Justice/Solidarity

“Parishes are called to be communities of solidarity. Catholic social teaching more than anything else insists that we are one family; it calls us to overcome barrier of race, religion, ethnicity, gender, economic status, and nationality. We are one in Christ Jesus (cf. Gal 3:28)—beyond our differences and boundaries…

A key test of a parish's "Catholicity" is its willingness to go beyond its boundaries to serve those in need and work for global justice and peace. "Communities of Salt and Light, NCCB/USCC, 1994

Local Solidarity Ministries

Elizabeth Ministry
Elizabeth Ministry is an outreach to women during the joys and crises of their childbearing years. With Mary and Elizabeth as models, the ministry is designed to offer women support, encouragement and affirmation. This active Women’s Ministry provides outreach, service, and love in the name of the entire church. Contact

Meals Ministry
Funeral Ministry

Assist families experiencing a funeral with lunches, receptions, and wakes. Contact

Middle School Blast
Middle School Blast (Bible Learning and Social Teaching) is an annual summertime week long camp, for children in grades 5through 8. The time is filled with fun, prayer, service events, and reflection. Contact

Day on the Hill and JRLC

Visits with your Legislators
Each year JRLC (Joint Religious Legislative Coalition) hosts an annual Day on the Hill lobby day at the State Capitol. Participants are briefed on social justice issues and then lobby members of the legislature. In 2006 over 950 people from130 different legislative districts attended. Click here for more information.

Global Solidarity Ministries

Fair Trade

The daily decisions we make as a consumers can make a real, positive difference in the world. Fair Trade coffee, tea, chocolate, and other items are sold in the office after the liturgies on the 3rd Sunday of every month. To volunteer with the sale, contact Mary Peterson. Click here for information about fair trade.

Youth Mission Trip

Campaign for Human Development

The National Conference of Catholic Bishops (NCCB) established the Catholic Campaign for Human Development, the Catholic Church's domestic anti-poverty program, in 1969 with two purposes. The first purpose was to raise funds to support "organized groups of white and minority poor to develop economic strength and political power." The second purpose was to "educate the People of God to a new knowledge of today's problems . . . that can lead to some new approaches that promote a greater sense of solidarity."

The CCHD philosophy emphasizes empowerment and participation for the poor. By helping the poor to participate in the decisions and actions that affect their lives, CCHD empowers them to move beyond poverty.

The work of the Catholic Campaign for Human Development is made possible by the generous donations of Catholic parishioners to the annual collection held each November.

Click here for more information about the national campaign.

Work of Human Hands Sale

Are you looking to connect with artisans and cultures throughout the world while finding unique and meaningful Christmas presents? Give the gift or fair trade this year. Check out the annual Work of Human Hands sale in November.

Work of Human Hands is an alternative trade program, implemented in partnership with A Greater Gift, which offers handmade quality goods crafted by and purchased directly from artisans in Africa, Latin America, Asia and Eastern Europe. Educational and advocacy materials on fair trade and responsible consumerism are also available.

Holy Spirit holds the sale after all the liturgies on the weekend before Thanksgiving each November. We are always looking for help. If you would like to volunteer for this ministry, Contact: Click here for more information.

Heifer Project

Holy Spirit Reads:
Parishioners read the book independently, reflect on questions printed weekly in the bulletin, and engage in large group discussion at the end of a 6-8 week period. Offered quarterly. Current title: Compassion, A Reflection on the Christian Life, Henri J M Nouwen, Donald P McNeill, Douglas A Morrison, 1982 Contact: