Preparing for Mass on Pentecost Feast Day

On the day of Pentecost, when the seven weeks of Easter had come to an end, Christ’s Passover was fulfilled in the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, manifested, given and communicated as a divine person.

Pentecost Sunday—the feast of the founding of the Christian Church. The Advocate promised by Christ enters the believing community to guide and protect it until the second coming.

Apart from being a very beautiful feast, the day of Pentecost is a celebration of God’s hand guiding the Christian community through the trials and decisions that are presented to it” (Irish Times, June 10, 2000).

This ritual is offered for families to prepare for the great High Feast of Pentecost. Pentecost is the celebration of the birth of the Christian Church, the celebration of our identity as Christian people on mission. It is the celebration of our empowerment from on high, the fulfilment of the promise of Jesus: “If you love me, keep my commands. 16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever— 17 the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be[a] in you” (Jn 14: 15–17).

Ritual for Mass preparation

1. Each family must choose a day that is most convenient to them during the week for them to spend a little time together in prayerful preparation before the Feast of Pentecost.
2. Once assembled at the place of family prayer, a song to the Holy Spirit Come Holy Spirit I need thee, or any other suitable song can be sung.
3. The father/mother/elder makes the Sign of the Cross. All follow.
4. Mother/aunt/granny/older sister, lights the candle at the family prayer table/shelf with these or similar words: Holy Spirit, Lord of light, enlighten this family as we prepare our hearts to receive you on your Holy Feast. Amen.
5. A short prayer by the leader/father/guardian to open the time of prayer and reflection. Example of opening prayer: Oh Holy Spirit, bond of God’s love, Promise of Jesus to His disciples. Lead and guide us in this time of prayer and reflection. Draw our hearts to you. Command us in your ways and inspire us to pray in a manner that pleases the Father. Amen.
6. All sit in silence for a minute. Then the gospel reading for the coming Sunday is read clearly and, in a manner, that all can hear.
7. After the gospel is read, all must stay still for a short period.
8. The gospel is read a second time. Each person must listen, within their heart for a word or a phrase from the text that somehow touches them or remains or holds their attention.
9. Another moment of silence is observed with that word or phrase in their minds
10. A prayer is now said: “Lord, speak to us your family”. Someone now reads the gospel a third time and allow the Lord to speak within their hearts.

Whoever leads the ritual then asks each person to share one minute of what they heard the Lord saying to them.

After everyone has shared, the leader then asks a few questions for each member to spend some time reflecting (three minutes per question):

• In what ways is the Holy Spirit at work within our family?
• What is He saying we have done or should do for each other?
• Is there anyone within the family in need of comforting or counselling?
• Is our family being faithful to our mission? Do we need the empowerment of the Holy Spirit to be bold, courageous, and generous?

The leader then opens a moment of discussion based on these questions.

Each member is then asked to prepare at least three intentions which they will offer at the Mass the coming Sunday. (It can be either offered at the time of intercession or offered during the Mass intentions in the silence of your heart)

The ritual ends with a closing prayer in these or similar words:

Oh Holy Spirit, Lord of Light. Thank you for gathering us together and thank you for your word, guidance, and gifts which we have received.

Continue to let your radiance shine within us that others may see and be drawn to your Holiness.

Prepare us in mind and heart to be filled and empowered with all that is necessary to do the will of the Father.

In Jesus’s name we pray. Amen.

The Archdiocese of Port of Spain will celebrate a Vigil Mass for the Penetcost Feast Day on Saturday, May 30 at 6 p.m. Mass will be LIVE from the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception with The Most Rev, Archbishop Charles Jason Gordon. Follow Catholictt on Facebook & Trinity TV platforms to participate.