Dear Holy Spirit Family,
It was wonderful to see many of you this past weekend at our first public Mass since March. Truly, you have been missed and prayed for daily. I now pray that we will continue moving forward and soon, be allowed to invite increased numbers to safely attend public Mass. As always, the clergy, staff and volunteer team are working diligently to take care of you and one another. I thank you for your continued prayers, patience and support.
We’re coming out of stay at home- but please stay safe! We remember those we don’t see yet and won’t for some time, because it’s still not safe for them outside. Please keep reaching out to each other. small actions of kindness; emails, texts and phone calls have power to lift another up, reminding each other that we’re “chosen and precious in the sight of God.”
I hope that there are new opportunities for those who lost jobs or savings in the shutdown. If you are in need of help, please call the parish office @ 904-641-7244.
Happy Memorial Day! To all who serve in the Military, Thank you! May the Lord bless you and your family. And, may those who laid down their lives in that call to service rest in peace.
Friday 29th is 8th Grade Graduation. So happy to share the excitement of our school as they prepare to send forth another class in to the world to make a difference. We congratulate the students and the staff and assure them of our prayerful support.
Today we celebrate the conclusion of Jesus’ mission from his Father. We see Jesus stand before his chosen eleven as the Christ, Lord of the universe. With full authority for the salvation of the world, Jesus sends the Eleven forth to make disciples of all the nations. They are to baptize in the name of the Trinity and teach all they have been commanded by Jesus.
Then Jesus returns to his Father, leaving the earth in his bodily form. His leaving emphasizes the importance that faith will play in their mission. They are to put their trust in the Spirit he will leave with them, and they are to act on all they have been taught to believe. They will have doubts and fears as they go, so they are to remember his final words to them: “I am with you always.” Jesus’ abiding presence with them through the Spirit will give them strength and courage when they need it to continue their efforts.
Over the past few weeks, you and I have been renewed in our faith by our celebration of Jesus’ death and rising. Today, as we celebrate his return to his Father, Jesus speaks to us, his disciples in 2020, with the full authority of the Christ: I send you forth to make new disciples. Announce the truth of what I have taught you by living it every day. When you feel the insecurities of the journey, recall my promise to you: “I am with you always.” My Spirit will provide the strength you need to continue.
As we carry out our mission each day, we are not to waste time trying to judge our success or failure. Jesus asks us to place our faith in him and give the best effort we can each day. Saint Francis de Sales reminds us to begin each day anew, trying to be faithful today to let Jesus live in us and love through us.
As we celebrate Jesus’ return to his Father, let us renew our faith in all that Jesus has taught us. With confidence, let us set about living today with grace and enthusiasm. Remember: Jesus is with us always!
May Jesus draw others to himself by the way we live.
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