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One of the promises of Jesus is something we hear in Today’s Gospel. It is the promise of the Advocate, or the Holy Spirit. The title has its roots in the Latin words “vocare ad” to call towards. The implication is that the Holy Spirit, the Advocate will call us and will come toward us. It is another way that Jesus was reassuring the people of his presence in the post resurrection experience. We have the same advocate whom we also call the Holy Spirit.

Priests and active parishioners across New England want to see their parishes come alive. The problem is that changing the way we “do church” can be intimidating, especially without having seen relevant examples of parishes doing things differently. 

Here at Mary Queen of the Apostles Parish, we are a “Divine Renovation” Parish. In 2017, we joined an international network of parishes committed to renewal in the Church. This renewal is based on the book Divine Renovation by Father James Mallon and the model that he developed as pastor of St. Benedict Parish in Halifax, Nova Scotia. The goal is to move from “Maintenance to Mission.” While we continue to maintain and care for the flock, we must be outward-focused, invitational, welcoming, and bringing others to Jesus.