A Word from Your Pastor - February 23

Dear Parishioners:

This weekend we are happy to welcome Bishop Frederick Campbell to St. Timothy for the Sacrament of Confirmation for our 8^th Graders.  Through the imposition of hands and the anointing with the Sacred Chrism, the Gift of the Holy Spirit is imparted to our young people as part of their initiation into the Life of Faith.  As fully initiated members of the Catholic Church, they are called to minister in the Church and in the world.  The Holy Spirit gives them a new strength for their service and empowers them to witness to the truth of the Gospel in the world.

The reception of Confirmation by our youth offers an opportunity to be reminded of who we are as Christians and of our responsibility in Christ.  Have you put into practice the promise of your own confirmation?

The Spirit comes to us bringing the best gifts God has to offer.  Wisdom, Understanding, Counsel, Knowledge, Fortitude (Courage), Piety (Reverence), and Fear of the Lord (Wonder and Awe in God’s Presence) are indwelling capacities that free us to give ourselves to God.  Faith, Hope and Love are increased because of the indwelling Presence of the Holy Spirit in our hearts.  We are equipped for ministry and witness.  God gives us all we need to be signs of His Love and His Presence in the world.

How do you respond to the Presence of the Spirit in your life?  The simplest prayer to acknowledge your desire for the help of the Spirit is “Come, Holy Spirit.”  The invitation given to the Spirit with this simple prayer is to lead you along the path that God wills for you.  The Spirit is an Advocate, a Companion, a Spring of Love that opens us to an experience of Life in relationship to God, a foretaste and promise of what is yet to be.

Spirit of wisdom and understanding, 

enlighten our minds to perceive

the mysteries of the universe in relation to eternity.

Spirit of right judgment and courage,

guide us and make us firm

in our baptismal decision to follow Jesus' way of love.

Spirit of knowledge and reverence,

help us to see the lasting value of justice and mercy

in our everyday dealings with one another.

May we respect life as we work to solve problems

of family and nation, economy and ecology.

Spirit of God,

spark our faith, hope and love into new action each day.
Fill our lives with wonder and awe in your presence

which penetrates all creation.
Amen.

Pray for our those to be confirmed and that our Parish Family may be renewed by the Spirit as we seek to follow the voice of the Good Shepherd.