About Holy Spirit · Hernando, Mississippi
Holy Spirit Catholic Church is a Roman Catholic parish in Hernando, Mississippi, within the Diocese of Jackson. It is served by the Priests of the Sacred Heart (SCJ) and traces its community origins to 1838 and 1944, when the first Catholics in DeSoto County were visited by priests. The parish was built and dedicated in 1961 as a mission church under Sacred Heart Southern Missions in Walls, was raised to full parish status in 1974, and is today a small but active faith community offering weekly Mass in English, OCIA, faith formation for children and youth, perpetual adoration, a liturgical ministry program, and the long-running parish bazaar as its biggest fundraiser.
- Established
- 1961
- Patron
- Holy Spirit (the Third Person of the Holy Trinity)
- Rector
- Rev. Hendrik Ardianto, SCJ (Team Moderator-Pastor)
- Diocese
- Diocese of Jackson (formerly the Diocese of Natchez-Jackson, when the parish was founded and blessed by Bishop Richard Oliver Gerow in 1961)
Why belong here
Holy Spirit is a small, welcoming parish with deep roots in Hernando going back to 1838 — a community where families know one another and the Catholic faith has been passed down across generations. It offers the full rhythm of Catholic life: Saturday Vigil and Sunday Mass in English, two weekday Masses, a robust confession schedule, weekly adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, OCIA for adults, a faith-formation program (PRE) for children, an active youth program (open gym night with meal on Wednesdays at 5:30 pm followed by class at 6:30 pm), a Liturgy of the Word for Children at the 9:30 am Sunday Mass, an Adult Choir, and a long list of liturgical ministries (Eucharistic ministers, lectors, altar servers, ushers, greeters, sacristans, cantors, musicians, environment, RCIA sponsors, and PRE teachers) for anyone who wants to serve.
Mass times at Holy Spirit
Weekly Mass schedule
Confession times
- Saturday 5:30 PM – 5:45 PM
- Weekdays by appointment
Adoration times
- Tuesday 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM (every Tuesday)
- Wednesday 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM (every Wednesday)
- First Saturday 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM (First Saturday of every month)
- Rosary at 9:00 AM and Adoration at 9:30 AM are also listed on the parish calendar
Our Story: From Colonel LeBauve to Today
The Catholic roots of Holy Spirit parish go all the way back to 1838, when Colonel Felix LaBauve settled in the Hernando area and left diocesan land for a future church. Other Catholic families followed — Edward Orne, Dr. Jagoe, and Mr. and Mrs. Robertson Yates (from Memphis in 1891). For decades, attending Mass meant an entire day's journey by train to Sardis or Memphis. Bishop Richard O. Gerow finally invited the Priests of the Sacred Heart (SCJ) to minister to the counties of Marshall, Tippah, Benton, Tate, and DeSoto, and in 1943 their headquarters was established at Holly Springs with Fr. John Flanagan as pastor. On January 17, 1944, Fr. Flanagan and his assistant Fr. Henry Saxon learned there were 34 known Catholics in DeSoto County, and they began celebrating Mass in private homes — in Hernando, in the Johnson and Yates households.
- 1838 — Colonel Felix LaBauve, first known Catholic in Hernando
- 1891 — Robertson Yates family moves from Memphis
- 1943 — Priests of the Sacred Heart (SCJ) establish headquarters at Holly Springs; Fr. John Flanagan, pastor
- January 17, 1944 — Fr. Flanagan and Fr. Henry Saxon find 34 Catholics in DeSoto County; Mass begins in private homes in Hernando
- After 1944 — Mass in Hernando celebrated in Johnson and Yates family homes
- Episcopal Church on Northview (acquired with the help of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Cooke and Mrs. Mary Smith) used as mission church
- 1959 — Episcopal mission church destroyed by fire; Catholics given use of DeSoto County courthouse
- December 11, 1960 — groundbreaking on Holly Springs Road for the first permanent church
- July 2, 1961 — first Mass celebrated by Fr. Jude Blaszczyk, SCJ, then pastor of Sacred Heart Parish, Walls
- July 30, 1961 — Bishop Richard Oliver Gerow (Diocese of Natchez-Jackson) places cornerstone and blesses Church of the Holy Spirit
- 1961–1974 — mission church status under Sacred Heart Southern Missions, Walls
- September 9, 1968 — first parish council organized under Fr. James Cunniffe, SCJ
- 1972 — Status Animarum Report: 67 registered families, Catholic population 228
- 1974 — Holy Spirit designated a full parish
- April 1979 — 74 registered families, total Catholic population 239; annual parish bazaar reintroduced
- 1982–1983 — education building constructed (loan of $60,000 from Sacred Heart Southern Missions); named 'Fr. Joseph Connelly Hall' in 1983
- Pentecost 1986 — 25th anniversary celebrated, commemorating the faith journey begun in 1838
- May 27, 2007 — groundbreaking ceremony for the new, larger church (Master Church Builders)
The Sisters from the Ursuline Order
Under the sponsorship of Sacred Heart Southern Missions in Walls, two sisters of the Ursuline Order — Sister Mary Sue Barfenberger and Sister Ruth Ann Matting — came to Hernando from their motherhouse in Kentucky and became very welcome faces in the parish. They established programs for the youngsters of the Hernando and Olive Branch communities, organized a community services committee and senior citizens group, and worked with both Catholic and non-Catholic families in the area. Their work in religious education and liturgy helped shape the next generation of the parish.
