Spirit Ministries

In 1952, a vision took root on a hill overlooking San Diego. This vision became Spirit Ministries, originally called Holy Spirit Church. It began with Bishop Charles Francis Buddy and the Catholic faithful of Oak Park. They dreamed of a place where people could connect with their faith. This dream included a church, a school, a rectory, a convent, and a hall, all on five acres of land. The first masses for the Holy Spirit community were held in a converted garage on Maple Street and later, the El Morocco Club. The church building itself was dedicated in December 1955. The community, men, women, and children, came together to build the church. The men worked on the construction while the women and children provided meals. The school opened its doors in 1956, staffed by the Sisters of Mercy from Sligo, Ireland. The parish hall, later named O’Leary Hall, was dedicated in 1963. Over the years, Spirit Ministries has seen growth and change. It welcomed Vietnamese families after the Vietnam War and established a Perpetual Chapel of Adoration in 1984. It has fostered many organizations, including the Catholic Daughters, Knights of Columbus, and the Legion of Mary. Spirit Ministries has adapted to the changing demographics of Oak Park, using multiple languages in services and creating a sense of unity among its diverse parishioners. The church has undergone physical transformations as well. It has seen renovations, including the repair of stained glass windows and the creation of the Garden of God’s Love and God’s Forgiveness. This garden, with its tiled rosary in 40 languages and the Tree of Forgiveness, offers a tranquil space for reflection and prayer. Today, Spirit Ministries stands as a testament to the vision of its founders. It has become more than just a church. It’s a home for a strong community of believers.