From our pastor, Father Neil Herlihy
This Sunday we celebrate the great feast of Pentecost. On this day, six of our children with special needs will receive the Sacrament of Confirmation. These children have been nurtured and taught by loving and generous parents, teachers, and parish coordinators and staff. They have been baptized and continue on the path of Christian initiation through the sacrament of Confirmation. These children will be sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit. Our Church teaches that the giving of the Holy Spirit conforms them more perfectly into Christ and strengthens them so that they may bear witness to Christ for building up of his body in faith and love.
On this day, we also see the fulfillment of the promise of Jesus to send the Holy Spirit upon his Apostles. And as we know, the Holy Spirit will transform the lives of these Apostles. These frightened men who abandoned Jesus at his Passion will be transformed into bold disciples who clearly show that they not only understand the teaching of Jesus but also are willing to put his teaching into practice. They will endure persecution, suffering, ridicule, and other forms of trial as they preach his Good News. They will heed the call of Jesus to go forth and make disciples of all nations.
This call of Jesus to “Go and Make Disciples” is the theme of the 2014 Eucharistic Congress which is sponsored by the Archdiocese of Atlanta and which will take place on Friday, June 20, and Saturday June 21 at the Georgia International Convention Center in College Park. As indicated previously, at the Congress we acknowledge the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist, and we reaffirm his presence by going forth as witnesses of his gospel message to the world around us.
Deacon Dennis Dorner, the coordinator of the Congress, stated “The Congress is a way for Catholics to gather in community and share the joy and power of Jesus’ Real Presence. If you have never experienced it, words are hard to come with to describe the energy.” Another long time attendee at the Congress stated “We have a great line-up of speakers, and it is a great way to hear many wonderful Catholics talk about their faith, and our role in the world today.” “It is a wonderful day for the entire family since we have tracks for just about everyone. It is like an all-day retreat, and I always come away feeling renewed and refreshed in my faith.”
Admission to the Congress in free, and concessions will be available at the event. Parking is available but limited. As in past years, a shuttle bus will be provided to and from Saint Brigid on Saturday for those in need of transportation. Scheduled arrival and departure times will be posted on the website.
Please keep the children to be confirmed and those who will attend the Congress in your prayers.