Parish History

We are the faith-inspired community of Holy Spirit Catholic Church, celebrating the life of Jesus Christ in our diverse and growing environment. We profess Him as the center of who we are and all we do.

We are called to live a sacramental way of life in our active commitment to Christian fellowship, ministry, and outreach to those in need.

We draw our strength from the Word of God and the Holy Spirit, as we seek to promote peace and justice within ourselves, our parish, the communities where we live and work, our country, and the world.

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On Pentecost Sunday, June 8, 1975, the Most Reverend Walter F. Sullivan established Holy Spirit Parish, appointing Father William H. Carr as founding Pastor.

The first liturgies were held at Holland Elementary School for 315 families.  A Saturday liturgy was added when the pastor of the Plaza Methodist Church offered his building for our use.

As Holy Spirit grew, Holland Elementary School became inadequate for the Sunday liturgies; Plaza Junior High (Plaza Middle School today) became our next home.

With no permanent building to call home, religious education classes for 600 children, baptisms, and first communions where held in parishioners’ homes.

From the beginning, it was the people who provided pastoral care for the sick, homebound, those in jail, and the needy within the parish and community.  The people planned the liturgies, experienced Family Learning Teams, established the Sunshine Club for older adults, the Men’s Club to handle dinners, picnics and various repair projects, and the Women’s Guilds that hosted a variety of activities and provided food and support for families experiencing loss through death.  There were parish picnics, dances, plays, bazaars and International Pot Luck suppers that fostered a sense of community among people from many diverse backgrounds.

Everyone was eager to start the construction of the new church building.  A group of parishioners envisioned a lasting commitment from people.  In November 1976, a Stewardship Committee was formed.  Stewards went to parishioners’ homes to pray and to spread the word about the need for stewardship.  This concept was new for Catholics and Holy Spirit was the first parish in Virginia Beach to endorse this principle.  The concept of Stewardship is still a vital part of our parish today.

On August 6, 1978, ground was broken for a building and on August 22, 1979, Holy Spirit Parish Center and Worship Space was dedicated.

The 1980’s was a time of rapid growth within the parish and the community.  Established programs grew and new ones emerged: Children’s Liturgy of the Word, Adult Education, Bread Ministry, Peace and Justice, Social Ministry, Food Pantry, Meals on Wheels, Right to Life, Soup Kitchen, and a Preschool.  In addition, Holy Spirit sponsored families through the Refugee Resettlement Program.  Parishioners assisted with the basic needs of food, clothing, shelter, and transportation.  They helped the newcomers get acquainted with the area and with the customs in a place so far from their own land.

In 1983, Father Fred Feusahrens succeeded Father Carr as our pastor.  It was during the three years Father Fred was with us that our Mission Statement was developed.