and online. We will be requiring that all families involved in sacramental prep turn in baptism certificates for their children at the beginning of the process to be enrolled in the final year of their sacramental prep. This means that if your child will receive 1st communion or Confirmation in 2026, they need to turn in a baptism to be enrolled. If they will receive 1st Communion or Confirmation in 2027 and are in their first year of prep they won’t have to turn in a baptism certificate until next year. You cannot enroll if you don’t turn in a baptism certificate. In person registration will be on June 8th, August 17th and September 14th.

Prayers Always,
Fr. Joseph