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The Holy Spirit and the Mass

May 29, 2025 • Written by Vicki Klima

Jesus said to his disciples, “I have told you this while I am with you. The Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything and remind you of all that I told you.” (John 14:26, from the Gospel for May 25, 2025)

There are multiple references to the Holy Spirit at Mass in the Sign of the Cross and Blessings, the Gloria, and the conclusion of prayers. We pray the Eucharistic Prayer to God the Father, through, with, and in Christ, in the unity of the Holy Spirit.

One part of the Eucharistic Prayer is called the “Epiclesis,” a word that means to invoke or summon. We call upon the Holy Spirit to “Make holy these gifts we have brought to you for consecration, that they may become the Body and Blood” of Christ. We also ask to be transformed and filled with the Holy Spirit by partaking in the Body and Blood of Christ.

The Holy Spirit is the Advocate, the Sanctifier, Comforter, and Consoler. The Holy Spirit gives us strength and inspiration and intercedes for us. The Spirit helps us grow in holiness.

The study of the Holy Spirit is pneumatology which comes from two Greek words, “pneuma” meaning wind or breath and “ology” the study of. The Spirit is a mighty wind and the breath of life. The Spirit is as close to us as our own very breath, omnipresent and invisible. We know that the Holy Spirit is present by certain actions. The products or Fruits of the Holy Spirit are charity, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, generosity, gentleness, faithfulness, modesty, self-control, and chastity. By their fruits you will know who the followers of Christ are.

Vicki Klima

Vicki, a retired liturgist and parish administrator, is passionate about enriching Catholic worship. She authored Participation of the Heart to help Catholics engage more deeply in the Mass. With a Master’s in Pastoral Liturgy, she has led workshops, written for liturgical publications, and continues to inspire through speaking, writing, and her love of music and theater.