C a T H O L I C C H U R C H

E P I P H A N Y C A T H O L I C C H U R C H Pentecost May 23, 2021

Vision Statement: “To offer every person in our community a life-changing encounter with Jesus.” that wanders in prayer “the madwoman in the house”; it is like FROM POPE FRANCIS a madwoman that leads you here and there … We must stop it and cage it, with attention. PRAYER: DISTRACTIONS The time of barrenness warrants a different discourse. The Catechism describes it in this way: “The heart is separated Dear Brothers and Sisters, Good Morn- from God, when there is dryness, with no taste for thoughts, ing! memories and feelings, even spiritual ones. This is the moment of sheer faith clinging faithfully to Jesus in his agony and in his Continuing in the line of the Catechism, tomb” (no. 2731). Barrenness makes us think of Good Friday, in this catechesis we refer to the lived at night, and Holy Saturday, all the day: Jesus is not there, He experience of prayer, trying to show is in the tomb; Jesus is dead, we are alone. And this is the some very common difficulties, which thought that gives rise to barrenness. Often we do not know must be identified and overcome. Pray- what the reasons for barrenness are: it may depend on our- ing is not easy: many difficulties pre- selves, but also on God, who permits certain situations in the sent themselves in prayer. It is neces- outer or inner life. Or, at times, it can be a headache or a prob- sary to know them, recognize them and lem of the liver that stops us from entering into prayer. Often overcome them. we do not really know the reason. Spiritual teachers describe The first problem that emerges to those who pray the experience of faith as a continuous alternation of times of is distraction (see CCC, 2729). You start to pray and then your consolation and desolation; there are times when everything is mind wanders, it wanders all over the place; your heart is easy, while others are marked by great heaviness. Very often, here, your mind is there… distraction from prayer. Prayer often when we encounter a friend, we say, “How are you?” – “Today co-exists with distraction. Indeed, the human mind finds it I am down”. Very often we are “down”, or rather, we don’t hard to dwell for long on a single thought. We all experience have feelings, we don’t have consolation, we are unable. They this constant whirlwind of images and illusions in perpetual are those grey days … and there are so many of them in life! motion, which accompanies us even during sleep. And we all But the danger is having a grey heart: when this “feeling know that it is not good to follow this inclination to disorder. down” reaches the heart and it sickens… and there are people who live with a grey heart. This is terrible: one The battle to achieve and maintain concentra- cannot pray, one cannot feel consolation with a tion does not relate only to prayer. If one does grey heart! Or, one cannot emerge from spiritu- not attain a sufficient level of concentration one al barrenness with a grey heart. The heart must cannot study profitably, nor can one work well. be open and luminous, so that the light of the Athletes are aware that contests are not won Lord can enter. And if it does not enter, wait for solely through physical training, but also with it, with hope. But do not close it up in greyness. mental discipline: above all, with the capacity to “Many difficulties pre- concentrate and to remain focused. sent themselves in pray- Then, a different thing is sloth, another flaw, er. It is necessary to another vice, which is a real temptation against Distractions are not guilty, but they must be know them, recognize prayer and, more generally, against the Chris- fought. In the heritage of our faith there is a tian life, is a different matter. Sloth is “a form of them and overcome virtue that is often forgotten, but which is so depression due to lax ascetically practice, de- present in the Gospel. It is called “vigilance”. them.” creasing vigilance, carelessness of heart” , And Jesus said, “Keep vigil. Pray”. 2733). It is one of the seven “deadly sins” be- The Catechism mentions it explicitly in its in- cause, fueled by conceit, it can lead to the struction on prayer (cf. no. 2730). Jesus often death of the soul. calls the disciples to the duty of a sober life, guided by the thought that sooner or later He So what can we do in this succession of enthusi- will return, like a bridegroom from a wedding or asms and discouragements? One must learn to a master from a journey. But since we do not know the day go forward always. True progress in the spiritual life does not and hour of His return, all the minutes of our lives are precious consist in multiplying ecstasies, but in being able to persevere and should not be wasted on distractions. In a moment that in difficult times: walk, walk, walk on… and if you are tired, we do not know, the voice of our Lord will resound: on that stop a little and then start walking again. But with persever- day, blessed will be those servants whom He will find industri- ance. Let us remember Saint Francis’ parable on perfect joy: it ous, still focused on what really matters. They did not stray in is not in the infinite fortunes rained down from Heaven that pursuit of every attraction that came before their minds, but the ability of a friar is measured, but in walking steadily, even tried to walk the right path, doing good and performing their when one is not recognized, even when one is mistreated, own task. This is distraction: the imagination wanders, it wan- even when everything has lost its initial flavor. —Francis ders and wanders… Saint Teresa used to call this imagination

