Message from our Pastor
Pastor’s Message – Church of Saint Benedict
This Sunday, we celebrate the Solemnity of Pentecost. We celebrate the gift of the Holy Spirit poured out upon the Apostles and the Blessed Virgin Mary in Jerusalem (Acts 2:1-11). Coming after the Ascension of the Lord, those who have received the Holy Spirit at Pentecost are now fully equipped to carry out the mission of the Church. This mission is to proclaim to everyone that Jesus is Lord. Through His Cross and Resurrection, Christ grants salvation and forgiveness of sin. In a real sense, Pentecost is the beginning of the Church.
At our baptism, we receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Again, in the Sacrament of Confirmation, we receive this sacred gift that unites us with God the Father, the Son, and each other as the Church. We are fully equipped to carry out our mission as the Church.
We’re reminded of this mission in many ways, including what we see. When you arrive at Mass this weekend, you will see some changes to the main entrance by the bell tower, as well as the church commons. These are part of the renovation of this space that we hope to complete by early June.
As you enter the church building, there is now the image of Jesus as the Divine Mercy, with the words, “Jesus, I Trust in You.” We should trust in our Lord’s love and mercy for us, even while suffering and experiencing hardship.
Above the image is a quote from the Rule of St. Benedict, “Let All Be Welcomed as Christ.” Let this be the attitude we have towards all who enter the doors of our parish church, whether they’re guests, new parishioners, or returning to Mass after a long absence.
As you leave the church building by the main entrance, you will now see a second quote from the Rule of St. Benedict, “Glorify God in All Things.” Let this be the attitude that guides us as we take the spiritual graces that we receive, especially in the Sacrifice of the Mass, with us into the world. Let us seek to live our faith joyfully and give glory to God in all that we say and do as disciples. In doing so, we seek to live out our mission as the Church.