Pentecost = 'Busy Day'

The great feast of Pentecost is approaching: May 10th. The outpouring of the Spirit upon the Early Church completed the conversion (mostly) of the Apostles and drove the Church forward now for two millennia.

It continues to be a 'Big Deal' in the Church, exhorting the faithful to live out their life in 'Christ, our Hope,' as a recent visitor to these shores reminded us.

Locally, it is one of those days where the ability not only to bi-locate, but tri-locate, would be beneficial:

First, the annual 'Discernment Day for High School Men' is being held at Mount St. Mary's Seminary. It is an opportunity for high school aged men who are feeling a call to priesthood to come together to pray in the seminary setting, to meet others their own age who are also feeling the call, and meet seminarians who are exploring the call in a much deeper way. The day runs from 9 am to 6 pm, and more information and registration is found at the Vocation Office website. Last year, we had nearly 40 attend, so far for this year we have 15 registrants. Spread the word so that we can beat last year's total! (I know, the Holy Father encouraged us to look at quality, not quantity, but if they never visit, they never know...) Did I mention, it's free?

(Counter-point! Lest anyone think we neglect the young ladies in our midst who are considering religious life, the seminarians have worked hard to develop a weekend discernment retreat for young women (age 15-30) who are considering a call to religious life. The retreat is (thankfully!) being held on June 6-8 at the Our Lady of the Holy Spirit Center, as is being co-sponsored by a number of the religious communities in the area. Unfortunately, there is a cost to the event of $35.00 to cover food and housing, but please do not let that be a deterrent! Registration and more information is found at the Vocation Office website. This is a first time event, but there are already registrants and space is limited, so sign up early!)

Secondly, for those young people who are interested in the faith, but maybe not in the priesthood, comes word of the second annual Rock Youth Rally to be held May 10th from 7-10 PM at the Our Lady of the Holy Spirit Center in Norwood, a sorta suburb of Cincinnati. Music is by Last Day, a meditation and witness by Michael Walsh, and Adoration and Benediction by yours truly. For tickets and information, contact the Our Lady of the Holy Spirit Center at 513-351-9800. It was a great event last year, with about 100 youth present, again looking to grow...

Finally, word comes again of the annual Pentecost Celebration to be held at St. Gertrude's here in Cincinnati. This one is geared towards young adults, and they send along the following info:

Pentecost Celebration! Young adults from across the Tri-State will be gathering at St. Gertrude Parish in Madeira. The St. Gertrude 20s Group (www.20sgroup.org) is sponsoring a day of free activities to celebrate the Feast of Pentecost on Saturday, May 10, 2008. Last year's event gathered over 100 young adults from as far away as Lafayette, Indiana .
The event will begin at noon at McDonald Commons Park (next to 7455 Dawson Rd, Madeira, Ohio 45243 ) with such outdoor games as Ultimate Frisbee and Corn Hole among others. The day will also include an opportunity to meet members of other young adult groups to share ideas and experiences, faith discussion, and a supper generously sponsored by JTM Food Group. In the evening (7:00 p.m.) the celebration will continue at St. Gertrude Parish (7630 Shawnee Run Rd, Madeira, Ohio 45243) there will be Eucharistic adoration and the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Followed by an energetic celebration of the Pentecost Vigil Mass. After Mass the evening will conclude with game time in the parish center. In case of rain the whole celebration will take place at St. Gertrude Parish. For more information check us out on the web: www.PentecostCelebration.org or email us at Eric (at) 20sgroup (dot) org.

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