Pentecost (Sunday 23^rd May)

What is Pentecost?

‘Pentecost’ is the special occasion when Christians celebrate the gift of the Holy Spirit. It is celebrated on the Sunday, 50 days after Easter (the name comes from the Greek pentekoste, "fiftieth"). Pentecost is regarded as the birthday of the Church, and the start of the Church's mission to the world.

Pentecost Symbols

Pentecost is a joyful event. Priests wear red as a symbol of the flames in which the Holy Spirit came to earth. Our teachers place red cloths in their prayer spaces. The symbols of Pentecost are those of the Holy Spirit and include flames, wind, the breath of God and a dove.

Funny but inspiring recent event here at school: some of our younger students saw a flock of white cockatoos descending on the oval during a PE lesson and announced that the Holy Spirit was coming to our school - a beautiful tribute to the teaching of RE here at St Thomas the Apostle!

The First Pentecost

Pentecost comes from a Jewish harvest festival called Shavuot. The apostles were celebrating this festival when the Holy Spirit descended on them. It sounded like a very strong wind, and it looked like tongues of fire. The apostles then found themselves speaking in foreign languages, inspired by the Holy Spirit.

Pentecost and Confirmation

It is a great time of the year to be preparing for the sacrament of Confirmation. Students who are celebrating Confirmation will be recommitting to their Baptismal promises, being older and mature enough to understand what they are committing to. It’s a wonderful step toward adulthood. They are learning about the Gifts and Fruits of the Holy Spirit that they will receive through the ceremony of Confirmation. Gifts and Fruits that will put them in good stead for the rest of their lives. Please keep these children in your prayers this term.

Confirmation Workshop Dates

As part of our Confirmation program, all candidates (and one parent) must attend one of the two dates that are offered.

Tuesday 8th June 7pm-8pm
Thursday 10th June 7pm-8pm