Page 2 Epiphanyparish.com FROM THE PASTOR CELEBRATING OUR FAITH COVID-19 PROTOCOL UPDATE SACRAMENTS SCHEDULE

Epiphany Catholic Church, Covid-19 Protocols, effective May 29-30, 2021 Mass Times Incense is used at 9:30am Sunday Mass. All Ministers have Glu- On May 13, 2021, federal guidance on ten-free Hosts. 7:30 am Sunday Masses are Broadcast on Face- mask wearing changed due to the book at Epiphanyparish.com Drive Up Communion is available effectiveness of Covid-19 vaccinations: Sundays till 8:30am (Canopy). Note: 8:15am School Masses are fully vaccinated people — those who currently closed to the public due to the Pandemic. have received their final Covid-19 vaccination at least two weeks ago — no longer need to wear masks outdoors Sunday, May 23, Pentecost Sunday or in most indoor settings. According 4:00pm Enes and Fred Belligio to the CDC Director, “Few vaccinated 7:30am Bill Cunningham people become infected with the vi- 9:30am Brother Alan Zodda rus, and transmission seems rarer still; and the vaccines appear 11:30am Marge and Al Lopinot to be effective against all known variants of the coronavirus.” The Governor of the State of Illinois has aligned state protocols Monday, May 24, The Blessed Virgin Mary accordingly. However, vaccinations are not universally availa- 7:00am August Demma ble, especially for children, and concerns about solidarity with the unvaccinated and potential infection are warranted in a Tuesday, May 25, Weekday place of worship animated by Christ’s commandment of love. 7:00am Robert Beyers To balance the current vaccination picture and the revised guidelines that emphasize personal freedom and responsibility, Wednesday, May 26, Saint Philip Neri, Priest Epiphany“Our Lord parish reveals has adjustedsaving its covid-19 protocols. Bear in 7:00am Judy Stevens mindand that sacred worship truths from to home his remains an option, as the parish willApostles continue which, to livestream at the the 7:30am Sunday Mass with drive Thursday, May 27, Weekday up Communion until 8:30am. time they hear them, are 7:00am Thomas and Margaret Kelley Family not Covidfully -comprehensible19 Protocols remain in force at the 7:30am and – they11:30am must Sunday simply Masses. ac- Masks are required. Greeters Friday, May 28, Weekday ceptwill his assist words with and social have distancing and seating. 7:00am Geraldine and Jim Becker

faith Covid in -19 their Protocols truthful- relax at daily Mass and at the 4pm ness.and” 9:30am Sunday Masses. Masks are optional for fully Sunday, May 30, The Most Holy Trinity vaccinated churchgoers and others with acquired immun- 4:00pm Tom Van Deven ity. Churchgoers will seat themselves and observe social 7:30am Susan Heller Goforth distancing on their own. 9:30am Taimooraz Taimoorazy Among many people of good will, vaccine creation and distri- 11:30am Patricia Schroeder bution are areas of deep concern. Pope Francis and our bishops endorse the morality of using some vaccines to fight the pandemic. Those who choose to avoid vaccinations for reasons Confession Times of conscience, however, “must do their utmost to avoid, by other preventative means and appropriate behavior, becoming 3:00pm Saturday in the Parish Hall. Please enter from the vehicles for the transmission of the infectious agent. In particu- Corridor and depart out the South Door onto the Parking lar, they must avoid any risk to the health of those who cannot Lot. be vaccinated for medical or other reasons, and who are the most vulnerable.” (Note on the morality of using some anti- Adoration Chapel News Covid-19 vaccines, Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, December 21, 2020) Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament has returned to the St. John Paul II Chapel: Monday to Friday: 7:30am to 6pm. —Fr. Eric Continued on Page 9

