1994
On June 11, 1994 the determined residents of Christiansburg gathered at the Knights of Columbus Hall for a “test” Mass. With Bishop William Sullivan’s approval the Diocese of Richmond allowed a small group of Catholics to hold Mass and see if there was interest in forming a permanent church. Very quickly the strong attendance showed there was a real need for a parish in Christiansburg.
1995
Only a few months later the “Catholic Community of Christiansburg” received its first priest, Fr. Louis Benoit. Masses were held weekly on Saturday evenings at a welcoming Lutheran church. Religious education began to thrive and the parish celebrated its first First Holy Communion in 1995. In September of that same year Bishop Sullivan granted the official name Holy Spirit Catholic Church. The small community continued to grow as everyone took on responsibilities to help build a future church home.
1997
By 1997 Bishop Sullivan purchased land for the future church building. Fundraisers of every kind were held and parishioners worked with dedication to make the dream of a church home possible. The parish continued to grow in both numbers and commitment.
1998 to 2002
In June of 1998 Fr. John Prinelli was assigned to Holy Spirit with a clear goal to guide the community toward constructing its first church building. On November 2002 an official groundbreaking ceremony was held. The entire community gathered under tents for Mass on a windy and joy filled day that marked the beginning of construction.
2003 to 2004
The community worked through these years to complete the first phase of the building. In August 2004 Holy Spirit Catholic Church was formally dedicated by the newly assigned Bishop Francis DiLorenzo.
2012
Following the passing of Fr. Prinelli in 2012 Holy Spirit welcomed several inspiring priests who helped renew the parish’s dedication to worship and service. The parish expanded well beyond its early days of one Saturday evening Mass. Weekday Masses, Adoration and three weekend Masses were offered along with religious education programs serving nearly 100 children. The growing Hispanic community also brought new diversity and life to parish celebrations.
2015 to 2021
In July 2015 Fr. Anthony O. Senyah and Deacon Jose Melendez joined the parish. As of July 2021 Father Patricio Alcantara was assigned to both Holy Spirit and Holy Family in Pearisburg. New ministries continue to be offered with hope for a strong and faithfully growing future for the parish.
2021 to Present
Since 2021 Holy Spirit Catholic Church has continued to flourish as a welcoming and diverse community of faith. With the arrival of Fr. Anthony Ferguson, the parish experienced renewed pastoral energy and a deepened sense of unity. Weekday Masses, bilingual weekend liturgies, and regular Eucharistic Adoration have helped nurture the spiritual life of both English and Spanish speaking families, reflecting the parish’s commitment to serve everyone who walks through its doors.
In these recent years the parish family has grown closer through celebrations, service, and shared traditions. Craft fairs that support youth programs, living rosaries, bilingual feast day gatherings, and parish wide events have strengthened the sense of belonging that has always defined Holy Spirit. These moments of prayer and community reflect a church that continues to grow with warmth, compassion, and a joyful spirit of faith.
