Liturgical Living: Celebrate Pentecost

In Greek, the word Pentecost means “50th”. This special feast marks the 50^th day of the Easter season and the end of Eastertide.

Before returning to His Father in Heaven, the risen Jesus visited His disciples and promised to send the Holy Spirit to help them. We read in Scripture that one morning the disciples were gathered together with Mary, the mother of Jesus. Suddenly, a great wind came out of nowhere. A flame split into little fires above the heads of all gathered. Everyone started talking in a different language, and yet, they could all understand one another. 

The event of Pentecost changed the world and gave rise to our Church, which is why we celebrate it as the birthday of the Church. 

Here are some ideas for celebrating Pentecost in your domestic church:

• Read the story of Pentecost from the second chapter of the book of Acts with your family. 
• Learn more about the 7 Gifts of the Holy Spirit, then feast on some 7 Layer Dip.
• Bake and enjoy a birthday cake for the Church. Click here for a free printable of the Apostles cake toppers.
• Craft a Pentecost windsock.
• Make a Holy Spirit Spin Wheel or a Holy Spirit Scripture Wheel.
• Serve a 12 Fruits of the Holy Spirit fruit salad.
• Pray your evening prayers gathered around a firepit or bonfire.

The Apostles and their followers were blessed that day with the Holy Spirit, filling them with courage and empowering them to share the Good News with others. But the story doesn’t end there! Pentecost is not just a past event, but an event that continues this very day with us. The same Holy Spirit who descended in fire now dwells in the hearts of the faithful. Let us go out with courage and joy to proclaim the Good News!

 Breathe into me, Holy Spirit, that my thoughts may all be holy. 

Move in me, Holy Spirit, that my work, too, may be holy. 

Attract my heart, Holy Spirit, that I may love only what is holy. 

Strengthen me, Holy Spirit, that I may defend all that is holy. 

Protect me, Holy Spirit, that I may always be holy.   

~ Prayer of St Augustine