Dear Holy Spirit Family,

Please allow me to introduce myself. I am The Rev. Mitchell Tollett and along with my wife Camille and my son Jimmy I am looking forward to getting to know you. A few things about me. I grew up in Houston in the Meyerland area. I graduated from the University of Houston and the Seminary of the Southwest in Austin. I served in the United States Navy as an electrician, and later as a programmer for companies in the Houston area. I enjoy cooking, grilling, and hanging out with my family among other things. I was a curate at Christ Episcopal Church and School in Temple and served as rector of St. Francis in Tyler for over ten years.

I would like to thank the Search Committee and their Chair, Steve Sigloch, as well as the Vestry and Sr. Warden, John Del Mixon. They were all prayerfully attentive and focused on the needs of Holy Spirit Church and School and who the next rector should be. I have been set up with a Transition Team so that we can begin this journey together positively and effectively. I have also met with the Holy Spirit School Head of School, Kelly Broaddus, and I am looking forward to working with her. Again, I cannot wait to get to know the people and staff of Holy Spirit Episcopal Church and School.

People always ask me how to address me. So my last name, Tollett, is pronounced like "wallet" with a “T” instead of a “W”. My answer as far as addressing me goes is that it depends on your own piety. Some will call me Reverend Tollett, some Father (Fr.) Mitch, and some Mitch. The old school approach would be Mr. Tollett, believe it or not. Father Mitch or Mitch are popular choices so far. I am looking forward to my first Sunday being July 14. This will allow me time to unpack and take care of honey do’s. See you then.

May God’s Peace always be with you,
Fr. Mitch+

It is with great joy (and a bit of sadness, too) that we are making the announcement that Suzy Spencer, as of 1 July, will be moving into a full-time position as the Chaplain of Holy Spirit Episcopal School. For the last many years Suzy has been serving both the School (a most incredible ministry of Holy Spirit Church) as well as the Parish Community, splitting her time half and half-ish. When I first arrived here Suzy told me that she was contemplating an offer of a complete commitment to the ministry at the school. I was happy to support her in that discernment. Her decision was made some time ago and we had chosen to wait to announce it till the end of the school year, for lots of reasons.

As the school year’s end approaches, so will the Bayou City Blessings packings for the summer. We are so grateful to our Holy Spirit family for all the help you have been this school year.

● Your monthly gifts and generosity have allowed us to provide weekend food bags to over 2,600 elementary children living in food insecurity.

● Your heartfelt love and prayers were written down on index cards as part of your Lenten practice and distributed in the children’s weekend food bags.

● Your financial support at Food Bowl in February helped sustain our ministry this year.

● The gifts you gave at Advent for the Giving Tree - both in-kind and financial - was a blessing to us.

● You shopped and donated at our Fall Market in September.

● Our Food Focus monthly items came with you to church each month.

● And by the time school completes at the end of May, you will have assisted with 78 packings since August!

Thank you, Church! This ministry of feeding children does not exist without every single one of you. We are grateful!

My big news is that there will be a “HOLY HELPERS” corner in the Spirit Shot beginning this week. There will be immediate and upcoming volunteer needs and opportunities for parishoners. Even giving a little of your time goes so far. Focus this week is for cookie bakers on May 6, 9-12 in the parish kitchen. That week is Teacher Appreciation and some of the schools supported by Blessings in a Backpack do not have PTOs to help with goodies to make the hardworking teachers feel special.

Suzy Spencer is coordinating a Mother’s Day Brunch on Saturday May 11 at 11 am. This is going to be a fun event. Everyone will receive an invitation and there will be more information in upcoming weeks in the Spirit Shot. There will be a list of dishes to bring to share. The really fun element of this event is that you are asked to bring your own place setting for the table. Everything from your wedding china to everyday dishes will make a beautiful table and create interesting conversations. Watch for more information!

My friends at Holy Spirit,

Greetings from Munich. We have been traveling for a few days now. It has been very busy and very beautiful. I haven’t forgotten you all, particularly as we visit some of the very sacred places along our way.

Lent and Holy Week were wonderful seasons and now with the Easter season upon us we are called again to live in the Light that enables us to be light to each other.

I wanted to remind folks that I will be meeting with anyone who is interested in the music ministry in the congregation, particularly the choir ministry, on Thursday evening, 18 April, in the parlor. Folks with interest in liturgy and especially in prayer that is supported by singing are all invited, no matter what your age. Let’s explore some options together, particularly as we look to the summer months.

I pray all are well during this busy season as school begins to wind down for some and folks begin to lean into their summer plans. I hope to see some of you on Thursday, 18 April at 7PM in the parlor.

Peace,
Fr. Bob

Hello to my friends at Holy Spirit

I am Pat Groves and newly appointed Director of Volunteer Ministries. Father Bob asked me to write this week's column in his absence, so here goes.

My husband, Mark, and I are part of the Emmanuel Episcopal transplants to Holy Spirit following Hurricane Harvey. We were members there for 27 years and our daughter was born and raised in that parish.

While we all attend church for our spiritual development, I have always loved the sense of community and belonging. Walking into church on Sundays and seeing people you know and have served with in one capacity or another, always gives me such a warm and welcoming feeling. Having said that, I want to add that that does not happen overnight and the easiest was to make connections is to volunteer in one or several of the different ministries at Holy Spirit.

The Church has framed for us a wonderful Lent this year with its readings from scripture and prayers at our Liturgical Celebrations on Sundays. We here at Holy Spirit have increased that invitation into the spirit of Lent through our many offerings into thoughtful and prayerful gatherings like our Recollection Day, Reconciliation Celebration, varied forms of the Stations of the Cross, themed and lay led Sunday School for adults and Children’s Church for the little ones and our guided meditation books for each day of Lent, and even structured Lenten family practices. I am so thankful for the opportunity to be present with so many of you for these services and practices.