< Back OCIA Faith formation for any adult seeking to learn more about Catholicism What is OCIA? OCIA — The Order of Christian Initiations for Adults is a chance to allow God to speak to you personally, to encounter his love and to discover the Catholic Church. The fruit of OCIA is you having a more personal relationship with our Lord Jesus Christ. OCIA is a welcoming, unhurried journey through scripture, tradition, and the sacraments — accompanied by a community of people who have asked the same questions you are asking, and who have found something beautiful on the other side. IS OCIA FOR ME? OCIA Is For You If... You have never been baptized and are drawn to the Christian faith You were baptized in another Christian tradition and feel called to become Catholic You were baptized Catholic but never completed your sacraments (Confirmation, First Communion) You have been away from the Church and want to rediscover Catholicism You are interested in learning more about the Catholic Church and you simply want to grow in faith Sessions are offered starting in June and November. Let us know you're interested in the next session! Learn more about OCIA Click here to complete the Interest Form INFORMATION: ocia@holyspiritsc.org Previous Next

< Back Church Decor Transform the worship space through the liturgical seasons with beauty and reverence. The Church Environment and Decor ministry helps transform the sacred space of the church throughout the liturgical year, allowing the beauty of the Church’s seasons to be seen and experienced. This dedicated group enhances the worship environment with flowers, greenery, seasonal décor, Advent and Lenten arrangements, the Christmas Crèche, Easter decorations, and more. Their work helps create a prayerful atmosphere that lifts hearts and draws the community more deeply into the mystery of the liturgy. Extra hands are especially needed during major feasts such as Christmas and Easter, but ongoing weekly care and arrangement of flowers in the church and chapel are also essential parts of the ministry. Through beauty, color, and thoughtful design, this ministry helps the parish encounter the joy and solemnity of each liturgical season in a tangible way. MINISTRY CONTACT: April Krajewski akkrajew@aol.com Previous Next THANK YOU Photo Gallery All Ministries Outreach Fellowship & Hospitality Liturgical

< Back Food Pantry Feeding our community. Food Pantry Volunteers support the day-to-day operations of the pantry by sorting, organizing, and distributing food to individuals and families in need. This role helps ensure that all guests are served with dignity, efficiency, and care. Key Responsibilities: Sort and inspect donated food items (check for expiration dates, damage, etc.) Organize food on shelves, in storage areas, or into distribution bags/boxes Assist with setting up and breaking down pantry distribution areas Greet and assist clients in a respectful and welcoming manner Help distribute food according to pantry guidelines or pre-packed systems Maintain cleanliness and organization of pantry space Restock shelves and monitor inventory levels as directed Follow all safety, hygiene, and food-handling procedures Support other tasks as needed during distribution times Qualifications: Ability to work respectfully with people from diverse backgrounds Dependable and able to follow instructions Comfortable with light to moderate physical activity (lifting, standing, carrying boxes) Team-oriented with a positive attitude No prior experience required (training provided) Time Commitment: Shifts vary depending on pantry schedule (e.g., weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly) Volunteers may serve during sorting/prep times and/or distribution hours Previous Next

< Back Eucharistic Apostolate of the Sick and Homebound Bring the Eucharist and parish connection to those unable to attend Mass in person. Holy Spirit Parish is expanding its ministry of care through a new Eucharistic Apostolate dedicated to bringing Holy Communion to the sick and homebound in our community. This sacred ministry extends the love and presence of Christ beyond the walls of the church and into the homes of those who are unable to attend Mass. For those who are ill, recovering, or homebound, receiving the Eucharist is a powerful sign of connection to the parish family and a source of strength, comfort, and grace. Families who would like to arrange for a loved one to receive Holy Communion are invited to contact the Parish Office at 843-768-0357. A commissioned Eucharistic Minister will follow up to schedule visits and provide ongoing pastoral care. This ministry is also open to parishioners who feel called to serve. Those who participate are commissioned and trained to carry the Eucharist with reverence, prayer, and compassion, becoming a tangible sign of Christ’s care for His people. Through this apostolate, the parish continues its mission to ensure that no one is forgotten or spiritually alone, bringing the Eucharist—and the heart of the Church—into every place where it is needed. MINISTRY CONTACT: Carol Cronk carolcronk4@gmail.com Previous Next THANK YOU Photo Gallery All Ministries Outreach Fellowship & Hospitality Liturgical

