Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
Come, Holy Spirit! That has been our fervent prayer each time that Bishop Izen, Bishop Kenney and I have celebrated the sacrament of Confirmation this Easter season. That was also certainly the prayer at the center of our moving Pentecost celebrations throughout the Archdiocese this past weekend, and that remains our prayer today as we celebrate the Feast of Mary, Mother of the Church, a commemoration introduced to the universal calendar just a few years ago by Pope Francis to be always celebrated the Monday after Pentecost. Just as Mary was present at the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem, so, too, she was present at the birth of the Church that first Pentecost, as the Holy Spirit came down upon the apostles and sent them out with all that they needed to make disciples.
I am grateful that we felt the maternal presence of Mary, Mother of the Church, as we gathered for our Synod Assembly this past weekend. Her image, a copy of the mosaic from St. Peter’s Square, hung prominently in the fieldhouse at Cretin-Derham Hall as a wonderful reminder for the 450 Synod members — clergy, consecrated women and men, and lay faithful from parishes across the archdiocese — of what can happen when we follow Mary in living according to God’s word. Under Mary’s protective mantle, we prayed together for a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit and shared with each other our experiences of — and hopes for — this local church.
Mary surely knew that the Holy Spirit was a source of surprise. Her life was turned upside down by the overshadowing of the Holy Spirit. With that in mind, I was waiting to see what surprises the Holy Spirit would reveal for me and for this local church at the Synod. I came away so moved by the way that the Holy Spirit gently led the Assembly in their consideration of the eight propositions being considered, enabling them to coalesce on the importance of supporting discipleship in daily life, promoting welcome and hospitality in our parishes, and providing comprehensive faith formation, all with a real attentiveness to the particular needs of youth and young adults. The peace that characterized the discussions could only be attributed to the Holy Spirit and to Mary’s intercession.
Throughout the Synod Assembly, I couldn’t help but feel some closeness to the apostles, who had gathered in the Upper Room with Mary and in their time needed to pray and discern how the young Church could move forward after receiving Jesus’ Great Commission to “go and make disciples of all nations.” I’m so grateful for the fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit that has been gifted to this archdiocese in this, our time, and I feel confident that the Spirit will continue to reveal to us the many fruits of our local Synod in the coming months and years.
Thank you to all who attended as Synod members, planned the event, volunteered in some capacity, or prayed for the success of Synod. It’s clear to me that the Holy Spirit called each of you to be part of this important moment for our archdiocese and blessed you with unique charisms – God-given gifts – for the building up of the Church.
As we conclude the Easter season, I encourage you to rest a while longer in this experience of Pentecost and listen to how the Lord may be asking you to use your unique charisms – in your home life, in your work, and in your parish. Saint Paul reminds us that through the Holy Spirit we are one body with many parts, each of which is tasked with an irreplaceable role.
Discovering our gifts – our charisms – is a worthwhile journey. We need to remember that the Holy Spirit has called us all to use our charisms to proclaim the Good News in this time and place. I hope that you will watch for opportunities in the weeks and months to come, to participate in a Life in the Spirit seminar or the School of Charism Discovery, as planned by my vicar for charisms, Father Michael Becker. Or perhaps you could consider attending a Called and Gifted™ Workshop as one step in your lifelong journey of spiritual growth and service. May the Holy Spirit lovingly guide you and our local church.
These Eucharistic Holy Hour will be conducted according to the USCCB’s newly revised rite for exposition, adoration and benediction. Held at a new parish each month, all the faithful—and especially those already participating in adoration ministries—are encouraged to communal prayer, that more may come to know and love our Lord in the Eucharist.
In the Footsteps of Saint Paul: A Pilgrimage to Greece (Register by June 27)
Explore Athens, Corinth, and Philippi – where Paul wrote powerful letters, Lydia converted to Christianity, and Paul, Silas, Timothy, and Luke first preached on European soil in 49 AD. This journey offers deep spiritual enrichment alongside Greece’s stunning landscapes and ancient architecture. From historic sites to breathtaking views, this pilgrimage promises to be a life-changing experience.
Attendees discuss, discern at Archdiocesan Synod Assembly 2025 in St. Paul
About 450 people from across the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis gathered at Cretin-Derham Hall in St. Paul June 7 to prayerfully consider and vote on propositions they believe the Holy Spirit is inviting Archbishop Bernard Hebda to prioritize for coming years.
Read the full story from The Catholic Spirit.
Read the full story from The Catholic Spirit.
Chanhassen parishioner finds small group that offers support, camaraderie, growth
Christina Kraus has always been active in her Catholic faith, but during the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic the parishioner of St. Hubert in Chanhassen realized she longed for a closer faith community where she could grow spiritually and develop Christian relationships.
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Wrestling with God: Faith in the face of silence
When life doesn’t go as planned and God feels distant, how do we hold on to faith? Bishop Kenney joins us to talk about wrestling with doubt, disappointment, and learning to trust God—even in the silence.
Listen to this episode with Bishop Kenney now.
Listen to this episode with Bishop Kenney now.
Our greatest calling is to love: Honoring every path to holiness (with Karen Hastreiter)
Are some vocations “holier” than others? Karen Hastreiter joins us to unpack how idealizing certain callings—like religious life or priesthood—can distort discernment, and how to seek God’s will with peace, freedom, and clarity.
Visit Practicing Catholic to listen on your favorite podcasting platform. Listen Friday at 9 p.m., Saturday at 1 p.m., or Sunday at 2 p.m. on Relevant Radio 1330AM.
Share Your Passport Adventures
Catholics around the world are marking 2025 as a Year of Jubilee, while at the same time we as an Archdiocese mark 175 years since our founding on July 19, 1850.
To celebrate, Archbishop Hebda is inviting you to become an Archdiocesan Jubilee Pilgrim in our local Passport Adventure!
Find details and download your passport at archspm.org/passport. Visit local parishes now through October, then share your adventures with us on social media by using #175passport and tagging @ArchdioceseSPM in your posts.
Watch this summer for Archdiocesan Passport Adventure updates and snapshots from our 175-year history in each Weekly Word!
Sent forth by the Holy Spirit to make Jesus known and loved.
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June 9, 2025