Happy Pentecost to all! As we celebrate this feast that reminds us of the Holy Spirit’s power to unite people across languages and cultures, we can look around our community and see this very miracle in action. Our united parishes are growing into spiritual homes where diverse backgrounds come together in shared faith. We see the Holy Spirit is clearly at work in our Migrant Ministry not only assisting those in need but bringing together over 100 volunteers from different faith traditions for service to those in need of care and hope.

Our recently developed Neighborhood Bridge is helping connect families in need with services that are local and available. This is a beautiful and meaningful connection to our neighbors in the Oak Park and Austin communities. Through the warmth of welcome and acts of service, we see God’s love and mercy crossing barriers, making connections and building bridges. Both of these ministries are shining examples of faith in motion, a living witness of Pentecost.

Through Faith and Fellowship, our ministry to those with emotional needs, and our One in Love Ministry which provides listening and support to LGBTQ+ individuals, their families and friends, the Spirit continues to form us into faith communities who are truly “one Body, many parts.” In each of these ministries, shared prayer, worship, and service projects are deepening relationships across our parishes and the Oak Park Catholic Community and Neighbors. The Holy Spirit moves through each interaction, empowering us to see Christ in one another, regardless of language or ethnicity. These ministries remind us that the Church is not only built of bricks, but of relationships rooted in the Gospel.

Yes, there have been challenges and there will still be more to come. However, even with differences in culture, communication hurdles, and the fatigue that change can bring, grace abounds. Through the challenges we face, God is working – refining us and drawing us closer in love. These ministries, and many more that are vibrant in our parish, like SPRED, are not just programs; they are holy ground where the Spirit breathes new life into our parishes and the larger community.

Easter is now over, and Pentecost has come. Now what? We continue walking in the Spirit. We take the flame kindled in our hearts and carry it into our parish life, our homes, neighborhoods and workplaces. For the past couple years, our parishes have been working on unity, getting to know and appreciate each other. Our work is not complete. The Holy Spirit is calling us to a deeper unity, bold hospitality, and joyful witness. Our parishes are not the same as they were a year ago, thanks be to God! We celebrate all that has been done, and we remain open to the Spirit’s next move.

I ask you to consider this practical way you can grow in the Spirit and help continue building unity. Begin with your presence, showing up to Mass and events with open hearts and listening ears. Go up to someone, introduce yourself and share a little bit about your story. Don’t forget to ask the other person about their story as well. The Spirit grows unity in simple, intentional moments. As Saint Teresa of Calcutta said, “If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other.”

Let us remember that we are one in Christ. May this prayer guide us: Come, Holy Spirit, fill our hearts with your love. Set us on fire with compassion, and lead us to be builders of peace and unity in our parish family and our community beyond.

Have a safe and blessed week ahead.

With you a Christian. For you a priest.

Father Carl Morello
Pastor
Ascension and St. Edmund Parish
St. Catherine of Siena – St. Lucy and St. Giles Parish