Ministries

Parish Pastoral Council
Purpose: members connect with parish committees to ensure parish needs are identified and addressed; also provide leadership for the parish.
Contact: Fr. Randy Howard, (270) 842-7777 x110
Meetings: 1st Thursday of each month; three-year commitment

Finance Committee
Purpose:  to plan and oversee parish budget and finances.
Contact:  Fr. Randy Howard, (270) 842-7777 x110; Kristen Hollis (270) 904-5681
Meetings: monthly or as needed

Stewardship Committee
Purpose: to develop methods and means to call people to intentional discipleship and stewardship.
Contact: Leslie Pfingston, (270) 842-7777 x103

Office Volunteers
Purpose: to assist with general office tasks and/or serve as office receptionist.
Contact:  Leslie Pfingston, (270) 842-7777 x103

Money Counters
Purpose:  to ensure proper accounting for church collections and funds.
Contact: Leslie Pfingston, (270) 842-7777 x103
Meetings:  weekly

Building Committee
Purpose: to oversee concerns, problems, and repairs for all buildings on parish property.
Contact: David Suggs, (270) 842-7777 x108
Meetings: as needed

Grounds Committee
Purpose: to assist in maintaining landscaping; small projects as needed
Contact:  Steve Bowra, (270) 791-8934; David Suggs, (270) 842-7777 x108
Meetings:  as needed

Adult Faith Opportunities
Purpose: to afford adults educational and spiritual opportunities for life-long faith formation
Contact: Lori Lewis, (270) 842-7777 x105 or individual course facilitators
Meetings: as scheduled by course or study offered

RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults)
Purpose: to provide the universal Church ritual for adults interested in coming into full communion with the Catholic Church
through receiving the Sacraments of Initiation; Baptism, Eucharist and/or Confirmation
Contact: Lauren Lemmons, (270) 842-7777 x102
Meetings: weekly, Thursdays 6:00-7:30pm in Spirit Hall

RCIC (Rite of Christian Initiation adapted for children)
Purpose: to provide an adaptation of the adult rite, suitable for children age 7 and beyond, who are interested in coming into
full communion with the Catholic Church by receiving the Sacraments of Initiation; Baptism, Eucharist and/or Confirmation
Contact: Lori Lewis, (270) 842-7777 x105
Meetings: weekly, Sundays 10:15-11:15am in Hope/Charity

Ministers of Care to the Sick
Purpose: to unite those confined to home, hospital or nursing care facility with the larger community through weekly visitation and shared Eucharist.
Contact: Lori Lewis, (270) 842-7777 x105
Meetings: weekly, Fridays 9 a.m. and Sundays following morning liturgy

Marriage Preparation Sponsor Couples
Purpose: to journey with engaged couples as they prepare for marriage
Contact: Lori Lewis, (270) 842-7777 x105
Meetings: as announced

Marriage Enrichment Team
Purpose: to prepare annual “Celebrate Your Marriage” event
Contact: Lori Lewis, (270) 842-7777 x105
Meetings: as announced

Grace Marriage Team
Purpose: to prepare & facilitate quarterly Grace Marriage mini-retreats
Contact: Lori Lewis, (270) 842-7777 x105
Meetings: as announced

Grace Marriage
Purpose: to enhance and enrich your marriage through intentionality and God’s Grace
Contact: Lori Lewis, (270) 842-7777 x105
Meetings: quarterly mini-retreats + at home
Learn more about & register for Grace Marriage

Ministry of Praise
Purpose: to lift the needs of the parish in prayer and assist with the Church mission to “pray without ceasing.”
Often these individuals are confined to home or are limited in some way.
Contact: Lori Lewis, (270) 842-7777 x105
Meetings: this is a time commitment at home

Natural Family Planning
Purpose: to educate couples in Church advocated Natural Family Planning methodology.
The information session is also required of all those preparing for marriage.
Contact: Martha Winn, (270) 796-2972
Meetings: as announced

