Holy Spirit Roman Catholic Parish was established in April 17, 1973. On this date, the Diocese of Phoenix bought a plot of land for a church and a  priest’s residence. Reverend Bernard Colton was appointed the first Pastor and given permission by Marcos de Niza High School to hold services in the drama room. The first Mass was held on Palm Sunday in 1973, and approximately 50 people were present. Daily Masses were held in the garage of the priest’s residence. In less than a year, the parish had grown to 300 registered families. The congregation had to move out of the drama room into the gymnasium of the high school.

Plans for development of a permanent building for worship, classrooms, and social activities for the parish began, and a building committee was appointed. Reverend Michael O’Grady became Pastor in November 1974. By early 1975 the plans were completed and Bishop Edward A. McCarthy granted permission to proceed with the project.

In May, 1975, a Mass and groundbreaking ceremony were held on the vacant lot. On July 4, 1976, the first Mass was held in the first church building. Actual dedication of the church by Bishop James S. Rausch was held on May 29, 1977, for the 1,100 registered families.

By 1984, it became apparent that the worship space was inadequate. The liturgy committee met with liturgical design experts and one was hired to redesign the church. The altar was moved out on a platform and a new back drop was designed and built to display the cross. New lighting was installed and new sanctuary furniture built.  On July 1, 1991, Reverend John Hanley was assigned as Pastor. The present church was built in 2001 as a result  of the Vision 2000 Building Program. The first Mass was celebrated on Christmas Day, 2001. Dedication of the building by Bishop Thomas J. O’Brien took place on Pentecost, 2002. In 2003, the parish administration building was completed. The community center was renovated and made available for parish and outside events by January, 2004. Reverend John Hanley remained Pastor for fifteen years and retired in June of 2006.

Father Thomas J. Hallsten was assigned as Parochial Administrator in July of 2006.
Holy Spirit Parish currently has 1624 registered families.