As we celebrate Pentecost, we rejoice in a special way as Holy Spirit Catholic Church celebrates our patronal feast. This day is more than a date on the liturgical calendar. It is a reminder of who we are, the mission entrusted to us, and the grace that continues to shape our parish family. Pentecost tells the story of a Church set on fire, disciples transformed by the Spirit, and a community sent forth in faith. That same Holy Spirit continues to guide, strengthen, and inspire us here at Holy Spirit Parish.

In the Acts of the Apostles, after Jesus ascends into heaven, the disciples stand looking upward, uncertain about what will come next. The angels gently ask them, “Why are you standing there looking at the sky?” It is a loving reminder that faith cannot remain passive, nostalgic, or afraid. God is about to do something new. The Holy Spirit is coming, and when the Spirit comes, hearts are renewed, fear gives way to courage, and the Church comes alive.

That same movement continues among us today. We are not called simply to admire the Gospel from a distance or to wait for others to carry out the mission of Christ. The Holy Spirit is already at work in our daily liturgies and ministries, in our families, among our children, youth, adults, and elders, and in our Vietnamese and English-speaking communities as we pray and serve side by side. Pentecost is not only a story from long ago; it is a living reality unfolding here and now.

In Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus sends His disciples from the mountaintop into the world: “Go, therefore, and make disciples.” He does not ask them to remain where life is safe, familiar, or comfortable. He sends them forth with a promise that still strengthens us today: “I am with you always.” Every time we welcome newcomers, teach the faith, serve those in need, celebrate the sacraments, forgive one another, or pray together, we move from simply looking to truly witnessing.

On this patronal feast, I invite each of us to take that same step: from watching to participating, from admiring to proclaiming, from looking to witnessing. Our parish, our families, and our world still need missionary disciples whose lives radiate the love, mercy, and joy of Christ.

May the Holy Spirit continue to renew Holy Spirit Church with courage, unity, and joyful mission.

Come, Holy Spirit,
fill the hearts of your faithful,
kindle in them the fire of your love and renew the face of the earth. Amen.

Fr. Long Nguyen, SVD

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