Guided by the gifts of the Holy Spirit, we, at Holy Spirit School strive to foster a culture of respect and understanding between our students, parents, staff, parishioners, community and our world. We are so fortunate to have such a cohesive relationship between our school and the parish staff and clergy. Like Jane Thompson and her team of catechists, our teachers recognize that their chosen vocation is truly a ministry. Mary Sparacino and Melissa Brush in the parish office help us ensure that our business matters, facility improvements and communication are clear and consistent.

Fr. Ritche and Fr. John regularly address the students, staff and parents at our morning school assemblies. Sometimes they reflect on the Gospel reading of the day; other times they simply lead the school community in prayer. Every week, at Mass, Fr. Ritche or Fr. John proclaim the Gospel, celebrate the Eucharist, and truly inspire our students and staff with rich and relevant homilies. Fr. John surprised everyone at the Back to School BBQ with his professional DJ entertainment.  So much fun! 

Fr. Ritche led our HSS faculty in a spiritual renewal retreat focusing on the importance of prayer and finding space and time to fully listen to God.  He gifted us all with a beautiful book, Prayer, Our Deepest Longing by Ronald Rolheiser.  I highly recommend it.

Most of you know Row David, and like me, appreciate the positive energy he infuses in our middle school and high school students. In addition to preparing our students to serve as lectors at school masses, along with Merry Reardon, Row regularly spends time in middle school Religion classes teaching church pedagogy and inspiring students to actively live lives of service and social justice.  Row is enthusiastically committed to following Jesus and guiding our students to think, speak and act more like Him. 

Tim Mascarinas, our Music Minister, is new to Holy Spirit this year. In just a few weeks, he invigorated our school masses with the gift of music and sign language. Each week his school choir grows in number and in confidence. After such a long (COVID) time without music in the church, it is heart-warming to hear young voices sing praises to God. It simply fills everyone’s souls!

On the Blessed Mother’s birthday, I had the pleasure of joining Merry Reardon and the 2nd and 5th grade buddy classes for an informative tour of “God’s house”.  She gathered all the students and teachers in the sacristy and explained how our priests prepare for mass. The children were awed by the beautiful chalices and vestments.  We also spent some holy time in the Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament where students learned (2nd graders) and reviewed (5th graders) how the host is consecrated. This is the miracle of Jesus truly being with us and in us.  How blessed we are!

I share the same awe as the buddy classes everyday when I visit classes, attend Mass and move among our students outside. Our teachers lovingly challenge big coyotes and little coyotes to always be their best. They are supported and encouraged to master learning objectives, and more importantly, they are inspired to be followers of Jesus in everything they say and do.  

Our HSS parents have made a wise investment in spirit and intellect by sending their children to Holy Spirit School.  Thanks to their sacrifice and their partnership, their children are growing in faith, knowledge, and community.  I thank God every day (and Fr. Ritche) that I am blessed to be a member of this amazing community!

Blessings to all,
Sally Douthit