First reading
Acts 2:1–11
They were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and began to speak different languages.
Responsorial psalm
Psalm 103(104):1, 24, 29–31, 34
R. Lord, send out your Spirit, and renew the face of the earth.
Second reading
1 Corinthians 12:3–7, 12–13
In the one Spirit we were all baptised.
Gospel acclamation
Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love.
Gospel
John 20:19–23
As the Father sent me, so am I sending you: receive the Holy Spirit.
Images from the Word
- My witness
- Complete truth
- What is mine
- Marvels of God
- Led by the Spirit
Liturgical notes
If other priests are not present and there is a very large number of communicants, the priest may call upon extraordinary ministers to assist him, i.e., duly instituted acolytes or even other faithful who have been deputed for this purpose. In case of necessity, the priest may depute suitable faithful for this single occasion.
—General Instruction of the Roman Missal, §162
The liturgical reform of Vatican II was directly focussed on restoring to the priestly people of God their baptismal right and duty to fully participate in the liturgy, not as spectators but as engaged members. To ensure that this is possible, the Church made changes to its practices. Our ordained ministers are the ordinary ministers for distributing Communion. When they are not available, the local bishop may provide for extraordinary ministers to be taken from the faithful to help with distribution of Communion in the Body and Blood of Christ. This permission ensures that the celebration is not unnecessarily lengthened.
‘The Spirit of the Lord has filled the whole world and that which contains all things understands what is said, alleluia.’
—entrance antiphon