During Advent in 2017, the parishioners of Church of the Holy Spirit took part in the First Annual Giving Tree Donation Drive sponsored by Assumption Seminary Associates. The tree was adorned with a gift tag that contained a picture and biography of each seminarian attending Assumption Seminary. Through their overwhelming generosity, 76 seminarians from fifteen dioceses received gift cards for basic needs and educational supplies as they continue their studies in the seminary.
As an alumni of Assumption Seminary, Father Antonio Gonazales, Pastor of the Church of the Holy Spirit knows that many of these young men do not have the financial support through their families to help pay for everyday needs. It is the mission of Assumption Seminary Associates to raise awareness and generate donations to cover the shortfall of basic living essentials that are not met by the seminary stipend.
“We were blessed to have the support of Father Antonio and the congregation of Holy Spirit to hear our call for donations and prayers, said Helen Villarreal, president of Assumption Seminary Associates.
“The 203 ornaments returned contained monetary donations and gift cards for the priests to buy everyday needs such as toothpaste or socks. We plan to expand this wonderful drive to other parishes in the Archdiocese of San Antonio next Advent season to help support the future priests that will serve our community.”
Assumption Seminary Associates 