Religious Education and Social Justice

Pentecost

On Sunday 31st May, the Church celebrated Pentecost, one of the most important feast days of the year, that concludes the Easter season and celebrates the beginning of the Church.

Pentecost always occurs 50 days after the death and resurrection of Jesus, and ten days after his ascension into Heaven.

Pentecost is the celebration of the person of the Holy Spirit coming upon the Apostles, Mary, and the first followers of Jesus, who were gathered together.

A “strong, driving” wind filled the room where they were gathered, and tongues of fire came to rest on their heads, allowing them to speak in different languages so that they could understand each other. It was such a strange phenomenon that some people thought the Christians were just drunk - but Peter pointed out that it was only the morning, and said the phenomenon was caused by the Holy Spirit.

The Holy Spirit also gave the apostles the other gifts and fruits necessary to fulfill the great commission - to go out and preach the Gospel to all nations. It fulfills the New Testament promise from Christ (Luke 24:46-49) that the Apostles would be “clothed with power” before they would be sent out to spread the Gospel.

Glorious Trinity,

Make your presence 

known in this place,

through our worship,our prayer,

and the reading of your Word.

Father, Son, Holy Spirit,

within whose unity 

lies all that is you,

perfect love, justice,

 peace and power.

As we gather here today,

your body, your church 

throughout this world,

fill our outstretched hearts

with your spirit,

encircle us with your love.

Make yourself known to us 

in new ways, exciting ways,

challenging ways.

Empower us, Inspire us,

Glorious Trinity!

Sunday Mass Activities for Children

Jesus has ascended into heaven. Mary and the apostles are gathered in Jerusalem for the Jewish festival known as ‘Pentecost’. Jesus promised that he would not leave us orphans, so when he left our world he breathed his own life into us through the Holy Spirit. It is the Holy Spirit who lives in us, guides and helps us live the Gospel from age to age, and, because he is the Lord and giver of life and of wisdom, we know that the Church will always be guided in the spirit of Jesus.

By clicking on the link below you will be taken to the CathFamily website:

https://cathfamily.org/cathkids-pentecost-a/

Explore the reading by clicking on the following tabs located on the main screen:

• The Word: video of the reading
• Look Closer: brief exploration of the reading in child friendly language
• Ponder: some questions to ponder or wonder about related to the Gospel and our lives
• Respond: an activity is provided to further give children the opportunity to reflect on the Gospel of the week
• Pray: a short prayer service for families to participate in.

May God bless us all and keep us safe.

Jane Wilkinson

Religious Education Leader