Dear Parents/Carers and Friends,

This Sunday, the Catholic Church’s calendar, celebrates ‘Pentecost’. Pentecost occurred 50 days after Easter Sunday or 50 days after Jesus rose from the dead.  Jesus had already gone back to Heaven so the disciples and new believers of Jesus were waiting to receive the Holy Spirit because that's what Jesus told them would happen.

Just before Jesus was taken up to heaven, he told them that they would receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on them and that they should spread the good news of his resurrection throughout the world.

The bible says “When Pentecost day came round, they had all met in one room, when suddenly they heard what sounded like a powerful wind from heaven, the noise of which filled the entire house in which they were sitting; and something appeared to them that seemed like tongues of fire; these separated and came to rest on the head of each of them. They were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and began to speak foreign languages as the Spirit gave them the gift of speech”. Acts 2:1-11

Something profound happened here at Pentecost. This event started the ministry of many people who are our current day saints. St Peter, travelled to Italy, St Andrew travelled to Iran & Eastern Europe, St John went to Asia, St James travelled around the Middle East, Mary Magdalene travelled to France, St Phillip preached in Turkey, St Bartholomew travelled to India. The disciples of Jesus spread the word. All faced persecution. Most died being executed for their beliefs, but their belief was unwavering. Their conviction strong. Obviously after receiving the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, their lives were changed and their legacy is a global church.

When we are ready to try to live a life pleasing to God the Holy Spirit becomes part of us, so we have a part of God with us all the time. The first steps in ordinary people doing extraordinary things. The first steps in living the life of a saint.

May God continue to bless you.

Mr Abernethy
College Principal