Apostolate

The Apostolate program is an extension of the Christian life as a whole. The Second Vatican Council, in its Decree on the Apostolate of Lay People (Apostolicam actuositatem) states, "The Christian vocation is, of its nature, a vocation to the apostolate as well" (no. 2). Three concrete objectives identified for an apostolate are:
1) evangelization and sanctification;
2) renewal of the temporal order; and,
3) charitable works and social aid.

Holy Spirit College encourages students to participate in opportunities provided through the apostolate program adopted by HSC.
 

Holy Spirit College Friends Mentoring Program

In connection with the Catholic Education component of Holy Spirit College, students will participate in a mentoring program with elementary students at Holy Spirit Preparatory School. This program involves social interaction and reaching out to grade school children. Students will plan activities that are inclusive to different age groups and intended to build an environment of acceptance. This program works around the students’ schedules to provide an opportunity to practice classroom content while making a difference in the life of a child.
 

Holy Family Hospital - Our Signature Apostolate

Holy Family Hospital in Bethlehem is dedicated to providing quality care for women and infants, without regard to religion or national origins. Holy Family Hospital is guided by the beliefs and moral traditions of the Catholic Church, respectful of individual differences, reflecting the ideals and traditional values of the Daughters of Charity of Saint Vincent de Paul and the Sovereign Hospitaller Order of St. John of Jerusalem, of Rhodes and Malta and their concern for the poor and sick. Holy Family Hospital is committed to continuing education as a means of ensuring quality patient care.

The link below outlines the importance of this apostolate of charitable works and social aid.

Holy Family Hospital Brochure


Knights of Columbus

Male students at Holy Spirit College are invited to join the planned College Chapter of the Knights of Columbus, to train and progress within and to serve in ceremonial roles for the college and parish. Knights in the College Chapter will also be offered the opportunity to work in a leadership capacity with Holy Spirit Prep’s Chapter of Columbian Squires. College Knights are full members of the Order, having all the rights, privileges and responsibilities therein. College Knights belong to units called College Councils. The only difference between a college council and any other local council is that college councils are located on college or university campuses. College Knights lead their councils with the guidance of a financial secretary and a district deputy.

Today there are more than 16,000 college Knights and 160 college councils in the United States, Canada and the Philippines. Once a candidate completes the First Degree ceremony on the lesson of charity, he is considered a Knight of Columbus and can participate in all council activities. First Degree members are encouraged to attain the Second and Third Degrees, which teach the lessons of unity and fraternity. Upon taking the Third Degree, a member receives full honors of Knighthood and is "Knighted."
 

Privileges of Third Degree membership include the ability to serve as a local council officer, and admission to state and Supreme Council business meetings. First and Second Degree members can attend the state and Supreme Council meetings, but they are not allowed in the business sessions.
 

On February 22, 1900, the first Fourth Degree exemplification or degree ceremony was held in New York City. The Fourth Degree imparts a lesson on the virtue of patriotism. The primary purpose of this degree is to foster the spirit of patriotism in members and the community at large and encourage active Catholic citizenship. Today there are some 300,000 Fourth Degree Knights out of the total 1.6 million member Knights of Columbus.
 

Local units, called assemblies, draw their members from Knights of Columbus councils. The qualifications for membership in the Fourth Degree are: membership in the Knights for at least one year and being a Third Degree Knight.
 

A Fourth Degree Knight may become part of the assembly's color corps. These members are recognized widely by their distinctive attire of tuxedo, feathered hat (chapeau), cape and sword. These members regularly take part in civic events such as parades and wreath-laying ceremonies, and at ecclesial functions at Catholic churches. The various colored capes and chapeau feathers denote different officer positions within the Fourth Degree.


Vatican Art

Holy Spirit College (together with Holy Spirit Parish and Holy Spirit Prep.) is a constituent member of the Holy Spirit Chapter of the Patrons of the Arts in the Vatican Museums. Although the Vatican Museums host over 15,000 visitors each day, the sale of tickets only provides for the daily operation of the museums. The museums are not subsidized by the Holy See and must be self-sufficient, which means that the work of restoration and conservation must be supported by Patrons dedicated to the unique spiritual and cultural mission of the Vatican Museums and Pontifical Galleries. While often unseen the conservation of the irreplaceable art collections is an invitation to be personally involved in one of the world’s greatest treasures of art and culture. Students at Holy Spirit College are offered the opportunity to work to support the Museums and the specific restoration projects that are funded by the Chapter and in return obtain unique access “behind the scenes” at the Museums when studying or traveling in Rome.


Catholic Charities

Through the apostolate, Holy Spirit College provides support to Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Atlanta in an effort to assist with programs that advocate for individuals and families facing adversity. A faith-based organization, the mission of Catholic Charities reinforces the motto of Holy Spirit College, Ministrare non ministrari, and allows our students to serve those who have been marginalized by society or events in their lives.


Solidarity School and Mission

The Catholic Center of Centro Catolico and The Solidarity School were established in 2000 to serve the Hispanic community of Sandy Springs. The mission brings the Catholic faith to all in the Hispanic community who are far from their mother country, providing them assistance to integrate into the American culture and live their faith within a community. Holy Spirit College supports the mission and school by providing food and clothing drives, tutoring, and volunteer assistance with its many programs.


Moda Real

Working in conjunction with representatives from the Centro Catolico, the mission of the Moda Real program is as follows: "Nurture an integral formation for young Hispanic girls in order for them to achieve a balance of mind, body, and soul that will enable them to become strong leaders and virtuous examples to all." Holy Spirit College students are provided with opportunities to work in this apostolate.
 

Habitat for Humanity

Opportunities for Holy Spirit College students to be involved in the building of a Habitat Home in the greater Atlanta are available through the Dean of Students.