Pentecost Sunday

Maria Hayes • June 6, 2025
"I BELIEVE IN THE HOLY SPIRIT" - Catechism of the Catholic Church

687 "No one comprehends the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God"(1 Cor 2:11). Now God's Spirit, who reveals God, makes known to us Christ, His Word, His living Utterance, but the Spirit does not speak of Himself. The Spirit who "has spoken through the prophets" makes us hear the Father's Word, but we do not hear the Spirit Himself. We know Him only in the movement by which He reveals the Word to us and disposes us to welcome Him in faith. The Spirit of Truth who "unveils" Christ to us "will not speak on his own" (Jn 16:13). Such properly divine self-effacement explains why "the world cannot receive (Him), because it neither sees Him nor knows Him," while those who believe in Christ know the Spirit because He dwells with them (Jn 14:17).

 

688 The Church, a communion living in the faith of the apostles which She transmits, is the place where we know the Holy Spirit:

  • in the Scriptures He inspired;
  • in the Tradition, to which the Church Fathers are always timely witnesses;
  • in the Church's Magisterium, which He assists;
  • in the Sacramental Liturgy, through its words and symbols, in which the Holy Spirit puts us into communion with Christ;
  • in prayer, wherein He intercedes for us;
  • in the charisms and ministries by which the Church is built up;
  • in the signs of apostolic and missionary life;
  • in the witness of saints through whom He manifests His holiness & continues the work of salvation

Sort of like light passing through a stained glass window, we don’t directly ‘see’ the third Person of the Trinity. Yet, we can clearly see the impact & influence of the Holy Spirit. Today, we celebrate the gift of Pentecost when the Holy Spirit was first poured out upon the Apostles to form the Church. The continuously present Church in which we worship is among the most evident, visible effects of the Holy Spirit, Itself. After receiving the Gift of the Holy Spirit, the Apostles went forth boldly to light the world on fire with Love & the Gospel. People could not see the Spirit, but they could see the Love shining through the Apostles & early Christians. People heard, received, & believed. Being baptized & Confirmed, others have continued to share the Gospel through the ages. The Spirit has enlivened Christian faithful and ensured the presence of God’s People upon the earth.


Do you feel Holy Spirit-filled? If not, the places we encounter & recognize the Holy Spirit listed in the Catechism (688) are great opportunities for you to open yourself more fully to the Spirit’s presence in your life. Reading the Scriptures, not just for Truth & moral wisdom, but to be more Spirit filled. Adhering to the unbroken Tradition and listening to the Magisterium of the bishops opens us to the Spirit. Worthy, open hearted celebration of the Sacraments and peace filled prayer are encounters with the Holy Spirit. Service & evangelization where your particular charisms & witness impact others with the grace of God express the Holy Spirit to the world. One cannot see the Holy Spirit Itself, but one can – and most certainly should – see the impact & influence of the Holy Spirit in the Church, in You.

 

Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of Your faithful and kindle in us the fire of Your love.

 

Nothing Less than saints for the Holy Family of God.

Holy Family, Giving Witness to the Power of the Holy Spirit in Them, Pray for us.

~ Fr Jeremy M. Gries

23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time

By Carolyn Kannapel • September 4, 2025
23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time

22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time

By Carolyn Kannapel • August 29, 2025
Leo's Labor Day

Parishioner Charlotte E. Koch Passes Away

By Maria Hayes • August 19, 2025
Charlotte E. Koch, 86, passed away peacefully at her home on Tuesday August 12, 2025. She was the former Charlotte Cooper, born in Vine Grove, KY. to the late James and Laura Cooper. Charlotte was a registered nurse and worked at Floyd Memorial Hospital for over 35 years. She was a Red Hat Lady and a very active member of Holy Family Catholic Church where she volunteered for many of the parish ministries for over 55 years. Her passion however, was that she loved going to her many grandchildren’s events and attending New Albany High School basketball games. Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by a grandson: Mason Brown. Charlotte is survived by her husband of 64 years: William P. Koch Jr., her children: Jeannine Michell(Steve), Steve Koch(Annette), Bill Koch(Shawn), Kevin Koch(Renee) and Michelle Kristiansen(Dave), her sisters: Lauren Hobbs(Ronnie) and Stephanie Clark(Kenny), 22 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren.

