This Sunday, we celebrate the Solemnity of Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit’s power made a difference in the Apostles and gave them a fearlessness to do God’s work. That same Spirit comes to us in Christian Baptism, and makes us heirs of heaven, where Jesus awaits our coming one day to share in His Divine Life. In Confirmation, we were given the fullness of that Spirit so that we, too, would fearlessly live out the life that Jesus has nourished in us and be courageous in showing our loyalty to God over anything or anyone else created by Him. Are we afraid to live out our Faith according to the moral principles God has put into our hearts and minds? Are we willing to die for that Faith, if necessary? In England this weekend, over 50 former Anglican priests will be received into the Catholic Church, with many of their parishioners to follow. They will be making a special sacrifice to do this, for they will no longer be able to be sustained by the British government (that pays the salaries of its Anglican priests), and if they are married, their families will also feel the “pinch.” May God strengthen them in their Faith and their hope in Him.

This weekend, we bid ‘adieu’ to Monsignor Stephen Bosso, our weekend associate for many years. After his celebrating the 11:30 a.m. Mass this Sunday, he will be feted with a reception in Kellaghan Hall, to which all parishioners are invited. It’s our personal time to thank him for the wonderful work he has done in helping us to mature in our spiritual life. As I had previously mentioned in different words, our big loss is the Diocese of Pensacola’s gain. Monsignor will be returning to his home diocese and even his family’s area to serve as a pastor. Let’s keep him in our prayer for a good experience in his new parish, where he will serve until his superiors ask him to do otherwise.

Next weekend we will celebrate Father’s Day, and we have some very deep and very emotional moments to reflect on the different kinds of fathers in our life. There is our natural or adoptive father, for whom this holiday was set up. Some of us have released our fathers to God’s loving providence, through age, illness or accident. Others still have the good fortune of having their Dads “in the flesh” at this moment; how blessed are they! Then we have our Heavenly Father, the one who has created us out of love, and sent His Son to redeem us from our sins and ourselves. Additionally, some have an “extra” father in the way of some kind gentleman who has assisted us in our education or maturation, though not related to us by flesh and blood or matrimony. To all of these, we offer our sincere thoughts and prayers. In whatever way we honor our “father,” may we always remember them with a prayer, whether they are living or deceased. And to God the Father, let us always give glory and honor and praise, for He is the primary Father of all.

Our children enjoyed Vacation Bible School this past week. They really seemed to enjoy themselves while learning more about the teachings of our Catholic Faith. I thank all the volunteers who helped make this possible, and who generously gave of their time and talent to bring about this annual program for our “little ones.”

Next Sunday, Trinity Sunday, we will observe the Solemn Feast of The Most Holy Trinity. Officially, it is the end of the opportunity for those Catholics who have made their First Holy Communion to observe the Church Commandment to “receive Holy Communion at least once during the Easter season.” Have you done so, yet? If not, please take the opportunity to do so, presuming you are properly disposed to receive the Body and Blood of the Lord.

Very Rev. Canon Tom