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Dear Holy Spirit Prep Families,
“Riches, both material and spiritual, can choke you if you do not use them fairly. For not even God can put anything in a heart that is already full.”
- Saint Mother Teresa
Dear HSP Family,
By now, you should have received an invitation to our Annual Gala in the mail. We hope you are able to attend this event on February 12th. We invite you to visit our Gala website for information and details.
The Annual Gala is a celebration of our community. This event is an opportunity to gather and share appreciation for one another, and for our common love of Christ. We invite you to mingle, dine, dance, and enjoy a night of beautiful music - some of which will be provided by our very own students!
The focus of the 2022 Gala is to upgrade and enhance campus security on both campuses. We all understand why this has become an increasingly critical need for all schools, including ours. Gala attendees will have an opportunity to see a vendor presentation of the planned enhancements and improvements in person.
Tickets
The deadline to purchase tickets is January 29th! Tickets may be purchased individually or per couple on the Ticket Page. There is also an option to donate a ticket to a Holy Spirit Prep faculty or staff member as well. If you are able to do this, please purchase, invite the faculty member(s) directly, and confirm their name(s) by emailing Brittney Bailey at bbailey@holyspiritprep.org by February 1st.
Sponsorship
As you consider your ticket purchases, please take a minute to review Family Sponsorship opportunities. Please prayerfully consider this opportunity to support HSP. Extra tickets are an opportunity to share the joy of HSP with friends, family, or faculty and staff you may want to join you! If you have questions about sponsorships, please email Maria Kichler at mkichler@holyspiritprep.org.
Silent Auction
We have some amazing items to share, including student art, family photography sessions, and experiences to share with family and friends. More information will be forthcoming via email and social media as the Gala approaches.
You Can Help!
If you have items to contribute to the auction or if you have connections to help us gather even more exciting items and experiences, please contact Maria Kichler. If you own or are connected to any local businesses who may be willing to donate gift cards or goods/services for the auction, please email or print this procurement form. Email any donation questions and offerings to Maria Kichler at mkichler@holyspiritprep.org.
I look forward to sharing this special occasion with all of you.
In Christ
Ed
2021-2022 Key Dates Calendar (updated July 2, 2021)
2021-2022 Online Calendar
Dates are subject to change. Please always refer to the online calendar (2021-2022 Online Calendar) for the most up-to-date calendar of school events and holidays.
A reminder that school is closed on Monday, January 17, for Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Classes will resume on Tuesday, January 18.
Wishing you a wonderful long week-end!
Join us for HSP Night on Wednesday, January 19 as the Atlanta Hawks take on former HSP alumnus, Anthony Edwards, and the Minnesota Timberwolves. Each ticket includes $10 worth of food and beverage credit. Tickets can be purchased through the provided link below.
Buy Tickets for HSP Night: Hawks vs. Timberwolves 1/19
Best seats are first come, first serve. There are three tiers of ticket packages starting at $20 per ticket.
All Ticket Packages Include:
Join us for JV and Varsity Basketball Teacher Appreciation Night on Tuesday, January 25! The JV and varsity basketball players will be honoring their teachers in a brief ceremony between the girls and boys varsity games. Teachers will receive a name tag to wear to the game and a concessions pass for a free Chick-fil-a sandwich, chips/candy, and a drink.
As an added bonus, our 3rd and 4th grade Girl Scout troop will be presenting the flag at the start of the girls varsity game. We look forward to seeing you at this special night!
Join us in celebrating our senior swim, basketball, and cheer athletes on Friday, January 28!
We will honor our swim seniors at our High School assembly during the school day as they will be preparing for the state championship meet during the evening. We're excited to honor them in front of their classmates before they compete in their final state meet.
Later that night, we will honor our basketball seniors between the girls and boys varsity games. Come show your support for our senior basketball players and cheerleaders at our final home basketball game of the season! JV, Girls Varsity, and Boys Varsity will be playing Cristo Rey at 4:30pm, 6:00pm, and 7:30pm, respectively.
Monday, January 17
No Events - No School
Tuesday, January 18
Middle School Basketball vs. Atlanta Classical Academy Girls, 4:30pm • Boys, 5:30pm • High School Gym
JV and Varsity Boys Basketball at Notre Dame Academy JV, 4:30pm • Varsity, 6:00pm • Away
Middle School and Varsity Swimming Home Meet 2:00pm • Chastain Park Pool
Wednesday, January 19
HSP Spirit Night: Hawks vs. Timberwolves tickets 7:30pm • State Farm Arena
Thursday, January 20
No Events
Friday, January 21
JV and Varsity Basketball at Creekside Christian Academy JV, 4:30pm • Girls, 6:00pm • Boys, 7:30pm • Away
Middle School Swim at the MAAC MS Swim Meet Hosted by AGS 5:00pm • Georgia Tech
Saturday, January 22
We are disappointed to announce that it is necessary to postpone the upcoming Father Daughter Dance currently scheduled for January 29th.
