Today, Sunday, November 15, the Knights of Columbus will host a parish breakfast. Enjoy pancakes, eggs, bacon, sausage, potatoes, and their popular omelette station. Breakfast will be served after the 7:00 AM, 8:30 AM, and 10:00 AM Masses in McDonough Hall. The cost is $8 per adult, $5 per child, or a family of 5+ is $25. All proceeds go to support the charitable works of the Knights of Columbus.

Holy Spirit Catholic Church is honored to be selected as a host parish for the 2026 – 2027 U.S. tour of the relics of St. Bernadette of Lourdes, November 19 – 22. As the only host parish in the Atlanta area, we are blessed, once again, to offer this extraordinary opportunity for prayer, veneration, and spiritual renewal to our parish family and the wider Catholic community.

We invite you to join us for this special occasion and help welcome the many pilgrims who will visit Holy Spirit. Learn more about the schedule of events and volunteer opportunities at hsccatl.com/lourdes. Download a flyer here.

From November 19–22, Holy Spirit Catholic Church will welcome pilgrims from across the Archdiocese and beyond for the historic visit of the relics of St. Bernadette. Help us extend the spirit of Lourdes through hospitality and service! Whether you can give a few hours or more, your time will make a difference. You may sign up to volunteer here. For questions, please contact Kim Schulman.

On Friday, November 20, at 8:30 AM, we will celebrate a Votive Mass of Our Lady of Lourdes in the Church, joined by students from Holy Spirit Prep. This beautiful celebration will take place in the presence of the relics of St. Bernadette of Lourdes.

That evening, we invite all parishioners, especially those facing serious illness, significant health challenges, or the frailty of old age, to join us for a special Mass with the Anointing of the Sick at 7:00 PM, also celebrated in the presence of St. Bernadette’s relics by Bishop Tran. Through this healing sacrament, the Church offers Christ’s grace, strength, and peace to those who are seriously ill or weakened by age. Together, we will entrust all who are suffering to the loving care of our Lord and the intercession of Our Lady of Lourdes.

Please note: The 7:00 PM Mass will replace our regularly scheduled 6:00 PM Mass.

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

Join your parish family at 6:30 PM on Wednesday, November 18, in McDonough Hall for our annual pre-Thanksgiving meal with your parish family. "Give Thanks" together as volunteers from the Women of the Word ministry serve a delicious dinner prepared by C. Parks Catering & Events. The menu features:  mixed bluegrass salad, cajun fried turkey with gravy, cornbread dressing, mashed potatoes, sweet potato soufflé with toasted meringue top, homemade cranberry sauce, oven roasted root vegetables, green bean casserole, rolls, chocolate pumpkin bars, and apple crisp with cinnamon whipped cream! The best part is NO COOKING for you! The cost is $15 for adults and $10 for children under 12. There is a family maximum fee of $35 for families with children. Bottles of San Pellegrino available for $3 each, and wine is available for a donation. RSVP by 12:00 PM on Tuesday, November 17.

Join us on Saturday, November 21, at 10:00 AM for a Lourdes Virtual Pilgrimage Experience®. This holy encounter with God under the watchful care of Our Lady of Lourdes, re-creates a pilgrimage to Lourdes without ever leaving home. This prayerful experience draws pilgrims nearer to God in the company of Our Lady as they are guided through a prayerful visit to the Grotto, the experience of the water, prayer in a Rosary procession and a Eucharistic blessing.

For planning purposes, please sign up if you plan to participate in the Marian Candlelight Procession on Saturday, November 21, at 7:00 PM.

The Parish Office will be closed Wednesday, November 25, through Friday, November 27, in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday. We will reopen and resume regular office hours on Monday, November 30.

 

We invite all parishioners and their families to join us for Thanksgiving Day Mass on Thursday, November 26, at 10:00 AM in the Church as we give thanks to God for His many blessings. This Mass will replace our regularly scheduled 8:30 AM and 6:00 PM Masses. We wish all our parishioners and their families a blessed and joyful Thanksgiving!

We all know the story of Christmas… or do we? The manger, the shepherds, the angels, and the wise men. We have heard the story countless times, but have we ever stopped to ask why it all happened? Why did God become man? Why did Jesus enter the world as a helpless child? And what does His birth have to do with God's plan to rescue humanity?

Join Fr. Sean Lee on Monday, November 30, at 6:30 PM in McDonough Hall for a special one-night Advent presentation, Unraveling the Nativity Story. Together, we will explore the Nativity in a new light and discover that Christmas is far more than a beautiful story. It is the beginning of the greatest rescue mission in human history. Come rediscover the wonder, mystery, and extraordinary significance of Christmas! RSVP if you will attend.

