A Catholic priest, Father Thomas Maikowski is the pastoral administrator for Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Page, Arizona. In his role as a spiritual leader, Father Maikowski administers sacraments, celebrates Mass, and contributes to celebrations of key Church traditions, such as Pentecost.
In the Catholic tradition, the celebration of Pentecost culminates the seven-week Easter season. Pentecost commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles of Jesus Christ. As the Bible recounts, the Apostles and Jesus’ mother Mary gathered in an Upper Room where tongues of fire sat upon them and filled them with the Holy Ghost.
In many Catholic congregations, including the Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, Pentecost can be cause for grand celebration. During a recent Pentecost celebration, the Church displayed new statues funded through a Knights of Columbus raffle. In addition, a local dance instructor led the In Spiritus dance company in choreography that augmented the sacred liturgy and provided a graceful expression of praise for Mass attendees. Moreover, the Knights of Columbus, acolytes—young altar assistants to adult ministers—and musical inspiration added to the beauty and dignity of the celebration.
Although the Pentecost event occurred over 2,000 years ago, celebrations such as those at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church convey the meaning of this important event to parishioners. As a result, the powerful message of the first Pentecost, which inspired many to accept Christian teachings, remains alive today.
In the Catholic tradition, the celebration of Pentecost culminates the seven-week Easter season. Pentecost commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles of Jesus Christ. As the Bible recounts, the Apostles and Jesus’ mother Mary gathered in an Upper Room where tongues of fire sat upon them and filled them with the Holy Ghost.
In many Catholic congregations, including the Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, Pentecost can be cause for grand celebration. During a recent Pentecost celebration, the Church displayed new statues funded through a Knights of Columbus raffle. In addition, a local dance instructor led the In Spiritus dance company in choreography that augmented the sacred liturgy and provided a graceful expression of praise for Mass attendees. Moreover, the Knights of Columbus, acolytes—young altar assistants to adult ministers—and musical inspiration added to the beauty and dignity of the celebration.
Although the Pentecost event occurred over 2,000 years ago, celebrations such as those at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church convey the meaning of this important event to parishioners. As a result, the powerful message of the first Pentecost, which inspired many to accept Christian teachings, remains alive today.