05/21/2026
Our Pastor's Corner – May 24th, 2026
Dear Friends,
This weekend, we celebrate Pentecost Sunday. Pentecost Sunday invites us to reflect on one of the most important truths of our faith: God does not leave His people alone – He does not abandon them. The risen Christ, before ascending to the Father, promised the gift of the Holy Spirit. On Pentecost that promise was fulfilled. The frightened apostles, once gathered behind locked doors, were transformed into courageous witnesses who went forth to proclaim the Gospel to the nations.
It is striking that the Holy Spirit did not come upon perfect people. The apostles were still learning, still struggling, still imperfect. Peter had denied the Lord. Thomas had doubted. Others had fled in fear during the Passion. Yet God chose precisely these “ordinary” men to become the foundation of the Church. Pentecost reminds us that holiness is not first about our strength or talents; it is about our openness to God’s grace.
The same Holy Spirit given at Pentecost has also been given to us. We received the Spirit in Baptism and were strengthened by His gifts in Confirmation. Sometimes we may think of the Holy Spirit as distant or mysterious, but the Spirit is active in the ordinary moments of Christian life. Whenever we choose forgiveness over resentment, patience over anger, generosity over selfishness, or faith over fear, the Holy Spirit is at work within us.
In the Gospel for Pentecost, Jesus breathes upon the apostles and says, “Receive the Holy Spirit.” That image of breathing is deeply significant. Breath is necessary for life itself. In the same way, the Holy Spirit is the breath of the Church. Without the Spirit, the Church would simply be a human institution. With the Spirit, she becomes alive with the presence and power of God.
Pentecost is also a reminder that the Church is meant to go outward. The disciples did not remain behind closed doors after receiving the Spirit. They went forth. Every parish is called to do the same. We are not just merely caretakers of buildings or preservers of traditions; we are missionary disciples entrusted with bringing Christ to the world around us. A kind word, an invitation to Mass, a visit to someone who is lonely, a witness of integrity and charity, these are often the ways the Holy Spirit works through us.
As we celebrate this great feast, let us pray with simplicity and confidence: “Come, Holy Spirit.” Ask Him to renew your heart, strengthen your faith, deepen your prayer, and guide our parish family. The same Spirit who transformed the apostles continues to renew the Church today, each one of us, one heart at a time.
At the beginning of the month of June (June 3 -11), the bishops of the United States will unite in a special Act of Consecration of our nation to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. This spiritual act is meant to renew our trust in the love and mercy of Christ and to place ourselves, our families, our communities, and our country more intentionally under His care.
As our nation prepares to mark the 250th anniversary of its founding, this Consecration also offers an opportunity to reflect prayerfully on the spiritual foundations of our country and our responsibilities as both citizens and Christians. At this important moment in our national history, we ask the Sacred Heart of Jesus to guide our nation in wisdom, justice, unity, and peace, and to renew within us a deeper commitment to charity, truth, and respect for the dignity of every human person.
In preparation, Catholics throughout the country will be invited to participate in a Novena to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. A novena is a traditional form of Catholic prayer that takes place over nine consecutive days. The word “novena” comes from the Latin word for “nine” and reflects the nine days the Apostles and the Blessed Virgin Mary spent in prayer between the Ascension of Jesus and the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. For centuries, Catholics have prayed novenas in times of special need, preparation, thanksgiving, or spiritual renewal. By praying each day, we open our hearts more fully to God’s grace and place our intentions before Him with trust and perseverance.
In the weeks ahead, we will provide additional information about how we will participate in this national consecration, with opportunities for praying the national novena, consecrating our homes and families to the Sacred Heart, a special Holy Hour, culminating in a solemn Mass in Honor of the Sacred Heart both here and at our Cathedral. In the meantime, you can find out more nationally at the USCCB’s webpage: https://www.usccb.org/weholdthesetruths as well as at our local Archdiocesan webpage: https://archphila.org/undergod/.
May the Sacred Heart of Jesus bless our parish, our families, and our nation with faith, hope, unity, and peace.
Love and Prayers,
Father Carey
