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On Pentecost we celebrate the day on which the Holy Spirit
came upon the disciples in a form resembling tongues of fire, empowering
them to proclaim the message that Jesus is risen from the dead. According
to Acts of the Apostles (1:13–14), Mary, the apostles, and other disciples
had been huddled together in an upper room after the ascension of Jesus.
But on this day they went forth from that room as new people, alive in
the Spirit, speaking in tongues and winning over believers by the thousands.
The Mass of Pentecost Sunday is marked by a few special features. The
first reading for Saturday’s Vigil Mass, for example, is taken from the
Old Testament. Throughout the Easter season, all the readings come from
the New Testament — except, of course, the responsorial psalm. Saturday’s
first reading foreshadows the coming of the Spirit. On Sunday the first
reading comes from Acts of the Apostles, and it tells the story of Pentecost.
After the second reading, everyone sings or says the Pentecost sequence,
a special hymn that tells the meaning of this day.
If the priest uses Eucharistic Prayer I, he inserts a special phrase
saying that this is the day on which the Holy Spirit appeared to the apostles.
The Mass concludes with a double “alleluia.” The deacon or priest adds
the words to his dismissal, and you answer, “Thanks be to God, alleluia,
alleluia.” This joyful acclamation concludes the church’s celebration of
Easter.
The paschal candle burns throughout the Pentecost Mass, as it does for
the 50 days of the Easter season. After Mass, however, it is moved from
its place near the ambo to a position in the baptistry.
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This bulletin insert originally appeared in Ministry
& Liturgy, a pastoral planning resource used by the worship leaders
in your parish as an aid for better liturgy. Copyright © 2006, Resource
Publications, Inc. 160 E. Virginia St. #290, San Jose, CA 95112, (408)
286-8505. This article may not be reproduced in any form without permission
from the publisher. For permission e-mail
info@rpinet.com.
Paul
Turner, pastor of St. Munchin Parish in Cameron, MO, holds a doctorate
in sacramental theology from Sant' Anselmo University in Rome.
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