Dear Holy Spirit,

The gospel stories for the past few weeks are about ministry - stories how Jesus named the Twelve, commissioning them to go and proclaim the “kingdom of heaven is at hand.” Jesus gave them specific instructions: heal the sick, drive out demons, and raise the dead, basically saying to help those in need and bring life. This has always been the mission of the Church and we are asked to continue it.

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A Note From Father John

Welcome to everyone! We especially welcome back our missionaries who arrived home from a productive week in Nicaragua. The group was sore, tired, but joyful, knowing their work will help provide clean water to the community of San Benito. We also welcome the two newest members of our community, Ronan, and Everett, who received the sacrament of Baptism this weekend at the 11:30am Mass. Congratulations to all!  

The image above is the Chalice I inherited from the priest (Father Tom) who baptized me. Since we celebrate the Precious Blood this month, I would like to share how I received this cup from him who I did not know and who passed in 2008. Somehow, I attended his vigil service where I heard his story, particularly from one niece who shared how much she enjoyed her time with him. To this day I still remember her words. 

As the day of my ordination grew closer, I knew I needed to get my chalice for the bishop to bless during the ceremony. I then remembered Fr. Tom! I asked for help locating his chalice from some of the priests and one suggested I check with our retired priests who still lived in the Diocese. And that is how I found it! Initially, this retired priest and friend of Fr. Tom’s said I could use the chalice, but only for my first Mass. Happily, he changed his mind and on the feast day of Mary, the Mother of God, he emailed me to say I could keep it. With thanksgiving for this blessing, I re-plated the chalice to keep Fr. Tom’s memory alive by adding his ordination date and the name of his friend who gave me the chalice. 

I hope I am continuing the mission of this priest who baptized me and welcomed my family, who were the first Vietnamese immigrants, to his parish, along with Auxiliary Bishop Wang from San Francisco. 

Lastly, I have attached a link to a video made by John Greene, one of our parishioners, who went to Nicaragua. I hope you will enjoy it as much as I did! 

Shalom, 

Fr. John 

Nicaragua 2023 - Amigos for Christ 

Pack a Back 2023 Is Here!

Pack a Back Volunteer Sign-ups Now Open! Sign-ups are now open for all Pack a Back volunteer shifts. We have openings for Middle School and above on July 27 and July 29, and High School and above on August 3. See below for more details. We are also still collecting donations! We would love to meet our goal of $7,000 in monetary donations, so if you have the ability to make a donation, please consider clicking here to make a monetary donation. Read on for more information on Pack a Back:

Holy Spirit parishioners have generously supported the annual Sacred Heart Community Services school backpack drive over the years. Once again, Holy Spirit will join the Sacred Heart community to provide backpacks and school supplies to 4,000 local children in need. That's the equivalent of ten full elementary schools!

Your donation to Pack A Back 2023 has an immediate impact on students’ education. They can start the school year with excitement and confidence knowing we all care about their success. Investing in education has a long-term positive impact on breaking the cycle of poverty. Thank you for joining with our generous community to make a difference!

Holy Spirit has several great ways to support Pack a Back:

1. Make a monetary donation on our Holy Spirit Pack a Back fundraising page by clicking here.Your tax-deductible donation will be used by Sacred Heart to purchase the school supplies that are needed most at bulk prices. This is the most efficient way of giving. 
2. Purchase items from the Amazon Wish List. Please mention “Holy Spirit” in the gift receipt; it helps us track our donations.
3. Donate items in-person. Bins will be available in front of the Parish Hall and outside the church before and after all masses from now until 7/20. Any new backpacks or school supplies for grades K-12 are needed. Suggestions include scientific calculators, notebooks, binders, folders, crayons, markers, pens, pencils, gluesticks, etc. Please no red or blue backpacks.
4. Volunteer sorting or distributing supplies. Sign up Below:
5. Bundling Day, Thursday July 27, 9AM to 12 PM (Adults, High School students, and Middle School students with parent or chaperone): Volunteers will be counting and bundling school supplies in preparation for packing the supplies into grade-specific kits. Sign up here
6. Packing Day, Saturday July 29, 9AM to 12 PM (Adults, High School Students, and Middle School students with parent or chaperone): Volunteers will be packing grade-specific kits of school supplies into bags in an assembly line. Sign up here
7. Distribution Day, Thursday August 3, 9:45AM to 12:45 PM (Adults and High School only): Volunteers will assist with the distribution of school supplies and backpacks. Some volunteers will be serving as guides for the students and their families as they choose backpacks. Others will be facilitating the process by checking people in, restocking supplies, directing parking, and other support jobs. Sign up here

Alpha

What is Alpha?

 The Alpha course is an opportunity to explore spirituality from a Christian perspective. 

It presents the basic teachings of the Christian faith. The course is open to anyone who is interested in exploring whether Jesus Christ has relevance in their lives. It provides an interesting and informative way to understand Jesus, the cornerstone of our faith. 

 What’s involved?

Once a week, for 5 weeks in the Fall and 5 weeks in Winter, Alpha participants share an informal meal, listen to a series of talks and then have small group discussions on such topics as: “Christianity: Boring, Untrue, and Irrelevant?” “How Can I Be Sure of My Faith?” and “Why and How Should I Read the Bible?” This may be an opportunity to make a personal connection with Christ, the Living Lord, the way, the truth and the life.

 When is the next course?

This fall beginning on Tuesday, September 12th at 6 pm.

How do I start?

Registration will be online starting August 15th.

DYR Reunion: Praise & Worship

All high school youth are welcome to attend a Praise & Worship gathering this Sunday, July 16^th at 7:00pm in the Hall. Meet up with friends from across our Diocese as well as youth from DYR. All are welcome!

 Catechist Needed

Are you someone who enjoys passing on your faith to children? Have you considered doing this here at Holy Spirit?

Our Faith Formation program needs a Catechist to teach 2^nd grade on Sunday mornings, 10:30am-11:20am. Classes start in September. Contact Jane Thompson at 408-997-5121 or email jane.thompson@dsj.org

 Faith Formation Registration is Open

Don’t wait any longer- Kindergarten through 5^th grade. Click here to register.

Contact Jane Thompson at 408-997-5121 or  jane.thompson@dsj.org for more information.

 Domestic Church Registration is Open

Children who have completed year- one of sacrament preparation need to be registered for Domestic Church as well as Faith Formation to complete year-two. These programs run concurrently.

Don’t wait any longer

Click here to register.

Contact Jane Thompson at 408-997-5121 or  jane.thompson@dsj.org for more information.