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This Week: February 22, 2026

The Archbishop’s Annual Appeal in Action: Bringing Literacy Home

Thanks to your generous support of the Archbishop’s Annual Appeal, Holy Spirit is part of something greater. Through your gift, our parish helped place more than 4,500 books into the homes of 800+ children through Catholic Charities Atlanta’s literacy initiative, Read to Succeed.

Led by Holy Spirit parishioners Peggy Hellrung and Jinny Keough and supported by parish volunteers, Read to Succeed serves children of veterans, refugees, and families in need—offering the gift of lifelong literacy, one book at a time.

Because transportation is a challenge, book fairs are brought directly into communities, where children choose brand-new books to broaden their horizons. More than 60% of these families don’t have a single book at home, and your generosity makes this possible. This work happens because your gift to the Archbishop’s Annual Appeal supports Catholic Charities Atlanta.   

- Lisa Menendez, HSCC Parishioner and Catholic Charities Atlanta Former Board Chair

You may donate to the 2026 Archbishop's Annual Appeal here.

An Invitation to Mercy: Our Parish Lenten Penance Service

As part of our Lenten journey of repentance and renewal, our parish will hold its Lenten Penance Service on Monday, February 23, at 6:30 PM in the Church. In addition to our parish priests, Msgr. Dillon, Fr. Shuler, and Fr. Fallon will all be hearing confessions that night.

This is a beautiful opportunity to pause, reflect, and experience God’s mercy through the Sacrament of Reconciliation. We invite all parishioners to take part and prepare their hearts as we embark on our Lenten walk together.

Lent at Holy Spirit

The penitential season of Lent begins on Ash Wednesaday. For a complete list of Lenten activities at Holy Spirit, including rules of Fasting and Abstinence, Stations of the Cross, Fish Frys, and more, please visit:  www.hsccatl.com/lent.

Expansion of Our Department of Mission Advancement and Development

We are pleased to announce the expansion of our Department of Mission Advancement and Development. As part of this growth, we are seeking to hire a new full-time Director. Debbie Slinkard, who has served as Director since last March when this position was created, will continue in a part-time capacity as Stewardship Manager. In this role, she will oversee our offertory campaign and the Archbishop’s Annual Appeal, ensuring continued consistency and care in these important efforts. The new full-time Director will provide leadership in additional areas of fundraising, including the expansion of the memorial garden and future capital campaigns, and parishioner engagement. Click here to view the job description; for questions or to apply, please contact John Walsh.

Weekly Parish Bulletin

Please click here for an online version of the weekly parish bulletin.

Upcoming Events

Tax & Estate Planning Updates for Our Forever Young Community

All parishioners in our “Forever Young” community (those in their 60s, 70s, 80s, and 90s) are invited to an informative and practical presentation designed especially for seniors on recent tax law changes and estate planning opportunities that may affect your income, home, and family legacy. Bliss Jones CPA, CGMA, will review important new federal tax benefits for seniors, including increased deductions, charitable giving options, and ways to reduce taxes on Required Minimum Distributions. Attendees will also learn about Georgia tax changes and a new Fulton County senior homestead exemption that may lower property taxes.

Join us on Wednesday, February 25, at 10:30 AM in Malta Hall. RSVP online or contact Debbie Slinkard if you plan to attend.

Finding Hope and Healing: Grief Support Program This Spring

Wednesdays | 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM 
February 25 - April 22

Room 16, under McDonough Hall

One experience we all share is the loss of someone we love through death. Yet we live in a society that often avoids acknowledging grief and expects us to “return to normal” within a few short weeks. That simply isn’t realistic.

In response to this need, Holy Spirit will offer a Grief Support Group for members of our community who are living with the loss of a loved one. This nine-week journey is dedicated to walking alongside those who are grieving, offering a space to share experiences, learn what to expect in the grieving process, and—most importantly—connect with others who understand this pain and are willing to listen. If you have experienced a loss and are struggling to adjust or feel as though you are not making progress, we invite you to consider joining us.

The program is based on Dr. Alan Wolfelt’s book Understanding Your Grief: The Ten Essential Touchstones for Finding Hope and Healing Your Heart. Each participant will receive a book and journal at the first session. The cost is $27.00 for materials, due at the first meeting. This is a closed group, so pre-registration is required. Space is limited. 

The group will be led by parishioner Ellen Cocks, a trained facilitator with a certificate in death and grief studies, specializing in companioning others through grief. Rob Adams, also a Holy Spirit parishioner, will serve as co-facilitator. If you are interested or would like more information, contact Ellen at ellen@sweetlittlesoul.com. Ellen will also provide you with the room location.

