Seventh Sunday of Easter

Novena Prayers preparing for Pentecost
 
Divine Spirit, renew your wonders in this our age, as in a new Pentecost, and grant that your holy Church, praying perseveringly and insistently with one heart and mind, together with Mary the Mother of Jesus, and guided by Saint Peter, may increase the reign of the Divine Savior, the reign of truth and justice, the reign of love and peace. Amen
St Pope John the 23rd
 
Father, pour out Your Spirit upon Your people and grant us a new vision of Your glory, a new experience of Your Power, a new faithfulness to Your Word and a new consecration to Your service, that Your love may grow among us and Your Kingdom come through Christ Our Lord. Amen.
 
As we prepare for the Feast of Pentecost ..
.. it is good to hear the reflection of one of the members of our Parish who attended “Flame - The unstoppable - Fan the flame of hope” earlier this year when 10,000 young people gathered in Wembley Arena for a day of talks, worship and prayer.  The day was predominantly aimed at Catholic teenagers upwards from Year 9
He writes that  “Organised by the Catholic Youth Ministry Federation, the day involved lots of music as well as talks from celebrities like Bear Grylls and Adonike, bishops, organisations and monks. The day also included Gospel readings, prayer and adoration.
Bear Grylls is probably most recognisable for his series tv about extreme adventure. He is a former 21 SAS soldier, who went on to become one of the youngest ever climbers of Mt Everest. He is also a commited Christian and book author. He spoke at Flame about his journey of faith and hardships and gave away a copy of his latest book - “ The Greatest Story Ever Told” - to everyone at Flame.
It is the story of Jesus retold in action book manner gripping detail through eyewitness accounts whilst staying true to the biblical context by directly quoting Jesus when he speaks.  The book allows young people and people who struggle to read to more easily access Jesus’ story.
The day also included messages from Pope Francis and  , the Apostolic Nuncio to the United Kingdom.
The music throughout the day, performed by various Catholic groups and singers like One Hope project and Adonike. The music really brought the day together allowing everyone to join in and enjoy themselves”.