Epiphanyschools.org May 23, 2021, Page 3 FROM THE PRINCIPAL PARISH UPDATES ECS GRADUATING CLASS OF 2021 CATCH UP HERE

Dear Friends, Epiphany Youth Ministry On Tuesday, our 8th graders will be- High School Youth Group meets on Sundays from 6:30-8 pm come the 57th class to graduate from (location weather dependent). All incoming freshmen through Epiphany Catholic School. As these 31 graduating seniors are welcome - join us this weekend for students receive their diplomas and games, snacks, and faith sharing! We will be OFF on May 30th depart from the halls of our school, we for Memorial Day weekend. Mark your calendars: Saturday look back at a year that saw many ac- June 5th from 4-9 pm, High School Youth Group will host a complishments of this fine group of Campfire at Comlara, with fun summer games, hot dogs, and students. Consider the following: s’mores! Details to come in our weekly email! Earlier this month, the students experi- Junior High Youth Group (grades 6-8) will vary from our regular enced the Holy Spirit complete the schedule during the summer. Our next JH Youth Group will be a grace of Baptism and offer them the strength as true witnesses game night on Wednesday June 16th from 7-8:30 pm. Want to of Jesus Christ through the sacrament of Confirmation. join a Summer Small Group to watch and discuss The Chronicles The class performed exceptionally well on the MAP Assess- of Narnia movie(s)? Email [email protected]! ments taken in the Fall of 2020 and in the Spring of 2021. The Mark your calendars: Sunday, July 11th both Junior High and class average fall exceeded national means and the averages of High Schoolers are invited to Slip 'n Slide Kickball! It's gonna be diocesan 8th graders as well as 8th graders in Catholic schools a blast y'all. To receive Youth Ministry updates, join our Flock- nationwide. note group or email [email protected] to be added to the email list! 14 members of the class have tested into Spanish II at Central Catholic High School. Emmaus Days 14 members of the class will receive credit for Algebra I, nor- Emmaus Days is a summer program for young men sponsored mally taken as a high school Freshmen, as they begin their high by the Diocese of Peoria. By providing an exciting, spiritually school career next fall. enriching environment, we help participants become more aware of God’s presence in their lives and get excited about Athletically, the class carried on the Epiphany tradition ofex- living their faith. To learn more or to register, vis- cellence. Members of the class played on our baseball team it comeandfollowme.org/emmausdays/ College and Young that placed fourth in 2020 IESA Class A State Baseball Tourna- Adults: June 11-14th @ St. John's Newman Center in Cham- ment and were also fourth in the state in 2021 Class A 7th paign. HS Juniors and Seniors: June 25-28th @ St. John's New- Grade State Basketball Tournament. This spring, the 8th Grade man Center in Champaign. HS Freshmen and Sophomores: July Boys won both the Sectional and Conference Track and Field 18-21st @ Peoria Notre Dame High School. 7th & 8th Meets. The 8th Grade girls placed second in their Sectional. Grade: July 21-23rd @ Peoria Notre Dame High School. Our Scholastic Bowl Team, led by members of the 8th Grade class, had a perfect 14-0 record. Young at Heart Picnic I am sure that there are many more accomplishments that I The Eleventh Annual Young At Heart Summer Picnic will be held could mention here. This class is filled with young ladies and at the Shepard Park Shelter, Shepard Road & Hershey, Normal, gentlemen who are a fantastic representation of the students Il. 11:30 am. Serving will begin at noon. Hot dogs, hamburg- who attend Epiphany Catholic School. I think it is this that I ers, iced tea and lemonade will be provided. Please bring a dish appreciate the most...they are great kids who have achieved to pass and your table service. Cost: $4.00 per per- great things. They truly enjoyed each other’s company and son. RESERVATIONS AND PAYMENT DUE BY June 5, 2021. Make were quite a social group. We are very proud of them and wish checks payable to YOUNG AT HEART and mail to: Mary- them the best of luck as they embark on the next stage of their Margaret McHugh, 406 Northridge CC Est. , Normal, IL. 61761 lives. Outdoor Fellowship and Refreshments We thank their families for their support and guidance to this Fellowship coming soon. During the weekend of May 22-23 fine group of students and extend our congratulations to them there will be an opportunity for refreshment and fellow- as well. May God bless and watch over our graduates in all of ship OUTSIDE after all Masses. As you exit church, stroll to the their future endeavors. — Mike Lootens GO KNIGHTS!!! east side of the Parish Hall. You may gather in the lane in front

