The Holy Spirit Gives Us New Life
Dear Brothers & Sisters:
This weekend we are celebrating the great Solemnity of Pentecost, which means “fifty,” that is, fifty days after Easter. This 50th day marks the birthday of the Church through the final fulfillment of the Paschal Mystery found in the death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ.
In the Jewish tradition, Pentecost was the celebration of receiving the Ten Commandments from God, fifty days after they left Egypt. It was a celebration of God’s covenant with his people. Today, we are celebrating that new and eternal covenant with God as he sends forth the Holy Spirit.
On the day of the first Christian Pentecost we hear about how the disciples were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in different languages of the mighty acts of God.
The Holy Spirit gives us new life and is present in us as the source of our new life in Christ. The Holy Spirit is the Fruit of the Love relationship between God the Father and God the Son that pours forth into our lives.
Through Baptism and Confirmation we have all received the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit. These gifts increase within us as we allow the Holy Spirit to transform our hearts (see list below).
Pope St. John Paul II would petition the Holy Spirit each day to increase these gifts in greater abundance, and so should we. As we conclude the Easter Season on Pentecost Sunday, let our daily prayer echo the words of this week’s responsorial psalm:
“Lord, send out your Spirit, and renew the face of the earth.”
“Lord, send out your spirit, and renew my life, and the lives of those I love.”
Pentecost blessings,
Fr. John Poncini
The Seven-Fold Gifts of the Holy Spirit
WISDOM gives us a “taste” for the things of God. We experience delight in what is right.
UNDERSTANDING gives us a deeper sense of the meaning of the teachings of the Church.
KNOWLEDGE enables us to judge everything by the light of heaven.
COUNSEL helps us to speak the words that will draw others closer to God.
FORTITUDE gives us the strength to keep trying to love and be faithful to God and to our calling when things get tough.
PIETY gives us reverence towards God and towards each human person.
FEAR OF THE LORD brings us to avoid sin because we love God and don’t want to offend him.
When will Masses Resume?
There has been significant media coverage around the reopening of churches in California and many of our parishioners are asking if we will be opening our Church this weekend. The short answer is – not yet.
The County of Santa Clara Public Health Department Order has restricted the reopening of houses of worship. Right now, we do not have permission to, or even a date for, re-opening. Even though the Governor has released the State’s guidance, it is still up to the County to determine how and when to implement them in this jurisdiction. (You may wish to express your views directly to your County Supervisor).
In the meantime, our Bishop has developed a framework, and my staff is drawing up procedures, for allowing us to re-open as safely as possible, while ensuring the sacredness of our Liturgy, when we get the go ahead.
Sunday Mass Livestream
May 31st – 10:00am to 11:00am from St. William Church
https://youtu.be/8IYGPf8E7zM
Drive-up Confessions
Every Saturday – 3:30pm to 4:30pm
St William Parking Lot
Ways to Give
Our parish’s mission relies upon the generosity of our parishioners. Here are a few ways you can support the parish:
- Our office (while closed to the public) is still working. You can mail offertory envelopes or checks to: 473 Lincoln Ave. Los Altos, CA 94022
- Walking in the parish office neighborhood? Our mail slot is open!
- If you are not a regular online giver, please prayerfully consider becoming one. We offer both one-time and scheduled giving.
- DONATE ON-LINE HERE!
Lastly…Connect with our teens:
On Instragram and Spotify