The group will be led by parishioner Ellen Cocks, a trained facilitator with a certificate in death and grief studies, specializing in companioning others through grief. Rob Adams, also a Holy Spirit parishioner, will serve as co-facilitator. If you are interested or would like more information, contact Ellen.

Healing Prayer Service

A healing prayer service will take place on Wednesday, February 25, at 7:00 PM in St. Mary's Chapel. All are welcome. This service does not include the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick.

Men's Club Presents "The Encounter of a Pilgrim and Our Lenten Journey:  Fr. Ballman’s Reflection on the Camino"

The Men’s Club is excited to welcome Fr. Luke Ballman as the featured speaker at their meeting on Monday, March 2, at 6:30 PM in McDonough Hall. Fr. Ballman will share reflections from his pilgrimage on the Camino de Santiago in March 2023, connecting the daily challenges of the road—fatigue, simplicity, reliance on others, and perseverance—to our shared Lenten journey. Through his experience, he will invite us to see Lent not as a test of endurance, but as a steady walk of conversion, brotherhood, and trust in God as we move together toward Easter.

All men are invited to this special Men’s Club event. The cost is $15 and includes dinner. A cash bar is available. RSVP online if you will attend.

Enjoy Fish Frydays This Lent

The Knights of Columbus Fish Frys are held every Friday during Lent from 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM in McDonough Hall. New to the menu this year by request are fish and shrimp tacos! This is in addition to fried fish, grilled salmon, baked shrimp, and an assortment of sides. Preorders help ensure the Knights have enough food. Order your meal today!

Atlanta 40 Day for Life Campaign - Pray with Fr. Joseph Nguyen on March 5

Atlanta 40 Days for Life Fall Campaign runs through March 29. Parishioners are invited to participate through prayer, fasting, and peaceful witness. The faithful are also invited to sign up for one hour of prayer for the end of abortion during the vigil, including prayer led by Fr. Joseph Nguyen on Thursday, March 5 from 9:30 AM –10:30AM, outside of the Feminist Center for Reproductive Liberation at 1924 Cliff Valley Way, NE, Atlanta 30329. Sign up participate in the 40 Days for Life Campaign here.

 

Women's Club News & Events

Women's Club Lenten Retreat
How to Hear the Voice of God

Have you ever felt like God is silent, while others seem to hear Him so clearly? You’re not alone. The Women's Club invites you to step away from the noise of everyday life and gently explore how God speaks to each of us. Together, we will reflect on the hidden barriers that can make His voice feel distant, discover the personal and unique ways He communicates with us, and learn how to invite Him into the difficult places of our lives. Through prayer and reflection, you’ll be encouraged to open your heart more fully and experience God’s love in a deeper, more meaningful way.

Join the Women's Club Lenten Retreat on Saturday, March 14, from 8:30 AM - 12:30 PM in McDonough Hall. The retreat begins with Mass at 8:30 AM in St. Mary's Chapel, followed by brunch and the featured speaker. The cost is $35. Scholarships are available upon request. Email women@hsccatl.com for more information. RSVP if you will attend

 

About the Speaker
Melissa Foley is a Catholic speaker, retreat leader, and the Executive Director of Resurrected Life, a ministry dedicated to inner healing and helping others encounter the transforming love of God. With over 20 years of experience in prayer ministry and teaching, she speaks nationally at retreats and conferences, guiding participants toward deeper freedom, healing, and intimacy with Christ. Melissa lives in Cumming, Georgia, with her husband and three children.

Women's Club Service Events

The Women's Club service initiative for the year is a partnership with the Community Assistance Center in Sandy Springs, which serves many parishioners. CAC focuses on providing basic needs assistance to prevent homelessness and hunger, while promoting self-sufficiency. They offer financial assistance, have three food pantry locations, and operate a thrift store. They also offer youth programs, adult education, a career center, and tax preparation assistance.  Please see the CAC website for details on all the valuable services they provide to the community.
 
Toiletry Drive
From now through April, we will collect toiletries for the women served by the food pantry:  shampoo and conditioner, deodorant, disposable razors, shaving cream, feminine products, bar soaps, toothpaste, toothbrushes, and dental floss.

How to Donate

1.  Bring to meetings November through April
2.  Order via Amazon wishlist


Homeless Shelter - March 11
On Wednesday, March 11, the Women's Club will provide all food for the Homeless Shelter ministry, along with volunteers to serve dinner. Please see the Sign Up Genius link for food needed and serving details. 

