April 5, 2025

Dear Friends, As we’ve recently heard in our scriptures, “REJOICE, I SAY AGAIN, REJOICE”! We have arrived at our Pentecost this Sunday! The word Pentecost comes from the Greek word pentēkostē, which means “fiftieth”. The term was originally tied to Jewish tradition, as the event occurred during the Jewish harvest festival of Shavuot (also called the Feast of Weeks), which was celebrated 50 days after Passover. For ourselves. Pentecost is a major Christian holiday that celebrates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the early followers of Jesus. Celebrated 50 days after Easter, it marks the liturgical end of the Easter season and is widely recognized as the “birthday” of the Christian church. According to the New Testament book of Acts (Chapter 2), the followers of Jesus were gathered in Jerusalem when a violent wind filled the room and “tongues of fire” rested upon each of them. Filled with the Holy Spirit, they began to speak in different languages, enabling them to communicate the Christian message to the diverse crowds visiting the city. I can imagine the excitement and fervor of this sacred moment. This event represent the fulfillment of Jesus’ promise to send an Advocate to guide and empower His followers to spread His messages. You and I are included in the reception of this Advocate, the Holy Spirit of God. You and I are called to receive this Holy Spirit, acknowledge and respond to the Holy Spirit, and, like the first recipients, to share the Christian message of our brother, Jesus Christ, to do the same! It has been an overwhelming Easter for me. I have been so blessed by so many this year. Particularly, by the witness of our sisters and brothers during Holy Week who came into the church. The baptismal waters of our font, and being able to go into those blessed waters with our Elect, will be with me forever. And our other blessed sisters and brothers who fully came into the church, that will be a grace remaining in my heart and soul forever as well. Then to add to my joys, the First Communicants and Confirmands. What a gift of faith they hold that they have shared with me. Yes, I really echo our Sacred texts in wanting to REJOICE, AGAIN and AGAIN! So thank you to all these wonderful individuals who have received the Sacraments of Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation during these days of Easter. I also am grateful to our wonderful Parish Staff, our Faith Formation Leaders, and each of you, parent, God-parent, grandparent, friend, and member of our two fabulous faith communities that have brought us to this moment! God bless each and every one of you! You may have noticed, and I pray you have, many generous stewards have been attending to Saint Catherine of Siena and the Church of the Transfiguration properties. Spring cleanup has been a gift of stewardship from: Phil Alvaro, Lukes Carter, Ben Cutter, Clyde Cutter, Scott Ellis, Kathy & Bob Goldbach, Steve Hellems, Charlene Merrill, Bob Muhlnickel, Leon Rogers, Glenn Stewart, Scott Tubbs, Nancy & Rick Wahl, and Mark Wright. When you see these individuals, please thank them for their gift of stewardship. Easter may be liturgically ending, but Easter is 24/7, 52 weeks a year, and within the faithful for eternity! Rejoice, I say it again Rejoice! Alleluias to all, Father Rob

Dear Friends, Oh…Alleluia, Alleluia and praise the Lord! I am still reveling in a wonderful Easter moment! Please bear with my joy and enthusiasm with the exhilarations of our Easter Vigil, to our recent celebrations of our dear ones for their First Communions. And, of course, the joy of our beautiful young people who were recently confirmed at Sacred Heart Cathedral! This is the best Easter Season I can recall where my heart and soul are so abundant in the love and presence of our Risen Lord! I know our Easter is not just 50 days but year-round, 24/7, 52 weeks a year, every day we are blessed to have a breath of life! Yes, Alleluia! I need and desire to thank once again our wonderful Anne Gallagher, Karen Luke, Pat Gacioch, parents, and all of you out there in our faith community who encourage and prepare our young people for the gifts of faith! You ARE the best and I thank the Lord for each of you! We are nearing the birthday of the church, Pentecost. I have been so blessed to see an early Pentecost in our Easter Vigil, First Communicants, Confirmands, and to all of you who faithfully join me in worship of our Risen Lord week after week! Please, don’t mind me, but as scripture asks, let us REJOICE, I SAY AGAIN, REJOICE! We have so much to rejoice in this Easter time! Love and Joys to you, Father Rob