PENTECOST SUNDAY – May 28, 2023

RESPONSORIAL PSALM: Lord, send out your Spirit, and renew the face of the earth.

TODAY’S MASS INTENTION: István Prófusz, by Jolán Prófusz

MASS SCHEDULE & INTENTIONS FOR THE COMING WEEK:

FROM THE DESK OF FR. BONA: After Easter Sunday, Christmas is the second-greatest feast in the Christian liturgical calendar, but Pentecost Sunday is not far behind. Coming 50 days after Easter and ten days after the Ascension of Our Lord, Pentecost marks the descent of the Holy Spirit on the apostles. For that reason, it is often called “the birthday of the Church.”

Typically, priests will wear red vestments on Pentecost, symbolic of the burning fire of God’s love and the tongues of fire that descended on the apostles. However, in some parts of the world, Pentecost is also referred to as “WhitSunday,” or White Sunday, referring to the white vestments that are typically worn in Britain and Ireland. The white is symbolic of the dove of the Holy Spirit, and typical of the vestments that catechumens desiring baptism wear on that day. An Italian Pentecost tradition is to scatter rose leaves from the ceiling of the churches to recall the miracle of the fiery tongues, and so in some places in Italy, Pentecost is sometimes called Pascha Rosatum (Easter roses). In France, it is tradition to blow trumpets during Mass to recall the sound of the driving wind of the Holy Spirit. In Asia, it is typical to have an extra service, called genuflexion, during which long poems and prayers are recited. In Russia, Mass-goers often carry flowers or green branches during Pentecost services.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church (#683) teaches that “knowledge of faith is possible only in the Holy Spirit: to be in touch with Christ, we must first have been touched by the Holy Spirit. He comes to meet us and kindle faith in us.” How do we get in touch with Him? The Catechism (#688) spells out the workings of the Holy Spirit. We know the Holy Spirit…

—in the Scriptures he inspired;

—in the Tradition, to which the Church Fathers are always timely witnesses;

—in the Church’s Magisterium, which he assists;

—in the sacramental liturgy, through its words and symbols, in which the Holy Spirit puts us into communion with Christ;

—in prayer, wherein he intercedes for us;

—in the charisms and ministries by which the Church is built up;

—in the signs of apostolic and missionary life;

—in the witness of saints through whom he manifests his holiness and continues the work of salvation.

VOLUNTEER HELP NEEDED to help keep the church grounds (gardens and potted plants) fresh and beautiful. You may sign up in the back vestibule of the church. For more information, see Mary Hill or Kathy Beroisa.

THE 2023 CATHOLIC CHARITIES FOLLOW-UP APPEAL will take place next weekend in our parish. Please refer to the insert in this week’s bulletin, which includes our parish’s goal and an overview of the importance of Catholic Charities in our communities. This year’s follow-up Appeal is designated for the Sanctity of life and has a $100,000 MATCHING GIFT. All matching gift funds, along with the $100k itself, will be directed toward Catholic Charities ministries and services that support, endorse, and promote the Sanctity of Life, such as their partnership with Zelie’s Home. Your generous support will transform the lives of others to offer dignity, possibilities, and companionship to those who are most vulnerable.

JUNE: THE MONTH OF THE SACRED HEART OF JESUS: Jesus’ pierced Heart on the cross is a sign of our Redeemer’s love for us. When we honor the Heart of Jesus, we focus on our love for the Heavenly Father and on His love for us.

JUNE 25 – BENEFIT CHICKEN PAPRIKAS AT ST. EMERIC CHURCH HALL: On this day we will hold a benefit dinner. The lunch begins at 12:45 p.m. More details next week.

LAST WEEKEND’S COLLECTION: May 7: Sunday Collection: $1,934; special donation: $220. May 14: Sunday Collection: $1,355. May 21: Sunday Collection: $952. May God reward your generosity in supporting the church. Thank you for sending in your donations by mail or using our website https://stemeric.com/donations/.

PLEASE PRAY FOR THE SICK, especially for Bev Kimar, Rose Dudevszky, Teréz Kalász, Lajos Boday, Julius Skerlan, Márta Takács, Zsuzsanna Hunyadi, Albert Kovács, Viola Kocskár.

PLEASE PRAY FOR THE DECEASED, especially for those who gave their lives for their country, Hungary or the USA.

THIS SUNDAY the 11:15 AM Mass from St. Emeric church will be livestreamed at https://www.facebook.com/saintemeric/ and https://stemeric.com/

LET US PRAY THREE HAIL MARYS FOR OUR PARISH EVERY DAY!

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