By: Rebecca Wright, Librarian | Writer
Editor: Adam Janke, Catechetics Online Webmaster

Importance of this topic
The Holy Spirit is the third person in the Holy Trinity. He is the “other” that is promised after Jesus’ ascension into heaven (John 14:16, 26; 15:26; 16:7).

One Line Summary
The Holy Spirit allows us to communicate to the Father, bring unity in the Church, and he helps man grow in spiritual freedom.

Important Scripture Passages
John 4:24
2 Cor. 3:6
2 Cor 3:17
Matt. 12:31-32
Job 33:4
John 16:7

Catechism of the Catholic Church
683 - No one can say “Jesus is Lord” except by the Holy Spirit
686 - Holy Spirit works with the Father and the Son
688 - The Church is the place where you know the Holy Spirit
741 - Spirit helps us in our weakness

Early Church Fathers
“There is one true God…Trinity in unity; one God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit…We call the Father God, the Son God, and the Holy Spirit God.” Epiphanius, Well Anchored man, 2,6 (A.D. 374).

Discussion Points
The Holy Spirit is part of the Godhead in which we confess when we recite the Nicene Creed during mass. In doing so, we admit that He is a person of the Trinity, and as Catholics we are filled with the Holy Spirit at baptism. It is the Holy Spirit that allows us to confess Jesus as Lord (1 Cor 12:3). The Church is where we come to know the Holy Spirit. We know him through prayer, through the sacraments, Tradition, the Holy Bible, and through the witnesses of the saints.

The Holy Spirit is also recognized symbolically through: water, fire, cloud and light [theophanies], the Seal, and the dove.

The Holy Spirit is present in salvation history at creation [Gen 1:2]. he appears to the Israelites as a cloud, pillar of fire, and fire falling from heaven. When God appears through these natural occurances, they are called theophanies. The Holy Spirit spoke through the prophets. By the power of the Holy Spirit Jesus is conceived of the Virgin Mary and anointed for his mission [Luke 3:21-22].

The Holy Spirit completes God the Father’s providential plan. Jesus Christ promised that the Holy Spirit would come and remina forever with His Church. Through the Church, he makes Jesus’ salvific work on the cross effective in our lives. As Sanctifier, he completes God’s plan of callin all people to the Fathers love [Romans 1:1-6].

A relationship with the Holy Spirit is necessary for all believers [Jude 17-21, 1 John 4:1-5].

Common Misunderstandings If you can not speak in tongues, then you are not filled with the Holy Spirit. Speaking in tongues is but one gift of the Spirit recognized by Sacred Scripture. There are many other gifts such as interpreting of tongues [which must be present at when someone is speaking in tongues], wisdom, interpretation of dreams. Paul also taught about the fruits of the spirit as LOVE, JOY, PEACE, PATIENCE, GOODNESS, FRIENDLINESS, FAITHFULNESS, GENTLENESS AND SELF CONTROL.

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