Questions? Please contact Kelly O'Connor.

Faith in Action

A New Beginning for a Family at Holy Spirit - And a Need

We are delighted to share that Holy Spirit has welcomed Jaiza — known as Jazz — and her two young daughters, ages five years and fourteen months, into their new home through the Marillac Moms program in partnership with St. Vincent de Paul Georgia. The family is also preparing to welcome another baby this August.

After making the difficult decision to leave an unhealthy living situation, Jazz and her girls spent several months sleeping on the floor at a friend’s home while she worked hard to rebuild stability for her family. Walking into a fully furnished apartment of their own was emotional in the best possible way.

Jazz is warm, energetic, and deeply committed to building a stable future for her children. She is currently enrolled in Wendy’s management training in Decatur and has an upcoming interview for a location closer to her new home. Please keep Jazz and her family in your prayers as this new chapter unfolds.

Jazz has shared how much she hopes to build community here, and we look forward to seeing her and her children at parish events and gatherings in the months ahead. You may follow their journey on our blog.

One immediate challenge for the family is transportation. If anyone in the parish has an older but reliable vehicle they might consider donating, it would make a tremendous difference as Jazz works and cares for her children. Please contact the parish office or the Marillac Moms team if you might be able to help.

Thank you. We are profoundly grateful to our parish family for the generosity and love that made this welcome possible.

When God's Love Shows Up Through Us

Sometimes, just knowing someone cares can change everything.

A man reached out facing the possibility of losing his home while raising his children on one income. Through St. Vincent de Paul, we helped with groceries, rent and connected him to benefits for his children.

“I never thought I would get help from anyone and didn’t know what to expect. I never imagined someone would answer my call. Thank you for all you do for God’s people. I pray God blesses you and your organization.”

His words remind us that even a single act of care can bring hope, relief, and dignity when it’s needed most. Email SVDP@hsccatl.com to learn more.

Faith Formation & Evangelization

Sunday Morning Adult Faith Formation Winter / Spring Schedule

Looking to grow deeper in your faith? Our Sunday morning Adult Faith Formation program is the perfect place to learn, share, and grow together. Mark your calendar and join us at 10:00 AM in McDonough Hall on select Sunday mornings throughout the winter and spring. 


February 22 - The Sorrowful Mysteries: Meeting Jesus in Our Own Suffering - Heather Triggs

March 1 - Discerning the Spirits: Applying the Rules of Discernment - Seminarian Oswaldo (Ozzy) Franco

March 8 - A Catholic Perspective on Sex and Gender Ideology: Origins, Challenges, and Our Response - Thomas Gaines

March 15 - Holy Saturday: Embracing the Silence Between Death and Resurrection - Heather Triggs

March 22 - Who Do You Say That I Am? Exploring the Four Names of Jesus - Andrew McGovern

April 26 - The Glory of the Lord: Reflections on the Glorious Mysteries of the Rosary - Alycia Murtha

May 3 - Jonah: The Short but Powerful Story of a Failed Prophet - Deacon Steve Demko

May 17 - The Examen:  Applying the Rules of Discernment - Seminarian Oswaldo (Ozzy) Franco

Save the Date! Vacation Bible School: June 8 - 12

Save the Dates of June 8 - 12 for Holy Spirit’s Vacation Bible School where children can take “The Great Journey with Jesus Through the Church Year.” Online registration will open March 1. Watch the bulletin for details.

Archdiocesan News

Christ Child Society of Atlanta Hosts Spring Fling Trivia Night

The Christ Child Society of Atlanta is hosting a Spring Fling Trivia Night fundraiser on Saturday, March 28, at 6:30 PM at Dunwoody Country Club. Enjoy cocktails, dinner, trivia, and a raffle - all in support of the good works of Christ Child Society. RSVP by March 15. Visit christchildatlanta.org for details.

An Afternoon Reflection on Beauty and the Church

Father Mark Haydu, LC, former International Director of the Patrons of the Arts of the Vatican Museums and author of two books on meditations on Vatican art, will explore the powerful role beauty and art have played in the life of the Church. All parishioners are invited to Fr. Mark’s presentation, “Beauty that Saves: Why the Church has Always Bet on Art” on Sunday, March 15, from 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM in McDonough Hall. Light refreshments will be served. For reservations or questions, please contact Cathy Zeliff at 678-488-0108.