Parish History
In September 1936, Father George Keefe began his pastorate of Holy Spirit. Masses were celebrated in the auditorium of Cretin High School. In April 1937, Father Keefe announced a building site for a church and school at the southwest corner of Randolph Avenue and Albert Street.
The property was acquired from an orphanage operated by the Sisters of St. Joseph for $8,500, plus improvement assessments. The new structure called for church and school facilities; the church was to seat 700 people and the school would have eight classrooms. Parishioners were asked to pledge an increase of $1 per month on their regular Sunday offerings to meet the financial burden.
“Holy Spirit, fan into flame the gifts
I received in my Baptism and Confirmation.
I want to receive the fire of Your love
as Your disciples did at Pentecost.
Come with wonder and awe,
with wisdom, understanding, and counsel,
with courage and faith in You.
Holy Spirit, may my actions witness
to Your presence in my life.
Help me to see the ways my strengths
can serve others in their weakness.
In all my interactions, I want to radiate
love, joy, peace, patience, kindness,
generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
Breathe new life into the world through me.
Amen.”
Excavation of the new building began and proceeded quickly. In September 1937, Holy Spirit School officially opened, followed by a dedication of the church and school in October. Heavy rain did not discourage the parishioners, who taxed the capacity of the new structure, to attend the Dedicatory Solemn High Mass, the afternoon open house, and the Solemn Benediction. The original structure housed the school and parish until 1949, when the church moved across the street.
Under the leadership of Fr. Michael Papesh, Holy Spirit embarked on an initiative to improve and expand parish facilities by providing elevator access in the church and school, bringing all school programs under one roof, and providing adequate space for physical education, meetings, and parish-wide gatherings.
In July 2022, Father Nathan Hastings began his leadership.