A parishioner for more than 40 years, Stephen Demko was ordained to the permanent diaconate in February 2007. A gifted mathematician, he earned his degree from Seton Hall University and doctorate from Kent State University before spending much of his career teaching mathematics at Georgia Tech and working in algorithm and software development.

In 2000, Deacon Demko received a heart transplant at Emory University Hospital, an experience that deepened his gratitude for life and helped lead him to answer God’s call to the diaconate.

Throughout his ministry, Deacon Demko faithfully served the parish, teaching religious education—especially Confirmation preparation within our Latino community—and visiting parishioners who were homebound. A familiar presence at Sunday Mass, he was known for his intellect, humility, quick wit, and steady devotion to others.

A native of Kingston, Pennsylvania, Deacon Demko was married to his beloved wife, Maureen, for 54 years. Together they raised two children, Stephen and Elisabeth, and were blessed with five grandchildren. He enjoyed reading, music, walking, traveling, and, most especially, time with his family.

Your participation in our planning study will help shape the future of Holy Spirit Catholic Church. Answer our survey by clicking on this link or by filling out the survey at Mass today.

The Seven Sisters Apostolate invites women of Holy Spirit to embrace a quiet but powerful ministry: praying for our priests through a weekly Holy Hour before the Blessed Sacrament.

At this time, we especially need women willing to pray for Fr. Cristian Cossio and Fr. Sean Lee. Each "Seven Sister" commits to one consistent hour of Eucharistic Adoration each week for the intentions, holiness, and spiritual protection of her assigned priest. Together, these Holy Hours provide continuous prayer throughout the week.

The Seven Sisters Apostolate is a flourishing international ministry with groups in every U.S. state and more than 40 apostolates throughout the Archdiocese of Atlanta.

If you would like to learn more or become part of this beautiful ministry, please contact Marie Cahal, Atlanta Area Coordinator, at sevensistersatl@gmail.com. While each apostolate is built around seven women, additional participants are always welcome to help ensure every priest is surrounded by faithful prayer.

Our bulletin publishing partner, Diocesan, is currently renewing existing advertisements and welcoming new sponsors for our parish bulletin. Available in both print and online, the bulletin is provided to our parish at no cost thanks to the generous support of our advertisers.

Mary Frericks from Diocesan is contacting current advertisers about renewing their ads and would appreciate your continued support. If you own a business, represent a nonprofit, would like to advertise your services, or wish to place a memorial ad for a loved one, we encourage you to consider advertising in the bulletin.

Please support the businesses and organizations that make our parish bulletin possible by patronizing our bulletin sponsors whenever you can.

For more information or to place an ad, contact Mary Frericks at 404-771-2564 or MFrericks@Diocesan.com. Thank you for supporting this important parish ministry!

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

Mahjong 103 | August 24 - RSVP HERE FOR MAHJONG 103
This advanced strategy masterclass will help you deep dive into the Charleston, sharpen advanced strategies, and play at the same level as social leagues and clubs. This will allow time for guided play with strategy assistance and Q & A. Cost is $100. Mat and tiles provided. Deadline to RSVP is Sunday, August 23 at 6:30 PM.

Some of the closest friendships at Holy Spirit started with simply saying yes. Whether you have an hour a month or an afternoon a week, there's a place for you here. Join us at our Ministry Fair on August 29 and 30 after all Masses for a fun, no-pressure way to explore everything our parish has to offer and find something that fits your life. Looking for your place at Holy Spirit? This is where it starts.

Come for fellowship. Enjoy the food. Find where you belong. We'd love to see you there!

Please join us on Sunday, September 13, from 12:30 PM to 2:00 PM, in McDonough Hall, as we kick off a new year of the Holy Spirit Women’s Club with Laughs for Life - a special presentation by nationally televised clean comedian Josh Harris. 

Josh is a Catholic radio show host on The Morning Quest and fellow Holy Spirit parishioner. Josh thought his dreams were over after nearly losing his life to addiction, but God’s grace transformed his life. Josh shares his story and gift of humor to show how life’s greatest challenges become poetic under God’s penmanship. 

Bring a friend and join us for a special kickoff luncheon featuring Josh Harris, whose inspiring story and clean stand-up comedy are sure to encourage and uplift. Make your reservation today.

The Great Books Discussion Group will begin its new season on Thursday, September 17, at 7:00 PM in McDonough Hall, Side B.

The opening discussion will explore the theme of gender and the respective roles of men and women through the perspectives of two influential authors born nearly a century apart. Participants will read selections from Sesame and Lilies by British art critic John Ruskin (1819–1900), based on lectures he delivered in 1865, and The Feminine Mystique by Betty Friedan (1921–2006), published a century later. These works offer distinctly different perspectives on the subject and provide a thoughtful foundation for discussion.

The group will meet monthly to discuss selections from the Great Books Foundation series. For more information, contact Patrick Carey at 770-241-2511.

