Dear Parishioners,  

THE FEAST OF PENTECOST -  The Greek word for Pentecost [pentekoste]  means "fiftieth."  The roots of Pentecost can be found in the Jewish Festival of Weeks, the fifty day celebration following Passover.  It was the harvest festival in which the first fruits of the harvest were offered in gratitude to God. Early Christians reinterpreted the Jewish festival as a commemoration of the coming of the Holy Spirit as recorded in the Acts of the Apostles.  By 400 A.D., the Feast of Pentecost was a time to baptize adults who were not  baptized at the Easter Vigil.  Pentecost is considered to be the "birthday" of the church.  The Spirit of God is alive in us!  You are the church....you are the presence of Jesus to others.  Happy birthday, church !
 
Deacon Paul Bork from Maryknoll wrote to me this past week, thanking you for the warm welcome that you gave him when he was at St. Margaret's.  He is most grateful for your generosity supporting the work of the Maryknoll priests and brothers.
 
Will you be having a child in the near future?  Please contact me to set up an appointment for a pre-baptismal meeting.
 
Also, parishioners have been sending in their annual HOPE APPEAL donations and pledges.  I encourage you to prayerfully consider a pledge, payable over the next year, or a donation to help the needy in our diocese.  Many thanks.
 
DON'T FORGET to pick up a new ministry schedule!!  They are available at the entrances to our church or online at our website: www.stmargaret-homer.org


Many thanks. God Bless You,  Fr. Paul J. Alciati