Pentecost Sunday, like Easter, will be later than usual this year, but wise members of the Class of 2011 should be especially mindful of the Holy Spirit as their days of celebration arrive on university and high school campuses.

College graduates, after all, are entering a difficult job market. Life-changing decisions await. For the fortunate, the decision may be which job offer to accept. For those facing repeatedly closed doors, there are choices of changing fields, graduate school, relocation, etc.

High school graduates have likely already made plans for the fall, but they too realize it’s a time of transition as they prepare to leave home for the first time.

Those of us with the perspective of years since our own graduations can look back and see the impact of the decisions made in those years. People of faith see the hand of God at work. Because we selected College A, we met our future spouse. Because we took Job B, our paths crossed five years later with Employer C, who is responsible for us now living in Community D.

Because we said “yes” to God’s call to a life as a priest or religious, we were rewarded with happiness, deeper faith, and impacted hundreds of lives.

Graduates who choose not to seek the Holy Spirit’s guidance may well end up on their feet. But when taking a leap of faith, it’s far better to fly on the trustworthy wings of the Holy Spirit, who is often full of surprises and whose fruits even in stressful times include love, joy, peace, and patience.

We congratulate all members of the Class of 2011 at all levels and the many whose support and love have guided them to this milestone.

You will hear a lot of worthwhile advice from classmates and guest speakers at your graduation ceremonies. But on this weekend, which is the World Day of Prayer for Vocations, we think the 16 words offered by Sister Elaine Teders, OSF — one of 88 jubilarians profiled in our special section this week — are among the best anyone can offer.

“Acknowledge God in all you do,” said the former teacher at St. Joseph’s in Peru, “and he will guide you along the path you choose.”

Believe it, graduates. — Thomas J. Dermody