Beginnings

The Archbishop of Miami, Most Reverend Coleman F. Carroll, in keeping up with the growth and development of the Catholic population in South Florida, created Holy Spirit Parish from several nearby parishes: Sacred Heart, St. Mark and St. Luke.  Holy Spirit Catholic Church was established in Lantana on March 3, 1964. 

Archbishop Carroll appointed Father Thomas Rynne, a veteran Irish Priest with 10 years of  experience, as the founding Pastor.  Father Rynne arrived in Lantana via a Greyhound Bus, surveyed his new Parish and negotiated for an empty storefront space in the Lantana Shopping Center on Lantana Road. This was to be our temporary Church. Father Rynne’s office and living quarters were built in the rear of the store which he occupied  for two years.  Susan Bramuchi was the first child to be baptized on June 26, 1964.  The first Mass took place in our storefront Church on July 16, 1964.  William Bassell, Jr. and Valerie Burdick were the first couple to celebrate their marriage on August 7, 1964.  First Holy Communion was celebrated for the first time in the parish on January 10, 1965. 

It is well known that Father Rynne served in an unselfish spirit, which advanced the spirit of this budding community. The seeds of faith were taking root in Lantana. Parish membership increased quickly, and within 2 years, Father Rynne convinced Archbishop Carroll that sufficient financial support from our parishioners warranted the construction of a multi-purpose building on property previously owned by the archdiocese. 

Groundbreaking for the temporary church took place  on November 12, 1965, at the present parish site, at 1000 Lantana Road. A two-winged structure was dedicated on May 28, 1966, with a Pontifical Mass celebrated by Archbishop Carroll.

The Sacrament of Confirmation was celebrated for the first time in the new church on March 11, 1967.

Soon many ministries were established: the Women’s Guild, a Parish Council, the Catholic Youth Organization,  Altar Boys and Ushers. Catholic Family Ministry picnics, bake sales, dances, card parties, fashion shows and coffee and doughnuts became important parts of our Parish’s social life.  Ministry to the sick at JFK and A. G. Holley Hospitals became a reality.

Father Rynne oversaw the construction of two buildings on the property, a temporary church and rectory for the priests. He established numerous activities and organizations and brought parishioners together into a cohesive community.

Father Leslie Cann was appointed our second Pastor in September 1968.  While pastor, he was also the Principal of Cardinal Newman High School.  Considerable additions were made to our physical plant which enabled the expansion of social and religious activities. In January of 1970, Father Cann organized the first Parish Census.

On June 20, 1974, Father James Reynolds was appointed third Pastor. Under his leadership, more ministries were organized and new activities introduced for the spiritual, cultural and social welfare of the parish. The Friendship Club was formed in October 1973 as a social group.  Some of their activities were bus rides to points of interest, excursions to the races, card parties and luncheons.  Funds raised by these activities went towards the Building Fund.

Eucharistic Ministers were commissioned and also functioned as lectors. They visited shut-ins, Atlantis Nursing Center, A. G. Holley Hospital, JFK Hospital, and the Lantana Correctional Institution.

On March 2, 1974, the parish celebrated its tenth Anniversary. The influx of new housing and          people within our boundaries would be a challenge for the next 10 years.  From June 1974 until June of 1979,  Father Donald J. Ireland served as our fourth Pastor. Under his leadership, a children’s guitar Mass was  established along with many additional activities. 

On July 4, 1979, Father William L. O’Dea was appointed fifth Pastor. Once a month on Sunday evenings, a Mass was celebrated in Sign Language for the hearing impaired living within Palm Beach County.  One of our Parishioners signed the Mass and Homily. 

In early 1980, our Parish Choir became a reality with only seven voices.  It has increased over the years and has had several Directors of Music.  Our Choir still sings at the 10:30 AM Mass on Sunday.

Father Clarence J. Podgorski,  as an associate pastor, was appointed  Archdiocesan Director of the   Polish Apostolate in December 13, 1982.  A weekly Polish Mass on Saturday evenings became a reality under his direction  

Plans For A New Church

Archbishop McCarthy directed Father William L. O’Dea, to proceed with plans for the construction of a permanent church edifice.  The Holy Spirit Parish Development Program came into existence.  For the next three years, a small core of volunteers conducted activities to raise funds along with memorials and donations for a new church.  

Our Women’s Guild actively participated in various projects.  Their representation in the Right to Life movement, Morality in Media and activities against the spread of pornography definitely caused positive action. Fundraising activities included an annual Christmas Bazaar, Spring Fashion Show and mini-card parties and rummage sales.

On March 4, 1984, the parish celebrated its 20th Anniversary - a joyous occasion and another  milestone in our Parish’s journey.

After several years of fundraising and much preparation, Bishop Thomas V. Daly of the newly established Diocese of Palm Beach concelebrated Mass with many visiting priests and dedicated the new permanent church on October 1, 1986.  Shortly thereafter, a new area for additional parking, needed to accommodate parishioner growth, was completed across West Ocean Avenue.

A Remodeled Parish Center

Father Kevin P. MacGabhann originally appointed as Parochial Vicar, became our sixth Pastor. From the former multi-purpose church building with classrooms, a Social Hall and kitchen became a reality.  With Father Kevin’s encouragement, several new activities began to enrich parish life. The Social Hall became a beehive of activity.  Line Dancing Lessons, Thanksgiving Dinners, St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, Strawberry Festivals and several dances increased the  social life of the parish. A full stage, complete with all the necessary trimmings, was constructed.  Programs were designed by Father Kevin, and parishioners volunteered their time and talent for many entertaining performances. The former Women’s Guild was resurrected as The Council of Catholic Women. The annual Bazaar re-emerged as an expanded version of a Craft Fair. 

Father Ron, already Parochial Vicar, was appointed seventh Pastor in June of 2004.  Father Antony Pulikal, a young Carmelite priest from India joined us in 2006 and added much to our community spirit.

Following two other hurricanes the previous year, October of 2005 saw Hurricane Wilma ravage the parish property along with many parishioners’ homes. The roofs of the Family Center and the Priest Residence came flying off.  The hall interior escaped severe damage but the residence needed to be totally gutted.  After almost an entire year, the two were brought back into full service;  the center was rededicated as All Saints Hall and the Priest Residence was transformed into quality living space for our priests and visiting clergy.

Among the many changes, like an Angelus Room and a Jerusalem Room, a new pipe organ and carpeting now grace our church; the “Bride’s Room has been transformed into the Paraclete Shoppe (an outlet for religious articles and Catholic reading material). There is a ministry for youth in our parish called Spiriteens, an active Religious Faith Formation for our children, a revitalized RCIA, a developing ministry for the men in the parish called The Carpenters Guild, a parish pastoral council, and a financial advisory committee to the pastor both in process. A bereavement group called St. Joseph Society is in the planning stages as well.

With many happy memories, the journey of Holy Spirit parish continues. We humbly thank God for all those who, over the last 42 years, have contributed so much of their time, talent and treasure to the faith life of this parish.