Page 4 Epiphanyparish.com of the school building. Looking forward to visiting with you! PARISH CONTACTS Parish Outreach (St. Vincent de Paul) Orlando Lopez email is out- Parish Office School Office (309) 452-3268 [email protected] If you find yourself in serious eco- (309) 452-2585 Epiphanyparish.com Epiphanyschools.org nomic need due to the pandemic, St. Vincent de Paul and

Epiphany Parish want to help. Email Orlando Lopez at Parish Parish Staff Outreach. Fr. Eric Powell (Pastor) [email protected] Discerning Priesthood or Consecrated Life? 309-660-7860 "When the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you to all truth." Deacon Mark Cleary (Baptisms) Will you let the Holy Spirit lead you to your true vocation in the [email protected] Risen Lord...perhaps as a priest or consecrated religious? Call Fr. Chase Hilgenbrinck at (309) 671-1550, or e- Cindy Myers (Pastoral Team) mail: [email protected]. Intercession: For an increased [email protected] devotion to the Holy Spirit among our young people, as He Kara Esker (Youth, CCD, Pastoral Team)) leads them in their prayerful discernment to discover their vo- [email protected] cation in Christ, we pray to the Lord. Domine King, Joyce Tellman (Office Staff) Decorating Committee [email protected]

Epiphany parish is seeking new parishioners who are interested Angie O’Connor (Parish/School Books) in joining the Decorating Committee for our church. We are also [email protected] looking for a member who would like to lead the committee. The committee would be responsible for decorating the Sean and Jennifer Stevens (Music) church for Easter and Christmas, in addition to taking care of [email protected] the plants on the altar. Please contact the Parish office if you are interested. Adorers Needed Cover Painting: Pentecost, by Dutch painter Jan Joest van Calcar, We are in need of 2 full time Adorers on Wednesday afternoon 1505. The scene is one of many of from 3-4pm and Thursday evening from 5-6pm. Would you be the Kalkar Altarpiece, in the Church willing to share an Adoration hour? We have plenty of openings of St. Nicholas at Kalkar. for a 2nd Adorer. Sharing an hour gives you both more flexibil- ity. Won't you consider spending an hour one day a week with Jesus? Email Domine at [email protected] if you can take one of the 2 open hours or if you would like to share an hour. We will help you find the perfect Adoration hour! SHARING IN THE MISSION OUR DEARLY DEPARTED BLESS YOUR GENEROSITY! Gifts from Our Parish Family GRANT ETERNAL REST, O LORD! May 16, 2021…………....………………………….…$15,756 E-giving…………..…………………….…….…….……..$10,429 Special………………………………….…..….………….…$1,078 Parish Endowment…..………...………………….……..$180 Betty Born, wife of the recently School Endowment…………….…………….....……....$392 Capital Improvement………….……………..…….…...$506 deceased Harold Born, and

mother of Christopher

and David. Weekly Budget…………….……………….…...... $24,500 YTD Budget (46 weeks) …………….….……...$1,127,000 YTD Income……………………………..…...….....$1,135,705 YTD Balance………………………….....…….…………..$8,705

PageEpiphanyschools.org 5 Epiphanyparish.com May 23, 2021, Page 5 CONGREGATION FOR THE DOCTRINE OF THE FAITH NOTE ON THE MORALITY OF USING SOME ANTI-COVID-19 VACCINES