Unfortunately the vendors that had been secured for the event have been impacted by the effects of COVID and have canceled as a result. Without the needed support of vendors, we find ourselves in a position to offer less than we had hoped and thus feel it is best to postpone the event.
Please know that we did not arrive at this decision lightly as we know many have been looking forward to the event…and maybe you’ve even got your 80s style planned! The good news is that we are NOT canceling, but only postponing to a later date. This will enable us to monitor the vendor situation and use the additional time to plan contingencies if needed.
The Father Daughter Dance is now scheduled for Saturday, April 23 in the Upper School Gym - truly an 80’s style dance!!
For all who have purchased tickets already, your reservation is secure and no further action will be needed to attend on the new date.
If you would like to request a refund for any reason, please contact Maria Kichler (mkichler@holyspiritprep.org).
If you did not yet get to purchase a ticket - no worries as we will reopen the ticket link and advertise the event again in March.
Questions may be directed to Maria Kichler at mkichler@holyspiritprep.org.
We're excited to announce new camp programming for Summer 2022! After listening to parent feedback, we will be offering a robust, 10-week summer camp program for K-7th grade students.
Each week is guaranteed to be engaging and exciting for your child! The camp will provide lunch for full-day campers and a weekly field trip off-campus! During the day, your child will also have an opportunity to work on his or her summer work with designated 45-minute blocks.
The summer camp schedule and registration will open next week!
Camp Hours Half-Day Camp: 9:00am-12:00pm or 12:00pm-3:00pm Full-Day Camp: 9:00am-3:00pm Extended Care: 7:30am-5:00pm
Not a rising K-7th grader? We need students to be Camp Counselors (rising 9th-12th grade) and Camp Counselors in Training (rising 8th graders). Come spend your summer in service to others and also receive service hours.
Note: The Preschool will be offering separate camps for PK2-PK4 students. Specialty sports camps will also be offered. More information will be provided in the coming weeks.
The 2021-2022 yearbooks are now on sale!
Packed full of memories, the 2021-2022 yearbook is now available for pre-order. This year’s book focuses on the four pillars of our community - Faith, Academics, Arts, Athletics - and the presence these pillars have in our students’ lives. Order soon to get the best deal! Prices will increase on Friday, January 28, 2022.
Pre-Order Special through January 28, 2022 - $50
January 29, 2022 through May 25, 2022** - $80
**Online yearbook sales will close on April 22, 2022. After April 22nd, students may purchase a yearbook on distribution day, while supplies last.
Senior Parents: Please use the link below to access the Senior Ad Sales section, which is attached to the Yearbook Sales page. There are multiple options for Senior Ads, and the page will walk you through the design and submission process.
The deadline to submit a Senior Ad has been extended to Monday, January 31.
HOW TO ORDER:
Click here to order your yearbook or go to www.YearbookOrderCenter.com and search for the school name or by our job #14803. This is the same link for purchasing senior ads as well.
Buying online is very easy. The site will lead you through each step. You’ll select the student’s name via a search function, and then buy a book or senior ad for that specific student.
You may also call the Order Center if you’d rather make the transaction over the phone. The Herff-Jones number is (866) 287-3096.
Yearbooks will be distributed on the last day of school, Thursday, May 26, 2022, and students will have the opportunity for friends and classmates to sign them at a signing party. If you have yearbook questions, please contact the HSP yearbook advisor, Morgan Gallagher, at morgan.gallagher@holyspiritprep.org.
Seniors receive a complimentary yearbook; you do not have to place an order for your 12th grade student.
Scan the QR code to order directly from your phone!
On Saturday, December 18th, our alumni gathered to celebrate an early Christmas with one another at our Christmas Brunch! Graduates from the classes of 2007-2021 had the chance to reconnect with old classmates, speak with some of their past teachers, and of course enjoy a tasty brunch including everyone's favorites: crème brûlée french toast and candied bacon!
We were also joined by our very own, Dr. Ed Lindekugel! Our alumni enjoyed getting the chance to meet him and to hear about what has been going on at Holy Spirit Prep this year as well as his plans for the future.
Select alumni won gift cards and the ones that did not went home with their fill of candies and chocolate!
We look forward to seeing what 2022 has in store for our Alumni Program. We hope you all have a happy and blessed start to the new year!
HSP’s COVID-19 Protocols are under weekly review. In the event of protocols being adjusted, they are updated internally and on our website.
We invite you to visit our Gala website for information and details.
New Year, New Tax Credit Opportunity! There are still tax credits available for 2022!
