Dear Parishioners, 

             PENTECOST...The Greek word for Pentecost [pentekoste] means “fiftieth” and in early Christianity it referred to the entire fifty days of Easter.  The roots of Pentecost can be found in the Jewish festival of Weeks [Shavuot], the fifty day celebration following Passover.  Christians reinterpreted the Jewish festival as a commemoration of the coming of the Holy Spirit.  The Spirit coming to the Apostles is recorded in Acts 2:1-11.  With the Feast of Pentecost, our Easter season comes to a close.  The next two Sundays are what we call “doctrinal feasts.”  Next Sunday is the feast of the Most Holy Trinity, and the following Sunday is the Feast of the Holy Body and Blood of Jesus.
This weekend we begin our annual Hope Appeal campaign.  As you know, the Hope Appeal finances many diocesan organizations and assistance to the needy.  Our diocese is spread out over seven counties.  Catholic Charities plays a vital role in helping the poor in each of our regions.  Hospital chaplains provide comfort and spiritual healing to patients in our private and Catholic hospitals.  Campus chaplains keep the faith alive through our Newman Centers.  Diocesan Faith Formation offices and Catholic schools provide Catholic education and formation for our children.  More than 3,200 students in our Catholic Schools receive tuition assistance, and 15,000 children in public schools enroll in religious education programs in our diocese.  Catholic TV brings the gospel message to thousands of fellow Catholics who are not able to attend Mass because they are home-bound or in the hospital.  Through food pantries in our diocese, 95,000 men, women, and children receive life-saving food assistance each year.  Your donation to the Hope Appeal also supports the Office of Vocations, promoting priestly vocations for the future of our diocese.  Please consider a generous gift.  Your donation will go a long way!  Together, we can help those in need.
Bishop Cunningham has re-appointed Dr. Patrick Hayes and Kathryn Reynolds as our parish Trustees.  Congratulations to them and thank you for your service to our parish.

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