Chapter 5.4
The Holy Spirit Gives
and Renews Life
©Ave Maria Press
The Holy Spirit Gives
and Renews Life
Jesus promised to
send the Holy Spirit,
and it is that Spirit—
the third Person of
the Blessed Trinity—
who gives life to
the Church.
Jesus called the Holy Spirit the
Paraclete, indicating that the Holy
Spirit would be our advocate,
defender, and consoler.
The Holy Spirit is God’s
gift—or grace—to us, that
enables us to share his
life and love.
We first receive the Holy Spirit at
our baptism, when we become
temples of the Holy Spirit and are
justified before God.
Justification means that
our sins are forgiven, and
we are able to enter into a
right relationship with
God through our faith in
Jesus Christ.
While Jesus had no sin,
the Holy Spirit
descended upon him at
his baptism as well.
The Holy Spirit also gives life to
and builds up the Church.
The Holy Spirit uses the
Church to draw us to
Christ, to reveal good
things the Lord has done
for us, and to make
present today the Paschal
Mystery of Christ’s love.
This is done especially in
the Eucharist, in which
we share God’s own life.
The Holy Spirit showers gifts
upon us that strengthen and
build up the Church.
The seven gifts of
the Holy Spirit are
bestowed on us
especially at Baptism
and Confirmation,
and they make it
easier for us to live a
Christian life.
Wisdom
Understanding
Counsel
Fortitude
Knowledge
Piety
Fear of the Lord
St. Paul also tells us about other
gifts of the Spirit called charisms.
Charisms are given to
individuals to benefit the
person and strengthen
the whole community.
Among the charisms are
wisdom, knowledge, faith,
healing, miracle working,
prophecy, discernment,
speaking in tongues, and
interpreting tongues.
Further, St. Paul describes the
fruits of the Holy Spirit.
The fruits of the Holy
Spirit are spiritual
perfections that result from
the Holy Spirit living in us.
These fruits are charity,
joy, peace, patience,
kindness, goodness,
generosity, gentleness,
faithfulness, modesty, selfcontrol, and chastity.
The Holy Spirit brought the Church
into existence at Pentecost.
The Catechism of the Catholic
Church teaches us that we find
the Holy Spirit still actively
working in the Church.
The Holy Spirit works through the
Scriptures which he inspired.
The Holy Spirit brought the Church
into existence at Pentecost.
The Catechism of the Catholic
Church teaches us that we find
the Holy Spirit still actively
working in the Church.
Through Sacred Tradition,
witnessed throughout the
ages by the Church Fathers.
The Holy Spirit brought the Church
into existence at Pentecost.
The Catechism of the Catholic
Church teaches us that we find
the Holy Spirit still actively
working in the Church.
Through the Magisterium or teaching
authority of the Church, as a guide to
the servants of God’s people: the pope
and bishops of the Church.
The Holy Spirit brought the Church
into existence at Pentecost.
The Catechism of the Catholic
Church teaches us that we find
the Holy Spirit still actively
working in the Church.
In the Sacraments which put us
in touch with the Risen Lord.
The Holy Spirit brought the Church
into existence at Pentecost.
The Catechism of the Catholic
Church teaches us that we find
the Holy Spirit still actively
working in the Church.
Through prayer, where he
continually intercedes for us.
The Holy Spirit brought the Church
into existence at Pentecost.
The Catechism of the Catholic
Church teaches us that we find
the Holy Spirit still actively
working in the Church.
Through the many gifts and
ministries that build up the
Church as the Body of Christ.
The Holy Spirit brought the Church
into existence at Pentecost.
The Catechism of the Catholic
Church teaches us that we find
the Holy Spirit still actively
working in the Church.
Through the apostolic and
missionary life and outreach.
The Holy Spirit brought the Church
into existence at Pentecost.
The Catechism of the Catholic
Church teaches us that we find
the Holy Spirit still actively
working in the Church.
Through the saints, whose
lives witness to the presence
of the Holy Spirit and his
continuing work of Salvation.
Since the third Person of the Blessed
Trinity is purely Spirit, we use many
different symbols to communicate his
presence, nature, and activity.
Becoming familiar with these
symbols can help us to understand
the Holy Spirit more deeply.