If you have not done so already, Make sure to sign up today before the cap is met! Visit goal scholarship.org to complete the 20-second application process today!
Thank you to our 2022 GOAL Scholarship supporters! Your meaningful support of our school through the GOAL program will provide immeasurable benefits to our community.
Current 2022 GOAL Donors:
Scott and Margaret Acker
Albert Ahlstrom
Cannon and Lana Alsobrook
Michele and Claudia Aquino
Kenneth and Catherine Athaide
Hunter and Brittney Bailey
Thomas and Bernadette Balestreire
Kevin and Tracy Bannon
John and Katherine Beauclair
Mark and Rebecca Bernier
Elbridge and Julie Bills
Ave Bransford
Debora Brown
Anthony and Cassandra Cabrera
Alan and Alyssa Carson
Louis and Devarra Casal
Vincent and Erika Ceyssens
Thomas and Laura Christian
Alice Claeys
Thomas and Audra Cole
John and Jennifer Cooper
Kelly and Colleen Craig
Cameron and Valerie Crandall
David and Stephanie Cusimano
James and Denise Dale
Curtis Dashiell
Jean Paul and Bibiana De Santolo
Shannon and Moira Denton
Patrick and Ann Devine
Brian and Kristen Didier
Monsignor Edward Dillon
Joseph and Danie Dinardo
James and Angela Dirr
Mark and Jennifer Doller
Agustin and Maria Durand
Christopher and Megan Durham
Richard and Mary Enzinger
James and Nancy Ewing
Howard Farris
Nathan and Sara Flood
John and Ashley Frey
Andrew and Blair Gowasack
Joshua and Marianne Gregory
Christopher and Renee Grubbs
Joseph and Jennifer Gustainis
David and Kimberly Hanna
Frank and Sally Hanna
William and Jeanne Heekin
Stephen and Margaret Hellrung
John and Lisa Herman
Forrest and Lisa Hibbard
Michelle Hines
Robert and Anne Holdsworth
Rehad Hossain and Francesca Aguilar
Jeffrey Huberty and Lisa Powell-Huberty
Michele Jackson
Neil and Carolyn Johnson
Erik and Karen Johnston
Michael and Cynthia Jones
Todd and Joann Jones
Patrick Keenan and Ana Brcek-Keenan
James and Maura Kelly
Joseph and Maria Kichler
Glenda Lazo
Kathryn Leahy
Forrest Leef and Dorothy Mitchell-Leef
Patrick and Katherine Lewis
Alvaro and Jane Lievano
Edward and Gina Lindekugel
Raymond and Erika Lindholm
Ludmilla Lopez
John and Judith Love
Kathleen Magnusson
Kelly Magnusson
Daniel and Emma Magree
Christopher and Wendolyn Markham
Summer Martin
Maxine McGrath
William and Ellen Miller
Terrence and Deborah Minor
George and Alice Missbach
Shapour and Berthe Mobasser
Jonathan and Barbara Muirhead
Nicholas and Tricia Mulcare
Juan and Maria Rosa Munoz
Mary Nagode
Brian and Amy Nannis
Zack and Ashley Napier
Joseph and Kelly Neumeier
Javier and Alanna Oliver
Edward and Catherine O'Meara
Kurt and Monica Oppermann
Andres Pelaez and Martha Vega
Lee and Kelli Pennington
An and Elizabeth Pham
Kyle and Meghan Pietrantonio
Anthony and April Piplica
Jeffrey and Vivian Proctor
Michael and Peggy Pusateri
Andrew and Manami Quattrociocchi
Peter and Bridget Radosta
James and Jennifer Richter
Charles and Susan Riepenhoff
Christopher and Christian Riley
Douglas and Leslie Rose
Emil and RuthSacco
William and Jennifer Sande
Ulises Ramirez Bourget Sanroman and Araceli Sanroman Gonzalez
Mike and Jessica Schelke
Steven and Kelsy Schwalb
Lu Anne Schwarz
Manny and Theresa Sequeira
John and Theresa Shutt
William and Karla Sipos
Jeffrey and Kelly Sprecher
Dennis and Nancy Sterk
Franics and Marcia Sullivan
Celso and Maria Torres
Paul and Betty Troup
Terry Trout
William and Patricia Turpin
Carl and Alicia Valenzano
Brian and Sherrie Van Oss
Vernal Vincent and Jennifer Gregorich-Vincent
Ivo Vissenberg
Mauricio and Laura Vives
Zachary and Christine Walker
Donald and Christine Welsko
Ryan and Kristina Wilhelm
Alexander and Christina Wulz
Harold and Lisa Wyatt
Charles and Therese Wyble
Anthony and Robin Yezzi
Jeffrey Zickus
Nannis & Associates Inc.
