PENTECOST
The church is missionary because of the Holy Spirit.
Easter and Pentecost are the most solemn feasts of the liturgical year because they acknowledge with great joy the miracle of God’s gift-of-self to us for the sake of our redemption and sanctification.
Easter celebrates our redemption. Pentecost focuses our attention on sanctification, the work that the Holy Spirit carries out within each of us and in the church as a whole. Redemption and sanctification are gifts from God that are necessary for salvation. Without Christ’s death and resurrection, we would be stuck in our sins, prisoners of our sinfulness and the sins of the world. Without sanctifying grace, we would not have the strength to carry on. We know that we need the Holy Spirit’s sevenfold gifts (wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety and fear of the Lord) to sanctify us, make us holy, and sustain us in life’s journey.
Our Lord promised that He would prepare a place for us in Heaven. He sent His Holy Spirit so that we might have the courage and the confidence we need to be faithful to His promise.
In His apostolic exhortation, (the joy of the Gospel), Pope Francis argues passionately for a renewed missio-
nary spirit in the church. In his final chapter, the Pope exclaims: “How I long for the right words to stir up enthusiasm for a new chapter of evangelization full of fervor, joy, generosity, courage, boundless love and attraction! Yet I realize that no words of encouragement will be enough unless the fire of the Holy Spirit burns in our hearts.” The Pope challenges us no matter who we are, to be “spirit—filled evangelizers,” missionary disciples of Jesus Christ whose hearts are on fire. We are called to be missionary disciples, “who are willing to move beyond our comfort zones to proclaim the good news and serve others. The message of Jesus is clear, “Go therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.”(Mt 28:19-20). This great commission belongs to each of us and to the whole church.
Because of the Holy Spirit, each baptized Christian, and the entire community of faith, can be missionaries for Christ. We can fulfill the mission given to us by our Lord because of the sanctifying grace poured into our souls by the Holy Spirit at baptism and confirmation.
This same sanctifying grace is renewed and strengthened each time we receive the sacrament of penance and the Holy Eucharist. The church is missionary by her very nature, and so are we. Let’s pray that we will be open to the gifts the Spirit brings to each of us so that we can be courageous in carrying out Christ’s mission.
GOLF TOURNAMENT
The Men’s Society is hosting the 23rd annual golf tournament June 22, 2014 honoring John Nassif. Entry fee is $100 per golfer, $400 per foursome. Early registration and payment prior to the day of the event is greatly appreciated. Contact Mike Rask with any questions: mrask@charter.net or (314) 561-1977
HAPPY FATHER’S DAY
As we celebrate Father’s Day on June 15th, we extend our love and prayers to all the fathers of our parish. May the Lord God, through the intercession of St. Joseph, Patron of all families, bless you and sanctify your vocation of fatherhood and grant you health, peace, and joy to guide your children and lead them on the path of faith and salvation.
Be assured of our prayers for you. “As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on the faithful.” (Psalm 103)
“When a man walks in integrity and justice, happy are his children after him.” (Proverbs 20:7)
JOURNEY TO HEAVEN
Join us for a “mini-retreat” presented by Father Gary George Friday, June 20th from 6:00 pm-9:30 pm and Saturday, June 21st from 9:00 am-5:00 pm at the Maronite Heritage Institute. The retreat will conclude with the 5 pm Liturgy at the Cathedral. The cost is $20 per person which includes snacks and lunch. Checks should be made payable to St. Raymond Cathedral and mailed to 931 Lebanon Dr. St. Louis, MO 63104.
Please contact Joan Rask at joanrask@sbcglobal.net or call 636-575-3430. Flyers available in the vestibule.
ST. RAYMOND’S ANNUAL FESTIVAL
Our first meeting for the festival will be held Tuesday, June 10th at 7 pm in the Lebanon Room. All are welcome and encouraged to attend! Many hands make light work. The festival will take place on September 20 & 21, 2014.
SHRINE OF OUR LADY OF LEBANON
Those who are attending the Shrine on August 12-16th are asked to make their first payment of $75.00 for the bus by June 8th and give to Roxie (check should be made payable to St. Raymond’s Cathedral). Final payment of $75.00 is due no later than July 20th. Due to the bus contract, NO REFUNDS can be given—only in an emergency. Now is the time to confirm your reservation. Let Roxie know if you will be rooming with someone or rooming by yourself. Call Roxie at 314-277-0452 or email at roxierask@yahoo.com.
Congratulations to all the recent graduates! May God bless you on your upcoming journey!
LADIES SOCIETY
The Ladies society will be making aprons for the parish festival on Thursday June 12th at 6:30 in the Lebanon room. All are welcome to help cut, iron, sew, etc. If you have questions, please contact Denise Seifert at 636-464-4715 or goofyoflay@sbc.global.net. You will need to bring : material donations are needed along with thread, 2 coordinating prints (45-60 width) - 1 yd each, portable sewing machines, irons, cutting boards, sewing notions (pins, scissors, etc.)