Baptism Preparation Team
Purpose: to assist couples as they prepare for the Baptism of their children
Contact: Lori Lewis, (270)-842-7777 x105, Lana Kunkel, (270) 282-4637
Meetings: as announced. Prep sessions and baptismal weekends are published

Meals for Moms & Dads
Purpose: to provide support (via meals) for families celebrating a new birth
Contact: Sylann Smith, (270) 320-0531
Meetings: this is a time commitment at home

Loaves & Fishes
Purpose: to provide occasional support (via meals) for those with temporary medical/surgical issues
Contact: Alanna Malone, (270) 779-1439
Meetings: this is a time commitment at home

Men’s Prayer
Purpose: to encourage men in study, faith-sharing and prayer
Contact: David Lewis, (270) 303-2059
Meetings: Weekly, Tuesday evenings 6:30-8pm in Pentecost

Friendship Club (for widows)
Purpose: fellowship
Contact: Helen McKay, (270) 904-1803
Meetings: 2nd Tuesday of the month, location varies

Book Discussion Group
Purpose: to read and discuss books that bring our faith alive.
Contact: Elaine Albaugh, (270) 646-3898
Meetings: 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month from 10:00am-noon. During Lent, every Wednesday from 10:00am-noon.

Lectio Divina
Purpose: to grow in knowledge of the Lord and of self through this traditional prayer discipline
Contact: Lori Lewis, (270) 842-7777 x105
Meetings: last Tuesday of each month 10:30am-noon in Pentecost

Women’s Ministry
Purpose: to connect women of the parish through social, spiritual and service opportunities
Contact: Claire Klein, (270) 846-5067; Kelly Wiseman, (270) 791-5100
Meetings: events as announced

“At His Feet”
Purpose: to provide ongoing opportunity for studying the bible and learning the faith
Contact: Mike & Kathy Byrne, (270) 842-7999; Pat & Ruth Mysinger, (270) 622-3160
Meetings: Sundays between the Masses in Spirit Hall

Evangelization Team
Purpose: to foster renewed enthusiasm for the Catholic Church and to evangelize via witness, welcome & hospitality
Contact: Lori Lewis, (270) 842-7777 x105

Koinonia Leadership Team
Purpose: to provide continuity and Catholic form to the annual Koinonia retreat experience.
Contact: Steve Keene (270) 779-6739
Meetings: as needed
Learn more about the Koinonia retreat

Faith Formation Stations (Kindergarten through 6th grade)
Purpose: to provide age appropriate faith formation for children
Contact: Lauren Lemmons, (270) 842-7777 x102
Meetings: classes are held between Sunday Masses (10:15-11:15) the 3rd and 4th Sundays of most months
CALENDAR AND REGISTRATION FORMS FOR FAITH FORMATION STATIONS

First Sacraments Preparation Team
Purpose: to assist in coordinating parish celebrations, family retreats, and parent meetings for those preparing to receive
Sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist.
Contact: Lauren Lemmons, (270) 842-7777 x102
Meetings: as needed

Young Children’s Liturgy of the Word (ages 3-5)
Purpose: to provide formation for children ages 3-5 in a liturgical experience appropriate for their development level
Contact: Lauren Lemmons, (270) 842-7777 x102
Meetings: rotational schedule, during 9am Mass

Children’s Liturgy of the Word (ages 6-8)
Purpose: to provide formation for children grades K-2 in a liturgical experience appropriate for their development level
Contact: Lauren Lemmons, (270) 842-7777 x102
Meetings: rotational schedule, during 9am Mass

Vacation Bible School
Purpose: to engage children in the life of Jesus through music, storytelling and crafts.
Contact:  Lauren Lemmons, (270) 842-7777 x102; Emili Terry, @[email protected]
Meetings:  as needed, VBS is held for 1 week during the summer

St. Joseph School
Purpose: to provide instruction in the Catholic faith as well as secular academic subjects. Preschool and after-school programs also offered.
Contact: Rodney Schwartz, Principal, (270) 842-1235; or Anna Alexander, Asst. Principal, (270) 842-1235

