Celebrate Pentecost
Pentecost was a life-changing, transformative event for the Apostles and the followers of Jesus. It made their faith in the Lord real and gave them the power to live a new life in Jesus.
Pentecost Novena
Join us for our annual Pentecost Novena starting Friday evening, May 30, at 7p.m.
At his Ascension, Jesus told his disciples to stay, pray, and wait in Jerusalem for the promised gift of the Holy Spirit. For nine days, the Church prayed with fervent expectation, and on the tenth day, the Holy Spirit was poured out upon them as tongues of fire and a rushing wind. Only with this gift of the Holy Spirit did the Church fully come to life. Join us as we enter into the Upper Room with Mary and the Apostles, praying for the Holy Spirit to be poured out upon us and the Church this Pentecost.
What are we praying for?
Jesus said, “John baptized with water, but in a few days, you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.” (Acts of the Apostles 1:5) In our Pentecost Novena, we are praying for an experience of what Jesus promised: to be baptized in the Holy Spirit.
What is “Baptism in the Holy Spirit”?
Baptism in the Spirit is a life-transforming experience of the love of God the Father, given through the Holy Spirit. It is received through surrender to the Lordship of Jesus Christ, which allows the Holy Spirit to be poured into one’s heart. Baptism in the Spirit brings alive the grace and power of the sacraments of Baptism and Confirmation we have received, and it deepens our communion with God and with fellow Christians. Baptism in the Spirit enkindles evangelistic fervor in us and equips us with spiritual gifts for service and mission to the Church and the world.
What is the flow each night?
Each night lasts one hour and includes:
Eucharistic Adoration and Worship
A teaching on Baptism in the Holy Spirit
Silent Adoration
Recitation of the Chaplet of the Holy Spirit
What is the schedule?
Here's the schedule for each of the nights with the accompanying livestream recording. All nights are held in the PAC except for the final evening, which is outdoors on Larsen Field.
Friday, May 30, 7-8p.m.
Teaching: What is Baptism in the Spirit? (Fr. Erik)
Saturday, May 31, 7-8p.m.
Teaching: “Baptism in the Spirit is a life-transforming experience of the love of God the Father.” (Fr. Erik)
Sunday, June 1, 7-8p.m.
Teaching: “Baptism in the Spirit is received through our surrender to the Lordship of Jesus Christ.” (Seminarian Michael Moore)
Monday, June 2, 8-9p.m. (Please note the delayed start due to our St. John School Graduation Mass!)
Teaching: “Baptism in the Spirit pours the love of God the Father into our hearts through the Holy Spirit.” (Adam Novotny)
Tuesday, June 3, 7-8p.m.
Teaching: “Baptism in the Spirit brings alive in us the grace and power of the sacraments of Baptism and Confirmation we have received." (Seminarian Michael Moore)
Wednesday, June 4, 7-8p.m.
Teaching: “Baptism in the Spirit deepens our communion with God and with fellow Christians.” (Deacon Mike Tine)
Thursday, June 5, 7-8p.m.
Teaching: “Baptism in the Spirit enkindles evangelistic fervor within our hearts.” (Seminarian Michael Moore)
Friday, June 6, 7-8p.m.
Teaching: “Baptism in the Spirit equips us with spiritual gifts for service and mission to the Church and the world.” (Adam Novotny)
Saturday, June 7, 7p.m. Extended Pentecost Vigil Mass on Larsen Field
Tonight, our Novena reaches its culmination as we celebrate the Church's Extended Pentecost Vigil Mass with additional Scripture readings and worship. Our Mass is followed by fellowship (pizza and ice cream) and overnight Eucharistic Adoration on Larsen Field. Join us!
What if I can only make it for a few nights?
That's ok - come and pray whenever you are able!
Special Pentecost Evening of Adoration, Praise & Worship
Please join us Friday, June 6, 7p.m. in the church for this powerful time of prayer!
Pentecost Vigil Morning Walking Pilgrimage
On Saturday, June 7, 4:15—8:30a.m., walk 9.4 miles from St. Mary in Annapolis to St. John! Walk and pray for an outpouring of the Holy Spirit into our hearts, our parishes, and the Archdiocese. Van(s) leave St. John parking lot at 4:15a.m. for St. Mary. At 4:45a.m., pilgrims will depart St. Mary, walk through town, over the bridge and onto the B&A Trail. NOTE: Our pace is three miles per hour to arrive at St. John for 8:30a.m. Mass. Contact Kathy Kirby at adoration@stjohnsp.org to confirm you will either meet us at SJE for a ride, or at St. Mary, Annapolis at 4:30a.m.
Pentecost Vigil Mass and Overnight Adoration
On June 7, on Larsen Field, we will gather for the culmination of our Novena with the celebration of the Extended Pentecost Vigil Mass at 7p.m. After Mass, we will move into a time of fellowship with our parish family as we enjoy a chance to connect and celebrate. The parish will offer pizza and ice cream.
Eucharistic Adoration will continue overnight on Larsen Field until 7a.m. Sunday morning as parishioners continue to intercede, pray, and spend time with Jesus in the quiet of the night.
