Pentecost – Year A (2023)

Sunday, May 28, 2023

On Pentecost, we focus on the gift of the Holy Spirit. We celebrate the descent of the Holy Spirit on the apostles. But we also remember the gift of the Holy Spirit given to us. We received the Holy Spirit in a special way at when we received the sacrament of Confirmation. But the Holy Spirit visits us every day. How do we respond to the presence of the Holy Spirit in our daily lives?

The Mass readings for Pentecost – Year A

The readings for Pentecost focus on the Holy Spirit and our role as the Body of Christ in the world:

Invite the Holy Spirit into your daily prayer

• First reading – Acts 2:1-11: “And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in different tongues, as the Spirit enabled them to proclaim.”
• Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 104:1, 24, 29-30, 31, 34: “Lord, send out your Spirit, and renew the face of the earth.”.
• Second reading – 1 Corinthians 12:3B-7, 12-13: “To each individual the manifestation of the Spirit is given for some benefit.”
• Gospel – John 20:19-23: “He breathed on them and said to them, Receive the Holy Spirit.”

Resources for Pentecost – Year A

So the Spirit is obviously the main focus for weekend’s readings. Empowered by the gifts of the Holy Spirit, we go out to the world to preach the message of Jesus Christ. This is the birthday of The Church and is celebrated 50 days after Easter. It is the last day of the Easter season. Here are some ideas:

Have a Birthday Party for the Church (Youth Ministry Meeting Plan)

Pentecost is just around the corner and it is, of course, the birthday of the Church. Introduce this idea at your youth ministry meeting by having a birthday party for the church. Then use the reflection questions to help your teens go deeper into the idea of how they are sent to share the good news, just like the disciples. #Pentecost #HolySpirit

Inspired By You Letters (Youth Ministry Activity)

Inspired By You letters give teens an opportunity to reflect on a person who has inspired them.  They are also an opportunity to inspire themselves! This activity goes well with a meeting focused on the Holy Spirit or on Scripture as the inspired Word of God. It could also be used as part of a Confirmation program.

Peace Be With You

When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. The disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.”

Make an Origami Dove

Pentecost is right around the corner. Since the dove is often used as a symbol of the Holy Spirit, making origami doves can be a fun craft for kids on this holy day.

Paper Plate Dove Craft

This paper plate dove craft is simple enough for your Vacation Bible School or Children’s Liturgy of the Word.