Funeral Meals
Purpose: to provide hospitality via a meal for families after the funeral of a loved one
Contact: Sharon McKay, 901-1815; Rita Parrott , 796-4746
Meetings: as needed

SpiritFest Parish Picnic
Purpose: to provide an annual outdoor family picnic experience
Contact: TBD
Meetings: TBD

Quilters
Purpose: to provide fellowship and service; quilts donated to centers in need
Contact: Barbara Eadens, (270) 535-3801
Meetings: Wednesdays, 9:00am-noon in Patience & Kindness

Contact: Bill Rankin, (270) 842-7777 x107 or [email protected]
Note: The Liturgical Ministry Schedule is coordinated by Kelly Lewis - (270) 842-7777 x 104
SIGN-UP ONLINE NOW TO BECOME A LITURGICAL MINISTER

Liturgy Core Group
Purpose: an appointed group to set goals, direction and standards for the Liturgical life of the parish
Contact: Bill Rankin, (270) 842-7777 ext. 107
Meetings: as needed

Altar Servers
Purpose: To serve the Altar and assist the Priest at Liturgy
Contact: Billy Mills, (270) 784-0935
Meetings: on-going training. Rotational schedule.

Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist
Purpose: to assist in ministering the Eucharist at Liturgy
Contact: Mary Ellen Krohn, (270) 782-8170
Meetings: on-going training. Rotational schedule.

Greeters/Ministers of Hospitality
Purpose: to assist and welcome the assembly arriving for Liturgy
Contact: Penny Payne, (270) 781-1528
Meetings: on-going training. Rotational schedule.

Lectors of the Holy Word
Purpose: to proclaim the Word of God at Liturgy
Contact: Barbara DeFebbo, (270) 991-9272
Meetings: on-going training. Rotational schedule.

Ushers/Ministers of Hospitality
Purpose: to assist the assembly through seating, offertory collection and procession to Eucharist
Contact: Mark Minotti, (513) 256-7086
Meetings: on-going training. Rotational schedule.

Liturgical Art and Environment
Purpose: to prepare the environment for Liturgical seasons through quality decor
Contact: Bill Rankin, (270) 842-7777 ext. 107
Meetings: seasonal

Sacristan Ministry
Purpose: to set up for Mass; care and maintenance of Liturgical vestments, vessels, linens and candles.
Contact: Nancy Irons, (270) 791-3630; Martha Winn
Meetings: on-going training. Rotational schedule.

Eucharistic Adoration Team
Purpose: to recognize continually and publicly the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist through Adoration
on the first Wednesday of every month (12:30-5:45pm)
Contact: Rosemary Brown (270) 393-9265

Contact: Bill Rankin, (270) 842-7777 x107 or [email protected]

Parish Choir
Purpose: a mixed-voice choir for 7th grade through adult and are open without audition. The parish choir ministers regularly on Sundays as well as at Feast Days throughout the year. Other ensembles are formed throughout the year to augment the singing of the assembly and support the Liturgy.
Contact: Bill Rankin, (270) 842-7777 ext. 107
Rehearsals: Wednesdays in St. Cecelia Music Room at 6:15pm

Cantor/Psalmist Ministry
Purpose: individuals from the parish choir work with the Director of Music and will learn to animate the assembly and may also learn to present the Word of God through Psalms and Acclamations. There is an initial training to be placed in this rotation, and annual training updates. Cantors/Psalmist rotate through all the weekend Masses.
Contact: Bill Rankin, (270) 842-7777 ext. 107
Rehearsals: To Be Decided

Kidz Jam – Children’s Choir
Purpose : Open to children in grades 2-6; Students will learn the basics of singing together as an ensemble, and lead our congregation in song for our early Christmas Eve Mass, as well as occasionally as needed throughout the year.
Contact: Bill Rankin, (270) 842-7777 ext. 107
Rehearsals: To Be Decided – watch the bulletin!

