And suddenly there came from heaven a sound

“And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind and it filled the entire house where they were sitting, and divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. And they were filled with the Holy Spirit…” (Acts 2. 2 -4 b)

“God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, ‘Abba! Father!’ This knowledge of faith is possible only in the Holy Spirit: to be in touch with Christ, we must first have been touched by the Holy Spirit …

…By virtue of our Baptism, the first sacrament of faith, the Holy Spirit in the Church communicates to us, intimately and personally, the life that originates in the Father and is offered to us in the Son. ” (CCC 683)

Throughout history, when God sends his Son, he sends his Spirit. It is through Mary and her deep faith and confidence in God that the Word is Incarnate and that today this same Spirit builds, animates and sanctifies the Church.

The Holy Spirit came to dwell in us when we became Christians and received the sacraments of initiation — Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist.

That same Spirit works within us, enlightening us, forming us as Christians and empowering us with gifts.

The Holy Spirit is the Giver of Life – breathing life into the first creation and animating the new creation of Christ, the Church.

Our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit.

The Holy Spirit enlightens our minds, allowing us to understand the teachings of Jesus and the Church.

The Holy Spirit is our advocate, our counsellor, our intercessor.

The Holy Spirit transforms us making us more like Christ, illuminating our minds through the gifts of wisdom, knowledge, understanding, counsel, piety, fortitude and reverence.

The Holy Spirit renews us by planting the seeds of the fruits of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, goodness, faithfulness, humility and self-control, prompting us to conduct ourselves as Jesus would.

If the gifts of the Spirit are active in our lives, the fruits of the Spirit will be evidenced in our actions.

“… if you sow to the Spirit you will reap eternal life from the Spirit… whenever we have an opportunity let us work for the good of all… (Galatians 6. 8 -10)

The effect of the Holy Spirit is to take all that God has given us – our gifts, experiences, passions and knowledge – and set them to work, bringing glory to Christ in the Church and in the world.

So, inspired by the Spirit, women respond to God’s call… empowered by the gifts of the Spirit… invited to bear fruit.

We are challenged in our councils to be loving, joyful women who work patiently for people, whose kindness and goodness touch the lives of all we encounter, who are faithful to the Gospel message and lives of humility and self-control. AND WE DO IT IN JOY!

THEME PRAYER Spirit of the Living God open our hearts and minds to experience the unconditional love of God. Empower us with the gifts of your Spirit so that we may respond to God’s call in joyful service. Inspire and bless members of the Catholic Women’s League so that the fruits of your Spirit may be evidenced in all that we say and do. Amen.

Spirit of the Living God fall afresh on me. Melt me. Mold me. Fill me. Use me. Spirit of the Living God fall afresh on me.

Spirit of the Living God fall afresh on me. Melt me. Mold me. Fill me. Use me. Spirit of the Living God fall afresh on me.