The annual CTK 20/30s and Holy Spirit Young Adult Ministry Christmas Party is back, and we have something special planned! For the first time ever, on Friday, December 4, we're combining CTK's Pack the Cathedral with our annual Christmas Party for one incredible night!

We'll kick things off with Adoration at 7:30 PM in Holy Spirit Catholic Church's sanctuary, followed by the Christmas Party at 8:30 PM in McDonough Hall (upstairs). The party will wrap up at 11:30 PM. Come spend some time with the Lord, then stay and celebrate with us!

The Adoration portion of the evening is, of course, free and will include an opportunity for Confession. Please note that Holy Spirit is graciously hosting us during a silent Adoration period, so instead of our traditional song sheets, we'll be providing written reflections.

Christmas Party tickets are $10 online and include drinks, snacks, and our usual festive socks. Online ticket sales close at 6:00 PM on December 4, but don't worry if you miss the deadline. We will also have tickets available at the door for $15. Click here to buy your ticket online.

As in years past, all dancers will be asked to party in their socks to help protect the floors. Cocktail attire is recommended! Need some inspiration? Check out photos from last year's party on the CTK 20/30s and Holy Spirit Young Adult Ministry social media pages.

It's going to be, as always, way too much fun! So grab your friends, tell them to bring their friends, and join us for a wonderful evening of prayer, fellowship, and Christmas celebration. We can't wait to see you there!

Thank you for your generous support of our parish home. We wouldn't exist as a parish without it. As we prepare for another vibrant year at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, I invite every parish household to prayerfully consider how you will take part in our annual Stewardship Appeal.

You generosity brings our mission, Living the Gospel as the Body of Christ, to life each day. Your offertory supports our clergy and staff, worship and liturgy, faith formation, pastoral care, more than 50+ active ministries, outreach, and the everyday needs that keep Holy Spirit open and ready to serve, someone returns to Confession, a new parishioner finds community, or we gather for Sunday Mass, you generosity is at work. This is the life of our parish, and each of us has a part of sustaining it.

But stewardship is about more than meeting expenses. It is our grateful response to what God has given us - an act of faith, trust, and generosity.

As you consider your personal commitment to our annual stewardship appeal. please remember that our offertory is separate from other giving opportunities. The Archbishop's Annual Appeal in January supports ministries and services across the Archdiocese, which a parish capital campaign in 2027 will support major long-term projects at Holy Spirit. Gifts to one do not fund others.

Please use the discernment chart on the website to consider your commitment and the next step that makes sense for your household. Our goal is not equal gifts, but prayerful participation from every household. Together, we can continue serving, forming, welcoming and caring for our parish family. Every household. Every gift. Everyone has a part.

I am grateful for the many ways you share your Time, Talent, and Treasure with Holy Spirit and help us continue Living the Gospel as the Body of Christ.

In Christ,

Fr. Luke Ballman
Pastor

The Women's Club is hosting a social evening for the women of the parish to include American Mahjong and light bites on Thursday, November 19, 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 pay in advance! Tables are assigned ahead of time and registration closes 24 hours before each event. Cost is $10 per person when paid in advance or $20 at the door, if space is available. Please  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.

All women are invited to Holy Spirit’s annual Advent by Candlelight Dinner and Retreat on Wednesday, December 2, at 6:30 PM in McDonough Hall. Immerse in the Advent spirit with beautifully themed table decorations and a catered dinner. The cost for dinner is $30.

While we enjoy our meal by candlelight, all participants will be treated to a program led by Holy Spirit pastor Father Luke Ballman. Fr. Ballman will focus on the third joyful mystery – the Nativity. In particular, he will lead us through the prayer techniques of Lectio Divina and Visio Divina.    

We ask that you sign up by November 30; the RSVP window will close at noon that Monday before the event.

And if you would like to serve as a table hostess, we have a few more tables available. Please indicate that on your RSVP, and we’ll be in touch right away.

Celebrate the season with the Women’s Club at our Christmas Coffee. Come enjoy delicious coffee, holiday treats and meaningful conversation as we celebrate the joy of the season. Take a break from the holiday rush to reconnect and share the spirit of Christmas with your church family.  Join us on Monday, December 14, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the home of Mickey and David Hammad, 5590 Errol Place, Atlanta, 30327. RSVP if you will attend.

Join the Women’s Club for a festive Christmas Cookie Swap on Thursday, December 17, from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM at the Molner home, 831 Fairfiled Rd., Atlanta 30327. Bring two dozen of your favorite homemade cookies, a copy of the recipe to share, and a container to take home a delicious assortment of holiday treats. Hosted by Jenn Molner and Jayne Hammond, this sweet holiday gathering is the perfect opportunity to celebrate the season with friends. Bring a friend and join the fun!

