Session 3 of our parish small faith group experiences with ‘Be My Witness’ focuses on the Holy Spirit. As Catholics our minds seem to associate the Holy Spirit generally with the reception of the sacraments. Rightly so, the Holy Spirit does have an effectiveness within us during Baptism and Confirmation. But what about our daily life. What about the ongoing conversion God desires for us? Have you ever felt that tug in your heart? A certain prompting that has led you to discovering something new about your relationship with God? The stories heard and the scripture read during our session on the Holy Spirit shares experiences how the Spirit works within our lives and converts our hearts closer to God. Newly canonized Saint Paul VI said, “the Holy Spirit is the principal agent of evangelization.” Evangelization is the conversion of the heart through the message [‘Good News’] of the messenger [Jesus Christ]. Let us remember that ‘evangelization’ is not a term used by certain religions, it is the proclamation of the Gospel. The very mission of Jesus Christ. “The Church is an evangelizer, but she begins by being evangelized herself. And she always needs to hear the proclamation of the "mighty works of God" (Acts 2:11) which converted her to the Lord.” Saint Paul VI—Evangelii Nuntiandi [15]

Prayerfully Darrin Nelson
Evangelization and Adult Faith Formation
St Mary’s Stony Hill

Reflection question: How have you experienced the movement of the Holy Spirit in your life?