- Sister Mary Sue Barfenberger, OSU
- Sister Ruth Ann Matting, OSU
- Motherhouse: Ursuline Order, Kentucky
- Sponsored by Sacred Heart Southern Missions
- Programs for youth of Hernando and Olive Branch
- Community Services Committee and Senior Citizens Group formed
Faith Formation for Children and Youth
Parish Religious Education (PRE) and Youth Ministry are led by Amanda Ready (Director of Religious Education) and Vicky Stirek (Youth Coordinator). The parish children's CCD program emphasizes involvement in liturgies and in special outreach projects — preparing the next generation in Catholic traditions. Holy Spirit parish children attend Sacred Heart School during the week and supplement it with parish faith formation.
- Amanda Ready — Director of Religious Education
- Vicky Stirek — Youth Coordinator
- Wednesday open-gym night with meal — 5:30 PM
- Wednesday PRE class — 6:30 PM
- Wednesday Adoration in church — 6:00 PM
- Liturgy of the Word for Children — during the 9:30 AM Sunday Mass
- First Confession preparation: parent classes required; child in 2nd grade or above; Catholic school or PRE the year of and prior to reception; First Confession usually in Fall
OCIA — Becoming Catholic
Holy Spirit offers the Order of Christian Initiation for Adults (OCIA) for those interested in learning more about the Catholic Church — including the unbaptized, Christians baptized in another tradition seeking full communion, and Catholics wishing to deepen their faith. Attending OCIA implies no obligation to become Catholic; it is also a great opportunity for Catholics to learn more about their Faith. OCIA meets weekly at 10:30 AM on Sundays. Deacon Ted Schreck serves as Director of Evangelization and primary contact.
- OCIA meets weekly on Sundays at 10:30 AM
- Director of Evangelization: Deacon Ted Schreck ([email protected])
- Valid baptism in another Christian tradition is recognized; those baptized with water in the Trinitarian formula are not re-baptized
- Full initiation into the Church typically occurs on Holy Saturday (Easter Vigil)
- A nominal materials charge may apply; no tests or exams
Adult Faith Formation: 'Cocktails and Catholicism'
For adults 21 and over, the parish hosts 'Cocktails and Catholicism' — an Adult Faith Formation social — every Second Friday at Holy Spirit Catholic Church. Doors open at 6:00 PM and the gathering is 'served by the Priests of the Sacred Heart,' giving parishioners an informal setting to grow in faith with their SCJ pastors.
- Every Second Friday
- Doors open 6:00 PM
- Ages 21 and over (BYOB)
- Served by the Priests of the Sacred Heart
Liturgical Ministries & Music
The parish has a wide range of liturgical ministries in which parishioners can serve — from Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion and Eucharistic Home Visitors who bring the Eucharist to the homebound, to lectors, ushers, greeters, sacristans, altar servers, cantors, musicians, and the Adult Choir (directed by Stacy Michaels). The parish welcomes new choir members and instrumentalists at any time. There are also roles for those who care for the worship space (Environment) and who accompany OCIA candidates (OCIA Sponsors).
- Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion
- Eucharistic Home Visitors (visit the homebound or temporarily indisposed)
- Altar Servers
- Lectors — proclaim the readings and Prayers of the Faithful; should study and pray with the readings before Mass
- Ushers — direction, collection, offertory processions
- Greeters — welcome, bulletins, information
- Sacristans — prepare and put away vessels, books, and items for Mass
- Adult Choir — Director Stacy Michaels; new members welcome
- Cantors — choir members able to solo and lead community responses
- Musicians — instrumentalists invited to honor God with their talent
- Environment — seasonal and liturgical décor, order, and cleanliness of the worship space
- OCIA Sponsors — walk with and guide those on the journey to the Catholic Faith
- PRE Teacher & PRE Aide — assist with religious education of adults, children, youth, and OCIA candidates
- To get involved: contact the Parish Office at (662) 429-7851
Annual Parish Bazaar
The parish bazaar was reintroduced in 1979 and soon became Holy Spirit's biggest annual fundraiser. It is held in the Family Life Center on the parish campus and is a centerpiece of parish community life.