Next weekend is our Collection for the Poor, an important source of support for our Holy Spirit St. Vincent de Paul Conference. Studies show that preventing homelessness through timely emergency assistance is far less costly than helping a family recover after losing their home. More importantly, it can spare a family the disruption and uncertainty of becoming homeless in the first place.

We are seeing more complexity and heartache in our work as neighbors face job losses, rising costs and the growing threat of eviction. Your generosity allows us to step in during these moments of crisis and help a family remain safely housed.

In October, our Conference received 49 requests for assistance. Because of your generosity, we were able to help 25 households, 3 in our parish family, serving 59 neighbors—including 23 children.

Get a head start on your Christmas shopping while supporting the monks at the Monastery of the Holy Spirit! The Knights of Columbus Annual Monastery Goods Sale offers delicious treats, including fruitcake, biscotti, honey, fudge, and freshly roasted coffee—perfect for gifting or enjoying yourself! Place your order by November 22 by using this link. Orders may be picked up December 5 - 7 and 12 - 13 in the Pope’s Room after Mass.

This Christmas, you can help bring joy to families in our Latino community through Holy Spirit’s Christmas Angel Program. More than a holiday tradition, this cherished ministry is an opportunity to share Christ’s love through generosity, compassion, and the spirit of giving.

Rather than collecting wrapped presents, Christmas Angel provides financial gifts that allow parents to choose something special for their own children. This simple approach honors the dignity of each family while giving parents the joy of creating Christmas memories their children will treasure.

Our goal this year is $35,000, with a suggested donation of $100 per person. Every gift, regardless of size, helps us reach more families and share the blessings of the season. Donate online here.

Honor or remember your loved one(s) by contributing to the flowers for our Altar this Christmas. You may either use the form on the back page of the bulletin or our Christmas flower webpage. The deadline to make your purchase is Monday, November 30.

Again, this year, we invite our parish family to take part in #iGiveCatholic on Giving Tuesday, December 1. Every dollar we raise will support our St. Vincent de Paul Conference here at Holy Spirit:  our parish ministry that walks alongside neighbors who are facing hardship. Through personal home visits and one-on-one support, our volunteers offer hope by helping families stay in their homes, keep the lights on, get to work, and put food on the table. It’s faith in action. It’s who we are.

Early giving begins today, Monday, November 16, and gifts can be made online at hsccatl.com/iGiveCatholic. If you prefer, gifts may also be made in the parish office or through the collection basket. Simply mark your check #iGiveCatholic or St. Vincent de Paul.

Thank you for living the Gospel and helping our parish put love into action. Together, we can make sure every neighbor who calls on us knows that Christ loves them.

All families are invited to our St. Nicholas party on Saturday, December 5, from 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM in McDonough Hall. Come meet St. Nicholas, engage in festive Advent crafts, and play games. Light refreshments and coffee will be served. RSVP if you will attend.

Looking to build meaningful friendships and grow in your faith this Advent season? Join us on Monday, December 7, for a two-week Advent Study at 6:30 PM, where we’ll explore the meaning of Advent together! RSVP here if you will attend.

Looking to build meaningful friendships and grow in your faith this Advent season? Join us for part two of a two-week study on Monday, December 14, at 6:30 PM in Youth Center, where we’ll explore the meaning of Advent together! RSVP here if you will attend.

Calling All Teens! Join us at Camp Hidden Lake in Dahlonega for a weekend of faith, friendship, and spiritual growth April 9 - 11! The cost is $100 per teen, and spots are limited on a first-come, first-served basis. Sign up here to reserve your spot.

Join the Order of Malta – Atlanta Region for its inagural Christmas Friendship Tea on Sunday, December 6, benefiting Holy Family Hospital in Bethlehem. The hospital provides lifesaving maternity and neonatal care to mothers and babies, regardless of religion or ability to pay. Home to the region’s only Level III NICU, it is truly an oasis of hope in the Holy Land. Celebrate the joy of the Christmas season while supporting this extraordinary mission of compassion and care. To RSVP or learn about sponsorship opportunities, visit hsccatl.com/maltatea.

Members of the Order of Malta are selling their 2026 Christmas ornament featuring the St. Vincent de Paul window in St. Mary’s Chapel. The cost is $35 each or $30 for two or more. All proceeds benefit Holy Family Hospital in Bethlehem, located just steps away from where Jesus was born. Order online here. Pick up ornaments in the parish office during business hours. In-person sales will begin in Advent.