Parish Preparation for Pentecost
& Mission 2004
Novena to the Holy Spirit
Friday May 21st through
Saturday May 29th
Parish Preparation for Pentecost
& Mission 2004
Novena to the Holy Spirit
Friday May 21st through
Saturday May 29th
Archbishop John Vlazny invites every parish in the Archdiocese to prepare for Pentecost and Mission 2004 by offering the Novena to the Holy Spirit. The novena begins Friday, May 21st, and ends Saturday, May 29th. Many parishes used the Novena to the Holy Spirit during Disciples in Mission as they prepared for their Parish Reflection Days. Parishes prayed the novena in a variety of ways. The following are just a few of the most popular:
• Prayed before/after daily mass
• Offered copies of the novena to every parishioner to use at home
• Small groups agreed to incorporate the novena into their meetings
and continue at home
• Made copies of the novena available in the Perpetual Adoration Chapel
• Offered nine evening of prayer using the Novena to the Holy Spirit
• Parish Schools made the novena part of their daily prayer
• Parish Rosary groups made the novena part of their devotion
Parish leadership has proved to be very creative using the novena and we encourage each parish to make the novena a parish evangelization experience.
The Archdiocese recommends two well prepared resources for the novena from the Paulist National Catholic Evangelization Association (PNCEA):
1. The Pentecost Novena to the Holy Spirit (Prayer Card): This new card provides a daily scripture reading for reflection along with a prayer to the Holy Spirit to be prayed each of the nine days prior to Pentecost. The 4” x 6”, four-page card can be used individually and by groups. The card fits easily in a briefcase or purse. This new card is available in English and Spanish.
The Archdiocese has been offered a special discount by the Paulist National Catholic Evangelization Association (PNCEA) on their new novena prayer cards. Parishes who order by April 30 will save more than 20% off the published price. Please call the Department of Evangelization for the special order form 503-233-8377. Supplies are limited so order early. The cards are available in English and Spanish and come in packs of 100. Special offer is good through April 30, 2004.
2. The Pentecost Novena to the Holy Sprit (Booklet): Nine days of prayer asking God to empower Catholics to become evangelizing disciples. Each day of the novena includes a Scripture passage, prayer, quote from Church tradition, and questions for reflection. Use in preparation for Pentecost, or throughout the year, to heighten the sense of evangelization in the parish. This booklet has been used in many of our Disciples in Mission parish during our evangelization experience.
Booklets are available from the PNCEA website:
(Click on “Spirituality and Prayer”)
On Pentecost Sunday, Archbishop Vlazny and the Mission 2004 Planning Team invites each pastor to formally send the community to the Mission 2004 by offering a special prayer and blessing at every mass on Pentecost Sunday. Watch this site for suggested prayers and blessings.