This day we celebrate when the Holy Spirit came upon the disciples of Jesus. They were "filled with the Holy Spirit" and never again would be content to keep their faith to themselves. Now they were all fired up by the Spirit to share the Good News with everyone. Down came the barriers of fear. Down came the language barrier! All the pilgrims gathered in Jerusalem from many nations could instantly understand the disciples. And they, too, were filled with the powerful Spirit of God.
 
When we receive the Holy Spirit in Baptism and Confirmation, we are opening ourselves to a powerful force. The Spirit is a mighty wind that blows new life into us. The Spirit is fire that destroys anything that keeps us from God. How is the Spirit "wind and fire" in your life?
 
Ask the Spirit to open you to his power once again this day.
   
At the end of the homily, the presider will invited the newly baptized and received to the front of the sanctuary with their sponsors or parents. After the prayer, the presider will ask the sponsors to take off their robes and put them on the font. When he finishes addressing the newly baptized and received, they will take their seats among the community.
 
On this day, we send all of them out to the community on a mission of love. May God’s spirit be with them always.