Pentacost (6/8) is our parish feast day
ACTS 2: 1-4 “Then the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit…”
The Easter Season ends on Pentecost (our Parish Feast Day) this Sunday, June 8th.
What are the gifts and fruits of the Holy Spirit?
Gifts: These are spiritual qualities that help us grow in holiness and be more open to the Holy Spirit's guidance. Wisdom, Understanding, Counsel, Fortitude, Knowledge, Piety, and Fear of the Lord.
Wisdom: This gift helps us understand God's will and choose the best way to live our lives.
Understanding: This gift allows us to see God's plan for our lives and to discern God’s will in difficult situations.
Counsel: This gift gives us the ability to make good judgments and to discern right from wrong.
Fortitude: This gift gives us courage and strength to stand firm in faith, especially when facing difficult times.
Knowledge: This gift allows us to understand God's Word and to learn more about God.
Piety: This gift helps us to be reverent and respectful of God in all things.
Fear of the Lord: This gift helps us to be in awe of God's greatness and to be in respectful awe of God’s power.
Fruits: The virtues and qualities that develop as a result of being filled and guided by the Holy Spirit are the Fruits of the Holy Spirit. They manifest as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control, showcasing the transformative power of the Holy Spirit.
Love: A selfless, compassionate, and enduring affection, mirroring God's love.
Joy: A deep, abiding sense of happiness and well-being, even in difficult circumstances, rooted in God's presence.
Peace: A calm and tranquil state of mind, a sense of assurance and serenity, even when facing challenges.
Patience: A willingness to endure hardships and wait calmly, trusting in God's timing.
Kindness: A compassionate and generous spirit towards others, showing empathy and concern.
Goodness: An overall moral uprightness, exhibiting virtue and righteousness in all aspects of life.
Faithfulness: Loyalty, trustworthiness, and reliability in one's relationships with God and others.
Gentleness: Meekness, mildness, and a gentle approach in dealing with others.
Self-control: Discipline, restraint, and the ability to manage one's emotions and actions, resisting temptations and impulses.
Websites, Free Apps, & Podcasts
to Help you connect with God this Lent
Sacred Space is a daily prayer website and app. It’s free! and they also offer a Lenten Retreat.
Another prayer app is Pray as you Go
How about praying the Daily Examen, an ancient prayer practice that allows you to find God in your daily life. This podcast is based on a technique that St. Ignatius Loyola outlined in “The Spiritual Exercises” his classic manual for prayer. Each week Fr. Martin will provide you with a new Refection.
Here’s a podcast guided version led by Jesuit priest, James Martin, SJ. The Examen.
If you can only spare 3 minutes, check out this 3-Minute Daily Prayer from Loyola Press.
Also at the Loyola Press website is a list (and dedicated web pages) to a variety of types of prayer, among them the Rosary, Lectio Divina, the Examen, ways to pray with the saints
The Benedictine’s offer a fairly detailed explanation of the parts of Lectio Divina here
Visit this website to sign up for Benedictine Sister Joan Chittister’s weekly or monthly reflections. Read the April Newsletter
You’ll find another set of Jesuit prayers here.
The Dominicans have a special focus on the Rosary and offer instruction and insights here.
Rosary Novena and Reflection: The Rosary Novena reflection, led by Fr. Vincent Bernard, O.P., invites us to embrace the peace and stability found in the Rosary.
One of the most downloaded Catholic Apps is Laudate. Apple App and Google Play
Not a free app (after a trial period you’ll need to purchase a subscription) but one that many people like for prayer is Hallow.
What about God’s creation? Listen here to a podcast, ‘the Francis effect’ to hear what Pope Francis says of our efforts (and responsibilities) to honor and protect the environment in 2025, the 10 anniversary of Pope Francis’ encyclical, Laudato Si.
Is your live guided by the 10 Commandments? What would it look like if it were? What would it mean to keep holy the Sabbath? What about coveting your neighbor’s wife? Read Joan Chittister’s book, The Ten Commandments to find out how these ancient rules apply to life today and how to
What about Civil Disobedience and Protest? Is it Christian to protest? to break rules? When and why might it be appropriate? Read this article to find out.
Is your life guided by the 10 Commandments? What would it look like if it were? What would it mean, for example, to keep holy the Sabbath? What about not coveting your neighbor’s wife? Joan Chittister’s book, The Ten Commandments: Laws of the Heart offers a 21st century interpretation and suggests ways to apply them in your own life.
Retreat Centers
Retreats can be an important part of our spiritual path. In providing quiet time away from the normal rhythms of life, retreats give us an opportunity to listen for God's voice and reflect on the ways that God is present in our lives. We are fortunate in the Bay Area to have a number of retreat centers within a few hours' drive. Many offer short day-long programs as well as weekend and longer retreats. Check out some of the offerings and see if one or another appeals to you.
Reasons you may want to consider attending a retreat:
Deepen your faith: Engage in prayer, reflection, and spiritual teachings to strengthen your connection with God and deepen your understanding of Catholic teachings.
Retreat from the hustle and bustle: Take a break from the demands of daily life and immerse yourself in a tranquil environment conducive to spiritual growth and renewal.
Foster community: Connect with fellow Catholics in a supportive and nurturing community atmosphere, fostering friendships and shared spiritual experiences.
Receive guidance: Benefit from the wisdom and guidance of experienced retreat leaders who can offer insights into Catholic spirituality and help you on your spiritual journey.
Renew your commitment: Use the retreat as an opportunity to recommit yourself to living out your Catholic values and principles in your daily life.
Experience sacraments: Participate in Mass, confession, and other sacramental rituals that can deepen your spiritual experience and provide opportunities for grace and healing.
Gain perspective: Step back from the distractions of the world to gain a clearer perspective on your life, priorities, and relationship with God.
Encounter God's presence: Open yourself to encountering the presence of God in a profound and transformative way, allowing His love and grace to work in your life.
A selection of nearby Retreat Centers
San Damiano Retreat Center. 710 Highland Drive, Danville, CA 94526
(925) 837-9141
Santa Sabina Center. 25 Magnolia Avenue, San Rafael, CA 94901
(415) 457-7727
El Retiro San Iñigo Jesuit Retreat House, 300 Manresa Way, Los Altos, CA 94022
(650) 917-4000
New Camoldi Retreat House Hermitage, 62475 Coast Highway 1 at Lucia, Big Sur, CA 93920
(831) 667-2456
Vallombrosa Center, 250 Oak Grove Avenue, Menlo Park, CA 94025
(650) 325-5614
Saint Columba’s Retreat House, 12835 Sir Francis Drake Boulevard, Inverness, CA 94937
(415) 669-1039