Padre’s Points to Ponder – 5/22/26
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
This weekend, the Church throughout the world celebrates the great feast of Pentecost, the day when the Holy Spirit descended upon the Apostles like tongues of fire and transformed frightened disciples into bold witnesses of the Gospel. Pentecost is often called the “birthday of the Church,” because it marks the beginning of the Church’s public mission to proclaim Jesus Christ to every nation and people.
The Church lives because the Holy Spirit lives within her. The same Spirit who strengthened Peter to preach, who empowered the martyrs to suffer joyfully, and who inspired the saints to lives of heroic holiness continues to guide and renew the Church today.
We see that same work of the Holy Spirit unfolding beautifully in our own parish and archdiocese during this season of ordinations and new vocations.
This weekend, we rejoice in the ordination of Deacon Will Whitlow to the Sacred Order of Deacons. The diaconate is more than a stepping stone toward the priesthood; it is a profound sacramental calling of service, a life configured to Christ the Servant. We give thanks for Deacon Will’s generous “yes” to the Lord and pray that the Holy Spirit will strengthen him in charity, humility, and joyful service to God’s family.
At the same time, we eagerly anticipate the upcoming priestly ordinations of Deacons Sean Lee and Eric Baylot, who will soon become spiritual Fathers. What a tremendous blessing for the Church! Every priestly ordination is a reminder that Christ continues to provide shepherds for His flock. In a world so often marked by confusion, isolation, and spiritual hunger, the priest stands as a living sign that God has not abandoned His people. Through the priesthood, Christ continues to preach, forgive sins, anoint the sick, and nourish souls with His very Body and Blood.
Please keep these men especially in your prayers during these sacred days. The enemy never stops discouraging vocations, and the Church must never stop encouraging them. One of the greatest responsibilities of a parish is to foster a culture in which young people are unafraid to ask, “Lord, what are You calling me to do with my life?”
That is why we are also delighted to welcome two seminarians who will be with us this summer: Thau Van Duong and the newly ordained Deacon Chrystian Bis. We are grateful for their presence among us and look forward to accompanying them during this important season of formation and ministry. I encourage you to get to know them, pray for them, and support them generously. Vocations do not grow in isolation; they flourish within faithful, joyful, prayerful parish communities.
Pentecost reminds us that the Holy Spirit is not finished with the Church. The fire first poured out in Jerusalem still burns today. It burns in the sacraments. It burns in the lives of the saints. It burns in the hearts of those courageous enough to answer God’s call.
May we pray this week with renewed fervor:
“Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of Your faithful, and kindle in them the fire of Your love.”
Praised be Jesus Christ, now and forever!
All you holy saints of God, pray for us!
Peace in Christ,
Fr. Michael Silloway
Pastor