Celebrating the gifts of the Holy Spirit

“Then He breathed on them and said: ‘Receive the Holy Spirit’. “

(John 20:22)

Recently the Church celebrated Pentecost Sunday. Pentecost is the time in the year that the Church celebrates the decent of the Holy Spirit on the Apostles and the other followers of Jesus.

When we reflect on the Gospel that recounts the story of Pentecost we are made aware of the power of the Holy Spirit to unite us. The Spirit’s presence and power opens a world of awareness and understanding for us.

Pentecost Sunday is a time that we can reflect on the gifts and power of the Holy Spirit in our lives. The Catholic Church recognises that the moral life of Christians is sustained by the Gifts of the Holy Spirit. These gifts are seven-fold; gifts of counsel, fortitude, knowledge, wisdom, understanding, piety, and fear of the Lord. These gifts also reflect our school theme Have Virtue & Courage in who you become.

The Holy Spirit, its presence and power, is evident in many areas of our lives here at Mount St. Joseph Girls’ College. In the Wednesday morning Chapel services, in the social justice work students engage with, in the laughter and fun of lunch and recess and in the classroom where students are encouraged to think differently and creatively. This year as we celebrate Pentecost and are reminded of the power of the Holy Spirit we take time to reflect back on the challenge set to our students and staff at the beginning of the year – how are you living with virtue & courage?

Holy Spirit come

Blow winds of change, breathe in our lives

Stir in our hearts, shine through our eyes

Come and pour out your gifts, work through our hands

And renew the face of this land

(Contemporary Hymn, Holy Spirit Come)