< Back Usher Serving the people on Sundays. The Church Usher is a hospitality minister who helps create a welcoming, orderly, and prayerful environment for all who attend Mass and parish liturgies. Ushers assist with seating, collections, safety, and general support before, during, and after services. Key Responsibilities: Greet parishioners and visitors warmly as they arrive Distribute worship aids (bulletins, missals, etc.) Assist with seating, especially during crowded liturgies Facilitate the offertory collection in an organized and respectful manner Help guide the offertory procession when needed Maintain awareness of the congregation to assist with any needs or emergencies Coordinate with other ushers to ensure smooth flow during Communion Provide assistance to individuals with special needs (elderly, disabled, families with young children) Respond appropriately in case of emergencies (medical situations, evacuations, etc.) Help tidy the church after Mass (collect bulletins, straighten pews if needed) Qualifications: Friendly, welcoming, and attentive demeanor Strong sense of responsibility and reverence for the liturgy Ability to follow directions and work as part of a team Comfortable interacting with diverse groups of people Reliability and punctuality Time Commitment: Arrive 20–30 minutes before assigned Mass Remain through the conclusion of Mass and briefly afterward as needed Serve on a rotating schedule or at assigned liturgies Training & Support: Initial orientation provided by the parish or head usher Ongoing guidance as needed Spiritual Role: Ushers serve as ministers of hospitality, reflecting Christ’s welcome to all. Their presence helps foster a sense of community, reverence, and care within the parish. Previous Next

< Back Food Pantry Providing food assistance to neighbors in need through hands-on service and compassionate care. The Holy Spirit Food Pantry is open to the public on the 1st Saturday of the month from 9:00 am to noon. In 2025 over 900 families (2,000 individuals) were served by the Food Pantry. We are celebrating our 13th Anniversary in 2026! Through the generous monetary & food donations of parishioners, we are able to supply a wide variety of canned goods as well as fresh meat, eggs, vegetables & fruit to those in need in our community. Food donations are collected on the 4th weekend of the month, but donations are accepted throughout the month and may be left in the Family Life Center or in the red wagon in the church vestibule at any time. Our current Food Pantry needs include the following canned goods: • proteins (such as chicken, spam, tuna, salmon, sardines, beef stews/hash, vienna sausages) • soups • fruits • vegetables The successful operation of the Food Pantry relies on numerous volunteers who serve in various capacities including: staffing the monthly Food Pantry event, ordering & picking up fresh meats, eggs, vegetables & fruit from local farmers/vendors, preparing bags of food for clients, and monitoring/shelving canned food. The volunteers work on a rotating schedule throughout the year. If you are interested in joining this ministry or would like more information, please contact Cindy Riedy at foodpantry@holyspiritsc.org MINISTRY CONTACT: Cindy Riedy foodpantry@holyspiritsc.org Previous Next THANK YOU Photo Gallery All Ministries Outreach Fellowship & Hospitality Liturgical

< Back Women's Retreat Renew. Connect. Encounter Christ. Join us each year for a weekend designed to help women grow in faith, build community, and be renewed in God's love. Step away from the demands of daily life and join other women for a time of prayer, renewal, and meaningful connection. Our annual Women's Retreat offers an opportunity to deepen your relationship with Christ, build friendships with other women of faith, and return refreshed in mind, body, and spirit. Each year, we welcome an inspiring speaker and provide opportunities for prayer, reflection, worship, and fellowship in a welcoming and faith-filled environment. Whether you are new to retreats or have attended many before, this retreat is designed to help you encounter God in a deeper way and renew your heart for the journey ahead. Fall 2026 Women's Retreat We are excited to announce that our Fall Women's Retreat will be held on September 11–12, 2026 , featuring Catholic speaker and author Joan Watson, who is known for making Scripture, theology, and the Catholic faith both accessible and practical for everyday life. Learn more and register for the Fall 2026 Women's Retreat. INFORMATION: Kate Johnson KatieRJohnson@comcast.net Previous Next