Apply now for your 2022 Georgia Tax Credit! https://www.goalscholarship.org/
Contact Brittney Bailey at bbailey@holyspiritprep.org should you have any questions.
We invite you to read our January Newsletter.
Second Quarter Honor Roll
Lower & Middle School
Principal’s Honor Roll is awarded at the end of each quarter to any student earning a grade of A- or above for every subject taken that quarter including enrichment areas.
3rd Grade:
Lee, Braylen
Pietrantonio, Cora
Summers, Hannah
Valenzano, Lucy
4th Grade:
Alverson, Dominic
Behunin, Ansley
Grubbs, Harper
Neff, Jackson
5th Grade:
Baker, Logan
De Santolo, Myriam
Hellein, Cooper
Kichler, JJ
Kichler, Lucas
Kuhlman, Enzo
Kuhlman, Luciano
Young, Isabella
6th Grade:
Baradel, Lindsey
Colarusso, Kaylin
Kowalzyk, Sophie
Ramirez Sanroman, Ana Jose
Reid, Emilia
Sacco, Luke
Summers, Aaron
Wingate, Dominic
7th Grade:
Castellanos-Mora, Camila
Connelly, Emmy
Durand, Felipe
Nguyen, Audrey
Pennington, Caroline
Shurman, Emma
Villazon, Danny
8th Grade:
Berggren, Ciara Sofia
Brown, Jude
Casal, Olivia
Durham, Gage
Johnston, Kate
Ketema, Solee
Magnusson, Bradley
Neff, Maddie
Pitts, Thoro
Ramirez Sanroman, Araceli
Sell, Jacob
Smith, India
Taylor, Marisa
Van Oss, Maddie
Wilhelm, Lauren
High Honor Roll is awarded at the end of each quarter to any student earning a grade of A- or above for four or more core subjects for that quarter and a grade of B- or above in the remaining subjects. Core subjects are defined as Religion, English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies.
Friedrich, Milu
Richmond, Quinn
Cusimano, Gabby
Guzmán Garzón, Violeta
Joffre Irizarry, Carolina
Labbe, Arthur
Mulcare, Lucy
Taylor, Rose
Wilhelm, Olivia
Williams, Norah
Durand, Sofia
Firmin, Rafael
Martinez, Michael
Morris, Owen
Olsen, Sloan
Tennant, Julia
Bertany, Christopher
Hutchins, Lilian
Hutchins, Maeve
Kerew, Ben
Ketema, Abel
Lindholm, Agnes
Neff, Keaton
Sautre, Ana Cecilia
Sipos, Evan
Gatwood, Audrey
Labbe, Evelyn
Meder, Rachel
Robledo, Isabella
Cardillo, Sophia
Kowalzyk, Jacob
Tate, Savannah
Valenzano, Alex
Honor Roll is awarded at the end of each quarter to any student earning a grade of A- or above in three or more core subjects for that quarter and a grade of B- or above in the remaining subjects.
Evans, Scarlett
Garza, Avery
Pennington, Eleanor
Torres, Casey
Lindholm, Simon
Nuar, Kolbe
Reid, Cate
Cardillo, Christopher
Castellanos-Mora, Matias
Evans, Nathan
Meder, Theresa
Laster, Raechel
Mathieu, Nolan
Sande, Rachel
Cabrera, Matthew
Craig, Evan
Cusimano, Bella
Lanier, Avery
Munoz, Sabrina
Denton, Brody
Henriquez Quallo, Esteban
Santillan, Aram
We are proud to announce the winners of this year's Spelling Bee:
1st Place: Kate Mitts (8th Grade)
2nd Place: Olivia Casal (8th Grade)
3rd Place: Anna Elizabeth Bernier (7th Grade)
We congratulate the winners as well as all the students who participated in the Spelling Bee that took place at the Lower and Middle School today.
Mrs. Irizarry and Mr. Angelle are looking forward to the opportunity to speak with you at the grade-level coffee and conversation held on the dates below in the Lower School Library. Please note that the Middle School coffee has been moved from February 4 to February 10 as indicated below.
4th Grade: Thursday, January 20 from 9:00 am - 10:00 am RSVP - 4th Grade
3rd Grade: Thursday, January 27 from 9:00 am - 10:00 am RSVP - 3rd Grade
2nd Grade: Tuesday, February 1 from 9:00 am - 10:00 am RSVP - 2nd Grade
1st Grade: Wednesday, January 26 from 9:00 am - 10:00 am RSVP - 1st Grade
Kindergarten Tuesday, January 25 from 9:00 am - 10:00 am RSVP - Kindergarten
Middle School February 10 from 8:00 am - 9:00 am RSVP - Middle School
Dear Middle School Families,
The mission of Holy Spirit Prep is the mission of the Church: to make Christ known. We share the Gospel, not only with the students, but also with their parents as we seek to foster a Christian culture where children can mature and flourish in the midst of today’s challenges.
