Holy Spirit Parish of Gardner

What are services like?
The Liturgy of the of Novus Ordo is used, with Mass said in English using the third edition of the Roman Missal. Masses are usually musically accompanied by an organist and cantor. The usual Mass will consist of 3-4 hymns, prayers, one reading from the Old Testament or Acts; one reading from the Epistles or Revelation; and one reading from the Gospels. The liturgy focuses around the celebration of the Eucharist: the source and summit of Christian life. -- For Catholics As Catholics, we fully participate in the celebration of the Eucharist when we receive Holy Communion. We are encouraged to receive Communion devoutly and frequently. In order to be properly disposed to receive Communion, participants should not be conscious of grave sin and normally should have fasted for one hour. A person who is conscious of grave sin is not to receive the Body and Blood of the Lord without prior sacramental confession except for a grave reason where there is no opportunity for confession. In this case, the person is to be mindful of the obligation to make an act of perfect contrition, including the intention of confessing as soon as possible (canon 916). A frequent reception of the Sacrament of Penance is encouraged for all. -- For Other Christians We welcome our fellow Christians to this celebration of the Eucharist as our brothers and sisters. We pray that our common baptism and the action of the Holy Spirit in this Eucharist will draw us closer to one another and begin to dispel the sad divisions which separate us. We pray that these will lessen and finally disappear, in keeping with Christ’s prayer for us “that they may all be one” (Jn 17:21). Because Catholics believe that the celebration of the Eucharist is a sign of the reality of the oneness of faith, life, and worship, members of those churches with whom we are not yet fully united are ordinarily not admitted to Holy Communion. Eucharistic sharing in exceptional circumstances by other Christians requires permission according to the directives of the diocesan bishop and the provisions of canon law. Members of the Orthodox Churches, the Assyrian Church of the East, and the Polish National Catholic Church are urged to respect the discipline of their own Churches.

What is the community like?
The church offers many opportunities for lay ministry. Every Friday during Lent, the church hosts a fish fry in the church hall. Food drives and fairs happen throughout the year. The Confraternity of Christian Doctrine is offered to children during the school year, free of charge. If you would like to register your child for CCD, please contact the church.

What if I'm not a Christian?
We also welcome to this celebration those who do not share our faith in Jesus Christ. While we cannot admit them to Holy Communion, we ask them to offer their prayers for the peace and the unity of the human family.