We’re Hiring: Director of Mission and Outreach

By Maria Hayes • August 10, 2025
Holy Family Catholic Parish in New Albany, Indiana, is seeking a Director of Mission and Outreach —a dynamic leader passionate about sharing the Gospel, welcoming others, and building a vibrant parish community. The Director of Mission and Outreach will work closely with our pastor to: Lead evangelization and hospitality efforts to welcome new members and engage the unchurched. Coordinate outreach ministries, volunteer opportunities, and parish service projects. Support pastoral care efforts such as Communion visits and ministry to the homebound. Foster spiritual growth and community life through small groups and parish-wide initiatives. This ministry role is an opportunity to bring our parish mission to life —forming intentional disciples, strengthening parish engagement, and extending Christ’s love beyond our walls. The ideal candidate is a practicing Catholic who is deeply committed to their faith, gifted in communication and organization, and eager to serve others. How to Apply: View the full job description here and send your resume and cover letter to Fr. Jeremy Gries at frgries@holyfamilynewalbany.org .  Please join us in praying that God will send the right person to serve in this vital ministry!

19th Sunday in Ordinary Time

By Maria Hayes • August 7, 2025
Faith and Understanding

18th Sunday in Ordinary Time

By Maria Hayes • July 30, 2025
BACK TO SCHOOL!!!

2025-2026 Sunday Missal Pre-Order

By Maria Hayes • July 30, 2025
Again this year, we are only pre-ordering Sunday missals. Missals will be distributed in November. Payment will be due at the time of pickup. Adult missals are $5 each, and children's missals are $8 each. (Adults and children in OCIA, children in 2nd Grade preparing for First Communion, and all Family Formation students will receive a missal in their classes and do not need to order one.) Pre-orders must be placed by Sunday, September 14, at bit.ly/4lS3VMH (case sensitive). We will contact you when the missals arrive to pick yours up and turn in your payment. Contact Kristina Seipel with questions at kseipel@holyfamilynewalbany.org or 812-944-8283, ext 4.

Magdalenes Fall Series Registration Open

By Maria Hayes • July 30, 2025
You're invited to join our women's ministry program! Magdalenes exists to provide a space for relationships to grow—with God and with others. Each night, a recorded "Voice of Influence" will present a topic related to our discipleship walk, followed by time for discussion and prayer. Father Jeremy will lead the final session live. Please register at the link below so we can ensure we have enough seats and snacks, and so we can send you all the necessary information. Gatherings are held on Mondays from 6-7 PM. Please save the following dates: September 8, 22, October 13, 27, November 10, and 24. Contact Kristina Seipel with questions at kseipel@holyfamilynewalbany.org or 812-944-8283, ext. 4. "Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you." (Philippians 4:9)

Apologetics Returns on September 2

By Maria Hayes • July 30, 2025
Often, as Catholics, we get asked questions about why we believe what we believe. People are searching for the truth, and sometimes this comes out as an argumentative question. As Catholic Christians, it is important that we know our faith, not only so we can defend it but also so that we can put it into practice in our daily lives. Join us on the first Tuesday of the month after Mass for Apologetics. We will dive into a “common question” topic, looking at Scripture and the Catechism. Save the date: September 2, November 4, December 2, January 6, February 3, April 7, and May 5. Apologetics meets from 6:45 to 7:45 pm in the Cafeteria. No RSVP is required. Contact Kristina Seipel at the parish office or kseipel@holyfamilynewalbany.org with questions. “There are not one hundred people in the United States who hate the Catholic Church, but there are millions who hate what they wrongly perceive the Catholic Church to be.” (Archbishop Fulton Sheen)

Family Game Night – Friday, September 5!

By Maria Hayes • July 29, 2025
Looking for a fun and relaxed way to connect with other Holy Family families? Join us for Family Game Night on Friday, September 5 from 6:30–8:00 PM in the school cafeteria ! This is a casual evening for school and parish families to enjoy time together, build community, and play your favorite board or card games. 🍕 Pizza will be provided by Holy Family Parish 🎲 Bring a favorite game to share 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 All ages welcome 📍 No RSVP needed—just show up and play!  Whether you stay for 30 minutes or the whole time, we’d love to see you there!