Pastor’s Corner — May 24th, 2026
Pentecost Events at St Pat’s
There’s a lot of good stuff happening here at the parish this weekend
1) Saturday May 23rd at the 5pm Mass we have 19 adult confirmations, many of whom are becoming Catholic! Praise God!
2) Sunday May 24th, at 7:00pm we have our Outpouring event in the Church. As I preached about last Sunday, we all need to be baptized in the Holy Spirit. The purpose of this event is to pray for an outpouring of the Holy Spirit in our lives and to pray for baptism of the Holy Spirit for those who haven’t received that grace yet. Along with preaching and praise music, we have teams of people to pray with anyone who is interested in receiving prayer.
3) Saturday, May 30th 9:00 am - 1:00pm in McCann Hall. Everyone has been given charisms or gifts from the Holy Spirit to use to build up the Body of Christ. The Church teaches you have a right and duty to learn to use your charisms to build up the Church. This workshop helps you discover your charisms and prepare you to use them effectively.
Baptism in the Holy Spirit
In my homily last week, I spoke on the need for everyone to be baptized in the Holy Spirit. This is grace. In my opinion, the baptism in the Holy Spirit is one of the most important graces that God gives to Catholics when they come alive in their faith.
For those who are interested in reading about the theological foundations of this, read this excellent explanation given by Cardinal Raniero Cantalamessa. You can also read the U.S. Bishops document on the charismatic renewal that I referenced in my homily.
Good News Conference: September 4-6 (Nashville)
I hardly ever put my speaking engagements in the bulletin, but I thought maybe I’d personally invite you to join me in Nashville for the 2026 Good News Conference, September 4–6. This conference is a powerful gathering for individuals, couples, and families who hunger to grow deeper in their relationship with Jesus. The conference is produced by Word on Fire (Bishop Barron’s ministry) and our local friends at Corporate Travel (organizers of the Good News Cruise).
This year’s theme is Reconciliation, drawn from the heart of Psalm 103: “He forgives all your iniquities and heals all your diseases.” Through dynamic presentations from Bishop Robert Barron, Fr. Mike Schmitz, Fr. John Burns, Dr. Bob Schuchts, Sr. Miriam James, and many others (including myself) we will celebrate the Good News of repentance and forgiveness and be equipped to carry that message of salvation into our homes, our parish, and our world. And yes, Mark Wahlberg and Michael W. Smith will be there too.
For more information and to register, visit goodnewsconference.com or call Corporate Travel at 866.524.1896. Thanks for your prayers and discernment. Hope to see you in Nashville!
Rededication of America to God
The rededication of America to God is a national prayer gathering held on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. Taking place on May 17, 2026, this nine-hour jubilee marked the nation’s 250th anniversary by reaffirming the United States as “One Nation Under God.”
Regardless of where someone may stand on politics, and regardless of where someone stands on God, it’s pretty remarkable to have our country rededicated to God. Here is Bishop Barron’s reflection on being part of that ceremony.
Your servant in the Lord,
Fr. Mathias