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

Stories of More “Go home to your friends, and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you.” (Mark 5:19) Do you have a story to share with the parish? Submit it here. Divine Intervention Faith and Family Life Famished for Truth God is Faithful Outreach to the Community Ride the Bus FILTER RESET FILTER God is Faithful Deborah I was raised in the Baptist tradition and am so grateful for the foundation it gave me. From an early age, I learned to love Scripture, trust in Jesus Christ as my Savior and understand the importance of a personal relationship with God. The Baptist church and my family helped to shape my faith and taught me many truths that I still cherish today. They were my foundation of my faith. I met my husband when I was 27 and the first thing that I admired about him was his strong faith. He has been raised Catholic and never missed going to Mass to strengthen his walk with God. I began going to Mass with him and becoming increasingly interested in the Catholic faith. We went through marriage counseling with a Priest and that gave me the opportunity to ask more questions concerning my Christian faith journey. We were married and were expecting our first child when I decided to become Catholic and raise our children in the Catholic faith. It was a decision that I spent many years studying and preparing for. Learning and believing in the Sacraments, Mary and the Saints was a big part of my decision to convert. I feel the Holy Spirits presence during the Mass and in the Eucharist. I have been encouraged by Monsignor Rowland and Father Stephen to use my God given gifts at church. I have been guided to help schools, needy families, and serve as the coordinator of the Ministry and Hospitality committee of our Parish. I take time to pray and listen to God for his guidance in how to help our Parish and community. Today, I continue to grow in my relationship with Jesus through prayer, Scripture, the Sacraments, and the life of the Church. My journey has taught me that God is faithful in leading those who sincerely seek Him, and I am grateful for where that journey has led me and the support that I have at Holy Spirit. Ride the Bus Wayne There are as many stories of religious conversion as there are individuals in the pews. Unlike Saint Paul on the road to Damascus, I was not struck blind by a bright light; my journey took a much longer route. I was raised in a God-fearing Protestant family as the son of a Methodist minister. Later, I was blessed to marry the love of my life, Theresa. She was raised Catholic by wonderful, devout parents, and as often happens in such marriages, I began attending Mass with her and her family. For the next 20 years, I "rode the bus" without knowing the destination. One day during Mass, I asked myself what I was doing there. I realized that while I understood and enjoyed the liturgy, I was envious of the peace and stability my in-laws possessed. I wanted to acquire the simple, "childlike" trust they had in the Holy Spirit. I knew I always felt better after attending Mass, and 20 years is a long time to remain a passenger on the bus. Ultimately, I chose to convert to Catholicism. Through the witness of those in my life, I came to understand that it is not enough to simply sit in a pew and be a good person. I learned that a relationship with God requires a true commitment. Just as in a friendship or a marriage, commitment requires the trust to put another’s values and needs foremost. I finally understood that putting Him first was not a sacrifice, but a newfound freedom. My advice to anyone currently "riding the bus" is to say yes when the Holy Spirit calls. If you rearrange your secular life to accommodate God’s direction, you will find it comes with no regrets—only great rewards. Good Luck on Your Journey Faith and Family Life Summer My faith journey began in the Episcopal Church, where I attended a private Episcopal school growing up. My husband, on the other hand, was raised Catholic and attended Catholic schools from Pre-K through high school here in Charleston, including Nativity School and Bishop England. The Catholic faith has deep roots in his family, including his great-uncle, Monsignor Rowland, whose life of service to the Church has been a meaningful part of our family's story. From the very beginning of our relationship, we knew that faith would be at the center of our marriage and family life. I began attending Mass with him while we were dating, and together we felt called to raise our future family in the Catholic faith. As the mother of four children, I have seen how important it is to help our children build a relationship with Christ and grow in their faith. Our children have attended Catholic school since Pre-K, and as they reached important milestones in their faith journey, I felt called to grow alongside them. In 2022, before my oldest daughter received her First Holy Communion, I completed the RCIA/OCIA program and officially entered the Catholic Church. It was important to me to fully understand and embrace