from Fr Satheesh
Today we celebrate the great feast of Pentecost. Pentecost Sunday is the last day of the Easter season. Pentecost literally means 50th and we celebrate this feast on the 50th day after the feast of the Resurrection of Jesus. On the day of Pentecost: The Holy Spirit descended upon the apostles and the Blessed Virgin Mary as tongues of fire. Hence, the frightened apostles were transformed into fiery preachers and evangelizers and were given the gift of tongues by a special anointing of the Holy Spirit and they were filled with courage to go out and share the Good News of Jesus with the world.
In this week’s Gospel, the disciples are gathered behind closed doors, filled with fear and uncertainty. They are grieving, confused, and unsure of what lies ahead. Yet into that fear, Jesus comes and stands among them. His first words are simple but powerful: “Peace be with you.” Jesus does not wait for the disciples to be brave or ready; he comes to them in their fear and brings them peace. This reminds us that in our own times of worry, uncertainty, or struggle, Christ comes to us too, offering his peace and presence.
Jesus then sends the disciples on mission: “As the Father sent me, so am I sending you.” The disciples are not called to remain hidden behind locked doors. They are sent out to continue the work of Jesus, to share God’s love, mercy, and forgiveness with the world. In the same way, we are called through our baptism to be disciples who bring Christ to others through our words, actions, and the way we live our faith each day.
The gift of the Holy Spirit is central to this Gospel. Jesus breathes on the disciples and says, “Receive the Holy Spirit.” The Spirit gives them courage, wisdom, and strength to carry out their mission. The same Holy Spirit is alive in the Church today, guiding and strengthening us. As we hear this Gospel, we are invited to open our hearts to the Spirit, to receive Christ’s peace, and to become people who bring forgiveness, hope, and love to those around us.
Thank you for your continued support of the Diocesan Pastoral Works Appeal. We are deeply grateful for every donation you make to this worthy cause and for the generosity that helps support the important work of our Diocese.
We continue to keep in our prayers the children and their families who are preparing to receive their First Holy Communion. We warmly welcome them to the program and to our Masses as they grow in understanding of the importance of the Eucharist in our lives and faith.
You are all welcome to the 40th Anniversary Mass of Thanksgiving for the Diocese of Broken Bay on Thursday 28 May 2026 at the Cathedral at 7.00pm and followed by a light supper at The Light of Christ Centre, end of Yardley Ave, Waitara. This will be our last public gathering with Archbishop Anthony Randazzo. More details are in the bulletin.
As 2026 is an Australian Census year, the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference (ACBC) has expanded the annual Mass Count to include the age and sex of those attending Mass. Therefore, on the weekend of Pentecost, 23–24 May, our parish will also conduct an age-based census during Mass. The celebrant may ask parishioners to raise their hands or stand according to their age group. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.
Have a wonderful week. Please reach out if you need anything.
God Bless
Fr Satheesh Antony OSH PP
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Have a wonderful week.
God bless you all.
Fr Satheesh Antony OSH