Instrumentalists
Purpose: competent brass, woodwind, percussion, or string players who are open to minister individually at weekly Masses.
Contact: Bill Rankin, (270) 842-7777 ext. 107
Rehearsals: Scheduled by appointment with Music & Liturgy Director

Sound Ministry
Purpose: A weekly ministry devoted to ensuring the church’s sound system, microphones and backline equipment are cared for at a high quality.  Prior experience is preferred, Initial training required, and ongoing development will be periodically provided.  This ministry is open to interested high school ages through adults. Service hours and Independent study are available for high school and college students should it be requested.
Contact: Bill Rankin, (270) 842-7777 ext. 107; Eric Tuttle, (931) 980-2676
Meetings: To Be Decided

Media Ministry
Purpose: A new ministry devoted to LIVE Streaming our 4:30 weekend Mass, as well as other masses or events as deemed necessary throughout the year. Initial Training will be provided as well as ongoing development opportunities to be periodically provided.
Contact: Bill Rankin, (270) 842-7777 ext. 107 or Alan Simpson, (270) 991-2468
Meetings: 3:15 pm, Saturday afternoons

Knights of Columbus
Purpose: fraternal order of Catholic men that provides support for the Church and various charities
Contact: Martin Fanning (270) 792-3176; Dave Chandler (270) 842-5630
Meetings: 2nd Tuesday of each month
Website: kofc1315.org

St. Joseph’s Cemetery Committee
Purpose: to oversee the upkeep and maintenance of the Catholic cemetery
Contact: John Knepler (270) 843-8431, Allen Freeland (270) 781-9885

St. Vincent De Paul Conference
Purpose: to provide food/service/assistance to those in need
Contact: Carol Kunkel, [email protected]; Patricia Cummins (270) 935-5159
Meetings: 4th Monday of each month at 6pm in the Library

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) – Open Meetings
Purpose: to assist those recovering from alcoholism
Meetings: each Monday and Friday, 6:00-7pm in Wonder & Awe

Al-Anon
Purpose: to assist family members affected by the disease of alcoholism and/or drug abuse
Meetings: each Monday and Friday, 6:00-7pm, in Kindness and each Saturday, 10:00-11am, in Kindness

Habitat for Humanity
Purpose: to provide assistance in building homes for those in need
Contact: David Shanahan, (270) 842-7944

Interfaith M.E.A.L.S., Inc.
Purpose: provide nourishing meals to those in need
Contact: Karen Stringer (270) 779-0359
Meetings: We cook & deliver meals every sixth Saturday morning

Room in the Inn
Purpose: to provide overnight shelter at Holy Spirit’s facility in conjunction with other local churches
Contact: Carol Kunkel, [email protected]; Kirsten Knutson (951) 532-0840

International Outreach Committee
Purpose: to assist with the needs of refugees and immigrants within our parish
Contact: Jan Lange, (270) 535-5589; Fr. Martin Ling (270) 842-7777 x118

Newcomers Committee
Purpose: to welcome new members of our parish via parish tours and welcome luncheons
Contact: Sally Gough, (256) 724-0999; Sylvia Risher (270) 779-1241
Meetings: as needed

Transportation Ministry
Purpose: to provide transportation to Mass for our refugee communities
Contact: Leslie Pfingston (270) 842-7777 x103

Contact: Allison Steen-Baker, (270) 842-7777 x106 or [email protected]
Click here to learn more about upcoming Young Adult Events

Young Adult Bible Study
Purpose: to provide faith formation and fellowship for young adults
Meetings: weekly – varies based on times/seasons of the year

Theology on Tap
Purpose: to provide an opportunity for young adults to meet and learn about theology from amazing speakers while enjoying drink specials at local venues
Meetings: quarterly – times/dates/locations vary- see bulletin or website for details

Young Adult Core Team
Purpose: to serve and meet the needs of young adults in our parish using innovative and new ways
Meetings: monthly

Catholic Moms Group
Purpose: to gather as mothers to discuss faith and life, and to support each other
Meetings: weekly – times/dates vary

BG Catholics Young Adult Group

Holy Spirit Young Adult Ministry is for people ages 18-40 and engages young adults in spiritual and social activities to encourage continued Catholic formation.  Young Adult Ministry is always looking for fun ways to get together with our fellow Catholic young adults and create innovative ways to experience these formative years together.  Keep an eye out for our events including (but no limited to) Scripture Social, Theology on Tap, bible studies, Moms groups, and other programming and activities tailored for people in this life stage. If you would like to participate, please call Allison at 842-7777 or send an email to [email protected] Check us out on Facebook or join our GroupMe!

