1. We Believe in the Holy Spirit

2. Pentecost 10 days after the death of Jesus. God came down in the form of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles (minus Judas) and Mary, the Mother of God The coming of the Holy Spirit allowed the Apostles to respond and share the knowledge of the resurrection to everyone. This is the beginning of Christianity

3. Cont. This is promised by God through the prophet Joel (Joel 2: 28-29) Pentecost was originally a Jewish feast. Pentecost was a time of harvest that was celebrated 50 days after Passover. Pentecost means “50 th Day” People offer their harvest to God on that day

4. Some Terms Community of Believers: people who believe that Christ is the Messiah and who believe in God. Law: The Scriptures/Bible and the teachings of the Church God reveals God’s self in many different ways. Christians have learned to expect to see, find and know in the person of Jesus, in the “Law” and the community of believers.

5. Gifts of the Holy Spirit These are gifts from God given to help us fulfill God’s will. These allow us to communicate with God, to one another and to the world They are not just given, but need to be developed (by you!) Everyone has these gifts, but it is up to you to use them

6. Gift #1 Wisdom Means being able to see how Gods wants things to be. It means knowing what needs to be done or said to help God’s plan. Wisdom also means being able to see the effects of various actions.

7. Gift #2 Understanding Means seeing why things are the way they are. It means seeing what needs to be done and responding the way God wants you to respond. An understanding person knows when someone needs help and is quick to offer help (help can be actively doing something or simply listening), makes time for other and makes sacrifices for others

8. Gift #3 Counsel Means helping to change things to the way they were meant to be. It means making good judgments and giving good advice A person with this gift says what is needed to change things from bad to good They also know how to lead others to doing what is right and can hear the truth even when it is hidden

9. Gift #4 Knowledge Means being aware of the world God has created. It also means understanding how things work and fit together A person with this gift is not easily fooled, is good at solving problems and can give facts to others so they can make good decisions.

10. Gift #5 Fortitude Means having courage and being able to keep going even when things get really hard People who have this gift do not give up easily, they do what is needed even if its hard, scary or painful.

11. Gift #6 Piety (Reverence) Means loyalty and faithfulness to God. It means changing our behaviour because of our faith and trusting in prayer and praying. These people put their faith into action. They find time to pray for themselves, others, and to God. They do not lose faith during the hard times. They are not usually weighed down by doubt, despair or anxiety. They find strength in God.

12. Gift #7 Fear of the Lord Means knowing that God and only God deserves our absolute trust and commitment. It means believing that God’s plan is much bigger than anything we can see, and that even when we do not understand what is going on, God is working for us. It means to believe that God is infinitely wiser, more loving and more powerful than we are. A person with this gift puts God first, does not forget to worship God and is not ashamed to ask for God’s help.

13. Fruits of the Holy Spirit Love Joy Peace Patience Kindness Generosity Faithfulness Gentleness Self-control

14. Solidarity When we see other people’s needs just as important as our own needs. It means “being as one.” Ex. When we help make someone’s dreams come true. Ex. When their successes mean our success as well.

15. Trinity The Trinity is the perfect model of solidarity God relates to us as three persons in three ways. 1. God the Father 2.God the Son (JC) 3.God the Holy Spirit There is only one God, but three persons in the Trinity. Which is God.

16. Cont. The Trinity reminds us that life lived in solidarity is God’s way of loving us. Our relationships bring each other together, and when relationships are built on solidarity, they are built with power because the Trinity and God are present. Discernment: calling on the Holy Spirit to lead or give directions about your vocation. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.