As children grow, they are confronted with many changes in their minds and bodies. Society too is constantly undergoing changes at every level including its hierarchy of values, moral compass, and attitudes towards the faith. This in turn becomes a challenge for parents. With this in mind, we would like to offer a space where they too can receive formation and support one another.
HSP will host two talks on March 22 and April 27 for parents of Middle School students. This will be a great opportunity to discuss relevant topics with our community. We ask that all parents of Middle School students attend these sessions.
To begin deciding on topics, we are sharing the survey below and ask that you respond before January 20. These questions will help us decide topics that would be important to speak about at these gatherings.
Survey Link
Should you have any questions, please contact Mrs. Stephanie Irizarry at sirizarry@holyspiritprep.org or Mr. John Angelle at jangelle@holyspiritprep.org.
Dear Parents,
We are so excited to be able to offer American Heritage Girls to your daughters.
Our club is based on the Christ-centered leadership development program, American Heritage Girls. This club will be open to girls in grades 2-8. Our goal is to create stronger bonds between girls of different grades and to grow in virtue. We will offer many activities including bible studies, crafts, sports, team bonding exercises, and more! Each activity will have a different goal to achieve at every meeting.
To the eight grade girls, we have a leadership opportunity for you! We are looking for helpers to assist and improve leadership skills with the younger grades. Along with the leadership role, there will also be other activities for you.
We look forward to our first meeting on January 25 from 4:00 pm-5:00 pm in room 216 at the Lower School. If you have any questions please contact knuar25@holyspiritprep.org or ccastellaw25@holyspiritprep.org.
Parent Registration Form
8th Grade Registration Form
In the fall, our school counselor, Ms. Alex Vann, asked our Middle School students to write advice to their future selves and some of the responses are on the link below.
Middle School Advice to Future Self
First Semester Honor Roll
High School
Head of School's Honor Roll is awarded at the end of each semester to any student earning a grade for the semester of A- or above for every course taken that semester.
9th Grade:
Amsalu, Soliyana
Gregory, Suzanne
Hughey, Pierce
Lewis, Tristen
Marshall, Graeme
Nguyen, Brooke
Ramirez, Isabella
Wingate, Andrew
Young, Adam
10th Grade:
Gonsalves, Esther
Johnston, Ella
Lindholm, Oliver
Pineda, Marlyn
Ramirez Sanroman, Ulises
Riley, Alexia
Trenado-Bautista, Betsabe
Villazon, Jose
11th Grade:
Gatwood, Riordan
Grigorian, Aleksander
Kerew, Julia
Sacco, Emil
12th Grade:
Bohorquez, Kimberly
Farris, Luke
Hossain-Aguilar, Tomas
Jones, Daniel
McGrath, Erin
Principal's Honor Roll is awarded at the end of each semester to any student earning a grade for the semester of A- or above for that semester in not less than five subjects and a grade of not less than B- in the remaining subject(s).
Craig, Dylan
Durham, Bridget
Gregory, Sophia
Jozefowicz, Alexander
Kelly, Christopher
Martin, Mary
Pusateri, Anastasia
Alessandrini Garcia, Ana
Braun, Robert
Didier, Benjamin
Haller, Liliana
Neff, Reagan
Pineda, Sarah
Ramos, Jorge
Sacco, Jackson
Summers, Isaac
Donner, Claire
Grantham, Bernadette
Napier, Claire
Napier, Sophia
Oliver, Analise
Purvis, Nicholas
Rubio, Laci
Vazquez, Samantha
Arnold, Olivia
Baker, Laila
Bertany, Nicholas
Delaney, Dylan
Finch, Bailey
Gunderson, Micah
Henriquez Quallo, Elliana
Herman, Henry
Jones, Dylan
Karangu, Brian
Lindholm, Maria-Sophia
Marshall, Adam
Olmert, Christopher
Riley, Allison
Sautre, Clara
Dean's Honor Roll is awarded at the end of each semester to any student earning at least four A-'s and a grade of B- or above in every other subject.
Craig, Luke
Florentino, Camila
Martin, Harris
Meder, Jacob
Olsen, Andrew
Santillan, Cuahutli
Sayers, Matthew
Bendig, Marxer
Jiang, Hongyi
Dear HSP families in Christ,
I wanted to invite any high schooler on our second Summer Leadership Course.
The Objective of this course is to bring young men and women in front of some business leaders where they will have the opportunity to interact with them. The men and women will be able to share their stories about what they did to make it to the position they are in, what attracted them, some of the principles they use to guide their lives, and what role Faith plays in this journey.
We will be staying at Georgia Tech, where we will be commuting as a group to visit the business leaders, either in their offices, homes, or other venues.