the faith that was shaping our family so that I could better connect with my daughter and support her through this special milestone. In doing so, I also gained a deeper understanding of the faith that would help me guide all four of our children as they continue their own journeys with Christ. Faith has always been the foundation of our family, and that foundation ultimately led us to Holy Spirit Parish. From the moment we arrived, we felt welcomed and embraced by a community that truly feels like family. In 2023, we renewed our wedding vows and were officially married in the Catholic faith here in the 'little chapel' by Monsignor Rowland. Holy Spirit has provided us with opportunities to deepen our faith, build meaningful relationships, and become more involved in parish life. Before becoming involved in Family Ministry, I served as President of Nativity School’s PTO for several years. One of the things I loved most about that role was bringing families together and creating opportunities for meaningful connections and friendships. Through that experience, I saw firsthand how important a strong community is for both parents and children. As rewarding as that was, I felt called to take it a step further—not just building friendships, but helping families build faith-centered relationships that encourage one another in their walk with Christ. That calling led me to Family Ministry, where I now have the privilege of serving alongside my dear friend Alison. This ministry is especially close to my heart because I know how valuable it is for families to have a strong faith community around them. My hope is to help families grow closer to Christ, strengthen their faith at home, and create lasting friendships with other Catholic families within our parish. Looking back, I can clearly see God's hand guiding our family every step of the way. I am grateful for the path that led us to Holy Spirit and for the opportunity to serve this wonderful parish community. My prayer is that every family who comes through our doors feels welcomed, supported, and encouraged as they grow in their faith and experience the love of Christ. Divine Intervention Patty I was raised in a devout Irish Catholic family as the youngest of seven. Attending church was a regular part of my upbringing, but after leaving for college, I gradually stopped participating as I began to find my own path. When I met my husband, Dan, who was Presbyterian, I chose to embrace his faith. We were married in the Presbyterian Church, marking the beginning of a new chapter in my spiritual journey. After moving to Johns Island in October 2024, we became friends with a couple who are deeply involved at Holy Spirt Church. I had often thought about returning to my Catholic roots, but, as so often happens, life got in the way. On January 5, 2026 I learned that I had a brain tumor, later diagnosed as glioblastoma. My tumor was removed the following day, and when I woke up in the recovery room, I knew I needed to return to my Catholic faith. I truly believe God intervened and gave me a second chance. For the first time in my life, I experienced what I can only describe as true faith. It filled me with hope, peace, and strength to face the greatest challenge of my life. Becoming part of Holy Spirit Church has been an incredible gift. Father Stephen and the entire parish family have surrounded me with compassion, encouragement, and prayers. The congregation even made me a beautiful prayer quilt, a constant reminder of God's love expressed though this community. I feel deeply blessed to be part of the Holy Spirit family. My new mantra is: "With You, God, all things are possible." Famished for Truth Chris I was raised in a “broken home.” I saw my father occasionally, but I lived with my mother most of the time. Life was not easy, as my mother, who had a disability, rarely worked and remarried several times, and it seemed that we were constantly moving and that I was regularly changing schools. I was raised in the family faith, the Episcopal Church, but following Christ was not much of a priority, and so we rarely attended. As I entered my teen years, I fell further away from my childhood faith. I began to chase girls, and I eventually fell in with a peer group that was up to no good. By this point, I was living with my father, as I was not getting along with my current step-father. My father took me out of the school in which I was enrolled, and I was accepted my senior year into Bishop England High School. I was somewhat of a class clown and was sent to the principal’s office regularly, to the extent that I was called the “buffoon” by one of the sisters who taught there. (Our daughters claim that I am the reason that there are now strict rules for non-uniform days since I tried to wear “Deputy Dawg” slippers on tag days.) The Catholic faith was new to me, and I had a LONG road still ahead, but I recall there being one sister who taught there who seemed to love all of us unconditionally. This struck me as odd that she loved me in spite of how much I misbehaved—Only much later would I begin to