"Pentecost" 

May 25, 2010
Year for the Priest

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Pentecost is that wonderful feast that celebrates the experience of the Apostles as the Holy Spirit descended upon them. It transformed their lives. The Holy Spirit also transforms our lives. We are called to be Church and carry forth the mission of Jesus to preach, teach and baptize in his name.

I remember hearing a great story about a Christian and a member of another faith, who read the Sermon on the Mount. The member of the other faith admitted that the words of Jesus were truly inspiring, but questioned whether anyone could actually live the beatitudes that He taught, unless one was given a new heart. Pentecost gives us that new heart. It gives us the Holy Spirit that allows us to see the love of Jesus in everyone and in everything we do.

Last Sunday we celebrated the archdiocesan Capital Campaign, Faith in Our Future. As an archdiocese we raised $94.3 million dollars in pledges. This is a tremendous accomplishment given the difficult economic times. During my first days here in the archdiocese, pastors were already pointing out the impact of Faith in Our Future on their parishes, including building projects, renovations and programs. The campaign definitely generated energy.

There are also other benefits that the campaign has engendered. We have a new sense of stewardship, understanding that everything we possess is a gift from God and that we are called to share those gifts with others. Stewardship, as an expression of our faith in God, gives us an opportunity to live our faith. Now, we can give back so that those who come after us will enjoy our labors.

Another benefit of this campaign is the witness of those willing to testify for the faith. This confidence is generated by the Holy Spirit within the lives of those who love the Church. I have personally benefitted having had the opportunity to meet some wonderful people whom I now call friends. These are friendships established because of our love for the Church. The powerful energy of the Holy Spirit is always energizing the Church.

Pentecost was a moment of identification -- we belong to Jesus. It was also a moment of clarity. Jesus loves us and as Church, we are to proclaim His love. As we go forward, charged with the power of the Holy Spirit, let our Faith in Our Future declare our love for Him in the way we LOVE ONE ANOTHER.

See you at Mass!

Most Reverend Jerome E. Listecki
Archbishop of Milwaukee

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