Pentecost, a call for Catholics to participate in the mission of the Church

The Feast of Pentecost, May 24 this year, marked the end of the Easter season as the Church commemorated the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles, sealing them with the Gifts of the Holy Spirit. Wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord were strengthened in the apostles as they began their ministry, proclaiming the Gospel to the nations.

Confirmandi at Holy Name parish in Ketchikan pose with Archbishop Andrew Bellisario, C.M. (Courtesy of Amanda Dulay)

This act by God to confirm the apostles is the very same Confirmation received by so many in the Church annually. It increases sanctifying grace in the souls of the recipients and prepares them to continue the mission of the Church. 

OCIA candidates at Our Lady of the Lake parish in Big Lake prepare to receive the sacraments of initiation. (Courtesy of Carol Hepler)

In the Archdiocese of Anchorage-Juneau, this sacrament of initiation was received by over 900 this year. Over 200 received the sacrament at Easter Vigil through the Order of the Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) and the Christian Initiation of Children (OCIC), and over 600 young men and women received the sacrament as part of their faith formation. 

Six Lumen Christi students entered the Church on Easter Vigil. They were prepared by teachers Lea Bouton and Doug Berry. (Courtesy of Lumen Christi High School)

God bestows the members of the Church with His graces to carry out the mission of the Church, to proclaim the Gospel, to live out the Christian life, and to perform the corporal and spiritual works of mercy. It is a call to actively engage in sharing the Catholic faith and serve our communities in Alaska. This is done in many ways, by active participation at a local parish to volunteering at a Catholic ministry such as Catholic Social Services, Catholic Community Service, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, and other Catholic ministries. Please reach out to your local parish pastor to find out how you can support the mission of the Church.

Confirmandi listen to Archbishop Andrew Bellisario, C.M.’s homily at one of the Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe Masses in Anchorage. (Levi Livengood / North Star Catholic)