understand why. I continued my downward spiral in college. I rarely applied myself to studies since, at the time, I was more interested in partying. I began to doubt God’s existence as I sought a life of pleasure. By my junior year, I began to feel empty in spite of trying to fill my life with so many things of the world. I had a naturally logical mind, and it took C.S. Lewis’ “Trilemma” to convince me not only that God exists, but that he cared for me and loved me in spite of my sinfulness—I became famished for truth. The journey home to the Catholic faith was long as I was attending any and all churches. I began to hunger for something which I did not yet understand—the sacraments. I returned to my childhood Episcopal parish, but, after several years, I felt drawn either towards the Catholic or Orthodox faith. Meanwhile, I had committed the rest of my life to the pursuit of truth which, at the time, I thought precluded marriage—My then spiritual director thought otherwise. I met my wife, Beth, a practicing Catholic, when she managed a restaurant in Charleston where I would go and read books for hours. The waitstaff hated me, and I was very shy, but she gave me her phone number one evening, and we were engaged about six months later. I completed RCIA, and I was received into the Catholic Church at the Easter Vigil in 2005, a few months before our wedding—I have never looked back. The quest for truth continues, but I have come to realize that a large part of truth and understanding the Trinity is to be found within family life. We have had our share of bumps in the road, including numerous health scares, but faith has brought us through. I was ordained to the Permanent Diaconate in 2025 in the Diocese of Charleston. Outreach to the Community Nancy In the evening silence, I heard the call! Our new life in South Carolina was a promise being fulfilled. Our new parish was Holy Spirit Catholic Church. The family life center was just built and the building was to be used to serve our larger community. With the guidance of Monsignor Rowland and courage whispered by the Spirit, the parish food pantry evolved! Once word got out of our of services, the community came and all were welcomed. As we built trust and friendships with our neighbors, they invited us into their lives with stories and needs. It was then that the vision Monsignor had for the home repair foundation came to fruition. He formed a group to develop the path of reaching our neighbors in need. The connections made through our food pantry were crucial. They provided the trust needed to start caring for those in need and to keep them in their homes. This home repair foundation is the Paraclete Foundation, formed in 2018. In this journey to help others we needed to have private and intimate dialogue with those we were serving to determine our capabilities and restrictions. Each application required a phone call to start the story and the Holy Spirit directed each conversation for me. Each person in need has a life path they want to share and give witness to. During the application process, those we serve are asked to share a many personal details, and often freely give more. I am truly humbled by their willingness to seek help. May I always listen for the message the Holy Spirit gives me with an open heart. In the silence I hear best the call. SHARE YOUR STORY How Has the Holy Spirit Worked in Your Life? It doesn't matter if it's big or small, tell us what God has done in your life! Submissions may be used on the website and in Holy Spirit publications. First Name* Last Name Email* What is your relationship to Holy Spirit Catholic Church?* Share your story!* Need help? Break your story into three parts – 1) What life looked like, 2) What God did, 3) How you/things have changed! By checking this box I understand that the my story (full or partial) may be used by Holy Spirit Catholic Church. * I'd like to remain anonymous. Submit

Giving WHY GIVE? "There is More Joy in Giving Than in Receiving" (Acts 20:35) Ask God how you can best contribute to the mission of the parish. GIVE NOW HOW TO GIVE Different Giving Options Online Giving The easiest way to give is through our online giving platform. You can make a one-time gift or set up recurring giving with a credit or debit card — in just a few minutes. GIVE NOW Offertory at Mass The Sunday offertory remains a primary way to contribute to the life of the parish. Cash and checks are welcome at any Mass. Envelopes for Contributions If you'd like to receive envelopes, please join the parish here. If you have moved, stopped receiving envelopes, or originally opted out and would like to receive them, please email office@holyspiritsc.org Other Ways to Give For gifts through donor-advised funds, IRA, stocks, planned giving, or other arrangements, please contact our Finance Office directly. We're happy to work with you to find the best way to make your gift. CONTACT Holy Spirit Catholic Church 3871 Betsy Kerrison Pkwy Johns Island, SC 29455 (843) 768-0357 financial.secretary@holyspiritsc.org Office Hours: Mon–Thu 8:30 am–4:00 pm SENT BY THE SPIRIT Deliver More "The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few; so ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest" (Matt. 9:37). God is sending you with His Spirit to deliver His love to the world. See the many ways you can deliver the love of God to others. SERVE