Dates for the course are June 12-19. Arriving Sunday (June 12) evening and departing Sunday (June 19) morning after Mass.
Activities consist of visiting places of work, planning and running a service project, learning classic etiquette, enjoying time for games, and participating in the Sacraments.
Some of the Speakers from last year:
Kelly Loeffler – Politician
Orlando Ojeda – CEO of Full Circle Restoration
Anthony Cabrera – Senior Finance Council for The Coca-Cola Company
Kelly Angelo – Finance Department for The Coca-Cola Company
Dr. Grigorian – Neurosurgeon
Kathleen Magnusson – Etiquette Advisor
Rob Nardelli – Former CEO of Home Depot
Hector Padilla – VP at Home Depot
Eric Gunderson – Senior VP at Primus
Al Findaro – Jones Day Law firm
Our registration link will be coming soon. Please contact for more information:
Fr Andrew Gronotte agronotte@holyspiritprep.org or 301 6746921
Andrea Vargas avargas@holyspiritprep.org
Below are some pictures from last years course.
We are excited to announce that Holy Spirit Prep has adoration at the Lower School and Upper School campuses as follows:
The Upper School has weekly adoration on Fridays. The Blessed Sacrament will be exposed at 8:30 am (after morning Mass) through Cookie Break (either 1:30 pm or 2:05 pm, depending on the schedule of the day).
The Lower and Middle School will have daily adoration, Tuesday through Friday, from 6:40 am through 8:00 am.
St. Teresa of Calcutta said "when you look at the Crucifix, you understand how much Jesus loved you then. When you look at the Sacred Host, you understand how much Jesus loves you now."
All are invited to join.
Contacts for further information: Lower/Middle School: Fr. Andrew (agronotte@holyspiritprep.org) Upper School: Mrs. Jenny Gustainis (jgustainis@holyspiritprep.org)
Dear Families in Christ,
At the Lower School we will be focusing on the virtue of Wisdom this month. A virtue is a habitual and firm disposition to do the good and the Catechism of the Catholic Church says that Wisdom is a gift from the Holy Spirit that helps us to know the purpose and plan of God. We could say that this means that when we have the virtue of wisdom, we have the habitual and firm disposition of knowing the purpose and plan of God. To add to this, it is a gift of the Holy Spirit, and that makes it even more complicated, since it is in essence something we receive.
At HSP, we try to form the children in learning what they need to know in life not only from the books, but also to succeed as individuals of faith and morals. Wisdom helps us to make the right choices on our journey to heaven, helping us interpret the world and all we know about it in God’s light, and it helps us make the right choices in the use of it according to God’s will. Wisdom is usually accompanied by many other virtues such as discernment, charity, honesty, responsibility, and detachment.
Honestly, wisdom isn’t spoken about a lot. Often when I was younger, I would think that wisdom was for old people. We could think of an old monk on a hilltop handing out advice when they come to visit him. That just doesn’t seem too attractive in our modern, practical world. We speak more about learning and knowledge. We have so much information at our fingertips. Information is constantly flowing before our eyes. Science has had so many advancements over the past 100 years. There are more books and articles on a given theme, than we could ever imagine reading in a lifetime. With all this information we have had the deadliest century of the history of the world, the poverty line only increases, and people are still persecuted based on race or religion. We have so much information and can know so much, but that is not enough. Something is missing.
I believe wisdom is what is missing in all this informational overload we all experience. Wisdom is the virtue that helps us see things under God’s perspective. Wisdom helps us stop and take a moment to ask ourselves, “How does God see this situation?” or “What did God want when he created this or that?” Wisdom helps us discern things according to God’s will. The book of Ecclesiastes in the Bible begins, “All Wisdom comes from the Lord… and to fear the Lord is the beginning of Wisdom.” God is the Lord of life and history. He doesn’t predetermine what happens but knows in his infinite wisdom to discern between the weeds and wheat. We can only truly understand when we see things according to Him who made it.
The Church has always taught that Faith and Science are two wings that we need to fly. John Paul II opens his encyclical on Fides et Ratio (Faith and Reason) with these words, “Faith and reason are like two wings on which the human spirit rises to the contemplation of truth; and God has placed in the human heart a desire to know the truth—in a word, to know himself—so that, by knowing and loving God, men and women may also come to the fullness of truth about themselves.” If we only learn information or only rely on faith, we fall short and could possibly only be flying in circles. When they work harmoniously, we see the world with much more clarity and can truly make progress for the good of every individual person.
