"What the soul is to the human body, the Holy Spirit is to the Body of Christ, the Church. The Holy Spirit is active in the whole Church in the same way that the soul animates all the members of the human body." St. Augustine

This Sunday is Pentecost Sunday. The first reading , from early in the Acts of the Apostles, relates the events of the Apostles gathered, with Mary, in the same upper room in which they celebrated the Last Supper with Jesus.  Consider this - since that celebration their world has been rocked with the events of the Crucifixion and Resurrection of Jesus. They have been in company with Him many times during the 40 days since He rose from the dead and it has been mere days since they witnessed Him ascend into heaven on a cloud. These events would give any one in any age plenty of reason to pause and ponder but their job, their story is just beginning.  Filled with the Holy Spirit, they embark on the great task of spreading the Gospel message of Jesus Christ, the salvation of the world, and building up the Church – the Mystical Body of Christ. The readings during the Easter season, from the Acts of the Apostles, teach us that where the Spirit of God is present all sorts of gifts are active: courage to stand up for one’s beliefs, wisdom to guide one's life, understanding and patience to listen to and counsel others, love for God which governs all thoughts, words, and actions, and the ability to persevere through any suffering in order to obtain the promise of salvation. These are the very same gifts which we receive at our Baptism. As you prepare for Mass this weekend reflect on the practical ways in your own life that you can draw on these gifts of the Holy Spirit in order to build up the Body of Christ.

Calling all children! Come wave a flag...bang a drum during our Pentecost Celebration THIS Sunday June 9th at the 9:30am Family Mass. Arrive by 9:15am at the entrance to the church to get a flag or instrument and join in the Procession to the altar during the Gathering Hymn. Join us after Mass in St. Rita Hall (Lower Church) for coffee, juice and “birthday cake”. Why a birthday cake? Pentecost is considered the birthday of the Christian Church and the start of the Church’s mission to the world. Come celebrate with us!

This year's annual grand parish appeal is underway. St. Augustine Parish's many active ministries are a very visible sign of God's presence in our local community - please consider supporting this annual effort to fill the gap in the offertory so that we may continue to be a vibrant, welcoming parish. Click here for this year's letter and to donate...

For complete information about parish events please read our weekly bulletin or visit our website at  www.staugustineparish.org You have received this email because you are a member of St Augustine Parish and/or you signed up for it. If you no longer wish to receive emails from us, please use the unsubscribe link below.