Illustration of diverse figures standing in a semicircle on a hill, each with a small flame above their head against a muted blue sky.

Pentecost

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Pentecost is one of the most important feast days of the Church year, bringing to an end the Easter season, and celebrating what many consider to be the birth of the Church. The second chapter of the Book of Acts describes the crucial moment after Jesus’ death and resurrection: “When the time for Pentecost was fulfilled, they were all in one place together. 

And suddenly there came from the sky a noise like a strong driving wind, and it filled the entire house in which they were. Then there appeared to them tongues as of fire, which parted and came to rest on each one of them. And they were all filled with the holy Spirit and began to speak in different tongues, as the Spirit enabled them to proclaim.” (Acts 2:1-4, NAB)  The followers of Jesus were given the gifts they needed to live as God’s people and to proclaim the gospel throughout the world. 

At Pentecost, we remember this event and ask God to continue to pour out the Holy Spirit on us to help us be the people He wants us to be and to give us everything we need for the work He is calling us to do now. We celebrate with the color red, and by remembering the gifts of the Spirits. The Catholic tradition offers two important lists related to the Spirit’s work. First, the “gifts of the Holy Spirit” are given to us to do God’s will: wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of God. Jesus possesses all these perfectly, but he shares them with members of his body, the Church. Second, the “fruit of the Spirit,” described in Galatians 5, tells what the results of the Spirit’s work will be in us: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. 

Strawberry or red velvet cake or cupcakes are a great way to celebrate this feast day. Strawberry slices can be arranged on top to represent the tongues of flame that Acts describes.  
 

Additional Ideas

You may want to set your table in red, with a red tablecloth, placemats, or napkins. This is an occasion to use plenty of candles! 

Extra-time-and-energy-option: Decorate with helium-filled balloons in red or orange, or put up crepe-paper streamers in red or orange. 

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