Wisdom is the virtue that connects our faith and reason. It helps us discern the world in light of God’s Eternal Law. It helps us see the poor person on the side of the street not only as a result of some disorder, but as a concrete opportunity for me right now to practice charity. It helps me discern that I need to spend more time with my sick child. Wisdom helps me work through my own emotions and discern what is true and good in the way God created me. Wisdom helps me know if this statement is something that I need to share or I should keep it to myself because it could harm someone’s image. It helps me know that maybe right now isn’t the best time to accept this promotion at work since my family needs me more at home. It helps me to see everything as a blessing from God and an opportunity for me to grow closer to Him.
We all need wisdom. I ask for it every day. Wisdom to know God’s will and the courage to be able to follow it throughout the day. It is a gift of the Holy Spirit, and Jesus says whoever asks will receive. Let us as for this gift for ourselves and our children so they grow to be wise men and women that can help direct our society back to it’s Creator.
God bless! Fr Andrew, LC
Join the 2nd annual HSP Marriage Retreat
The new year is a great time to put renewed focus on what is important - your marriage! Register Here to be a part of the 2nd HSP Marriage Retreat.
Itinerary: Friday: On Friday evening, the retreat will be a Chastain-style event where you bring your own treats, snacks and drinks. We ask that you decorate your table with items that are a reflection of your relationship including a wedding picture, family pictures, items that are from important times in your marriage, etc. There will be two talks given by married couples who are just like you, taking life one day at a time and trying to live out God's call for their vocation of marriage.
Saturday: The retreat on Saturday is an all day event that starts with a continental breakfast, which will be provided. Included in the morning’s itinerary is a talk by Fr. Andrew, a talk by a married couple, adoration and confession. This is a very special time of reflection, prayer, and renewal. Lunch will be provided and the afternoon’s itinerary includes talks, renewal of marriage vows, and Mass. Any children attending the provided childcare may attend Mass.
When: Friday, February 25, 2022, at 6:30 pm -9:30 pm And Saturday, February 26, 2022, at 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Where: At the Lower School Cafeteria
Childcare: Childcare will be available on Saturday for a charge of $50/family
Cost: $75 per couple
Register Here
If you have any questions, reach out to Ruth Sacco at saccor1999@gmail.com.
Great News! We are launching a Family Mission opportunity this coming May. We are looking forward to starting a new tradition, being able to serve as a family. I have lead many mission trips for high school students and college age young men and women, but I have always had the idea of doing it as a family. HSP parent, Felipe Castellanos, and his mother, have generously offered to host a venue for us in Bogota, Colombia.
Dates: May 28-June 3
Cost: $300 + airfare (discounts can be available)
Who can go?: All are invited. Students who are 15 years old or younger have to be accompanied by an adult who will be responsible for them
Where: Bogota and surrounding areas
Room situation: We will be staying at the Castellanos' family home.
Transportation: Minuto de Dios will organize transportation within Colombia. Please contact Marcela Fredrich at marcelamt@gmail.com for transportation questions or to help coordinate flights
Covid protocol: Negative COVID test is required to enter Colombia and to return to the USA as of now. This is subject to change.
What we will do?
We are teaming up with a mission organization in Bogota called “MInuto de Dios” (minute of God). The organization are dedicated to serving poor villages outside of Bogota and all over Colombia. More information may be found on this website.
Our main objective will be helping to build a home for a family in a poor town outside of Bogota. We will also celebrate Mass with the local people, have time to interact with them, and be able to bring down some items as gifts.
We will have two days to visit some cultural sites around Bogota. These activities wouldn’t be covered in the cost. It is a minimal expense for restaurants.
Please contact Fr Andrew Gronotte for more information at 301 674 6921 or agronotte@legionaries.org .
God bless!
Fr Andrew, LC
This Week at Holy Spirit
Weekly Bulletin
Ascension Music Academy Spring Registration forms are now available. If you would like to take private music lessons this spring semester, please fill out this registration form and send payment. Students will receive 12 lessons over the course of the semester. If you have any questions, please contact our Fine Arts Director - Len Insalaca at Linsalaca@holyspiritprep.org.
The Holy Spirit Prep Arts Alliance Council (HSPAAC) encourages, supports, and supplements the fine and performing arts curriculum and programming among students and faculty in a Catholic and spiritual environment.
The HSPAAC recognizes that participation in school art programs benefits everyone. In addition to financial support, membership in the HSPAAC promotes opportunities to build and strengthen relationships among all constituencies through the enthusiastic participation of volunteers, students, music and arts teachers, parents, school faculty and staff, sponsors, community members, alumni and grandparents.
Click HERE to learn more about the Arts Alliance Council and become a member today!
Boys Varsity Soccer
Tryouts will be held Monday, January 24-Thursday, January 27 from 4:00pm-5:15pm. Please contact Coach Sam (swalker@holyspiritprep.org) with any questions.
