This weekend we celebrate the Solemnity of Pentecost, the culminating feast of the entire Easter season, which we have kept already for a full fifty days. Today is observed as the “birthday” of the Church. The same Holy Spirit Who hovered over the Virgin Mary at the Annunciation was sent by the Risen Christ into the hearts of the first disciples gathered in prayer together in the Upper Room with Our Lady, making them witnesses of the Lord’s promises to the ends of the earth. The Holy Spirit bestows and liberates gifts.
We receive the 7 Gifts of the Holy Spirit in Baptism and Confirmation strengthens them. As we celebrate Pentecost, Jesus wants us to rekindle those gifts in our hearts and lives. It’s good to remind ourselves today the 7 Gifts of the Spirit, what they are and what effect they have in our lives:
· Knowledge – the gift of knowing the truth; knowing the Father and Jesus the Savior whom He sent among us.
· Wisdom – the power to see all things as God sees them.
· Understanding – the gift of understanding God’s revelation.
· Counsel – the gift of helping us to see just what we should do in a difficult situation.
· Fortitude – the power to carry through joyfully what we know to be right.
· Piety – the gift that leads us to feel for God the love that a child feels for a loving parent and enables us to see all others as our brothers and sisters.
· Fear of the Lord – the gift that enables us to be willing to respond to the impulses of the Holy Spirit and gives us a fear of being separated from God.
It is important to remember, though, that being a Christian is the first gift of the Holy Spirit, and that each person has special gifts which the Holy Spirit uses for the good of the whole Church.
High School and College Graduates
Class of 2018 The St. Valentine community wishes to congratulate you on your graduation; and would like to recognize your accomplishment at our Noon Mass on Sunday, June 10th, 2018.
We invite you and members of your immediate family to attend the Mass; and join us afterwards, for light refreshments in the School Meeting Room.
Please R.S.V.P. to the parish office (313-532-4394) by June 6th, if you plan on attending. Include the number of people who will be joining you; and, if you would like to participate in the Mass (as either a Eucharistic Minister or Lector), let the office staff know when you call.
Stewardship Thoughts
On this Pentecost Sunday, the Scripture readings reveal the powerful works of the Holy Spirit in the early Christian community. On this occasion of Pentecost, the Church “is made manifest to the world” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1076). In other words, it is at Pentecost that the Catholic Church is born. In the Acts of the Apostles, we observe the power and authority that the Holy Spirit bestows upon the disciples through the symbols of wind and tongues of fire. In St. John’s Gospel, Jesus gives His followers the gifts of the Spirit: peace and the power to forgive sins. In his First Letter to the faith community at Corinth, St. Paul persuades them to strive for unity and to acknowledge one another’s gifts, service, and works given by the Most Holy Trinity as one Body in Christ. As faith-filled stewards, what God-given gifts and services do we offer weekly at the altar of the Lord to uplift our parish communion? In a spirit of evangelization, are we building up the Body of Christ by inviting our brothers and sisters to a personal relationship with our Lord and Savior? To build a relationship with the Holy Spirit, please visit the Franciscan website, The Wild Goose, at thewildgooseisloose.com.
Go Tigers!!!!!!!!
We have a total of 16 tickets left for the Tiger Game on Friday, July 20th. This is the Detroit Tigers versus Boston Red Socks, we will travel in a fine motor coach, the bus driver is able to park close to the gates, so there isn’t much walking. The cost is very reasonable $39 per ticket and that includes the motor coach and game. There are fireworks afterward, we do stay to watch. So please come and join us, you will be glad you did! Let’s fill the bus and root for our Tigers!
Your money is due now. If you have ordered tickets and still owe please send a check payable to “St. Valentine” drop it in the collection basket marked “Tiger Game.”
Call Cecilia Gallagher for tickets or information on 313-613-7463 or email cecgall@ameritech.net.