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

All Saints Parish, Brunswick

All Saints Parish in Brunswick will hold a special Mass on Pentecost Sunday, May 28, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Charles Borromeo Church on 132 McKeen Street. All are welcome at the Mass and a reception which will be held following the Mass in the church hall to welcome new members of the parish who were initiated into the faith during the Easter season.

Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Portland

Bishop Robert Deeley will celebrate Mass on Pentecost Sunday, May 28, at 2:30 p.m. at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception on 307 Congress Street in Portland. During the Mass, over 35 children will receive first Eucharist and the sacrament of confirmation.

Our Lady of the Eucharist Parish, Lincoln

The parish's Pentecost Sunday celebration will be held at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 1003 Main Street in Lincoln, and will be intended for all parishioners, whether they usually attend Mass at St. Leo the Great in Howland or St. Mary of Lourdes Church in Lincoln. The Mass will begin at 9 a.m.

Parish of the Holy Eucharist, Falmouth

Fr. Steven Cartwright will celebrate the Great Vigil of Pentecost on Saturday, May 27, at 4 p.m. with a special extended Mass at 4 p.m. at Sacred Heart Church, located on 326 Main Street. The Mass will be longer than usual to incorporate more readings, psalms, and prayers.

St. Joseph Parish, Ellsworth

An extended Pentecost Vigil Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, May 27, beginning at 4 p.m. The Mass will be longer than usual because it will incorporate Evening Prayer and include more readings, psalms, and prayers. Following the Mass, there will be a potluck supper.