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This Week: October 5, 2025

Part of Something Greater: Our 2026 Offertory Campaign Launches This Weekend

Thank you for your support of Holy Spirit Catholic Church. Your generosity sustains our liturgies, ministries, and outreach. This weekend we launch our 2026 Offertory Campaign.

Guided by our parish theme, Part of Something Greater, we invite you to give as an expression of faith and community. Please make your 2026 pledge online at hsccatl.com/giving or by using the form on the back page of the bulletin. We use each gift wisely to serve our parish family. Questions? Contact Debbie Slinkard or Marcia Palcher at 404-252-4513. Every gift is used thoughtfully with care to support and serve our parish and its ministries. Your generosity exemplifies the sharing of Christ’s love.

Blessing of the Animals - TODAY!

The annual Blessing of the Animals will take place today, Sunday, October 5, at 2:00 PM in the Saint's Anthony and Francis outdoor chapel. Please bring your pets, appropriately restrained, to receive a blessing from our clergy. This event will be held rain or shine.

Hallow Prayer Challenge - Undoer of Knots Novena - Begins October 7

Join your fellow parishioners in our next Hallow Prayer Challenge as Sr. Miriam James Heidland, SOLT leads us in the powerful Undoer of Knots novena. Bring any knots in your life that are keeping you from the peace and joy of Christ, and ask Mary to help undo them. Find the challenge on Holy Spirit’s Community Page of the Hallow App and join the waitlist. We will pray together beginning Tuesday, October 7.

A Christmas Keepsake that Supports Mothers and Babies in Bethlehem

Members from the Sovereign Military Order of Malta are pleased to announce our 2025 Christmas ornament: Our Lady of the Rosary. These beautiful ornaments are $30 each or $25 each for two or more ornaments. All proceeds will benefit Holy Family Hospital in Bethlehem, located just 1,500 steps away from where Jesus was born. Holy Family Hospital is the premier maternity hospital and newborn critical care center for the Bethlehem region and s the only hospital in the region that can deliver and save babies born before 32 weeks, some weighing as little as one pound.

Orders may be placed online with pick up in the parish office. In person sales will commence during Advent. Thank you, in advance, for your support.

Weekly Parish Bulletin

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

Upcoming Events

Men's Club October Meeting - Monday Night!

All men of the parish are invited to Thos. O’Reilly’s Public House in Sandy Springs on Monday, October 6, at 6:30 PM for an evening of fun and fellowship. Visit with friends old and new for drinks and a Dutch treat dinner. Enjoy socializing, cocktails, and dinner. RSVP online if you plan to attend. Direct all questions to Billy King.

Young Adult Ministry Hosts Board Game Night

Join the Young Adults on Saturday, October 11, at 6:00 PM in McDonough Hall for a Board Game Night. The Young Adults will provide games, light snacks, and drinks - feel free to bring your favorite game as well!

Great Books Discussion Group

The next meeting of the Great Books Discussion Group is on Thursday, October 9, at 7:00 PM in McDonough Hall, Side B. For more information, contact Patrick Carey at 770-241-2511.

Since the earliest writings, war has been a recurring theme in poetry and literature. In our upcoming discussion, the Great Books Discussion Group will explore two brief selections on this subject. Horace (65–8 BC), writing in the first century BCE, praises the sacrifices required by loyalty to one’s country in Ode 3.2. Centuries later, Wilfred Owen (1893–1918) drew on his harrowing experiences of trench warfare to compose Dulce et Decorum Est - its title borrowed from Horace. His vivid account of modern combat reflects the grim realities of World War I. Tragically, Owen was killed in battle just a week before the war ended.

Mass for Missionaries of Charity and Reception

All parishioners are invited to a special Mass for the members of the Gift of Grace Home Ministry and the Missionaries of Charity in St. Mary's Chapel on Friday, October 17, at 10:00 AM. We are delighted the Sisters, who belong to the religious community founded by Mother Teresa (St. Teresa of Calcutta), will join us!

After Mass, you'll have an opportunity to meet the Sisters and visit with the members of the Gift of Grace Home Ministry over refreshments in McDonough Hall. RSVP on the parish website, if you plan to attend.

The Gift of Grace Home is a residential home for homeless women with a terminal illness. It was founded by Mother Theresa in 1994 when she saw the need during a visit to Atlanta. Members of the Ministry provide uncooked food and supplies on a monthly basis and some members deliver the items to the Home in Virginia Highlands. If you are interested in learning more about serving in the Gift of Grace Home Ministry, please email Kathleen Eidson.

