With its themes of breathing new life into the world and renewal, this Pentecost Sunday — May 23 — may have special significance in 2021 for Catholics as we appear to be emerging from the pandemic in the United States. Many who have been hesitant to attend Mass are doing so again, thanks to vaccinations and the resulting easing of restrictions.

A scene from Pentecost is depicted in a stained-glass window. (CNS/Gregory A. Shemitz)

And the month of May looks much like the Mays of old with First Communions, confirmations, graduations, and ordinations. We’re not at the finish line yet — and we are very mindful that some among us and much of the world are still in urgent need of our prayer and support.

But it seems like we’re at a starting line of sorts, doesn’t it? Certainly our graduates are, as they prepare for where the Holy Spirit will lead them next. In fact, the word commencement means “a beginning or start” as well as the name of the ceremony at which diplomas are awarded. Our First Communicants and confirmands are at starting lines, too, with the former embarking on a lifetime of receiving the Lord and the latter truly celebrating this Pentecost having just been sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Deacon Austin Bosse and Deacon Nicolas Wilson, who will be ordained on May 29, are at the dawn of what we pray is many decades of service as priests of our diocese. And this Pentecost, we invite you to spend time with our special section, Jubilarians 2021, and give thanks to the Holy Spirit for the many ways he has shown us the love of God through these remarkable priests, Sisters, deacons, and a special gift that came to our diocese a year ago — Coadjutor Bishop Louis Tylka.

Congratulations to all. With them all, let us take our place at the starting line for the adventures that the Holy Spirit is calling us to next, both individually and (praise God) together again. — Thomas J. Dermody