The school was dedicated in 1963; predecessor schools date back to 1863. The high school division was added in 1995 and the first class graduated in 1999.
Sexual Misconduct Allegations
2009 Criminal Investigation
In November 2009, Tuscaloosa police arrested Holy Spirit's assistant football coach, Chip Ervin, for sexual misconduct with a 17-year-old student of the school and for the distribution of drugs to a minor.[4] The investigation, led by Sgt. Michael Caisson of the juvenile division, focused on crimes that Ervin committed during the fall semester of 2008.[4]
Sr. Elaine Sebera, a member of the Sisters of Mercy[6] and school principal at the time of the investigation, directed reporters' questions to diocesan officials who also declined to comment.[4]
2018 Diocesan Review
Bishop Robert Baker, about a year before his canonically required retirement,[7] published a list of all priests the church deemed credibly accused of sexual misconduct in the Diocese of Birmingham.[8]
The Holy Spirit website does not provide a list of former priests who have served the school.[9] However, there are no known claims against priests of that parish.
Holy Spirit suspended its varsity football program in 2019 citing low student interest and a lack of funding. According to AHSAA rules, the athletic program will not be allowed to have a varsity team until the 2022 school year.[12]
Football Reinstatement
As of 2022 Holy Spirit has reinstated their varsity football team.[13]