Brat & Brews with the Knights! Oktoberfest 2025

Join the Knights of Columbus for an evening of delicious German fare on Wednesday, October 22, at 6:30 PM in McDonough Hall! Savor grilled, beer-braised bratwurst on fresh pretzel buns, sauerkraut, Hoffbrau coleslaw, a variety of desserts, and drinks. Plus, enjoy authentic German beers and wine! The cost is $15 for adults, $5 for children, and a family maximum of $35. Bring your appetite and your friends for a fun-filled Oktoberfest celebration! Prost! RSVP and pre-pay online if you will attend. Prost!

Friday Nite Bites - Young Families Ministry

We invite you to join us for a relaxed family dinner on Friday, October 24, at 5:00 PM –7:00 PM in McDonough Hall. Kids can laugh and play together while parents connect. Halloween costumes are optional. There is no charge for the dinner, but your RSVPs will help us plan food. This event is sponsored by our new Young Families Ministry. If you have questions or want to get involved with this ministry, please contact Jane Ashley Ravry.

Infertility Awareness Workshop
The Church Speaks to the Cross of Infertility and Reproductive Technology

Approximately 1 in 6 couples will struggle with infertility at some point in their lives, often causing profound pain and confusion. In response to this suffering, our modern world offers a whole myriad of artificial reproductive technologies, many of which come with major moral and ethical concerns. Our Church invites us to something more- radical freedom and fruitfulness through openness to God’s perfect plan.

All are invited to this special infertility awareness workshop on Saturday, October 25, from 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM in McDonough Hall. Lunch is provided; the suggested donation is $10. RSVP if you will attend. For more information, please contact  Anna Gowasack at anna@redbird.love.

Women's Club News & Events

Women's Club Presents "Flower Arranging with the Lucy Guild"

Bring the beauty of fall to your entertaining! Get tips for beautiful arrangements from members of Holy Spirit’s Lucy Guild at the Women's Club meeting on Monday, October 6, offered at both 11:30 AM and 6:30 PM in McDonough Hall. Ladies at each table will create a distinctive centerpiece using flowers provided. Please bring greens from your own yard if you have them! The cost for this session is $20 and includes lunch or dinner. For questions, email women@hsccatl.com.

Morning Session - RSVP HERE
Evening Session - RSVP HERE

Women's Club - Thursday Social at Culinary Dropout

All women of the parish are invited to the October Social at Culinary Dropout in Dunwoody, 1231 Ashford Crossing, Building 900, near Perimeter Mall on Thursday, October 30, from 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM. A $5 donation to cover appetizers is requested. RSVP online. 

Women's Club - All Souls' Pilgrimage at Heritage Retreat Center

On Sunday, November 2, join the Women’s Club as we make a day pilgrimage to the Locust Grove Cemetery, the Church of the Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Church of the Purification) and Heritage Retreat Center in Crawfordville. In celebration of All Souls Day, the annual All Souls Day Mass will be held in the Locust Grove Cemetery, the oldest Catholic cemetery in Georgia. There we will pray for our deceased ancestors  and remember the sacrifices they made to keep the Catholic faith alive. Following the Mass, a buffet lunch will be served in Pine Lodge at Heritage Retreat Center. There will be sufficient time to walk the beautiful and inspiring property before heading back to Atlanta. RSVP HERE if you will attend.

Want a Plenary Indulgence?

In addition to Mass and lunch, we will schedule time to visit The Church of the Purification which has been designated a pilgrimage site for Jubilee 2025:  Pilgrims of Hope. All are invited to walk through the “Pilgrim Doors” as part of the requisite for gaining a plenary indulgence satisfying the ordinary requirements of the Church.

Specifics
- Departure from Holy Spirit Lower School, 4820 Long Island Dr., at 8:30 AM 
- Anticipated return at 5:00 PM
- All Souls Day Mass is at 11:00 a.m.
- Carpool drivers needed 
- $25 includes the cost of lunch
- Wear comfortable walking shoes as Mass will be outside and it is a 5-10 minute walk from the retreat center. 


Questions? Please contact Denise Gunderson.

About Heritage 
Heritage is a revitalized Catholic settlement in Georgia, offering a sacred destination of faith, history, and beauty. The historic church, 200-acre retreat, and sacred cemeteries provide a space for profound spiritual renewal and community connection. We hope you can join us!

