Parish Logo

The new logo, crafted with images reflective of the parish by web designer Victor Howe, is found at the top left corner of the home page. Set in a circle rather than on the customary crest, the central images on the logo are  surrounded by patterns of Kente cloth found here at Holy Spirit Church. Modern forms of weaving cotton and silk to create Kente can be traced to the Ashanti people of Western African in the 17th century, but its roots can be traced back to at least the 11th century. Once reserved only for royalty and for sacred functions, it is now more readily available.

Within the circle are three symbols, representing our patron, the Franciscan Order and a tree found in both Africa and in the scriptures. Our patron, the Holy Spirit, in the form of a dove, rests at the top. Below it on the left is the traditional coat of arms of the Franciscan Order, the crossed arms of Jesus and St. Francis of Assisi underneath the cross. On the right is an acacia tree, an umbrella-shaped tree found in Africa. Capable of storing great amounts of water, it is known for its great strength and mighty endurance in dry, harsh environments. The Book of Exodus states that the Ark of the Covenant and much of its hardware were crafted from acacia wood.

The words that circle the top of the logo are a paraphrase of the traditional prayer to the Holy Spirit: “Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth your Spirit and they will be created. And You will renew the face of the earth.”  Thank you, Victor, for this colorful and creative visual symbol that ties together various aspects of our parish community within the great circle of life.