Church of the Holy Spirit

09/07/2026

As we celebrate Labor Day, let us take a moment to recognize the dignity of every worker and the many ways their efforts help families, communities, and our church flourish. May we always value the work of every person, seek justice for all laborers, and give thanks for the opportunity to serve God through our daily work.

09/06/2026

Treat Him Like a Gentile

In today’s Gospel, Jesus gives instructions for ministering to those persisting in error. Here’s the CliffsNotes version: If all else fails, “treat him as you would a Gentile or a tax collector.”

In other words? Don’t give up. Tell him the truth. Wash, rinse and repeat.

Technically speaking, I’m a Gentile. I’ve done those mail-in DNA tests, and none of my ancestors were Jewish. So whoever told my family about the God of Abraham, it wasn’t Moses, and it probably wasn’t Jesus himself, unless he spent some time in northwestern Europe that the Gospels fail to mention.

Nope, my ancestors were big old Gentiles living in a big old Gentile world. Lucky for me, someone evangelized them. At first, my ancestors probably didn’t listen. But the evangelist, whoever he or she was, didn’t give up.

I say “lucky for me” because this all means that I was born and raised Catholic. It makes it easier, I think — but it doesn’t make it easy. I’m not an automaton, and I still have to accept the truth of the faith I choose to live. So do you. So do we all.

Inevitably, we falter. What then?

Who are the tax collectors? Zaccheus was one. Matthew was another. Maybe you recognize his name — he’s the guy who wrote this Gospel. And who are the Gentiles? Me. You, maybe. Everyone the disciples decided not to give up on. Everyone the Church is called not to forget about, not to dismiss, and not to take for granted.

So treat them all like Gentiles, and remember that God sees the future, not just the past.

09/05/2026

Today is International Day of Stewardship! We are so grateful for our many stewards here at Holy Spirit. Our Church doesn't stay alive and well without you. Bless you all!

A Steward’s Growing Pains

Have you ever written a check or seen the charge on the credit card machine that had far too many zeros on it for your comfort?

The brakes finally give up on the car you were hoping to nurse through the season. The water heater dies on the coldest week of the year. A medical procedure wasn’t totally covered by insurance. We’ve all been here in this place, being asked to part with a not-so-small sum of money for a not-so-fun reason.

It’s a little easier to bear when you’re forking over dollar signs for a fun vacation or even a worthy cause like your child’s education. But when it’s something you weren’t expecting, something negative, that uneasiness in the pit of your stomach can quickly become despair.

The next time this happens to you, embrace it. Celebrate it. Wrap your arms around it and welcome it as a growing pain.

We are often asked, in life, to give more than we wish. Our loved ones demand greater patience than we think we have. Our prayer life is stalling, and we feel God isn’t holding up His end of the communication bargain. The daily grind seems to be grinding us down. We feel that uneasiness in the pit of our stomach, just as we do when we part with money we thought belonged solely to us.

That place of uncertainty propels us in life, in stewardship, in relationship. All forward motion comes from that feeling. Put out your hands and let yourself be thrust into the pit — He will stoop to take you out from the mud. Spread your arms on your cross — joy is waiting for you.

09/04/2026

At Mass this upcoming Sunday, the Gospel teaches that Jesus places a high priority on reconciling with someone who has sinned against you. Are there people in your life who easily forgive?
See you at Mass!

09/04/2026

It's that time of year when we ask you to add Bouja to your calendars as well as your diets. Sharing with your friends, families, neighbors and co-workers is greatly appreciated!!!! Thank you!

09/03/2026

Prayer for Vocations —

Dear God,

Give us the courage and strength to answer when You call! Give us clarity and trust to hear Your soft invitations. Give us the love to respond, and the bravery to take the steps that will bring us ever closer to You. Amen.

09/02/2026

09/02/2026