Please note that weather related schedule changes will be noted on our webpage as soons as possible.  

Pentecost                                                                       May 28, 2023

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Today we celebrate Pentecost. I love Pentecost! What a joyful and uplifting celebration, commemorating the abundant outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the first community. I have to say again, I love this feast!

Every Sunday we profess the Holy Spirit as the Lord and Giver of life. The Holy Spirit is the Master of Surprises. She also is the Midwife who brings forth new life to the church community wanting to emerge in new times and situations. When we respond to the signs of times, we allow the Holy Spirit to move us into a new direction and transform us into new people who bring hope and joy for humankind.

Do you remember the gifts of the Holy Spirit we received during our Confirmation? Wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety and awe of the Lord. Do you remember the fruits of the Holy Spirit? Among many, joy, peace, patience, generosity, kindness, gentleness and faithfulness.

The Acts of the Apostles (2:1-11), echoes the act of creation, depicting a mighty wind (signifying God’s presence), sweeping over the chaotic water (Genesis 1:2). The apostles and all those gathered with them are now re-created by the gifts of the Holy Spirit.

The narrative of Pentecost also reverses the Tower of Babel story. Because of the bestowal of the Holy Spirit, people can communicate to work for the common good of humanity.

As God the Creator breathed a spirit of life into the first human creature (Genesis 2:7), now Jesus breathes on us and says: “Receive the Holy Spirit” (John 20:23). The cycle of creation comes to its fulfillment. We can rejoice and be creative as God is.

According to Henry Nouwen: “Without Pentecost the Christ-event- the life, death and resurrection of Jesus- remains imprisoned in history of something to remember, think about and reflect on. The Spirit of Jesus comes to dwell within us, so that we can become living Christs here and now.”

Barbara E. Reid, O.P, reflects: “Pentecost is not so much about the power of God coming from outside us down onto us but a releasing of the power that is already within us, breathing into us life by God at creation (Genesis 2:7) and by the risen Christ still among us (John 20:22).”

The metaphor of the tongues of fire encourages us to overcome the language barrier on the religious, generational and political scene. In every age there is a need to use a language that allows children and parents, liberal and conservative, members of different religious groups and political parties to dialogue. As we pursue a deeper understanding between family, friends and enemies, we should not be discouraged when their, or our, words might be too difficult to comprehend.

In the meantime, let us exhale all our worries, bitterness, anger, fear, disappointments or whatever deprives us of inner peace, and let us inhale calm, peace, forgiveness, love and compassion which liberate us to become free human beings.

Best wishes to you on the festive occasion of  Pentecost,
Fr. Ryszard

National Eucharistic Revival: A Grassroots Response to God’s Invitation

• Due to local active Covid cases, Communion will only be distributed on the hand.

• During Ordinary Time, Altar Flowers may be given in honor or memory of a loved one.  Please contact Cherie Amedy at the Parish Office, 252-726-3559, for more information.

Faith Formation (Sunday School) Schedule 2023-24

Registration for the 2023-24 Sunday School year will begin the third weekend in August.  

We are in the process of updating our parish census. We are asking all member families to click on the link below which will take them to a census form where you can make changes in your family listing in our parish directory, ie, address, emails, phone changes, additional children (or removing children who no longer live here, etc. Please do this as soon as possible.

Parish Census Form

Please take a moment to complete the parish registration form by clicking on the link below:

Parish Registration Form

The New Bern Regional Office of Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Raleigh is offering NEW programs to service our communities:

Senior Pharmacy -- For qualified seniors -- Assistance paying for: Medications related to Chronic Health Conditions; Limited Medical Supplies; and Health Topic Information.

Emergency Assistance -- Emergency Rent or Utility Assistance; Case Management; Job Search and Budgeting

Disaster Assistance -- When Available: Emergency Rent or Utility Assistance; Home Repair; Case Management

502 Middle Street, New Bern 28560

252-638-2188

Hours: Mon-Thurs, 8:30 AM -12 Noon; 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Donate Now at http://www.catholiccharitiesraleigh.org/donate and Select ``Direct Your Gift: New Bern Deanery

www.catholiccharitiesraleigh.org/locations/new-bern

Providing Help -- Creating Hope -- Serving All

You can now make your offertory donations online by using the link below.

Access Online Giving