< Back Hospitality Committee Help create a warm and friendly atmosphere at Holy Spirit. Do you enjoy meeting people and helping others feel welcome? The Hospitality Committee helps create a warm and friendly atmosphere at Holy Spirit. Whether it's greeting someone at an event, serving refreshments, or helping with setup, every small act of hospitality helps people feel at home in our parish. Volunteers help with: Greeting and welcoming guests Setting up and cleaning up events Preparing and serving food or refreshments Helping with parish gatherings and special events Introducing people and helping them make connections Opportunities are shared by email throughout the year, so you can help whenever your schedule allows. Want to get involved and get to know more people in the parish? This is a great place to start! MINISTRY CONTACT: Deborah Hartman hartmandmh@aol.com Previous Next THANK YOU Photo Gallery All Ministries Outreach Fellowship & Hospitality Liturgical

< Back Music Ministry Lead the assembly in sacred music that deepens worship and lifts hearts to God. Is the Lord calling you to use your musical gifts in service of the Church? Do you want to learn more about sacred music and its role in the liturgy? We invite you to prayerfully consider joining the Music Ministry at Holy Spirit Catholic Church. Music is not simply an addition to the Mass—it is a form of prayer that lifts our hearts to God and helps lead the entire assembly into deeper worship. Whether you are an experienced musician or simply someone with a willing heart, there is a place for you in this ministry. No prior experience is required—only a desire to serve God through music. Parish Choir Our Parish Choir is composed of adults who are called to serve the Church through sacred music. Members share a love for singing and a desire to enhance the beauty of the liturgy through prayerful and reverent song. The choir rehearses weekly on Wednesday evenings from 6:00–7:00 PM in the church and serves throughout the year from September through the Solemnity of Corpus Christi in June. The choir leads music at weekend Masses and major liturgical celebrations, helping to support and elevate the prayer of the entire assembly. Cantors Cantors are skilled vocal leaders who help guide the congregation in sung prayer and proclaim the psalms and other solo parts of the Mass. This ministry requires confidence, preparation, and a heart for leading others in worship. Cantors must be at least 15 years old and are asked to complete an audition with the music director prior to serving. Through their leadership, cantors help foster full, active, and conscious participation in the liturgy. Instrumentalists Instrumentalists who are proficient in their craft are invited to share their talents in service of the Church. Musicians may be scheduled for Sunday Masses, solemnities, and special parish celebrations throughout the year. Through their gifts, instrumentalists help enrich the prayer of the Church and support the sung liturgy in a meaningful and prayerful way. MINISTRY CONTACT: office@holyspiritsc.org Previous Next THANK YOU Photo Gallery All Ministries Outreach Fellowship & Hospitality Liturgical

< Back Faith Sharing with Msgr. Chris Join Msgr. Chris and other parishioners on biblical themes and topics such as Women of the Bible and the Parables of Jesus. Join Msgr. Chris for a journey of faith, Scripture, and fellowship through our Faith Sharing Series. Offered each fall and again after the New Year, these sessions provide an opportunity to grow in your understanding of the Catholic faith while building connections with fellow parishioners. Each semester, participants explore a different theme or area of study, such as the Parables of Jesus, the Women of the Bible, or other topics drawn from Scripture and Catholic tradition. Participants are encouraged to read the assigned material in advance, reflect on the themes presented, and engage in meaningful discussion during each gathering. Faith Sharing is designed for adults of all backgrounds and levels of biblical knowledge. Whether you are new to Scripture study or have participated for years, you will find an inviting environment for learning, reflection, and conversation. Meeting Times Sessions are held in the Family Life Center: Tuesdays at 1:00 PM Fridays at 10:00 AM Registration opens prior to the start of each semester's series. Watch the bulletin, events , and parish communications for upcoming topics and registration information. For questions, contact the parish office at Office@holyspiritsc.org . INFORMATION: office@holyspiritsc.org Previous Next

