Reflect:
Pentecost, the great feast of the Church in which the Disciples receive the gift of the Holy Spirit and in so doing find themselves with the gifts and grace to 'go out into the world and teach all nations.'
Act:
Now is the time to let the Holy Spirit renew our faith, rekindle our hope, and fill us again with the life and love of God. If we pray as the disciples prayed, the Spirit will not leave us unchanged. He will restore what is weary, strengthen what is weak, and send us out with fresh courage, ready to face whatever the future holds. Pray that his week we realise the potential within each of us by opening ourselves to the work of the Holy Spirit.
Pray:
Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful.
And kindle in them the fire of your love.
Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created.
And you will renew the face of the earth.
Lord,
by the light of the Holy Spirit
you have taught the hearts of your faithful.
In the same Spirit
help us to relish what is right
and always rejoice in your consolation.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Challenge
In the spirit of Laudato Si:
- Take steps to reduce meat and dairy consumption in an effort to aid a cut in carbon emissions.
- Hedgehog Highways are aimed at facilitating the path of hedgehogs through our gardens on their daily search for food. Can you help?
- May is a chance to take part in 'No Mow May' in which we leave our grass or a portion of our grass unmown for the month. This allows flowers to grow, providing food for insects and wildlife.
- The Pope's prayer for May is that all humanity has access to food. How can you facilitate this? Give to a charity, share food with others, shop wisely with care and thought for those in more deprived countries?
- Have a look at your garden - how can you make it more wildlife friendly? Have a look at websites such as the RSPB, the RHS and Wildlife Trusts for ideas.
- Share something of what you have with others this week.
- Many are struggling with the cost of living. Can you donate to your local food bank? Collections take place at some of our churches and at many local supermarkets.
- People are struggling in our world today. This week do at least ONE thing to alleviate someone's distress.
- The SVP would like donations of Easter Eggs for the local food banks. Can you help?
- Do we appreciate what we have? Take time this week to give thanks for all that is in your world.
- We are shown the importance of water in a theological sense in today's Gospel. Many people throughout the world suffer from a shortage of water. This week use the water which we have such easy access to wisely and without waste.
- Friday's Family Fast Day gave us a chance to affect the lives of others through our self-denial. Please ensure you give generously to the Family Fast Day collection
- Take the opportunities offered by your Lenten practices to conserve and recycle the things you use.
- As the earth starts to warm up after the winter, sow seeds in trays and keep them in a warm place to germinate.
- Now is a good time to collect rainwater in water butts for use during the drier months.
- The earth is coming back to life as Spring approaches. Take time to seek out, rejoice and give thanks for all that you see.
- In the turmoil that exists in our world today, commit to bringing peace into the world by creating small acts of peace in your own life
- Can you commit to the Big Lent Walk and raise funds for life saving water in areas of the world where such a luxury is scarce.?
- Check your insulation is sufficient during this cold spell ensuring that heat is not wasted.
- Now is the time to recycle!! Don't just throw stuff away, but look at how it may be repurposed, regifted. Find out where cards and trees can be recycled, rather than them becoming part of a land fill site.