The question of the use of vaccines, in general, is often at the are not available (e.g. in countries where vaccines without ethi- center of controversy in the forum of public opinion. In recent cal problems are not made available to physicians and patients, months, this Congregation has received several requests for or where their distribution is more difficult due to special stor- guidance regarding the use of vaccines against the SARS-CoV-2 age and transport conditions, or when various types of vaccines virus that causes Covid-19, which, in the course of research and are distributed in the same country but health authorities do production, employed cell lines drawn from tissue obtained not allow citizens to choose the vaccine with which to be inocu- from two abortions that occurred in the last century. At the lated) it is morally acceptable to receive Covid-19 vaccines that same time, diverse and sometimes conflicting pronouncements have used cell lines from aborted fetuses in their research and in the mass media by bishops, Catholic associations, and experts production process. have raised questions about the morality of the use of these 3. The fundamental reason for considering the use of these vac- vaccines. cines morally licit is that the kind of cooperation in evil (passive There is already an important pronouncement of the Pontifical material cooperation) in the procured abortion from which Academy for Life on this issue, entitled these cell lines originate is, on the part “Moral reflections on vaccines prepared of those making use of the resulting from cells derived from aborted human vaccines, remote. The moral duty to fetuses” (5 June 2005). Further, this avoid such passive material coopera- Congregation expressed itself on the tion is not obligatory if there is a grave matter with the Instruction Dignitas danger, such as the otherwise uncon- Personae (September 8, 2008, cf. nn. 34 tainable spread of a serious pathologi- and 35). In 2017, the Pontifical Acade- cal agent[3]--in this case, the pandemic my for Life returned to the topic with a spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus that Note. These documents already offer causes Covid-19. It must therefore be some general directive criteria. considered that, in such a case, all vaccinations recognized as clinically safe Since the first vaccines against Covid-19 and effective can be used in good con- are already available for distribution science with the certain knowledge and administration in various countries, that the use of such vaccines does not this Congregation desires to offer some constitute formal cooperation with the indications for clarification of this abortion from which the cells used in matter. We do not intend to judge the production of the vaccines derive. It safety and efficacy of these vaccines, should be emphasized, however, that although ethically relevant and neces- the morally licit use of these types of sary, as this evaluation is the responsi- vaccines, in the particular conditions bility of biomedical researchers and that make it so, does not in itself con- drug agencies. Here, our objective is stitute a legitimation, even indirect, of only to consider the moral aspects of the practice of abortion, and necessari- the use of the vaccines against Covid-19 ly assumes the opposition to this prac- that have been developed from cell lines derived from tissues tice by those who make use of these vaccines. obtained from two fetuses that were not spontaneously aborted. 4. In fact, the licit use of such vaccines does not and should not in any way imply that there is a moral endorsement of the use 1. As the Instruction Dignitas Personae states, in cases where of cell lines proceeding from aborted fetuses.[4] Both pharma- cells from aborted fetuses are employed to create cell lines for ceutical companies and governmental health agencies are use in scientific research, “there exist differing degrees of re- therefore encouraged to produce, approve, distribute and offer sponsibility”[1] of cooperation in evil. For example, "in organiza- ethically acceptable vaccines that do not create problems of tions where cell lines of illicit origin are being utilized, the re- conscience for either health care providers or the people to be sponsibility of those who make the decision to use them is not vaccinated. the same as that of those who have no voice in such a decision”. [2] 5. At the same time, practical reason makes evident that vaccination is not, as a rule, a moral obligation and that, therefore, 2. In this sense, when ethically irreproachable Covid-19 vaccines it must be voluntary. In any case, from the ethical point of view,