- Held in the Family Life Center
- Parish's biggest annual fundraiser (since reintroduced in 1979)
Parish Staff, SCJ Priests & Diocese
Holy Spirit is one of several parishes in the Diocese of Jackson served by the Priests of the Sacred Heart (SCJ). The parish operates with a Team Moderator-Pastor model. Deacon Ted Schreck is Director of Evangelization and Amanda Ready is Director of Religious Education. The Parish Office is staffed by Chris Greer (Administrative Assistant) and Mary Ann Nix (Secretary).
- Rev. Hendrik Ardianto, SCJ — Team Moderator-Pastor
- Rev. David Szatkowski, SCJ
- Rev. Guy Blair, SCJ
- Dcn. Ted Schreck — Director of Evangelization
- Chris Greer — Administrative Assistant
- Mary Ann Nix — Secretary
- Amanda Ready — Director of Religious Education
- Vicky Stirek — Youth Coordinator
- Stacy Michaels — Choir Director
- Diocese: Diocese of Jackson (Mississippi)
- Served by the Priests of the Sacred Heart (SCJ)
Other SCJ Priests Who Have Served Holy Spirit
In addition to the founding pastor Fr. Jude Blaszczyk, SCJ, and the long-serving Fr. James Cunniffe, SCJ (who organized the first parish council in 1968 and shepherded the parish through the early 2000s), many other Priests of the Sacred Heart have served Holy Spirit over the decades — a roster published on the parish's own history page.
- Fr. Jude Blaszczyk, SCJ
- Fr. Kevin McGinnis, SCJ
- Fr. Vincent McDonald, SCJ
- Fr. Tony Pudenz, SCJ
- Fr. Mike McMillan, SCJ
- Fr. Albert Simmons, SCJ
- Fr. Dave Jackson, SCJ
- Fr. Joseph Doscher, SCJ
- Fr. Joseph Connelly, SCJ
- Fr. Gerry Bishop, SCJ
- Fr. Tom Burns, SCJ
- Fr. Paul Casper, SCJ
- Fr. Charles Yost, SCJ
- Fr. James Cunniffe, SCJ
- Fr. Anthony Kelly, SCJ
- Fr. Gregory Speck, SCJ
- Fr. Louis Fernandes, SCJ
- Fr. (Paul) Phong Hoang, SCJ
Visit, Contact & Get Involved
Visitors and parishioners are warmly welcomed at Holy Spirit. The Parish Office is open Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM, and the parish offers online registration through its website. To volunteer in liturgical ministries, the parish office, the annual bazaar, the Interfaith Food Pantry, or OCIA sponsorship, call the Parish Office at (662) 429-7851.
- Address: 545 East Commerce Street, Hernando, MS 38632 (Mailing: P.O. Box 424)
- Phone: (662) 429-7851
- Email: [email protected]
- Parish Office Hours: Monday – Friday, 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
- Online Parish Registration: https://holyspirit-catholic.com/online-parish-registration
- Office volunteers — contact Chris Greer or Mary Ann Nix at (662) 429-7851 (phones, mailings, special projects)
- Interfaith Food Pantry — volunteer opportunities
- Diocesan family: Diocese of Jackson
Pastors & rectors through the years
- Fr. Jude Blaszczyk, SCJ1961 (founding pastor of Sacred Heart Parish who celebrated the first Mass and oversaw the church's blessing)
Then pastor of Sacred Heart Parish, Walls; celebrated the first Mass in the new church July 2, 1961 and Bishop Gerow placed the cornerstone July 30, 1961.
- Fr. Joseph Connelly, SCJ
Served Holy Spirit; the parish's 1983 education building was named 'Fr. Joseph Connelly Hall' in appreciation of his service.
- Fr. James Cunniffe, SCJ1968–c.2007
Organized the first parish council on September 9, 1968; shepherded the parish through decades until his retirement; began the second capital campaign for a new church.
- Fr. Tony Kelly (Anthony Kelly), SCJfrom c.2007
Appointed pastor after Fr. James retired; oversaw the May 27, 2007 groundbreaking for the new church and pushed the building project forward.
- Rev. Hendrik Ardianto, SCJcurrent
Listed as current Team Moderator-Pastor on the parish website.
- Other SCJ priests who have served Holy Spirit
Fr. Kevin McGinnis, Fr. Vincent McDonald, Fr. Tony Pudenz, Fr. Mike McMillan, Fr. Albert Simmons, Fr. Dave Jackson, Fr. Joseph Doscher, Fr. Gerry Bishop, Fr. Tom Burns, Fr. Paul Casper, Fr. Charles Yost, Fr. Gregory Speck, Fr. Louis Fernandes, Fr. (Paul) Phong Hoang.