Pentecost

Fifty days after Easter, the Church celebrates Pentecost, or Whitsunday—a principal feast in the annual calendar of commemorations. This year, Pentecost will be celebrated this Sunday, June 5.

Pentecost celebrates the coming of the Holy Spirit, the gift of God’s undying love poured out upon Christ’s disciples and shed abroad upon the face of the earth. The Acts of the Apostles, written by Saint Luke, recounts the day of Pentecost (2:1-21).

The season after Pentecost begins the Monday following Pentecost Sunday. It is the longest season in the Christian church year; it lasts until the season of Advent. Depending on when Easter takes place, the season after Pentecost can continue anywhere from 22 to 27 weeks.

During the season after Pentecost, the focus is on the life of the Church as it grows in the midst of the world. We will turn our hearts together towards the good works that God has set before us to do. And we will know that, come what may, God is with us always—even to the end of the ages—to strengthen and shepherd us every step of the way. 

When we gather for worship this Sunday, June 5, we will be put in mind of the ways we have been gathered in love, transformed by the grace of the Holy Spirit, and made Christ’s hands and feet in the world, bearers of Good News. By the life-giving gift of God’s Spirit, we are sent to serve and show the light of reconciliation and grace, of hope and joy.

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O come Creator Spirit come, visit the minds of the people, 

and fill with thy celestial grace, O Lord, the souls thou didst create.  

Thou who art called the Paraclete, the gift of God, of the most high, 

living fountain, fire, charity, the souls anointing from above.  

Thou who art sevenfold and gift, the finger thou of God's right hand, 

solemn promise or the father of giving to tongues the gift to speech.   

Enkindle light in every sense, pour thy love into our hearts, 

our bodily infirmities with might perpetual strengthening.  

Drive far away the enemy and thine abiding peace bestow; 

so lead thyself preceding us that we may flee from every harm.  

The Father may we know through thee, and through thee may we know the Son, 

thee Spirit sent from the Father may we believe throughout all time. 

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An ancient vesper hymn for Pentecost, by Rabanus Maurus, Archbishop of Mainz (d. 856)