Sunday, May 16th - Ascension of the Lord
CHEERS! - A MESSAGE FROM THE PASTOR
Cheers!
This weekend we celebrate the feast of the Ascension of our Lord into heaven; it is the last of the phases of the Paschal Mystery! These are the Passion, Death, Resurrection and Ascension of Jesus Christ. Although it is clearly stated — many times — in the New Testament that Jesus spent 40 days with his disciples after he rose from the dead and 40 days after Easter (which according to the New Testament occurred on “the first day of the week” — a Sunday) would be a Thursday, many dioceses around the world have transferred the liturgical celebration to the following Sunday so as to allow more people to share in the joy and majesty of Jesus’ triumphal return to his Father in heaven.
As awesome as Jesus ascent into heaven must have been to those who witnessed it, namely his apostles and disciples, it was also a “reality check” for those same individuals: now the spreading of the Gospel was their challenge and responsibility! And, of course, they did it right: that’s why we are believers today — 2,000 years later! Now the task is ours: we must spread the Gospel by the witness of our lives — our words and actions proclaiming “loud and clear” that Jesus, risen from the dead and ascended into heaven, has conquered sin and death and has promised us resurrection and eternal life! Alleluia!
This weekend marks the last of our special celebrations of the Easter Sacraments — Baptisms, First Communions and Confirmations. We welcome those who entered the Catholic Church through the RCIA process and those children, teens and adults who received Communion for the first time and/or were confirmed with the power of the Holy Spirit. We welcome our confirming Bishops —George Leo Thomas, the current Bishop of the Diocese of Las Vegas and Joseph Pepe, bishop emeritus.
Next week, the feast of Pentecost, is our parish feast day. Be part of the “liturgical environment” by wearing something red! Prepare for Pentecost by praying the 7-day devotion listed just below this column.
Have a good week! God bless you!
Fr. Bill
DEVOTION TO THE HOLY SPIRIT
Sunday, May 23rd is the Feast of Pentecost, our Parish Feast Day, and the end of the Easter Season. In preparation for celebrating this wonderful feast, you are encouraged to use the following prayer beginning on Sunday, May 16th and continuing to Saturday, May 22nd. Each day of this Devotion to the Holy Spirit focuses on one of the seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit. Each day there is a prayer that is centered on a specific gift, followed by an Our Father, a Hail Mary, and a Glory be as well as a invitation for the Holy Spirit into our lives. Let's celebrate the Holy Spirit and open ourselves up to the amazing power of the Holy Spirit working in our lives and in our parish! Veni Sancte Spiritus...Come Holy Spirit!
NEWS FROM THE PARISH
We are delighted that there is no need any more to sign-up, in order to attend Mass at Holy Spirit!
Just show up!
No temperatures will be taken, no checking your name off a pre-registration list, no taking your name at all, no tracing, no reserved pews.
BUT these things are still required:
- You MUST continue to wear a mask inside the church building -- throughout the entire Mass, especially when in front of the Communion Minister.
- You MUST maintain a three-foot distance between you and others that are not with you.
We will continue to live-stream our 4pm Mass for those who wish to continue watching Mass at home on YouTube/Holy Spirit Las Vegas; or through Facebook/HolySpiritRCLasVegas.
Do you need a prayer? Would you like to pray for someone? You can reply directly to this email (which will create a private comment) or click the 'Reply' button to leave a public comment.
We are united to one another through our prayer. We are praying for you. You are not alone.
TREASURED VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL CAMP
REGISTRATION IS OPEN!
Interested in participating (Kindergarten-5th Grade) or volunteering (middle school, high school and adults)?
Register using the link!
Looking for some adventure for your kids, age 5 -11 this summer?
How about taking an epic quest through hidden ruins, ancient caves, and dense jungle?
At Treasured VBS, children will dig into action-packed, faith-filled adventures.
They’ll discover God’s greatest treasure isn’t diamonds, gems, or gold – it's them!
Every morning, Monday - Friday
How about taking an epic quest through hidden ruins, ancient caves, and dense jungle?
At Treasured VBS, children will dig into action-packed, faith-filled adventures.
They’ll discover God’s greatest treasure isn’t diamonds, gems, or gold – it's them!
Every morning, Monday - Friday
9am - 12.15pm
Week 1: July 12-16 (SOLD OUT)
OR
MOMENT OF THE WEEK
Beginning with Easter Sunday, and throughout the 7 weeks of the Easter season, our Church environment has been blessed with the presence of a variety of flowers, plants and trees. As we transition from Ascension Sunday to Pentecost, and eventually to Ordinary Time, these flowers will be replaced by different environment. Each year, our environment team takes special time to choose the flowers, arrange them on the altar, and care for them throughout the Easter season. They have truly been a blessing in our worship space and have enhanced our celebration of Easter. While we all hate to see them go, we look forward to the flowers of Easter next Spring!
YOUR OPINION MATTERS
As we approach 100 degree temperatures, what do you do to endure the heat in Las Vegas throughout the summer months?
