Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

This weekend, our middle school students received the sacrament of Confirmation from Bishop Caggiano. The outpouring of the Holy Spirit given in Confirmation equips us to face the challenges of life with God’s abundant grace. We are given every tool necessary to live out the Christian life, to grow in holiness, and to pursue the path of virtue that leads to heaven. In addition, Confirmation enables us to participate more fully in the mission of the Church. How fitting then, that the celebration of the great solemnity of Pentecost follows immediately on the heels of the conferral of this sacrament! On Pentecost, the Holy Spirit is poured out upon the Church. The Apostles, in the power of the Holy Spirit, are able to go out on mission. The mission that Jesus entrusted to the Apostles is a simple one: “Go therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to obey everything that I taught you. And behold, I am with you always, even to the end of the age” (Mt. 28:18-20).

Evangelization is always part of what we do and who we are as Catholics. From the beginning of my time here as pastor, there has been an inspiring evangelist hard at work with our parish staff. Paola Peña began her time here as our youth minister. In that capacity, she brought zeal and joy to our teens, introducing them to a deeper relationship with Jesus, especially in Eucharistic adoration. It was not long before the parents of our teens began asking her for advice and formation, also. This lead to a prayerful decision to pivot her ministry into her current role as Director of Evangelization. In this capacity, Paola has organized parish-wide retreats, our Eucharistic Revival nights, our various small group offerings, and many other activities that help to form our parishioners as disciples of Jesus Christ. Paola understands well that we not only need to share the Good News with everyone, we also, as a Church and as a parish community, need to be formed, informed, and inspired so that we can take up the Lord’s challenge of sharing the Gospel with all nations. If you have not yet participated in a small group or come to one of the many formation opportunities that Paola provides, I encourage you to do so as soon as you can!

Evangelization is always a part of the life of the Church, and I am honored that Paola has so faithfully said yes to this parish community. Her work has impacted people far beyond our parish boundaries, too, and I am immensely grateful for her dedication, prayerfulness, and generosity in service. Pentecost is the day that the Church throughout the world is renewed in mission. I can think of few people who live that mission as enthusiastically and generously as Paola Peña. May the Holy Spirit continue to inspire her efforts, and all the efforts made in evangelization here at St. Pius X Parish!

Peace,

Fr. Sam