Breath of Heaven, Song of Earth: Pentecost Featuring Mass for Humanity

Pentecost Sunday Mass – 24 May

All are warmly invited to celebrate the great feast of Pentecost at St Joseph’s Church, West Brunswick on Sunday 24 May at 5pm. The Mass will be celebrated by Fr Brendan Reed and Fr Tien, with music led by St Joseph’s Collegium.

Pentecost marks the climax of the Easter Season. After fifty days of rejoicing in the Resurrection, we celebrate the moment when the risen Christ pours out the gift of the Holy Spirit upon the Church. The same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead is now breathed into our hearts, strengthening us to live as his disciples in the world.

As we mark this liturgical transition, we are reminded that the light of Easter is not extinguished but entrusted to us. Like the first disciples, we are sent forth to carry that light into our daily lives - into our homes, workplaces, and communities.

During the liturgy, we will also renew our baptismal promises, recalling that through baptism we have already received the Spirit and been made part of Christ’s Body. Renewed by water and the Spirit, we are called again to live our faith with courage, love, and joy.

This year’s celebration will be especially significant, featuring Mass for Humanity by Anthony Shafton, a new setting for choir, congregation, organ, and trumpet. Shafton’s liturgical and organ works have been performed internationally in London, Cologne, and Rome, and this new Mass setting has been arranged by Dr Anthony Halliday.

The music of the liturgy will also include Veni Sancte Spiritus by Gregorio Allegri andTrumpet Voluntary byJeremiah Clarke.

This promises to be a joyful and uplifting celebration of the Church’s birth and mission.

All are welcome to come and celebrate Pentecost with us as we receive anew the gift of the Holy Spirit and are sent forth in faith.