Stay close to water (pool or lake)
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Stay inside air conditioned places
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Do anything outside in the morning or evenings
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Go to Mt. Charleston
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Go to another state
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Eat lots of ice cream
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Drink plenty of cocktails/beer
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Drink plenty of water
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Feel free to add your opinions, feedback, and suggestions in the comments section. Last weeks #1 Answer to the question, 'What do you typically pray for the most' "My Family & Friends"
GOSPEL REFLECTION QUESTIONS
Read the Readings from this Sunday, Ascension of the Lord
Acts 1:1-11; Psalm 47:2-3, 6-7, 8-9; Ephesians 1:17-23; Mark 16:15-20
Use the following discussion/reflection questions in your families, with your spouse, your friends, or even as personal journal questions:
1. Why is it important to share the Gospel? Do you consider this your mission as a follower of Christ? Why or why not?
2. Think of a time you shared the Gospel with someone? What was that experience like? Would you consider it a positive or negative experience? Why?
3. Have you had an opportunity to share the Good News and decided not to take it? Why did you make that choice?
4. What holds you back from sharing the Gospel with those around you? How can you overcome these obstacles?
WEEKLY WORSHIP
As we get closer to the feast of Pentecost (our Parish Feast Day), the next few weeks will be devoted to songs about the Holy Spirit. May you find the time to pray through them.
Spirit of the Living God, Spirit of the Living God we only wanna hear your voice, we're hanging on every word. Spirit of the Living God, Spirit of the Living God we wanna know you more and more, we're hanging on every word Speak to us.
Spirit of the Living God, Spirit of the Living God we're leaning into all you are everything else can wait. Spirit of the Living God, Spirit of the Living God come now and breathe upon our hearts, come now and have your way
'Cause when You speak, when You move when you do what only You can do It changes us, it changes what we see and what we seek. When You come in the room when You do what only You can do It changes us, it changes what we see and what we seek. You're changing everything
Spirit of the Living God, Spirit of the Living God Come now and breathe upon our hearts Come now and have your way. When you speak, and when you move When you do what only you can do It changes us, it changes What we see and what we seek
ANGEL TREE 2020
November 28th - December 13th
This year’s Angel Tree project will be a little different. As you are aware several things are different from prior years: We are practicing social distancing and many schools have not reopened. Many families are without jobs through no fault of their own. The agencies are at a disadvantage since they must use fewer volunteers to assist in their Christmas gift giving programs. We are limited in space for storage and the number of volunteers we can use at one time. Therefore, we are asking everyone to try something new this year…
After all the Masses on the weekend of November 21st & 22nd, volunteers will be handing out a special Angel tag as you leave Mass. Please consider taking one or two to help a child in need this Christmas. If you are unable to attend Mass and watch virtually, we have inserted an Angel tag in the bulletin that you can print, cut out and attach to your stocking. We will also leave some Angels in a basket in the gathering space of the church if you attend morning Mass during the week.
Here is what we are asking:
Please purchase a 16”-18” Christmas stocking and a Target, Walmart, Visa, etc. gift card (minimum $25). Please be sure to write the amount of your gift card somewhere on the card. You may choose the age and gender (newborn - teenagers) of your Angel just be sure to write that information on the back of the Angel. Put the gift card in the stocking and fill the rest of the stocking with little fun items you think your Angel would enjoy receiving. For many children this might be the only gift they will receive this year. After you have purchased the items and filled your stocking attach your Angel tag to the stocking and follow the directions on the back of the Angel tag. It is important that you give your stocking to one of the volunteers either on Wednesdays or on the weekend before all the Masses.
If you are unable to shop or would like us to shop for you, please put your donation (checks payable to Holy Spirit) in an envelope and label it “Angel Tree”. You can also go online to our website www.holyspiritlv.org, go to “Give On Line” and select “Angel Tree. Donations in the Poor Box will also assist with this project.
Thank you for rising to this new challenge and making this Christmas special for many deserving children. God bless you!
OUR COMMUNITY
Below is information about Holy Spirit! Access the information by clicking on the links below. If, for any reason, you cannot find what you are looking for, please call our office 702-459-7778
OUR MINISTRIES
Below is information about some of our ministries and groups at Holy Spirit. Access this information by clicking on the links below. For additional information, please call our office 702-459-7778
GIFTS OF THE SPIRIT
New Easter and Spring decor plus First Communion masks, and lots of Confirmation and First Communion Gifts. Stop by to check it out!
Gift Shop Hours:
Open after all weekend liturgies and
Monday - Friday 8am - 12pm & 1pm - 4pm
Saturdays 8am -12pm
Saturdays 8am -12pm
WAYS TO GIVE
IN PERSON: Drop it off at the office or Use the kiosk in the lobby of the Church
AT MASS: Put it in the collection basket at the altar steps when you attend Mass
MAIL: Send it through the mail (5830 Mesa Park Drive, LV, NV 89135)
ONLINE: Use our on-line e-tithing system (www.holyspiritlv.org); click “On-line Giving”
BY PHONE: Text "Assist" to (702)500-1938
Thank you for your generosity to Your parish!
"I will ask the Father and he will give you another intercessor to be with you forever, the Spirit of truth...He will remain with you and be in you"
John 14:16-17