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This Week: August 9, 2026

Funeral Arrangements for Deacon Steve Demko

A Funeral Mass for Deacon Steve Demko will be celebrated on Saturday, August 15, at 12:00 PM in the Church, with a reception to follow in McDonough Hall. For those who are unable to attend in person, the Funeral Mass will be livestreamed on our parish website. You may view his obituary here.


Please continue to keep Maureen and the entire Demko family in your prayers as they mourn the loss of their beloved husband, father, grandfather, and our faithful deacon.

Volunteers Needed to Help With Deacon Demko's Funeral Reception

As a parish, we are preparing for Deacon Demko’s funeral service next Saturday. His unexpected passing is a tremendous loss to our parish community. For nearly 20 years, he faithfully served our church and touched the lives of so many. He will be deeply missed.

There is much to coordinate as we prepare to honor Deacon Demko and welcome his family, friends, and fellow parishioners. We would be very grateful for your assistance. Two SignUpGenius pages have been created with opportunities to assist before, during, and after the funeral. One is for food donations, and the other is for "boots on the ground" help.

If you are able to lend your support, please take a look at the sign-ups and choose an opportunity that works with your schedule. Every contribution, large or small, will be greatly appreciated as we come together as a parish community to honor Deacon Demko and care for his family.

Thank you for your generosity and support.
The Funeral Reception Committee, The Women's Club, Knights of Columubs, and Hispanic Ministries

Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary

The Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary is Saturday, August 15, and commemorates the death and assumption of Mary, body and soul, into heaven. Mass will be celebrated at 8:30 AM in St. Mary's Chapel. When the Solemnity falls on a Saturday or a Monday, the obligation to attend Mass is lifted.

Planning Study Update: A Quick Project Q & A

How were the five proposed projects in the planning study fact sheet chosen?

Participating in the Archdiocese of Atlanta's Rooted in Christ - Growing in the Faith campaign
Because we are part of something greater - one of the fastest growing diocese in the U.S. - and together, we must help ensure resources are available to support Atlanta Catholics.

Building a Parking Deck
Traffic flow and parking have challenged Holy Spirit for 30 years, frustrating parishioners and staff and limiting our ability to host events and warmly welcome guests.

Expanding McDonough Hall
Parish life doesn't end after Mass. We have outgrown our parish hall and need more space to foster community more fully.

Renovating our Sanctuary
Parishioners have long asked about moving the Tabernacle to a more central location on the altar. This also offers an opportunity to worship more beautifully, enhance the sanctuary architecture, and place greater emphasis on our Patron, the Holy Spirit.

Growing Our Endowments
Endowed funds create reliable income for years to come. A dedicated Holy Spirit Prep scholarship endowment will help make Catholic education accessible to more families.

These initiatives are how we hope to continue our mission of living the Gospel as the body of Christ. Please remember to share your feedback by participating in the study!

Weekly Parish Bulletin

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

Upcoming Events

Mahjong is Coming to Holy Spirit!

Looking for a fun way to meet other parishioners in the parish, learn something new, and enjoy a little friendly competition? Holy Spirit Catholic Church and the Women’s Club are excited to introduce Holy Mahjong, a new opportunity to gather around the table for conversation, connection, and community.

Whether you are brand new to Mahjong or have been curious to learn, these guided lessons are a great place to start. Our hope is that Mahjong becomes a fun and welcoming way for parishioners at Holy Spirit to build friendships, grow in confidence, and stay connected beyond Sunday Mass.

Guided Mahjong Lessons
The guided lessons are parish-wide and open to anyone age 16 or older who would like to learn Mahjong or grow their skills.

Classes will be led by professional instructors from Southern Mahjong Co. Each class is approximately two hours and will begin after Mass at 6:30 PM in McDonough Hall. The classes are designed to build on one another, moving into guided play in Mahjong 102, and ending with advanced strategy in Mahjong 103. *Mat and tiles will be provided.

The cost is $100 per class or $285 for all three classes.
 

Mahjong 102 | August 10 - RSVP HERE FOR MAHJONG 102
Perfect as a follow-up to 101 or for those that know the basics. This class helps you master the basics of playing and gain confidence as you grow your skills. We will begin guided play with active learning and instruction throughout. Deadline to RSVP is Sunday, August 9 at 6:30 PM.

Mahjong 103 | August 24 - RSVP HERE FOR MAHJONG 103
Our advanced strategy masterclass. Here you’ll 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. Deadline to RSVP is Sunday, August 23 at 6:30 PM.

Women’s Club Open Play Begins September 24
Beginning this September, the Women’s Club, in collaboration with Holy Spirit, will also host regular Mahjong open play sessions as part of their socials.

These socials are for women only and are designed for experienced players who are comfortable playing independently without guided instruction. They are not beginner-friendly, but anyone who completes all three guided lessons will be ready to join the Women’s Club open play beginning September 24.

Holy Spirit to Host Taping of EWTN's Living Right With Dr. Ray - RSVP to Attend

The Quest Atlanta is partnering with Dr. Ray Guarendi to host four tapings of Living Right with Dr. Ray, on Tuesday, August 18 and Wednesday, August 19, in McDonough Hall. with two tapings each day:  5:30 PM - 6:30 PM and 7:15 PM - 8:15 PM.

Living Right with Dr. Ray is an EWTN TV show hosted by clinical psychologist Dr. Ray Guarendi, who combines his sharp wit with his experience from raising ten children to help Catholics become stronger and more loving partners, parents, and people.

Audience attendees may attend as many of the August 18-19 tapings as they'd like, and there will be light refreshments served between the short, 30-minute break between the two sessions each day. Children are welcome.

Admission is free, but registration is required to ensure adequate seating. The registration deadline is Tuesday, August 11. 

Save the Date - Ministry Fair on August 29 & 30

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!

Confirmation Core Team Dinner & Info Session

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!

Grieving the Loss of A Loved One?

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.

Mission Advancement and Development

Ministry Fair
Help Others Find Their Place at Holy Spirit

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.

Faith in Action

Bulletin Advertisers Needed!

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!

Your Compassion Becomes Hope

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 through the Holy Spirit Catholic Church website.

Thank you for helping our parish live the Gospel by loving our neighbors.

HSP News

Holy Spirit Prep Preschool Faculty Needed

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.