From the Desk of Fr. Schaller - June 5, 2022

The Solemnity of Pentecost marks the end of the Church’s observance of the Easter Season. This celebration commemorates the coming of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles, the Blessed Mother, and the whole Church. The coming of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost also fulfills God’s revelation of Himself in three divine persons. Though existing eternally, the Father is made known through His creation, the Son in the Incarnation, and now the Holy Spirit is revealed as “the Lord and giver of life, Who proceeds from the Father and the Son” (Nicene Creed). Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, promised to send His Church the Comforter, the Advocate, Who would strengthen and confirm us in our faith. “Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful, and kindle in them the fire of your love!”

The period of time between the Lord’s Ascension into heaven and the descent of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost Sunday has always been observed as a special time of prayer. Scripture tells us that Jesus ascended to heaven 40 days after Easter and Pentecost occurred 50 days after Easter. The Lord instructed His disciples to spend the nine days between those events praying. This is the origin of the Catholic practice of the “novena” (from the Latin word for “nine”.) A novena consists of praying for some particular intention for nine consecutive days. Sometimes this is expressed in prayers or practices which are observed over nine weeks or nine months (such as the custom of attending Mass for nine consecutive First Fridays). It’s just another example of one of the those “Catholic things” that we didn’t just make up, but comes from the scriptures and the practice of the early Church.

Our parish’s fiscal year ends June 30, 2022. Although finances are not my first responsibility (nor my strongest trait!), they are a necessary burden for a pastor. As your pastor I wish to thank you for your financial support of our parish, and remind you of our continuing needs. After your support of our parish through the regular Sunday envelope or offering, the best way to benefit SSPP is a gift to the Diocesan Annual Appeal. Since we have met our target, every additional dollar given to the DAA is returned to us 100% (with NO deductions or assessments). May God bless you for your generosity, as your gifts are a blessing to our parish!

May God bless you!
Fr. Schaller 

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