Pentecost Sunday

"There appeared to them tongues as of fire, which parted and came to rest on each one of them and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit" (Acts 2:3-4).

Pentecost, celebrated 50 days after Easter Sunday, commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon Christ’s disciples and marks the end of the season of Easter.

It is the gift of the Holy Spirit that empowers the disciples to begin preaching, bringing others to know and love Christ and to become part of the Church.

On Pentecost, priests wear red vestments to symbolize fire and the presence of the Holy Spirit. All Christians are invited to also wear red on Pentecost Sunday and to celebrate the day in some way.

Extended Vigil

On the eve of Pentecost, an extended vigil Mass may be offered in anticipation of the sending of the Holy Spirit. Similar to the Easter Vigil Mass, the vigil of Pentecost includes four readings from the Old Testament, each with a proper Psalm and prayer, along with the Epistle and Gospel. As the readings are shared, parishioners are invited to "listen with quiet hearts to the word of God" and to meditate on the great deeds that God has done for his people. The extended vigil is meant to create a feeling of waiting, reminiscent of what must have been felt by Mary and apostles as they waited in prayer in the Upper Room following the Ascension.

Parish of the Holy Eucharist, Falmouth

The Parish of the Holy Eucharist in Falmouth will celebrate the Extended Vigil of Pentecost on May 23 at Holy Martyrs of North America Church, 266 Foreside Road in Falmouth. The vigil Mass will begin at 4 p.m., but there will be an opportunity to pray Vespers prior to the Mass at 3:30 p.m.

Celebrations

The Parish of the Holy Savior will celebrate Pentecost with a Family Fun Night on Friday, May 15, at 5:30 p.m. in the parish hall, located at 126 Maine Avenue in Rumford. The evening will include dinner, conversation with Father Aaron Damboise, crafts, games, and more.