Celebrate Pentecost
Fifty days have passed since Easter and now it is time to celebrate the Feast of Pentecost, the beginning and birthday of the Church. After Jesus ascended to Heaven, the Holy Spirit descended upon the disciples, just as was promised.
This celebration finds its rooted in the Acts of the Apostles, specifically in Acts 2:1-12, where the early disciples encountered the fulfillment of the Holy Spirit. Acts further mentions, “While staying with them, he instructed them not to leave Jerusalem, but to await the Father's promise. ‘This,’ he said, ‘is what you have heard from me; for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now’” (Acts 1:4-5).
When the Holy Spirit descended upon the Apostles, they were granted the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Those gifts helped them to fulfill their mission to preach the Gospel to all nations. For us, too, those gifts help us to live a Christian life.
The seven gifts of the Holy Spirit are:
Wisdom
Understanding
Counsel
Fortitude
Knowledge
Piety
Fear of the Lord
The Third Person of the Holy Trinity is referred to by various names, with one being Paraclete. Paraclete signifies educator, intercessor, teacher, helper, and comforter. These titles illustrate the Holy Spirit's presence in the Church and among God's people, serving to remind us of Jesus' teachings. The Holy Spirit empowers all deeds. Alongside the entire Church over the centuries, it is fitting to pray, “Come, Holy Spirit. Come!”
Ideas for your Church of the Home:
Wear red: Red is the color of Pentecost, symbolizing the Holy Spirit’s arrival with tongues of fire. Go through your closets and find red clothes to wear to church on Pentecost Sunday to join in the celebration!
Tell the story: Read together the story of Pentecost in Acts 2. Imagine the scene. Ask each family member what they will try to remember from the story.
Reflect Together: Peter was concerned that some people misunderstood the disciples’ faith and the work of the Holy Spirit. If you were Peter today, what would you want to say to help others understand what it means to follow Jesus?
Bake together: Make a cake to celebrate the birth of the church. Red icing and candles serve as great reminders of the Spirit coming as individual flames and resting on each of the disciples.
Enjoy the wind: Make and fly a kite. Blow bubbles and watch the wind carry them away. Play with pinwheels. Talk about all the wind does, even though you cannot see it.
Balloons: Use balloons to celebrate. Some balloons rise, while others do not. The difference is the air inside. Helium is invisible, but we can see its effects on the balloon.
Learn the story of your church: Talk to an older member of Res or research the history of our parish family. Ask members what the church was like when they began attending. Share your own memories of church and people who have been important in helping you grow in faith.
Make decorations: Make a banner, draw some pictures, or find another way to express the day artistically. Post your creations around your home as reminders of the gift of the Holy Spirit and the church.
May is Mental Health Awareness Month
The percentage of U.S. adults diagnosed with depression has increased by nearly 10% since 2015, reaching 29% as per a 2023 Gallup poll. Additionally, data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicates that almost half of U.S. teens mention enduring feelings of sadness and hopelessness.
Established in 1949, Mental Health Awareness Month aims to raise awareness about the significance of mental health and well-being in the lives of Americans and to commemorate the journey of recovery from mental illness.
The stigma attached to mental illness forces many to hide the severity of their symptoms or those of a loved one. Stigma is the single greatest barrier to people getting effective treatment. We are called to help fight the stigma by learning the signs of mental illness and reaching out to those living with the illness.
Join us for Mass this weekend in person at 4:00 PM on Saturday, 8:30 or 10:30 AM on Sunday, on www.gbres.org/live, our YouTube channel, and our Facebook page.
READINGS FOR THIS WEEKEND’S MASSES
VIRTUALLY SUNDAY REFLECTION
Despite what we have or what we don't have, looking out for one another is an important quality we are all called to possess. As Pentecost approaches, we are reminded of the Holy Spirit's presence in our lives. We must use our gifts to help those in need and see others as part of our shared humanity. Join Sr. Marla as she reflects on this weekend's scripture.
Families
This Weekend's Bulletin
(click to read)
Parish Lyceum
The Parish Lyceum will feature a variety of topics, guidelines, and relevant information to nurture the PIESS of our lives – physical, intellectual, emotional, spiritual, and social.
Recent Losses in Our Parish Family
May 2024 EPH Partnership Church Update
Annual Celebration Recap
Thank you to everyone who joined us for our annual event on May 6th at St. Norbert College! It was a well-attended evening with our long-standing event space at St. Norbert College filled to capacity. We heard three families share their stories and the role EPH had in the journey, and we recognized this year’s recipients of the Duane Howell Service Award, plus retiring board members and unit coordinators. We look forward to celebrating with you again next year!
Board & Brush Fundraiser for EPH
Join us for an evening of painting and fun while supporting EPH! Board & Brush Creative Studio will donate 20% of the proceeds from the night to EPH. Guests must register at least one day ahead of time through this link: Private Pick Your Project Workshop Fundraiser | 05-30-2024 | Board & Brush - Green Bay (boardandbrush.com) using code 2222. Please contact Crystal DeCleene at crystald@ephgb.org with any questions. We hope you can join us!
Take Me Out to the Ball Game
EPH is the nonprofit of the game at The Rockers stadium at Capital Credit Union Park on Sunday, July 14th at 1:05pm. Gates open at 12:05pm. EPH will receive a generous contribution for being the nonprofit of the game, plus $4 from every $15 sold using this link: Green Bay Rockers Tickets (nwltickets.com). We will also receive 50% of the proceeds from raffle ticket sales with one lucky winner receiving the other 50% of proceeds!
We are seeking volunteers to help sell raffle tickets the day of the game. Please contact Lacy Hansen at lacyh@ephgb.org to sign up.
EPH Wish List
There has been a lot of movement at EPH recently and we could use some help restocking supplies for new families moving into our homes. If you have any gently used items you would like to donate or you wouldn’t mind picking up an item or two next time you’re out shopping, please contact Lacy at 920-544-0258 or lacyh@ephgb.org to arrange a time to drop off donations. Thank you for your generosity!
Ø Twin comforters
Ø Twin sheet sets
Ø Toddler bedding sets
Ø Full or twin mattress pads
Ø Pillows (new only please)
Ø Gift cards: Menards, Walmart, Kwik Trip
Announcements
Ruby and Res
Ruby joins the band! She's just bummed she can't play an instrument.
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