The Holy Spirit Parish community continues to seek ways of serving our neighbors. We seek to educate ourselves of the principles of Catholic Social Teaching and its application to contemporary local, national, and international issues, to advocate for public policy which affirms human life and dignity, and to develop a constituency on social concerns. We are called to live our lives in accord with those teachings through participation in educational opportunities, immersion trips and opportunities for regular community service.

For more information, contact Mike Ferrerro at 997-5111.

Current Projects

Open Your Hearts

Imagine getting a new home for Valentine’s Day. Now imagine that the reason you are getting a home is because of the generosity of others. That is the reality for many of the clients of EHC LifeBuilders. EHC is a local organization that is “passionately committed to ending homelessness” by providing shelter and long-term housing, homelessness prevention, supportive services and more.

 Now imagine getting a new DVD or some warm socks for Valentine’s Day. Imagine that you are in the hot desert, fighting for freedom, and that these gifts aren’t coming from a loved one, but from the generosity of strangers who cared to send a care package. That is what is felt by our many brave soldiers serving overseas, who are aided by the “Adopt-a-Chaplain” Organization (AAC).  AAC serves 100+ chaplains in Afghanistan, reaching over 100,000 soldiers. Founded in 2005, AAC has provided more than 50 tons of food, toiletries, clothing, specially-requested items, and gifts for distribution.

Holy Spirit’s Open Your Hearts Project takes place right before Valentine's Day each year to remind these two groups that they are loved, by collecting much needed comfort items for them.

Over the last several months, EHC has been placing more of their clients into homes than ever before. For that reason, they are currently in need of housewares to help get these people started…“something other than just a set of keys”. This year we are asking for small, NEW housewares (utensils, dishes, pots, cups, dishtowels, etc), giftcards to Big Lots and Target, and Gift Cards and/or Coupons to Bed, Bath & Beyond.

Our soldiers’ desires range from food items, to comfort items, to small toys that they can hand out to the local children.

Please visit the giving tree at the back of church and select a heart. See the list on our website for more specifics. If you are so moved, you could also provide a small Valentine or special “Welcome Home” note for the EHC clients. Or you could write a letter of thanks or support to our soldiers to warm their hearts. This Valentine’s Day, in the spirit of Christian love, please join us in a small but needed gesture of kindness, and “Open Your Heart.”  

The last day to bring in items will be Sunday, February 12th. For more information on Adopt-a-Chaplain, visit www.adopt-a-chaplain.org. For more information on EHC LifeBuilders, visit www.ehclifebuilders.org. If you have any questions about this or any other Outreach Projects, contact Michele O’Neil at miconeil@comcast.net.