Outreach: Baptisms, 1st Eucharist for horse racetrack families
Spirited Times - September 2007 

By MARK T. HOSKE

Church of the Holy Spirit outreach ministers welcomed families of workers from the Arlington Park Racetrack to celebrate Baptism and First Eucharist on Aug. 26.  The special Sunday evening celebrations followed months of preparation and included the Baptism of six children and the First Communion of 40 children and youth.

Rosi Viquez, who coordinated the religious education and sacramental preparation programs, said Church of the Holy Spirit begins this outreach effort every year after Memorial Day.  Luis and Ludivina Trevino coordinate a weekly Sunday evening Mass in the backstretch area, where the families live during the summer months.

Jane Whitford, a parish volunteer, said the kids really want to learn and are excited about receiving Eucharist.

“This instills a sense of home for them,” Jane said, “because they understand that they are brothers and sisters, welcome wherever they go. It provides a sense of belonging, the universal appeal of scripture,” knowing they’re part of a worldwide family.