Letter from Fr. Paul - May 21, 2017

The Living Waters campaign ends in two weeks and we are a little short of matching last year’s five wells. Please consider a donation, if you have not yet done so.

The IB Learner Profile attribute of the month is Inquirer. IB Learners nurture their curiosity while developing skills for inquiry and research. They know how to learn independently and with others. They learn with enthusiasm and sustain their love of learning throughout life. The IB attitudes which correspond to being an Inquirer are curiosity, enthusiasm, independence and integrity.

The copy for this bulletin needed to be submitted before the Wauwatosa Common Council meeting on May 16. I will report the result of our request to rent the school in next week’s bulletin.

All three of our readings this weekend talk about the Holy Spirit, preparing us for our celebration of Pentecost in two weeks. In the first reading from Acts, Peter and John lay their hands on those who had been baptized and they receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. In the second reading from a letter of St. Peter, we are told this about Jesus: Put to death in the flesh, he was brought to life in the Spirit. Finally, in the Gospel, Jesus says to his disciples at the Last Supper: …I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate to be with you always, the Spirit of truth…

“Spirit” is derived from a word that means “breathing,” that is, that a person is alive, not dead! The implication is that we need the Spirit to be alive. Jesus also calls the Spirit the “Paraclete,” which comes from a word that means lawyer or a courtroom advocate. It can also mean someone who comforts in time of need. These words define for us the role of the Holy Spirit who gives us life, stands by us, strengthens us, and consoles us. It is the Spirit of Jesus: we are not alone!

We received the fullness of the Holy Spirit in confirmation, as did our youth this past Monday. It is our work to take time to be quiet and reflective, listening so that the Holy Spirit can be active in our lives. What a gift!!

-- Paul James Portland, SDS