Baptism " Therefore, if any one is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has passed away, behold, the new has come." (2 Cor. 5:17) Few things are as beautiful as bringing our children (or coming ourselves) to the Church for Baptism. When we say we love our children, this is what God means. Baptizing our children deepens our faith and allows us to grow closer to the Lord. FOR FAMILIES Infant Baptism Congratulations on the birth of your child! Bringing your baby to Baptism is one of the most loving and faith-filled gifts we can give our children. At Holy Spirit, we celebrate Baptism with great joy. We ask that parents attend a Baptism preparation class before your child's Baptism. This is a time to reflect on your role as the primary faith teachers in your child's life — and to receive support and encouragement from our parish community. What to Expect Baptism gives more than forgiveness of sins. It infuses real gifts from God and makes you a real member in the church. During the baptism of your child, the parents, godparents, and family should expect to be deeply moved by God's love. You have now prepared your child for a lifelong journey of faith. Infant Baptism are celebrated at Mass on the second Sunday of the month. During the Rite of Baptism, your child will be anointed with sacred oils, holy water will be poured over their head three times as the priest prays the words of Baptism, and your child will receive a white garment and a baptismal candle — beautiful symbols of their new life in Christ. Godparents play a meaningful role in your child's life. At least one godparent is necessary and they must be a practicing Catholic who is 1) at least 16 years old, 2) has received the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist. Next Steps: Parents complete the Baptism Registration Form . You will be contacted within 48 hours Parents attend a Baptism preparation class Offered on the second Wednesday of the month Bring a copy of your child's birth certificate or hospital record of birth Godparents request eligibility form to be completed by their parish and sent to: Holy Spirit Catholic Church 3871 Betsy Kerrison Johns Island, SC 29455 Forms must include the parish seal Once everything is completed, the date for Baptism will be scheduled. BAPTISM REGISTRATION GODPARENT FORM BAPTISM REQUIREMENTS At least one parent or guardian who is Catholic Attendance at a Baptism preparation meeting At least one practicing Catholic godparent Completed parish registration (encouraged) GODPARENT REQUIREMENTS Age: At least 16 years old Sacraments of Initiation: Must have received Baptism, First Holy Communion, and Confirmation. Faith Life: Must lead a life in harmony with the Catholic faith (i.e., practicing the faith, attending Mass). Marital Status: If married, must be validly married in the Catholic Church. Catholics cohabitating or civilly married are typically ineligible. Parentage: Cannot be the mother or father of the person being baptized. Canonical Standing: Cannot be bound by any canonical penalty CONTACT (843) 768-0357 office@holyspiritsc.org FOR ADULTS Adult Baptism Already Baptized in Another Christian Tradition? The Catholic Church recognizes as valid the Baptism of most Christian denominations — including Baptist, Methodist, Presbyterian, Lutheran, Anglican/Episcopal, and many others — provided the Baptism was performed with water and in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. If you were baptized in another Christian tradition and feel called to become fully Catholic, you do not need to be rebaptized. Instead, you will prepare to receive the Sacraments of Confirmation and the Eucharist. Our OCIA process is the welcoming path for this journey. Not Yet Baptized? Unbaptized adults who wish to receive the Sacrament of Baptism are warmly invited to prepare through our OCIA process — the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults. OCIA is not a class but an encounter with God: a journey through Scripture, the sacraments, and community, in which you are invited to discover the Catholic faith at your own pace. Adults who journey through OCIA are typically received into the Church at the Easter Vigil, or around November 1, receiving Baptism, Confirmation, and First Eucharist in one beautiful celebration. LEARN MORE ABOUT OCIA Baptism FAQs What are the requirements to be a godparent? What is a Christian witness? What if a godparent cannot be present? Do we need to be parishioners? How do adults get baptized?

< Back Catechist Teaching our kids the faith. The Catechist is responsible for teaching and sharing the Catholic faith with children, youth, or adults in a parish setting. This role supports the mission of the Church by helping participants grow in their relationship with God and understanding of Catholic teachings. Key Responsibilities: Prepare and teach weekly lessons based on the approved curriculum Create a welcoming, respectful, and faith-filled classroom environment Lead students in prayer and model Christian values Encourage participation in Mass and parish life Communicate regularly with parents and program leadership Maintain attendance and basic records as required Participate in catechist training sessions and meetings Qualifications: Practicing Catholic in good standing with the Church Basic knowledge of Catholic teachings and willingness to continue learning Comfortable working with children, youth, or adults Strong communication and organizational skills Time Commitment: [e.g., Weekly sessions, plus preparation time and occasional meetings] Previous Next