Pentecost Sunday

"There appeared to them tongues as of fire, which parted and came to rest on each one of them and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit" (Acts 2:3-4).

Pentecost, celebrated 50 days after Easter Sunday, commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon Christ’s disciples and marks the end of the season of Easter.

“The Church takes its life from an act of God, the sending of the Holy Spirit,” said Bishop Robert Deeley. “Mary was asked to be the mother of the son of God. The angel Gabriel told her that the Holy Spirit would come over her. The birth of Christ comes through the Holy Spirit. So, too, does the conception and birth of the Church.”

It is the gift of the Holy Spirit that empowers the disciples to begin preaching, bringing others to know and love Christ and to become part of the Church.

On Pentecost, priests wear red vestments to symbolize fire and the presence of the Holy Spirit. All Christians are invited to also wear red on Pentecost Sunday and to celebrate the day in some way.

Special Parish Celebrations

Our Lady of the Eucharist Parish, Lincoln

A parish-wide Mass will be celebrated on Pentecost Sunday at 10 a.m. at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 1003 W. Broadway in Lincoln. That will be followed by a potluck lunch featuring salads and desserts, and then an afternoon of fun and games for children.

Parish of the Holy Savior, Mexico

The Holy Moments Group will hold a presentation on Pentecost and the Holy Spirit on Thursday, May 16, at 6 p.m. in the parish hall at St. Athanasius & St. John Church, 126 Maine Avenue in Rumford. There will be a video and a presentation by Father Aaron Damboise, pastor.

Prince of Peace Parish

Prince of Peace Parish will hold a Pentecost pary & potluck lunch following the Sunday, May 19, 10:30 a.m. Mass at Holy Trinity Church, 67 Frost Hill Avenue in Lisbon Falls. The celebration will include a cake celebrating the birthday of the church, prizes, and games. All are invited.