Safe Environment Training Creating and maintaining a safe environment in which to worship, grow, and serve. EQUIPPING OUR PARISH Protection of Children & Vulnerable Adults Through the Office of Child and Youth Protection Service, the Diocese of Charleston requires a mandatory educational programming (“Safe Environment Training”) and resources to create and maintain safe environments, along with training on methods of preventing, recognizing, responding to, and the reporting of sexual misconduct or abuse of minors or vulnerable adults. Who is mandated to complete Prevention Education (VIRTUS) Training? All Clergy All Temporarily-assigned and visiting international priests All Seminarians All Religious All Employees All Teachers All Volunteers (with access to minors and/or vulnerable adults) Prevention Education (VIRTUS) training is mandatory. You can access your certificates of completion through your VIRTUS account and no longer need to provide them to your local parish or school office. While the local Safe Environment Coordinator is responsible for managing their location’s list of employees and volunteers, IT IS ALL OF OUR RESPONSIBILITY TO UNDERSTAND AND MAINTAIN COMPLIANCE WITH ALL SAFE ENVIRONMENT REQUIREMENTS. Steps to Begin To access the Boundary Training, visit www.virtusonline.org or use the link below. Create/Login to your VIRTUS account. Click on “Current Training” box located on the home page. If you do not have any trainings assigned, contact your Safe Environment Coordinator to assign “Healthy Boundaries for Adults: Boundary Development and Implementation 1.0” to your account. START VIRTUS FIRST TIME INSTRUCTIONS VIRTUS Registration instructions VIRTUS Instrucciones de registro NEED HELP? (843) 768-0357 office@holyspiritsc.org OFFICE HOURS Mon–Thu 8:30 am–4:00 pm

Funeral Mass Music Selections Responsorial Psalm Entrance Hymn/Song All Creatures of our God and King (except Lent season) Alleluia! Sing to Jesus! (except Lent season) A Mighty Fortress Is Our God Amazing Grace Be Not Afraid For All the Saints (except Lent season) Good Christian Friends, Rejoice (Christmas Season) Hark! The Herald Angels Sing (Christmas Season) Holy God, We Praise Thy Name How Firm a Foundation How Great Thou Art I Know that My Redeemer Lives Jerusalem, My Happy Home Jesus Christ Is Risen Today (not during Lent) Joyful, Joyful, We Adore You Lift High the Cross Love Divine, All Love Excelling Lord, Who Throughout There Forty Days (Lent S.) Lord of All Hopefulness Make Me a Channel of Your Peace Morning Has Broken O Come, O Come, Emmanuel (Advent Season) O God, Our Help in Ages Past On Eagle’s Wings Sing with All the Saints in Glory The King Shall Come When Morning Dawns (Advent) To Jesus Christ, Our Sovereign King We Shall Rise Again What Wondrous Love Is This Responsorial Psalm Psalm 23 – The Lord Is My Shepherd Psalm 25 – To You, O Lord Psalm 27 – The Lord Is My Light Psalm 42 – Like A Deer That Longs Psalm 63 – My Soul Is Thirsting Psalm 103 – The Lord Is Kind and Merciful Psalm 122 – Let Us Go Rejoicing Psalm 130 – Out of the Depths, I cry to You, O Lord Psalm 143 – O Lord, Hear My Prayer Presentation of the Gifts Abide with Me Amazing Grace Ave Maria (Schubert) Be Thou My Vision Be Not Afraid Christ Be Our Light Eye Has Not Seen Hail Mary Gentle Woman Hosea I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say You Are Near Make Me a Channel of Your Peace Morning Has Broken The Servant Song We Shall Rise Again What Wondrous Love Is This Communion Song Abide with Me Amazing Grace Ave Maria (Schubert) Be Thou My Vision Eye Has Not Seen Gift of Finest Wheat I Am the Bread of Life Lord, Who at Thy First Eucharist Lord of All Hopefulness O Lord, I Am not Worthy O Sacrament Most Holy Panis Angelicus Soul of My Savior Taste and See The King of Love, My Shepherd Is The Servant Song Exit Hymn/Song All Creatures of our God and King (except Lent season) Amazing Grace At the Lamb’s High Feast We Sing Christ Be Our Light How Great Thou Art In Paradisum Love Divine, All Love Excelling The King of Love, My Shepherd Is Tree of Life (Lent Season) We Shall Rise Again What Wondrous Love Is This Entrance Hymn Responsorial Psalm Communion Song Exit Hymn Communion Song Exit Hymn Entrance Hymn

