Q. IS SPIRIT A CATHOLIC CHURCH?

 A. In 2008, Spirit separated from the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis and became an independent community. While we are not considered part of the Roman Catholic Church ​by the Roman church, we ​are Catholic in culture and tradition and still consider ourselves a Catholic community! Technically, we are called an “intentional Eucharistic community" ​or an "independent Catholic community.” We follow the same liturgical year as the Roman Catholic Church and our services are very similar to a Roman Catholic Mass. We hold especially dear Catholic Social Teaching and the work of social justice ​which you can see reflected in the inclusive language and leadership of weekly Mass.

Q. IS THERE A PRIEST PRESIDER?

A. Instead of having a priest lead our services, we have volunteer prayer leaders who, along with the Worship Committee and Liturgy Coordinator, plan and lead our service. Each Sunday, a community member provides the homily, which is followed by a brief community dialogue. Our homilies are one of the most unique and beloved parts of our liturgy.

Q. WHO MAKES EACH SERVICE HAPPEN?

A. We do! Since Spirit is almost entirely volunteer-run, we rely on the generous sharing of time and talent from our members. If you include our hospitality ministers, bakers, bulletin folders, communion ministers, and many others, there are at least 40 people a week involved in making Mass at Spirit happen! Prayer leaders, homilists, Worship Committee and the Liturgy coordinator help keep everyone connected.

Q. WHERE DO YOU HOLD WORSHIP?

A. Our Sunday Mass, many of our meetings, and other community gatherings are held at 5011 31st Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55417 at 9:10 a.m. We share this building with Lake Nokomis Lutheran Church and Living Table United Church of Christ through our New Branches partnership.

Q. DO YOU OFFER COMMUNION? 

A. We bless and break bread every Sunday and share in the Eucharist. Instead of a priest consecrating the Eucharist, it is consecrated by the community, gathered around our common table.

 Q. DO YOU OFFER SACRAMENTS?  DO THEY "COUNT" IN THE PERSPECTIVE OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH?

A. Spirit offers the sacraments offered by a traditional Catholic Church, including Baptism, Marriage, Reconciliation, Confirmation, and Anointing. Except for Baptism, our sacraments may not be recognized by the Roman Catholic Church, but we believe they are signs of God’s sanctifying grace available to all.

Q. HOW MANY PEOPLE ATTEND MASS AT SPIRIT? 

A. Spirit has one Mass every Sunday at 9:10 a.m. in person and via YouTube and Zoom livestream, attended by about 200 people. Visit the calendar page for YouTube and Zoom info.

Q. WHAT KIND OF PEOPLE ATTEND SPIRIT? 

A. Many, but not all, members of Spirit consider themselves Catholic or formerly Catholic. About half of the people who attend Spirit were members of St. Stephen’s Catholic Church until 2008. Spirit is a good place for people seeking a liturgical experience similar to a Catholic Mass in a spiritual community rooted in Catholic Social Teaching. We are young and old, seekers and certain, inspired and in need of inspiration, and we welcome you!

Q. DO I NEED TO BE A MEMBER TO ATTEND? 

A. You are always welcome at our Sunday mass! If you choose to become a member of Spirit, you will be eligible to vote for members of the parish council. But you are welcome to attend mass at Spirit indefinitely without becoming a member.

Q. WHAT DOES MEMBERSHIP MEAN? 

A. Members of Spirit attend mass regularly, affirm the community’s mission, contribute financially as they are able, and engage in some kind of ministry, volunteering, or justice work.

Q. HOW DOES THE COMMUNITY MAKE DECISIONS? 

A. An elected Community Council guides the direction of the community, while several committees help to advance the community’s mission. We welcome members’ participation on all committees and encourage members to run for the parish council.

Q. ARE LGBTQ FOLKS WELCOMED?

A. Yes! We are involved annually in the Twin Cities Pride festival and in other activities in solidarity with people who identify as LGBTQ and we have begun to include preferred pronouns on our nametags. However you identify, we welcome you!

Q. ARE CHILDREN WELCOMED?

A. We warmly welcome children and encourage families to participate in our Sunday School, child care, music-making, and fun family activities throughout the year.

Q. ARE THERE OTHER COMMUNITIES LIKE THIS?

A. There are hundreds of communities that function either on the periphery or outside of the institutional church in many different styles and traditions. Some share ideas and information through the Facebook page for Intentional Eucharistic Communities and some communities with "Alternative Liturgies" can be found here on the Call to Action website, but there is no formal organization or association of similar communities.

Q. IS THERE A PLACE FOR ME AT SPIRIT?

A. We welcome newcomers and seekers and would love to have you visit us and answer this question for yourself. We know that we are not for everyone but we might be just the community you seek. Please join us 9:10 a.m. via YouTube live on any Sunday to see if it feels like the right place for you.