Page 6 Epiphanyparish.com the morality of vaccination depends not only on the duty to protect one's own health, but also on the duty to pursue the EVERYDAY STEWARDSHIP common good. In the absence of other means to stop or even prevent the epidemic, the common good may recommend vac- HAVING WHAT IT TAKES cination, especially to protect the weakest and most exposed. Those who, however, for reasons of conscience, refuse vaccines Those of us in ministry love this saying: God doesn’t call the produced with cell lines from aborted fetuses, must do their equipped. He equips the called. utmost to avoid, by other prophylactic means and appropriate behavior, becoming vehicles for the transmission of the infec- We all know that sort of queasy feeling we get in the pit of our tious agent. In particular, they must avoid any risk to the health stomachs when it becomes clear what we’re supposed to do, in of those who cannot be vaccinated for medical or other rea- any situation. It’s that feeling of: Oh, no. Not me. Not now. I sons, and who are the most vulnerable. can’t. 6. Finally, there is also a moral imperative for the pharmaceuti- We’ve all got our list of reasons why not, don’t we? We do it cal industry, governments and international organizations to for everything, from big life problems to small everyday choic- ensure that vaccines, which are effective and safe from a medi- es. I’m not going to invite my neighbor to church because I cal point of view, as well as ethically acceptable, are also acces- don’t want to come across as pushy. I’m not going to make sible to the poorest countries in a manner that is not costly for amends with my cousin because she’ll just walk all over me them. The lack of access to vaccines, otherwise, would become again. I’m not going to say a Rosary tonight because I’m tired another sign of discrimination and injustice that condemns poor and it’ll just stress me out. countries to continue living in health, economic and social pov- However, even if we all put our lists of “reasons why we can’t” erty.[5] together, I don’t think any of us have reasons quite as valid as The Sovereign Pontiff Francis, at the Audience granted to the the apostles. Their job was to convert the nations — and here undersigned Prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the they are, a bunch of fishermen who haven’t been out of Judea, Faith, on 17 December 2020, examined the present Note and who speak only their own languages. Were they supposed to ordered its publication. preach the Gospel via a particularly compelling game of cha- rades? Rome, from the Offices of the Congregation for the Doctrine of But even that big, giant, stop-you-dead-in-your tracks Reason the Faith, on 21 December 2020, Liturgical Memorial of Saint Why We Can’t was nothing, because God had a plan. He didn’t Peter Canisius. call a bunch of equipped men. He called them, and He Luis F. Card. Ladaria, S.I.Prefect equipped them. Cue the tongues of fire! S.E. Mons. Giacomo Morandi, Secretary God doesn’t call us to do His will because we have what it takes. He calls us because He’s ready to give us what it takes.

Being a good steward is to answer the call of Christ knowing he [1] Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, Instruction Digni- will provide. tas Personae (8 th December 2008), n. 35; AAS (100), 884. [2] Ibid, 885. [3] Cfr. Pontifical Academy for Life, “Moral reflections on vaccines prepared from cells derived from aborted human foetus- es”, 5th June 2005. [4] Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, Instruct. Dignitas Personae, n. 35: “When the illicit action is endorsed by the laws WELCOME TO OUR PARISH! which regulate healthcare and scientific research, it is necessary NEW TO EPIPHANY PARISH to distance oneself from the evil aspects of that system in order not to give the impression of a certain toleration or tacit acceptance of actions which are gravely unjust. Any appearance of “Let all who arrive be received like Christ, for He is acceptance would in fact contribute to the growing indifference to, if not the approval of, such actions in certain medical and going to say, ‘I came among you, and you received political circles”. Me’.” —Saint Benedict [5] Cfr. Francis, Address to the members of the "Banco Farma- Jim & Marion Gore ceutico" foundation, 19 September 2020. Ryan & Kayleigh Helenthal Daniel & Maybelline Clark and family Laurie Harm

Epiphanyschools.org May 23, 2021 Page 7 GOSPEL MEDITATION CATHOLIC LIFE EXPLAINED GOING DEEPER INTO SCRIPTURE WHY BIBLES ARE DIFFERENT

