Message from Fr Duane 8 June 2025

Pentecost – literally meaning “fiftieth” – takes place 50 days after Easter. Pentecost was the “birth of the Church” when the Apostles received the Holy Spirit, as promised by Jesus who had now risen and ascended to the glory of the Father. It was the Holy Spirit who empowered the Apostles to begin proclaiming the good news of the risen Christ amidst all kinds of persecution.

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We want to say to the world, with humility and joy: Look to Christ!

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We thank God for the courage of the Apostles, who knew the importance of proclaiming to the world what they had witnessed and received. Proclaiming Christ to the world remains the most important mission the world has ever seen, and one entrusted now to us, by the same Holy Spirit.

To quote Pope Leo XIV in his homily at his Mass of inauguration: “We want to say to the world, with humility and joy: Look to Christ! Come closer to him! Welcome his word that enlightens and consoles! Listen to his offer of love and become his one family: in the one Christ, we are one. This is the path to follow together, among ourselves but also with our sister Christian churches, with those who follow other religious paths, with those who are searching for God, with all women and men of goodwill, in order to build a new world where peace reigns!”

When the Apostles first proclaimed Christ, people of many languages and cultures miraculously heard the good news in their own language. This same Holy Spirit continues to unite us in the midst of our diversity, and this is something we especially celebrate in our annual “Multicultural Mass” on Pentecost Sunday morning. It is also something that we should be aware of and celebrate at every Mass, as we observe the rich diversity of our community, uniting as one in Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit, as reflected in our parish vision: “We are a diverse community united by our love for Jesus and for one another, constantly seeking to grow in this love especially through the Eucharist. We welcome everyone and help each other to discover their unique gifts, joyfully working together as one to bring the overflowing love of Jesus to all people.”

COME AND SEE CUP OF TEA

In our Second Reading for Pentecost Sunday Mass, St Paul reminds us that the Holy Spirit gives unique gifts and ways of service to each and every one of us. On Sunday 29th June straight after the 10am and 5pm Mass we will have a “Come and See Cup of Tea” in the Parish Centre, co-ordinated by our Parish Pastoral Council whose role includes unite and supporting the various activities of the parish. This will be a special gathering showcasing the various parish groups and activities as well as possible ways you might use your own unique gifts to serve in our parish and beyond. Save the date!