Dear Brothers and Sisters

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“Be sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit”

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Those are words which I recite often – they are from the Rite of Confirmation – that sacrament by which the individual Christian receives the Holy Spirit, sealing that gift of grace first outpoured in Baptism.

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This month we will celebrate the feast of Pentecost, which concludes the Easter season.  The Lord Jesus Christ, who became incarnate for us; who died, rose and ascended into heavenly glory, that we too might share in his risen and eternal life, did not leave his followers as orphans but ascended with the promise of the Paraclete.  

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The Holy Spirit descended on those first disciples in tongues of fire; doors were burst open, the fear that constrained them evaporated and they went out into the city proclaiming the Good News of Jesus Christ.  They were no longer scared individuals: they were the Church.

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That Church, which received the Holy Spirit and began its apostolic witness on the day of Pentecost, remains today.  The Catholic Church has born faithful witness for over 2000years and will do so until the end of time.  She has endured trials and persecution, she has often been let down by her own members, but it is through that Church that men and women down the ages have come to experience the redeeming love of God and the good news of salvation.  Saints have died rather than deny the truth as revealed to and taught by the Church.  Each of us shares the beautiful grace of being called into that same Church, sealed by that same Spirit and sent out as missionary disciples.

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As we rejoice in that glorious identity which we share with all Catholics, we do well to remember the opening words of the Apostolic Constitution “Anglicanorum Coetibus”:In recent times the Holy Spirit has moved Anglicans to petition repeatedly and insistently to be received into full Catholic communion individually as well as corporately.”  The desire to enter into communion with the successor of Peter was, itself, the work of the Holy Spirit and it is from that same Holy Spirit that the life and mission of the Ordinariate flows.

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The Ordinariate is that part of the Catholic Church to which we have been called and from which we participate in the mission inaugurated at Pentecost.  The recent document on Patrimony from the Holy See makes this clear – the Ordinariate brings its own distinct patrimony as a treasure to be shared with the wider Church, as we receive from the whole Church the fullness of communion which enables us to fully engage in the transmission of the gospel.

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Many of our communities are quite small, but they are vibrant.  I am always encouraged in my visits and conversations to hear individual stories: a love for God because they have encountered, through his Church, His love for them.  This Pentecost let us rejoice!  Rejoice in God who has called us to his service, who has brought His Church into being, who has raised up the Ordinariate to be counted among His missionary disciples.  Let us be open and brave!!

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In Christ

+ David 

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