Begin by taking a moment to calm yourself, and pray in the Question: Why are Catholic and Protestant Bibles different? words and affections of St. Augustine’s Prayer to the Holy Spir- Answer: Since the earliest days of the Church, Christians used a it, “Breath in me, O Holy Spirit, that my thoughts may all be Greek translation of the Old Testament known as the Septua- holy. Act in me, O Holy Spirit, that my work, too, may be holy. gint. This collection of the texts of the Hebrew Scriptures includ- Draw my heart, O Holy Spirit, that I love but what is holy. ed 46 books. At the time of the Protestant Reformation in the Strengthen me, O Holy Spirit, to defend all that is holy. Guard 1500s, the Protestant reformers began to create their own me, then, O Holy Spirit, that I may always be holy.” Sanctifying, translations of the Bible (into local languages) and some began bringing things to wholeness, blessing, restoring and creating to question why the Jewish Scriptures would have included texts are just some of the fruits of the presence of the Holy Spirit. that were written in Greek, because, they assumed, the only Being filled with the Holy Spirit is not always about proclaiming valid Jewish Scriptures would have been written in Hebrew. And loud cries of praise or singing alleluia from a roof top. It is about unfolding and encountering the ordinary in an extraordi- so, they decided to remove seven books from the Old Testa- nary way. Being filled with the Holy Spirit means being filled ment: Baruch, Sirach, 1 and 2 Maccabees, Tobit, Judith and Wis- with the fullness of God’s life and in touch with the power and dom (as well as portions of the Books of Daniel and Esther). This wonder of God’s presence. It’s about becoming holy. means that the Protestant Old Testament only includes 39 books, while Catholic Bibles continue to include those original Holiness is for everyone who desires to love God, others, and 46 books. Both Catholic and Protestant Bibles include 27 books all of creation. When an ordinary, humble person becomes and letters in the New Testament. connected with life and the wondrous power of God’s love, they begin to live life more deeply, a bit more reverently, de- sire a simple fare and find themselves relishing in ordinary beauty. Their senses become attuned to the Author of life and they realize that they are not alone. The Holy Spirit connects all of the dots of human experience and existence, bringing every- LIVE THE LITURGY one to center on the Divine Presence. The Holy Spirit does not FILLED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT just breathe “on me” but “in me” and is the force behind every breath I take. Take a moment to soak that thought in. There is The phrase “being filled with the Holy Spirit” may summon forth the Divine Presence of the Holy Spirit in me, right now. When a images that are a bit too intense for some folks. They may con- person becomes in touch with truth, they realize that they are clude that when one is filled with the Holy Spirit that they im- moved by Divine Grace and drawn to things not found in secu- mediately begin speaking in tongues, loudly praise God, sing lar affairs. alleluia from roof tops, and do other demonstrative things. In It is only the Holy Spirit, through the ministry of the Church reality, being filled with the Holy Spirit means being filled with most especially, who guides us to truth and shows us the way the fullness of God’s life and in touch with the power and won- to be the graced and holy human beings God made us to be. der of God’s presence. It is the Holy Spirit that draws us togeth- The wonders and inspirations of today’s Feast of Pentecost are er as a community of faith, inspires us with wisdom and right necessary to share with both those we love and those who only judgment, and turns us from the darkness of sin to the virtues casually cross our paths. The first disciples, touched by the Holy that bring life. We live in a world where it is hard to discover Spirit, brought the Gospel to the ends of the earth one step at truth. The Holy Spirit, through the ministry of the church, guides a time. Is it unrealistic to ask that we assist in that same mis- us to truth and shows us the way to be the graced human be- sion by helping people understand who they are and who God ings God made us to be. Come, Holy Spirit, and fill our hearts! is one at a time?

Page 8 Epiphanyparish.com Epiphanyschools.org May 23, 2021, Page 9

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GENE AGNEW, Broker, Parishioner Buying or Selling Your Home? 309-530-0473 or [email protected] www.geneagnewsells.com HomeSmart Realty Group

Liliana Timoorazi Broker, CRS, GRI Award Winner for Impecable Customer Service , Loyalty & Integrity Contact Trey Hill to place an ad today! (309) 826-5559 • www.lilianacoldwellhomes.com [email protected] or (800) 950-9952 x2613 A Relationship that will last forever

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Parishioner Luke Hermes and Family

Axel Jimenez, Agent & Parishioner 309-451-3276 • axelismyagent.com Providing Insurance and Financial Services

RESIDENTIAL • COMMERCIAL INDUSTRIAL - DATA - COMM SERVICE CALLS John Weber 827-7337 For All Your Electrical Needs 200 E LAFAYETTE Phillips & Associates, CPAs, PC TAX AND ACCOUNTING SERVICES Richard W Phillips, CPA - Parishioner 1600 Hunt Dr, Normal 452-2417

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