Welcome to Holy Spirit Parish

SACRAMENTAL PREPARATION:  Preparation sessions have begun.  If you have a child to make First Eucharist or First Reconciliation please contact Sandy by e-mail or phone, sandy@saginawhsp.org or 781-3330.

ADULT CONFIRMATION:  If you are interested in being Confirmed please contact Sandy by e-mail or phone, sandy@saginawhsp.org or 781-3330.

JANUARY FOOD COLLECTION:  The food collection for January will be for our own food cupboard.  The collection will be January 30-31.  These are some needed items:  laundry detergent, bar soap, dish soap, toilet paper, cereal, soups, crackers, canned fruits, jello, rice, cake mixes and frosting.

CATHOLIC RELIEF SERVICES AND HAITI:  The terrible tragedy in Haiti has left an already impoverished nation in dire straits. Catholic Relief Services is the official international relief organization of the Catholic Church.  They have already pledged $5 million to deal with emergency needs.  Our parish contributions will be funneled through them as they are a wonderful and trustworthy part of our church for which we can all be grateful.  You may make checks out to parish or to the Diocese of Saginaw.

DISCIPLES IN MISSION:  Excitement is in the air!  We are getting ready to launch our Lenten Program titled, “DISCIPLES IN MISSION.”  It is a Lenten experience designed to include the whole parish to help us grow in our faith life as individuals and as a community.  It is a process that integrates the Sunday liturgies, small faith sharing groups, catechesis and family activities.  We want as many parishioners involved as possible, so don’t miss this opportunity to be included.  We hope to have sessions during the morning, afternoon and evening on various days of the week.  Each participant will have a booklet and a facilitator to guide you.  We have about thirty facilitators and hope to have more.  You will have the opportunity to hear what others have to say about the Lenten Readings and to add your insights.  Don’t miss this opportunity.  Check the grid in the gathering area of church to add your name where the time and place are right for you.  If you have questions, please call the parish office.  Our Participants Booklets and Facilitator Manuals have already arrived.

CATHOLIC FEDERAL CREDIT UNION’S MSGR. FORBES SCHOLARSHIP applications are now available at all CFCU locations and online at www.cathfcu.com.  The college scholarships are open to CFCU members who meet the criteria based on financial need, community involvement, education/occupational goals, grade point average, and other requirements.  Since 1982, the Msgr. Forbes Scholarship Committee has awarded more than $933,000 and has given out over 1,800 scholarships to students who want to begin or continue their education.  In 2010, the total dollars awarded to students will surpass $1 million.  Please contact the credit union at 799-8744, ext. 112, if you have any questions.

HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS:  A CHANCE TO WIN A $1,000.  FAITH Saginaw Magazine is offering high school seniors a chance to win $1,000 prize by writing a 1,200 word essay on the topic:  Tell a story using personal examples, about the person or people in your life who have most influenced your Catholic faith.  See the youth ministry bulletin board for more information.  Essays must be postmarked by Friday, March 5.

BLOOD DRIVE:  This Tuesday, January 26 from 2:00 -8:00 p.m. there will be a blood drive at Holy Spirit.  We had a mix-up on dates, so instead of our usual Monday date, this year it will be on Tuesday.  There are sign-up sheets in the gathering area of church.  Please sign so we know how many to expect.  Even if you are unsure of the time and plan to donate, it would help us to know how many walk-ins, as well as those who sign for specific times.  We hope you will consider contributing to the cause of bringing someone back to health or perhaps saving a life!  Thank you.

Knights of Columbus Fr. Robert W. Davey Council #8808 are having a 25th Anniversary Dinner/Dance on January 30 beginning with Mass at 5:00 p.m., dinner to follow.  All Knights of Columbus, their families and all members of our Holy Spirit Parish Family are invited to attend this event.  Donation is $15 per person.  For ticket information call George Proux at 301-0072, Mike Metiva at 781-0328, or Ed Morey at 781-1135.

NOUVEL CATHOLIC CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE:  All are invited!  Monday, February 1 at 6:30 p.m.  Park and enter through north side gymnasium entrance.  Join us for an informative session and tour the school, exploring academic excellence and opportunities.  Contact Susan Sikorski at 399-2225 or e-mail ssikorski@sacschools.org for more information.

SEMINARIAN ENDOWMENT DINNER:  The Saginaw Serra Club presents its fifth annual dinner to benefit seminarian education for our diocese.  The dinner will be held February 3 at the Swan Valley Banquet Center.  Call Marian at 642-2727 for ticket information.

SENIOR SEMINAR:  Catholic Federal Credit Union is having a seminar on Minimizing Slips & Falls for Seniors, presented by Gary Vogel, on Tuesday, February 16 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at their State Street office.  All are welcome to attend.  To RSVP, call 799-8744, ext. 107.

FEED THE FIRE:  Join us for Feed the Fire at St. Agnes in Freeland from 4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.  We will start with Mass, have dinner (please bring $6), listen to a speaker, and conclude with Adoration.  Feed the Fires are educational and very prayerful.  The upcoming dates for Feed the Fire are February 20, March 20, and April 17 (all on Saturdays).

POP CAN TABS:  The IHM Sisters are no longer able to collect and process the can tabs. However, there is a lady from St. Simon and Jude Parish who collects them and sends them to Disabled Veterans.  So, if you would like to continue to collect them, we will forward them to St. Simon and Jude Parish.  Thank you for all your past efforts.

MEIJER COMMUNITY REWARDS PROGRAM:  Holy Spirit can receive cash rewards for your purchases if you shop at Meijer and have filled out an application. Our code number is 710665.  Thank you.