Grieving the loss of a loved one is a journey no one should face alone. Holy Spirit Catholic Church invites those who are grieving to join our 10-week Grief Support Group, where you’ll find understanding, encouragement, and hope in the company of others who share a similar experience. The classes will be offered on Wednesdays from September 16 – November 18, from 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM.

The program is based on Dr. Alan Wolfelt’s Understanding Your Grief: The Ten Essential Touchstones for Finding Hope and Healing Your Heart. A book and journal will be provided at the first session. The cost is $27 (materials included) and registration is required with limited space. The group is closed once sessions begin.

Facilitated by Holy Spirit parishioners Ellen Cocks, certified in death and grief studies, and Mary Archibald, a certified grief educator. To learn more or to register, contact Ellen Cocks at ellen@sweetlittlesoul.com.

The Women's Club is hosting a social evening for the women of the parish to include American Mahjong and light bites on Thursday, September 24, from 6:00 PM - 8:30 PM in McDonough Hall. Players of all levels are welcome; however, no instruction will be offered.  Please register and indicate your player level so we may group you with like-ability players. If registering for more than one person, please list names of all players, telephone numbers, and their playing levels. All players should bring their 2026 NMJL card.

Holy Spirit hosted its first Mahjong 101 and 102 guided-play classes on August 3 and 10, and we were thrilled by the turnout, energy, and excitement in the room. It is already becoming a joyful way for parishioners to learn, connect, and build community around the table.

Mahjong 103 will be offered on Monday, August 24, from 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM in McDonough Hall with instructors from Southern Mahjong Co. Register online at hsccatl.com/rsvp.

As interest grows, we would love to continue offering guided play. Experienced Mahjong teachers interested in helping parishioners learn can contact Sarah Savoie.

Our Ministry Fair takes place the weekend of August 29–30, and we need a few friendly volunteers to help welcome parishioners and support this important event. By sharing a little of your time and talent, you can help others discover where God may be calling them to serve. We hope you'll consider being part of it! Please consider signing up here. For questions, contact Sarah Savoie.

This week, Iriyah, the daughter of Jazz in our Marillac Moms program, proudly started kindergarten at Brumby Elementary, and she couldn't have been more excited! Thanks to the generosity of our St. Vincent de Paul Conference, she began the school year with new uniforms, school supplies, and the confidence that comes from knowing her parish family is cheering her on. Follow Jazz’s story on the parish website by visiting: hsccatl.com/marillacmoms.

In July, our Holy Spirit St. Vincent de Paul Conference received 21 requests for assistance. Because of your generosity, we helped 13 households, including 1 parish family, serving 24 neighbors—10 of them children.

Every gift to the Collection for the Poor helps provide food, rent and utility assistance, pharmacy services, and compassionate home visits for neighbors facing difficult moments. Together, we offer more than financial help—we offer hope, dignity, and the reminder that no one has to face hardship alone.

Please consider giving to a Vincentian holding a basket after Mass or donating online. Thank you for helping our parish live the Gospel by loving our neighbors.

Looking for a meaningful way to serve and grow in your faith? We are in need of teen volunteers to help with our Pre-K through 3rd grade faith formation classes!

 

By volunteering, you’ll deepen your knowledge and love of the Catholic faith, grow in your relationship with Christ, and help share the faith with the next generation of Catholics. Spend your Sunday mornings serving God’s children—and experience what it means to have “faith like a child.”

Contact Aimee McDonald for more information.

Do you have a passion for sharing your faith with young people? We're looking for adults who love Jesus, love the Church, and want to walk alongside our teens as they prepare to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation. Serving on the Confirmation Core Team is an opportunity to build meaningful relationships, mentor teens, pray together, and help create a welcoming environment where young people can encounter Christ. Learn more about the Confirmation Core Team and review the ministry expectations here.

Please join us for our Kick Off Dinner – Meet the Team on Monday, August 31, from 6:30–7:30 PM. This is a great opportunity to meet the team, hear about the ministry, and ask questions—no commitment is required! To help us plan for dinner, RSVP if you plan to attend so we know how many to expect. We'd love to have you join us as we accompany our teens on their journey toward the Sacrament of Confirmation!

Holy Spirit Preparatory School is seeking exceptional, enthusiastic, and motivated individuals to join their Preschool faculty for the 2026–2027 school year.

Candidates with a bachelor’s degree in education or related subjects from an accredited university preferred. Preschool Faculty at Holy Spirit Preparatory School is responsible for providing classroom instruction Early Learning Care through PreK-4, know and use a wide range of assessment strategies, and use learning resources and technology to enhance lessons.

Please send resume and letter of interest to dbrown@holyspiritprep.org.

Registration is open for the historic Beatification of the Venerable Servants of God Pedro de Corpa and his Four Companions, more commonly known as the Georgia Martyrs, which will take place on Saturday, October 31, at 11:00 AM at the Savannah Convention Center.

This will be the first beatification celebrated in Georgia. The Mass is free and open to the public, but advance registration is required for all attendees. Registration does not guarantee a seat, and there is no reserved seating. Visit this page for more information.