Matrimony “It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him.” (Gen. 2:18) MARRIAGE IN THE CHURCH The Sacrament of Matrimony When you as a Catholic couple exchange vows in the Church, you promise your love to one another before God, family and friends. You become a living sign of Christ's love for His Church — a love that holds nothing back, endures all things, and is open to new life. Your Catholic marriage will be a breathtakingly beautiful calling. Marriage is a covenant modeled on the very love that exists within the Trinity: complete, faithful, fruitful, and life giving The preparation process for Catholic marriage is a wonderful journey and is a gift from our Lord. This preparation is an opportunity to go deeper with your partner, to explore the foundations of a lifelong commitment, and to invite God into the center of your marriage from the very beginning. CONTACT Nicole DeNeane Wedding Coordinator weddings@holyspiritsc.org Holy Spirit Catholic Church 3871 Betsy Kerrison Pkwy Johns Island, SC 29455 YOUR PREPARATION FOR THE JOURNEY Steps to Prepare for Marriage Please contact the parish office at least six months before your desired wedding date to begin the process. Destination weddings: If you are inquiring about a destination wedding at Holy Spirit, please inform our wedding coordinator, Nicole DeNeane as the steps for preparation will be slightly different. 1 Contact our Wedding Coordinator Email Nicole DeNeane about your interest in having your wedding held at Holy Spirit Catholic Church. weddings@holyspiritsc.org 2 Clergy Meeting Meet with a clergy member to complete the necessary paperwork, discuss any impediments to marriage, and schedule your wedding date. This is also a time to get to know your pastor and share your vision for your wedding. 3 Complete the FOCCUS Inventory Complete the FOCCUS premarital inventory — a research-based tool that helps couples explore key areas of their relationship — and then meet with a priest or deacon to discuss your results in a supportive, confidential setting. 4 Attend Marriage Preparation Attend an approved marriage preparation retreat or program. These are consistently described by couples as one of the most meaningful experiences of their engagement. Details will be provided at your initial meeting. 5 Planning the Ceremony Meet with the team member assisting with your wedding to discuss the order of the ceremony, your chosen Scripture readings, and any special intentions or elements you would like to include. 6 Meet with the Music Minister Meet with our Music Minister to choose the music for your wedding Mass or ceremony. Music is a central part of the celebration, and our music director is here to help you create something beautiful and meaningful. ALREADY CIVILLY MARRIED? Convalidation If you were married civilly and would like to have your marriage recognized and blessed by the Church, this is called convalidation — sometimes called "having your marriage blessed." Convalidation is the church's process to bring your existing marriage fully into the sacramental life of the Church. We would be glad to speak with you about about the process, what it involves, and how to begin. Contact the parish at weddings@holyspiritsc.org

Mission Development Discerning where God is leading Holy Spirit Catholic Church. FOLLOWING THE HOLY SPIRIT Where is God Leading Us? Over the past year, we have been asking an important question together: Where is God leading Holy Spirit Parish next? Our Mission Development Path is a process of prayer, listening, discernment, and planning as we seek to understand the mission God has for our parish and how we can respond. Our parish vision is: One community of disciples, filled, led, and empowered by the Holy Spirit to be loved, transformed, and sent. Listening, Discerning, and Moving Forward Earlier this year, we invited the parish to share hopes, ideas, and feedback about the future of Holy Spirit. That conversation became the starting point for the next stage of our work. Since then, parishioners and ministry leaders have been working through that feedback in four Strategic Growth Areas: Sacred Worship Discipleship Formation Mission Stewardship Finance & Organization The working groups have spent the past several months considering the feedback we received and discerning practical ways we can begin moving forward. At our second Town Hall, each group shared the current initiatives they are proposing for this first year. These initiatives are not a finished plan or something set in stone. They are a starting point—our best sense right now of where we can focus our time and energy as we continue to grow and discern God's direction for our parish. What Are We Working Toward? Ultimately, this process is about much more than programs, buildings, or parish organization. We want to become a community where people encounter Jesus Christ, grow as His disciples, and are equipped to live and share their faith. We want to be a parish that is loved, transformed, and sent—and that lives those words not just as a vision statement, but in the everyday life of our parish. See the Current Initiatives We've created a handout that provides more detail about the four Strategic Growth Areas and the initiatives currently being considered for the year ahead. Discernment LOOKING AHEAD TOGETHER We Are Discerning Our Parish Future Together The Mission Development Path is an ongoing process, and we want to continue hearing from you. Where do you see God working at Holy Spirit? What should we be considering as we move forward? Leave any feedback below! First Name* Last Name* Email* Phone* Share your thoughts: Submit WHAT IS ADORATION? A