Just as the first disciples had gathered in the Upper Room more than 2,000 years ago when the Holy Spirit descended upon them at the first Pentecost, Father Jeffrey Kegley sees the upcoming diocesan Pentecost Rally as an opportunity for faithful “to gather in one place and pray in anticipation of a new outpouring of the Holy Spirit in the Diocese of Trenton.”
Hosted by the diocesan Catholic Charismatic Renewal, the Pentecost Rally will be held June 8 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. in St. Mary Parish, 19 Cherry Tree Farm Road, Middletown. Using the theme “Return to the Upper Room,” the day will feature dynamic talks, personal testimonies, prayers for the “Baptism of the Holy Spirit,” time for healing ministry and the Pentecost Vigil Mass to be celebrated at 5 p.m. by Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M.
The speakers throughout the day include Father Kegley, pastor of St. Mary Parish and diocesan liaison to the diocesan Catholic Charismatic Renewal, who will speak on “Return to the Upper Room.” Through his words, Father Kegley hopes to lead attendees to open their hearts to receive a new outpouring of the Holy Spirit that will empower them to be missionary disciples.
Amanda O’Sullivan, co-founder of His Kingdom Firestarters, will speak on “Forgiveness,” in which she will stress the importance on how receiving forgiveness and forgiving others is essential to receiving the Holy Spirit and becoming a disciple of Jesus Christ.
Jim Tortorici, coordinator of the Trenton Unbound Ministry and theology teacher in Christian Brothers Academy, Lincroft, will present “Signs and Wonders” and will focus on the missionary activity of the first Christian community.
Gez Ford, LifeTeen youth minister and worship leader in St. Raphael-Holy Angels Parish, Hamilton, and co-founder of Tabor House, Trenton, will speak on “The Power of Praise” in which he will focus on hearing the voice of the Holy Spirit in praise and worship.
Father Kegley noted that there will also be a children’s ministry to provide a “Holy Spirit-filled day” for youngsters ages two to 12. The children’s ministry will lead activities including praise and worship, arts and crafts and skits that are designed to lead the children to their own encounter with the Lord in the power of the Holy Spirit.
Father Kegley reiterated that the Pentecost Rally is open to all and he looks forward to welcoming many people to his parish where they can “gather like the Apostles in the Upper Room and await the promise of the father in prayer and joyful expectation.”
He then added how fitting it was for the rally to be held in his parish because the “Apostles were gathered with our Blessed Mother on the day of that first Pentecost.
“Our prayer is that every rally attendee will experience the transforming power of the Holy Spirit and go forth from the rally like the Apostles went forth from the Upper Room, empowered and excited to share the Good News of Jesus Christ with the whole world,” Father Kegley said.
Fee to attend is $35 and online registration is available at DOTCCR.org. For more information, call 732-671-0071, ext. 221.