Three Thoughtful Ways to Celebrate Pentecost

Jasmine Kuzner emphasizes the importance of coming together at Pentecost, and shares three thoughtful ways to celebrate the Solemnity. 

Parish life, at least at my church, has been sputtering back slowly in these years after the pandemic. While I was the first to shout for joy at all the free time without parish activities, I’ll admit there was a hollow growing inside as those days of our liturgical calendar ticked by without parish traditions of togetherness that would usually follow after Mass. It’s a temptation to think that, when it comes to God, our relationship is “me” and “Him.” In reality—as some of us may be witnessing at the First Holy Communions and Confirmations that are often received this time of year—how we know and love God is always a matter of “we” and “Him.”  

Receiving the gift of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost is something that only happens in community:

When the time for Pentecost was fulfilled, they were all in one place together. Acts 2:1

Human aspects of being together can be tiresome, but it is essential to gather to receive the Divine. As Peter reminds us when he recalls the visions of Joel, something beautiful is afoot when the Spirit enlivens a parish into a place where “your young men shall see visions, your old men shall dream dreams” (Acts 2:17). As with any good birthday party, there are gifts to be given and received during Pentecost. It can only happen, however, when a community gathers together.  

The secret to good gift giving is to start with the recipient in mind: How do they spend their day? What makes their hearts light up in joy? What sustains their peace and well-being? Just as Jesus gave the apostles the gifts of the Holy Spirit to strengthen and encourage them, so should we think of our beloved parish homes. When thinking of ways to celebrate Pentecost, here are a few questions to help you determine what gift you will bring to the party: 

How does my parish spend its day?  

What are the ministries that your parish is known for doing well? Conversely, what ministries does your parish need? After thinking about your parish’s charism, ask yourself what you have to give to help your parish do what it does even better. Perhaps you have an expertise and can volunteer your time to a parish council or catechesis program. If your parish has a school, perhaps you could make a financial contribution towards a scholarship for a student in need. Most importantly, make it a daily prayer intention to pray for your parish and your pastor, so that your parish will be able to serve with love all who call it home.     

What gives joy to your parish? 

In the words of Marie Kondo, what sparks joy in your parish? Visual gifts that are a source of pleasure is a good way to go about this idea. Perhaps there is an eye sore on parish property—a neglected garden or forgotten storage area—that you and your family could offer to tidy. Perhaps there is a capital project that you can donate towards. Perhaps you could sign up to be an usher or sacristan and spark joy by keeping a clean and beautiful church. Think about what one encounters when they arrive on parish grounds and what would delight their eyes when they enter, whether they are a first-time visitor or a long-time parishioner.  

What sustains peace and well-being for your parish? 

Sustaining peace and well-being is hard enough to do for oneself, much less a parish. That said, these precious gifts come by the simplest of means: being present and allowing relationships to grow. Isolation is a surefire way to snuff out peace and well-being. If you belong to a parish, be an active parishioner. Get to Mass, yes, but stay after and get to know other families. Reach out to families who might seem new or who you don’t know. Ask permission to organize community Sundays if your parish doesn’t have them and if they do, bring a donation of treats. Strike up a conversation and remember if someone tells you they are carrying a burden or celebrating a joy. Get a Mass card for that person if you can. The best way to sustain a peaceful life is to open up your own and to share it.      

Just as Jesus gave the apostles the gifts of the Holy Spirit to strengthen and encourage them, so should we think of our beloved parish homes. #CatholicMom

The gifts received when we are together are like those from the first Pentecost:

Every day they devoted themselves to meeting together in the temple area and to breaking bread in their homes. They ate their meals with exultation and sincerity of heart, praising God and enjoying favor with all the people. And every day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved. (Acts 2: 46-47)

Life is received when we come together. Moreover, it is celebrated.  

Copyright 2023 Jasmine Kuzner
Images: Canva