Over the past 18 months, the global pandemic has disrupted most aspects of our daily lives; isolated us from our family, friends, and community; and subjected our world to unimaginable loss. Now that we’re finally emerging from those dark days, we are truly grateful to return to some sense of normalcy. We are beginning to once again gather with friends and family. We’re embarking on family vacations to enjoy some quality time together and recharge our batteries. And we can once again safely assemble as a faith community to worship our Lord, support one another, pray for healing, and celebrate our many blessings. 

While we’re all eager to return to our lives, we also realize that the pandemic and subsequent lock-downs have changed many of our daily habits, as well as our attitudes toward what we used to view as “normal”. It’s in that spirit that I’m pleased to announce the Parish Renewal Initiative, a multi-phased effort to strengthen our parish community, so that we can emerge from the pandemic with increased energy, direction, and vision for the future. 

Throughout the month of September, we will engage in the first phase, communal discernment, to more fully understand the needs of our diverse community. To accomplish this, we will be hosting a series of moderated sessions with small groups of Holy Spirit parishioners that will enable you to share your views on a variety of topics that will help shape the future of the parish. Everybody will be afforded opportunities to participate and let their voice be heard. 

More details regarding these sessions will be communicated over the next few weeks, so stay tuned!