Support the Women's Club and Enjoy Beautiful Flowers

Support the Women's Club as they raise funds to continue offering Spiritual, Social, and Service opportunities to the women of our parish. What better way to help than by planting beautiful flowers? Order bulbs now through October 15 to plant in the fall. These would also make great gifts! Delivered for a flat fee anywhere in the country. Deliveries begin end of September. Visit this link to place your order. For more information, please contact women@hsccatl.com.

Opportunities for Prayer

Fr. Joseph Nguyen Joins 40 Days for Life Campaign

Join in peaceful prayer during a 40-day vigil in the public right-of-way outside of the Feminist Center for Reproductive Liberation at 1924 Cliff Valley Way, with Respect Life Ministries from around the Archdiocese. Please sign up to pray for one hour online.

Fr. Joseph Nguyen has confirmed he will pray at the Vigil on the following dates and times:

 

Thursday, October 9 - 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM
Thursday, October 16 - 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM
Thursday, October 23 - 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM

While you are invited to pray at any time during the vigil, Fr. Joseph welcomes any parishioners wishing to join him at the Feminist Center when he is there.

October Holy Hour and Rosary for Peace

We will have a Holy Hour with the rosary every Friday in October following the 8:30 AM Mass in response to Pope Leo’s call to pray the rosary for peace during the month of October. Please join us in prayer in St. Mary’s Chapel and consider praying the rosary daily in October for peace.

Women's Morning of Reflection

All women are invited to a special retreat on Saturday, October 18, in McDonough Hall. The morning will begin with the parish Mass at 8:30 AM, followed by brunch, presenations on the topic "The Call to the Apostolate", and confession. These monthly retreats are sponsored by Regnum Christi and aim to provide the tools to grow in faith and become witnesses of the gospel. For more information, please contact Denise Gunderson.

Faith Formation & Evangelization

Sunday Morning Adult Faith Formation Fall 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 Fall.

October 5 - Stewards of God’s Creation: A Catholic Perspective on Nature - Andrew McGovern

October 19 - The Sacred Heart of Jesus: Learning to Trust in Him - Deacon McCarthy

October 26 - Who are the Saints? Why We Have them and How They Help Us - Andrew McGovern

November 2 - Deacons: Where Do they Come From and What do They Do? - Deacon McCarthy

November 16 - What Christian Freedom Really Means - Deacon McCarthy

December 7 - St. Francis of Assisi: The Most Admired & Least Imitated Saint - Deacon McCarthy

December 14 - Nativity Narratives - Deacon Steve Demko

Faith in Action

An Invitation to Serve

Vincentians are everyday people united by one purpose: to love and serve our neighbors in need. You don’t need special skills—just an open heart.

Our way is personal. Like our founder, Frédéric Ozanam, we meet neighbors where they are—often in their homes—offering dignity, respect, and compassion. We don’t help because they’re Catholic; we help because we are.

Here at Holy Spirit, our Vincentians walk with families through crisis—providing food, housing, and hope. In return, we grow in faith, deepen friendships, and discover the joy of loving God by loving our neighbor. If you feel called to serve, we invite you to join us. Please contact SVDP@hsccatl.com.

Around the Archdiocese

Grief Summit with David Kessler

The Cathedral of Christ the King is hosting a two-day Grief Summit with David Kessler on October 6 and 7 designed to offer comfort, understanding, and practical support to those navigating grief. Whether you’re early in your grief or years into it, whether your loss is widely recognized or quietly held, this summit is a place to feel less alone — and to explore what healing can look like, without pressure or platitudes. Learn more here.

True Presence - A Holy Hour and Presentation

On Friday, October 17, Fr. John Bartunek, LC will conduct a Holy Hour and special presentation on St. John Paul II, St. Margaret Mary Alacoque, and St. Juliana Falconeri at St. Brendan the Navigator in Cumming. Join Fr. Bartunek for Mass at 6:00 PM and then the Holy Hour where you'll hear about these saint's particular devotion to the Eucharist. Fr. Bartunek is well-known for consulting with Mel Gibson in the movie "The Passion." He regularly appears on national television regarding Catholic issues and is author of The Better Part, a modern classic on prayer and the Gospels. The Holy Hour concludes with veneration of a first class relic of the newly canonized St. Carlo Acutis.
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