Pentecost is celebrated fifty days after Easter Sunday (this year on 31 May) and we commemorate the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles and other followers of Jesus Christ while they were in Jerusalem. This story is told in the Acts of the Apostles (Acts 2:1–31).

Pentecost is the beginning of the church as we see the apostles and followers of Jesus being the first missionary disciples. A missionary disciple is someone who believes in Jesus Christ and follows His teachings. The apostles at the time of Pentecost went out and spoke to people of every nation calling them to follow Jesus and spreading the good news of His Kingdom.

We too are asked to be missionary disciples and at baptism, we commit to the role of being a disciple of Jesus.
Let us take this opportunity at the celebration of the feast of Pentecost to renew our baptismal promise and consider how we can more faithfully be a disciple of Jesus.

We can do this by reviewing our life in terms of what the Holy Spirit can bring to life in each of us if we allow.

How am I using the gifts of the Holy Spirit?
Wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord.

How is my life a visible sign of the fruits of the spirit alive in me?
Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

Information supplied by Anne O’Brien, Director of Mission Integration, St Agnes’ Catholic Parish