The Advent of the Holy Spirit
Immigrant & Refugee
Ministry Coordinator
~ These last weeks of the Easter season provide us with a second Advent–a time of hope-filled waiting. This time, instead of anticipating the birth of Christ into the world, we await the birth of the Holy Spirit in and through us. Just as the birth of Jesus split history into all that was before and all that followed, so too does the coming of the Holy Spirit proclaim a new epoch. We are now living in the era of Spirit-filled action when we are the hands that offer Christ’s healing and comfort; we are the voice of God’s hope and peace; and we are the feet that carry the Good News that Love wins everywhere we go. Are we ready for this? What are we doing to prepare?
In the midst of troubling times, it is good for us to take a moment to wait, to listen, and to discern how the Holy Spirit is present with us and is guiding us. We prepare our hearts, and the Holy Spirit will act with us, in us, and through us when the time is right. There is a group of SMOS parishioners who are doing just that with regards to accompanying our immigrant neighbors. They are striving to listen to the needs, hopes, and desires of our neighbors and to their own in order to discern how best to serve. With faith we await the good things that will come from this hope-filled period of preparation.
On behalf of our immigrant neighbors, I thank you for inspiring hope through your discernment, your service, your donations, and your accompaniment. I encourage you to discern how the Holy Spirit is calling you. I also thank you for your support of the Annual Catholic Appeal and your volunteer efforts that sustain our Immigrant & Refugee Ministry. Thank you for your generosity! Veni Sancte Spiritus! Come, Holy Spirit!
