ADULT FAITH FORMATION

A variety of programs is available by which adults can foster their growth in faith. Small group discussion groups are available, as well as short courses and one-day seminars. As disciples of the Lord Jesus, we seek to sit at His feet in a variety of ways, drinking in the life-giving water of His revelation.

Sister Cathy Galaskiewicz, OP
leads Bible Study and Catholic Insight
sessions thoughout the year.

CURSILLO

The Cursillo Movement is a national and diocesan ministry which offers a dynamic and structured method of spiritual growth and faithful discipleship. The Diocesan Office of Worship (373-1200) can provide the dates for upcoming Cursillos, both in English and in Spanish. Call the parish office if you would like to join an on-going Reunion group.


LIBRARY

The library at the Church of the Holy Spirit contains more than three thousand items. The adult inventory includes spiritual reading books, biography, and fiction; audio tapes of religious topics and musical selections; video tapes on a wide variety of subjects; reference books, including Catholic encyclopedias, Bibles, Biblical commentaries, and a complete set of the writings of the Fathers of the Church. A large section is filled with children's books and video tapes on Biblical and religious subjects. We welcome all visitors.

MARRIAGE ENCOUNTER

Marriage Encounter is a national and diocesan movement of couples who work to strengthen their living of the Sacrament of Marriage. The Diocesan Office of Worship (373-1200) can provide the dates of the upcoming ME weekends. Call the parish office to be connected to our parish ME contact couple.


MOTHER'S DAY OUT

Serving young families in the parish and beyond by providing a loving educational environment for children ages 9-month through 5-year (pre-kindergarten).
More information.


PARISH RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

Provides formal religious education for children not attending Catholic Schools, and faith formation opportunities for parishioners of all ages.
More information.


RETREATS

The Diocesan Office of Worship (373-1200) can provide the dates for the regularly scheduled diocesan retreats for men, for women and for couples. Holy Spirit parish occasionally schedules retreats for parishioners at nearby retreat sites.


SPIRITUALITY OF WORK

In 2002 our parish entered into an on-going conversation about the spirituality of work. Beginning with an initial six-week seminar-- to be repeated in Jan.-Feb. 2003-- the parish challenged its members to reflect on the importance of the spirituality of work and to implement practices and disciplines to increase awareness of God's presence at work. Periodic follow-up sessions will be offered and we hope to offer some of the reflections of participants as they arrive.


VOCATIONS COMMITTEE

The Parish Vocations Committee works in collaboration with the Diocesan Serra Club to foster vocations to the priesthood and the religious life. It meets monthly to plan and implement a variety of programs, including all day Friday adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, the 31 Club (those who attend Mass on a designated day each month to pray for vocations), vocation panels for differing age groups, etc. Call the parish office if you would like to join the committee.


YOUTH MINISTRY

Holy Spirit YPA... where teens soar like eagles on the wings of the dove

Holy Spirit Youth Ministry believes that young people are an important and integral part of our parish community. The Youth Program, under the name of YPA for Young People's Association, encourages teens to continue on their faith journey and provides opportunities for their spiritual growth in our parish and in the surrounding community. The youth group is developed and strengthened by the leadership of our volunteer adult advisors as well as a group of carefully selected teens known as the Youth Ministry Advisory Board (YMAB). The adults and youth are provided the opportunity to grow together in Christian faith.

SOCIAL- Many of our games and activities provide opportunities for teens to get to know each other, develop relationships and make friends. Through game nights, movie nights, Laser Tag, the annual winter ski trip, summer canoe trip, swim parties, softball and volleyball teams, our youth develop friendships that can last a lifetime.

SPIRITUAL-Whether it be through guest speakers, youth-led discussions, prayer services or other activities, faith- sharing is a major part of our program. We participate in Diocesan led retreats and gatherings to help the youth realize that they are not only a part of a youth group and a parish but a larger faith community as well.

SERVICE- Being "the hands of Christ" is highly stressed in our program. We volunteer at not only many Parish sponsored events but in the community. Our major service project is a weeklong summer trip to Catholic Heart Work camp, which involves service work in another area of the country.

The YPA meets throughout the school year on Sunday nights from 6:30-8:30PM for fun, fellowship, food and faith sharing and we'd like you to join us! All high school youth are welcome. If Sunday nights don't work for you, then join us in one of our many activities! All of our activities are open to all teens, not just YPA members.

Faith is a journey- your journey can be a lot of fun and spiritually rewarding if you share the road with others! Come and travel with us on any of the "roads" we offer!

If you are interested in joining YPA or becoming an adult volunteer, please email Theresa.Hash@hspirit.cdom.org.