Pentecost was a life-changing, transformative event for the Apostles and all 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 - For nine days, the Apostles and the Virgin Mary prayed in the Upper Room, just as Jesus had asked. On the tenth day, the Holy Spirit came upon them in power, as strong driving wind and tongues of fire, bringing the Church to life as the Apostles began fearlessly proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus to all. Please join us for this year’s Upper Room Pentecost Novena from Friday, May 15 to Friday, May 22. We will gather in the church from 7—8p.m. for Eucharistic Adoration, worship, and a short teaching on the Holy Spirit and what it means to be baptized in the Holy Spirit. We will pray for the gifts of the Holy Spirit to be poured out on us and we will experience of the presence and power of the Holy Spirit, who brings to life the graces of our baptism. The Holy Spirit not only sets on fire all that we have already received but comes again in power to equip us with his gifts for service and mission.
The Pentecost Novena will culminate with an outdoor Pentecost Vigil Mass on Saturday, May 23, at 7p.m. on Larsen Field. We will welcome Dcn. Michael Moore back to St. John the Evangelist to preach the homily.
Novena to the Holy Spirit
Begin each day by reciting the following prayer...
O Holy Spirit, Divine Consoler! I adore you as my True God. I bless you by uniting myself to the praises you receive from the angels and saints. I offer you my whole heart, and I render you heartfelt thanks for all the benefits you have bestowed and do unceasingly bestow upon the world. You are the author of all supernatural gifts and who did enrich with immense favors the soul of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God. I beseech you to visit me by your grace and your love, and grant me the favor I so earnestly seek in this novena.
Pause in silence and mention your request...
O Holy Spirit, Spirit of Truth, come into our hearts: shed the brightness of your light on all nations, that they may be of one faith and pleasing to you. Amen.
Then recite the prayer of the appropriate day...
DAY NINE (Saturday)
O Lord, Holy Spirit, grant me sight to see the wondrous promise of divine love; insight to see my own weakness; delight in your divine presence in my soul which you have made your temple through sanctifying grace. I pray, O Holy Spirit, that I may be not doubting; that I be spared the pain of being alone without trust or hope in Christ; that my prayer may always be "My Lord and my God!" I pray that I may acquire a sense of retreat to prayer and recollection at various times in my daily life; for prayer is the bond that joins us to Christ. I pray that I may be aware of the physical needs of the poor and that I may share what I can with them in the charitable works of the Church. I pray, O Holy Spirit, that you will in your mercy grant me the favor I have sought in this novena if it be in accord with your Holy Will.
Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created. And you shall renew the face of the earth. Amen.