Girls Varsity Soccer
Tryouts will be held Monday, January 31-Thursday, February 3 from 4:45pm-6:15pm. Please contact Coach Hatchew (jhatchew@bellsouth.net) with any questions.
Boys Middle School Soccer
Tryouts will be held Tuesday, February 1-Thursday, February 3 from 3:50pm-5:00pm. Please contact Coach Sam (swalker@holyspiritprep.org) with any questions.
Girls Middle School Soccer
Boys Varsity Tennis
Tryouts will be held Monday, January 31 from 4:30pm-5:30pm. Please contact Coach Elizabeth (egould@holyspiritprep.org) with any questions.
Girls Varsity Tennis
Tryouts will be held Tuesday, February 1 from 4:30pm-5:30pm. Please contact Coach Elizabeth (egould@holyspiritprep.org) with any questions.
Middle School Tennis
Tryouts will be held Wednesday, February 9 from 4:00pm-5:00pm. Please contact Coach Paula (coachpaula@gmail.com) with any questions.
Varsity and Middle School Golf
More information will be coming soon. Please contact Joel Peddle (jpeddle@holyspiritprep.org) and/or Kristina Wilhelm (kwilhelm@holyspiritprep.org) with any questions.
Varsity and Middle School Track and Field
Practice will begin Monday, January 31 at 4:00pm. Please contact Coach Spino (mspino@holyspiritprep.org) and/or Coach Taylor (mtaylor@holyspiritprep.org) with any questions.
Varsity Baseball
Practice begins Monday, January 31 at 4:00pm. Please contact Coach Stafford (mstafford@holyspiritprep.org) with any questions.
Middle School Baseball
We are still determining if we will have a Middle School Baseball team. If you are interested in playing, make sure to fill out the Spring Sports Interest form. Please contact Kristina Wilhelm (kwilhelm@holyspiritprep.org) with any questions.
Registration for varsity and middle school spring sports is now open! You must complete the registration and waiver for your child's participation in varsity and/or middle school athletics before the first day of practice.
Register for Spring Sports
Contact Director of Athletics Kristina Wilhelm (kwilhelm@holyspiritprep.org) with any questions.
Get ready for the middle school tennis season! Coach Lambremont will be offering open practices on Wednesdays from 4:00pm-5:30pm for our middle school tennis athletes. Practices will be held on the High School tennis courts.
Open Practice Dates January 19 January 26
Please contact Coach Lambremont (lambremont@mac.com) with any questions!
This year the HSP Athletic Department will be partnering with the Play Like a Champion Today educational series.
The Parent Like A Champion workshop will be held on Sunday, February 6, from 4:15pm-5:15pm in McDonough Hall at Holy Spirit Catholic Church. Parents, in concert with Coaches and Educators provide a winning combination for helping the child become the best version of themselves, now and throughout their life.
We strongly encourage your participation (at least one parent), and ongoing involvement in the Play Like a Champion process. We look forward to seeing you!
Please email Bob Holdsworth (bholdsworth@holyspiritprep.org) with any questions and/or to RSVP. Download the Play Like a Champion flyer for more information.
*Get season passes for home games when you join at the Green level or above!*
The Holy Spirit Prep Athletic Booster Club has one goal - to enhance the experience of our student athletes.
Join the 21-22 Athletic Booster Club
The HSP Athletic Booster Club funds enhance our budget, allowing us to provide supplemental equipment, coaching, and programs to improve the athletics experience for all our students. These funds will be obtained through HSP Athletic Booster Club membership, corporate sponsorships, restricted athletics donations, online week-long auction revenue, spirit gear sales, Coke Drive revenue, and event ticket and concession sales.
The HSP Athletic Booster Club recognizes that participation in school athletics benefits everyone. In addition to financial support, the HSP Athletic Booster Club will promote opportunities to build and strengthen relationships among all constituencies through the enthusiastic participation of volunteers, students, coaches, parents, school faculty and staff, sponsors, community members, alumni and grandparents.
The HSP Athletics Booster Club offers membership levels for all to participate. Also, volunteers are always needed and welcome. We ask that ALL parents become members of the HSP Athletics Booster Club, at some level. In addition, any financial contribution is welcomed and appreciated.
Depending on your level of membership, you will receive seasons passes for free entry to a select number or all home, non-tournament games!
If your company would like to become a corporate sponsor, please contact the Director of Athletics, Kristina Wilhelm (kwilhelm@holyspiritprep.org) and the Director of Development, Maria Kichler (mkichler@holyspiritprep.org).
Gold Member - $1,000+
Silver Member - $500+
Green Member - $250+
Member - $100+
Saints - St. Jude
Hope is “trusting in God’s promises and desiring happiness in Heaven.”
Hope is a theological virtue: one of the three virtues given to us by God at our Baptism which makes us able to act as God’s children
"Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer." Rom 12:12