On August 12 1964 a new chapter began. Archbishop Robert E Lucey officially established the Church of the Holy Spirit. This wasn’t just another church. It was born from the hearts and homes of families from Blessed Sacrament and St Mary Magdalen parishes. They brought their faith their traditions and their hopes. Monsignor Bernard F Popp became its first pastor a shepherd guiding his new flock.
Initially services were held in the chapel of Mount Sacred Heart Convent. The first Mass celebrated there on August 15 1964 felt momentous. A humble beginning in a borrowed space. But the spirit of the Holy Spirit was already moving. A rectory and chapel at 906 Mt Capote soon followed. Daily mass was held here a beacon in the community.
Growth was explosive. By 1965 an addition was needed. A school and a new rectory sprang up. Bishop Stephen A Leven blessed these additions. The parish became a hub of activity. A center of learning faith and community life.
In 1969 Father Alois Goertz sent a letter proposing something grand a church building. Years of planning and hard work followed. Finally on December 17 1972 the solemn blessing and dedication of the church building took place. The old building was repurposed. It became a parish hall school offices and more.
Even with the creation of new parishes St Mark in 1976 and St Francis of Assisi in 1980 the Holy Spirit continued to grow. Its membership steadily increased to over 1100 families in 1984. The need for more space became clear.
Under Msgr Lawrence Walsh a Family Center was planned and built. It opened on December 1 1985 a magnificent structure. It housed a banquet room cafeteria gymnasium library and more. Two years later the second floor added more classrooms and meeting rooms.
The parish continued to blossom. With almost 2000 families worship space once again proved inadequate. Extensive planning led to a renovation in August 1992. The church’s seating capacity jumped from 750 to 1000. Updated liturgical directives were implemented. A striking sculpture depicting the descent of the Holy Spirit was added to the facade a visual testament to its name. Archbishop Patrick Flores dedicated the renovated church on August 8 1993.
The growth continued. Further expansion in 1998 added a two-level addition with more offices a second cafeteria and classrooms. The open ground level provided much-needed parking. Renovations were done to the school. A new ADA-approved playground was built. By this time the parish had 3100 families.
In 2004 more growth meant another expansion. A three-phase project added a new rectory more parking and athletic fields. The new priest residence was blessed in September 2004. The athletic complex which was dedicated in April 2006 included baseball and softball fields a footballsoccer field parking concession stands and more.
Today the Church of the Holy Spirit stands as a testament to faith perseverance and community. Its continued growth shows its enduring spirit. A true reflection of the Holy Spirit’s presence in San Antonio. The parish continues to serve its community. Plans for a pastoral office building and additional renovations are in the works to better serve its over 4700 registered households. It’s not just a church it’s a living breathing vibrant community of faith.