St. Meinrad Young Adult Initiative
Saint Meinrad Seminary and School of Theology was awarded a grant from the Lilly Foundation to help find out why churches across every denomination are losing young people. Specifically, Saint Meinrad’s mission is to respond to the challenge of connecting today’s young adults, ages 23-29, with Catholic parishes. The primary goal is to engage with young adults and design innovative ministries to effectively meet their spiritual needs. In 2018, Holy Spirit was one of 12 parishes east of the Mississippi to be selected by St. Meinrad. Over the last few years we have been receiving grant funding to facilitate the development of new and innovative strategies, programs, and services to meet the needs of young adults in our area. Much has happened over the last few years and we have been selected as one of FIVE parishes to continue receiving funding from St. Meinrad in the second phase of the grant. Below is a link so you can stay up-to-date with information about how the St Meinrad Young Adult Initiative is going! - click here to go to the January 2023 Newsletter!

7TH THROUGH 12TH GRADE

Click here to learn more about our upcoming Youth Activities!

Our goals for Youth Ministry are to: 1) empower young people to live as disciples of Jesus Christ in our world today, 2) to draw young people to responsible participation in the life, mission, and work of the Catholic faith community, 3) to foster the total personal and spiritual growth of each young person. To stay up to date check the Holy Spirit website and sign up for Remind.

Senior High School Youth Group
Purpose: to provide opportunities for high school age youth to grow in community in their faith, be of service to others,
and have fun with one another
Contact: Allison Steen-Baker, (270) 842-7777, ext 106
Meetings: Sundays, 6-8pm – To receive text updates via Remind.com, text @hsccsrhigh to 81010

Senior High Small Groups:
Purpose: to enable faith building and catechesis tailored to meet the needs of individual teens
Contact: Allison Steen-Baker, (270) 842-7777, ext 106
Meetings: weekly based on the schedules of the individuals in each group

Small Group Catechist Team:
Purpose: to lead small groups and coordinate with the Youth Minister
Contact: Allison Steen-Baker, (270) 842-7777, ext 106
Meetings: weekly based on the schedules of the individuals in each group

Youth Ministry Adult Support Team
Purpose: adult group that supports, facilitates, plans and prays for the high school youth group
Contact: Allison Steen-Baker, (270) 842-7777, ext 106
Meetings: as needed

Youth Ministry Leadership Team
Purpose: made up of youth from each high school class; to plan, organize and present events for youth ministry groups
Contact: Allison Steen-Baker, (270) 842-7777, ext 106
Meetings: as needed

Junior High Youth Group
Purpose: to provide opportunities for youth grades 7 and 8 to grow in community in their faith, be of service to others,
and have fun with one another
Contact: Allison Steen-Baker, (270) 842-7777, ext 106
Meetings: Wednesday, 6-8 pm – To receive text updates via Remind.com, text @hsccjrhigh to 81010

Confirmation Retreat Team
Purpose: to help facilitate the annual Confirmandi retreat
Contact: Allison Steen-Baker, (270) 842-7777, ext 106
Meetings: in July & August as announced

Confirmation Catechist Team
Purpose: to support, plan, and facilitate the Confirmation process for teens
Contact: Allison Steen-Baker, (270) 842-7777, ext 106
Meetings: monthly or as needed

Youth Camps, Retreats, and Activities:

• Gasper River Catholic Retreat Center & Youth Camp –
• www.gasperriverretreatcenter.org
• Owensboro Diocesan Youth Conference (ODYC)
• National Catholic Youth Conference (NCYC)
• Catholic Heart Work Camp (CHWC)
• Christian Leadership Institute (CLI)
• One Bread, One Cup (OBOC)