May 13, 2026

By Father William Muench
NCC columnist

Today – a little bit about the Pentecost. Time to talk about the Holy Spirit. I do realize that we are always aware of the actions of the Holy Spirit every day, but Pentecost is a festive celebration of the Holy Spirit in a special way. This year during the Easter Season, we thought of the Holy Spirit with the celebration of the sacrament of confirmation. The Bishop came to confer the sacrament on our young people. When I think of confirmation, I believe that this sacrament brings to each one of us the gifts of the Holy Spirit. These gifts support us throughout our spiritual life for a lifetime. At Pentecost, my first thought is to express my gratitude for the Lord’s gifts – wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety and fear of the Lord.

At the Last Supper, Jesus promised his apostles that he would send the Holy Spirit, the Advocate, upon them. This Holy Spirit comes in power to help and guide the apostles in their ministry and continues to help today’s disciples of Jesus to understand how to bring Jesus and his message to our world as we live as Jesus guides us. Personally, I know that each time I prepare to write or speak, I turn to the Holy Spirit seeking understanding and boldness.

Each time I read the story of the descent of the Holy Spirit upon those apostles in the Acts of the Apostles, I can only imagine how powerfully exciting and sacred that moment was. I know I would have loved to have been there on that first Pentecost. I am certain you remember the story: The apostles are gathered in the Upper Room anxious and worried. They know that Jesus wants them to do something, but they don’t know what. Then the miracle – that transforming miracle! The Holy Spirit came to them in wind and fire. The apostles found confidence – bravery in the Lord, boldness. They were no longer afraid and were ready to go into the streets and preach in the name of the Lord Jesus.

My own experience of the Holy Spirit was not as dramatic as that of the apostles. I know that the Holy Spirit found me as a young person and led me to choose the vocation of a Catholic priest. I know not how, but the Holy Spirit led me to the seminary. It was a transforming experience – that I know. I was ordained as a Catholic priest. This very week I will be celebrating the anniversary of that ordination day. Each year it is a day of memories and gratitude. I have had such wonderful experiences. I want you to know that my life as a priest has been filled with happiness. Jesus has guided me and constantly walked with me. The Holy Spirit has given me constant support, has shown me the way. I am grateful. I have been blessed – thank you, God.

I have been blessed constantly by so many wonderful people as a part of my life – bishops, priests, families, people – parishioners who were part of the various parishes where I served. They have given me support and friendship. I like to think that these folks have been gifts from the loving Holy Spirit. I am truly grateful to God for the gift of all those I have journeyed with.

Today and each day, I continue to remember in prayer the many people who have been part of my life and all that they have done to support me. Each Mass, I place them on the altar and remember them. They have helped me find my loving God, and they have helped me find happiness as a priest.