Delivering food, shelter, and hope to the poorest of the poor
Today, we celebrate one of the most important events in the history of mankind, the arrival of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. Here is the thrilling account as described in Acts 2:1-4:
When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.
Just like that, the followers of Jesus were given the gift of the Holy Spirit empowering them to share the Gospel with the rest of the world! A few verses later, St. Peter points out that the Holy Spirit is a gift to all who call on the name of Jesus to be forgiven of their sins.
“Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!” – 2 Corinthians 9:15
Because we are given this amazing gift, we are also given a great responsibility. I think Pope Francis said it well, “Do not be a ‘part-time’ Christian, at certain moments, in certain circumstances, in certain choices, be Christian at all times! The truth of Christ that the Holy Spirit teaches us and gives us, always and forever involves our daily lives. Let us invoke him more often, to guide us on the path of Christ’s disciples.”
At Cross Catholic Outreach, we believe God has called us to be “full-time Christians.” Because God has given us the Holy Spirit, we can minister to the physical and spiritual needs of the poor worldwide. It is not by our power that we minister, but by the continual help and guidance of the Holy Spirit.
Grant, o merciful Father, that Thy Divine Spirit may enlighten, inflame and purify us, that He may penetrate us with His heavenly dew and make us fruitful in good works, through Our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who with Thee, in the unity of the same Spirit, liveth and reigneth forever and ever. Amen. – Taken from the Litany of the Holy Spirit
-Catherine M.
Our mission is to mobilize the global Catholic Church to transform the poor and their communities materially and spiritually for the glory of Jesus Christ. Your gift empowers us to serve the poorest of the poor by channeling life-changing aid through an international network of dioceses, parishes and Catholic missionaries. This cost-effective approach helps break the cycle of poverty and advance Catholic evangelization.