Time to Be Still Eucharistic Adoration is simply time spent in the presence of Jesus — present to us Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity in the Blessed Sacrament. In our busy world, it can be rare to simply stop, be quiet, and allow ourselves to be loved. Adoration is that opportunity. There is no agenda, no performance — only presence. You sit before the Lord as you are, and He meets you there. Catholics believe that Jesus is truly and fully present in the Eucharist — the same Jesus who healed the sick, embraced the outcast, and rose from the dead. Adoration is a time to encounter that same Jesus, in silence and love. "It is well to keep close to the source of grace... The Eucharist is the secret of my day. It gives strength and meaning to all my other activities." — Pope St. John Paul II ADORATION SCHEDULE Thursdays 7:30–8:30am (Church) 7–8pm (Chapel) First Friday (Church) 9–10am First Weekend (Chapel) 8pm Friday–5:00pm Saturday LOCATION Holy Spirit Catholic Church 3871 Betsy Kerrison Pkwy Johns Island, SC 29455 QUESTIONS? (843) 768-0357

Sign up for emails from Holy Spirit through Flocknote. Stay connected with Flocknote! Don't miss what's happening because you didn't grab a bulletin! Sign up for our email list through Flocknote to get weekly updates and news from Holy Spirit. Upcoming Events WEEKLY CALENDAR Mon, Sep 14 CATHOLICISM: The Pivotal Players / LEARN MORE Sep 14, 2026, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM Family Life Center, 3871 Betsy Kerrison Pkwy, Johns Island, SC 29455, USA CATHOLICISM: The Pivotal Players is a journey into the truth and beauty of Catholicism through the lives of some of its most fascinating figures. Share Tue, Sep 15 Old Testament: Women of the Bible Part II / LEARN MORE Sep 15, 2026, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM Family Life Center, 3871 Betsy Kerrison Pkwy, Johns Island, SC 29455, USA In Part Two we will read, discuss, and show how women like: Ruth, Tamar, Bathsheba, Esther, Hannah, Miriam, and Judith impact lives and faith today. Share Tue, Sep 15 Walking with Purpose / RSVP Sep 15, 2026, 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM Family Life Center, 3871 Betsy Kerrison Pkwy, Johns Island, SC 29455, USA Share Load More

The Eucharist "I am the living bread which came down from heaven; if any one eats of this bread, he will live for ever..." (John 6:51) THE GREATEST GIFT What Is the Eucharist? The Mass is the greatest thing in the world because at every Mass, bread and wine are transformed into the Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of Jesus Christ. More than a symbol or a memorial — Catholics believe it is the real, true, and substantial presence of Christ Himself. The Eucharist is the heart of Catholic life. Every other sacrament, every prayer, every act of service flows from and leads back to this encounter at the altar. When we receive Holy Communion, we are not simply remembering Jesus — we are receiving Him. This mystery — called the Real Presence — is at the center of why Catholics come to Mass every Sunday. We come hungry and we are fed. We come burdened and we are strengthened. We come broken and we are made whole — not by our own effort, but by the One who gives Himself to us completely. FOR CHILDREN First Communion First Communion refers preparation for and reception of the Body and Blood of Jesus in the Eucharist for the first time. At Holy Spirit, baptized children typically prepare for First Communion at 7 or 8 years old (usually in 2nd grade), following completion of their first Reconciliation. Preparation takes place through our Children's Faith Formation program, which forms children in the faith, in Scripture, and in the sacramental life of the Church. First Communion is a joyful family celebration — a moment of grace that children and parents will treasure for a lifetime. We work to make the preparation meaningful and the celebration beautiful. Preparation Requirements Baptized Catholic Registered Parishioner. Register here. Enrolled in our Children's Faith Formation program (or equivalent Catholic school religious education) Typically in second grade or older Have received First Reconciliation (as part of Faith Formation) CHILDREN'S FAITH FORMATION Adults Are you a baptized adult who has not yet made their First Communion? We would love to walk with you on this journey. Please connect with our OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation for Adults) coordinator to begin your preparation. WHO CAN RECEIVE COMMUNION At a Catholic Mass, Holy Communion is offered to Catholics who have received their First Communion and are in a state of grace. Non-Catholics and Catholics who are not in a state of grace are warmly invited to come forward to the priest or deacon with arms crossed to receive a blessing instead. CURIOUS ABOUT BECOMING CATHOLIC? If you are not Catholic and find yourself drawn to receive Communion, we invite you to explore our OCIA process. LEARN ABOUT OCIA CLASS OF 2026 First Communion

Sunday, 9 am Mass livestream from Holy Spirit Catholic Church Livestream