In 1943, sections of Hopelawn and Perth Amboy were developing as residential areas.  The first parishioners of Holy Spirit were from the western section of the city and Hopelawn residents of Our Lady of Peace Parish, Fords.  In December of 1944, the Parish was formally incorporated.

In March 1947, Bishop Griffin blessed the original church and officiated at the first Mass.  The church, which seated 400, was built in a basement with a view to future expansion.  The man most instrumental in this steady growth and construction was Reverend Monsignor Joseph V. Kerr, Holy Spirit's second pastor.  Monsignor Kerr assumed the duties of pastor on January 9, 1948 and was pastor until 1987.

The little rectory on McKeon Street was entirely renovated by Monsignor Kerr and then enlarged to make room for Holy Spirit's first associate, the future bishop of Trenton, Reverend John Reiss.  The numerical growth of parishioners continued, and the people began to dream of a real church, a place more fitting for the worship of their God.

This meant abandoning the original plan to expand the basement church, and led to the erection of the current church building, which was completed and dedicated in October 1956.  Groundbreaking for the school building took place in April 1965, and the solemn dedication was held in August 1966.

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During this time, the Parish’s enrollment peaked at about 1,900 families.  Since then, a number of factors including the construction of routes 287/440 through residential areas of the parish and changing demographics have created a smaller parish base.  Smaller, however, does not mean less vibrant or faith filled.  Today, some 650 families call Holy Spirit Church their spiritual home.  We would be pleased to have you join us!

The pastorates of Father Michael Kochon and Father Robert Gorman saw the creation of the Family Centered Religious Education Program. This program aims to educate whole families in the faith by including parents in the process.  It represents our parish’s commitment to family life.

During the same period, Holy Spirit welcomed Alcoholics Anonymous and the Ministry to Deaf Catholics.  Both organizations use the parish facilities on a regular basis.  In addition, a food pantry was also established as part of Holy Spirit’s commitment to those with special needs.

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