Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Hopefully, you were able to read my letter to the parish in the bulletin (also posted on our parish Facebook page) outlining the most recent changes to our virus-related protocols. Here is a quick summary in case you missed it:

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Since the bulletin must go to print by Tuesday morning (sometimes earlier), my weekly column may not reflect news and information that comes to light later in the week. By the time this week’s column goes to print, we will certainly have more guidance from our Bishop on face coverings/masks for parishes in our Diocese. I will communicate any new information via our website and Facebook page. Thank you again for your wonderful patience and understanding. We have such a great parish!

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

On May 6, the City of Aiken rescinded its mandatory requirement for masks in retail and commercial establishments, while not prohibit individual businesses from requiring them. Churches, as religious institutions, have been exempt; however, we have followed the lead of our Bishop, who has strongly encouraged many things for parishes, including especially face coverings since we gather a great number of people under one roof.

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Christ is risen! Truly, He is risen!

The great season of Easter continues for fifty days, giving us the vital opportunity to contemplate the radical meaning of the resurrection of Jesus Christ and what it means for each and every one of us. “If Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain. … If Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins” (1 Corinthians 15:14, 17). These words of St. Paul, written soon after Jesus’ passion, death, and resurrection, say it all. Eye-witnesses have passed on their personal testimony to us. We cannot remain unchanged.

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Traditionally, this Fourth Sunday of Easter is Good Shepherd Sunday. We need a guide in our troubled world. May we, as His sheep, always open our hearts and minds to the true paths laid out by our Good Shepherd.

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Christ is risen! Truly, He is risen! Alleluia! We continue the great season of Easter. Forty days of fast has given way to fifty days of feast. This celebration of the Resurrection of Christ will continue through Pentecost on May 23.

I wanted to briefly recap some of the major points of my recent letter regarding some changes to our virus-related protocols. (You can read the full letter on the homepage of our website.) First, please continue to wear your mask/ face covering while inside the body of the church. It should cover both your nose and mouth at the same time.

- Holy water is back! In a report released Feb. 21: The “CDC is not aware of any scientific reports of the virus that causes COVID-19 spreading to people through the water in pools, hot tubs, water playgrounds, or other treated aquatic venues.” Making the Sign of the Cross with holy water at the doors of our churches is a very long tradition, reminding us of our Baptism. A good prayer to say while doing it: “I have been washed in the Blood of the Lamb, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.” (Of course, if you are still uncomfortable, recall that it is not strictly necessary to exercise this devotion.)

I don’t say this lightly: Everything hinges on the fact of what we celebrate today. Everything.

In Jesus Christ, the eternal, Second Person of the Most Holy Trinity – God who is without beginning, without end – took human flesh in the womb of the Virgin Mary, was born in time, was scourged, died a horrible death in front of hundreds of onlookers, and was buried. Humanly speaking, that should’ve been the end.

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Palm Sunday is the beginning of Holy Week. These are the sacred days that define who we are as Christians – as disciples. Come, walk with Jesus in His final steps. Some spiritual advice: Don’t try to “find time” to attend these important events. You won’t “find” it. We must make time to spend with Him like we do with anyone we love. See the full schedule in this bulletin. Some highlights of the week:

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

“The practice of covering crosses and images throughout the church from this Sunday may be observed." 

We delve ever more deeply into our Lenten observance with a “fasting for the eyes.” Today, we veil crosses and images of Jesus and His Saints. Have we taken these images for granted? On Good Friday the Cross will be solemnly unveiled once more. Then at Easter, all veils will be removed as the Resurrection of Our Lord gives us renewed access to eternal, heavenly realities with unveiled eyes.

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Knowing human nature as well as she does, the Church gives us a few “breaks” during Lent to keep our spirits up and to encourage us to keep going.

The first break is today – Laetare (Rejoice) Sunday, the halfway point of our forty-day journey in the Lenten desert. This day takes its name from the opening words of the Mass’ introit: “Laetare, Jerusalem …” – “Rejoice, Jerusalem… Be joyful, all who were in mourning!” (From Isaiah 66:10-11).

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

First, an update on the location of Perpetual Adoration: A couple of weeks ago, an electrical problem in Old St. Mary’s made it necessary for us to move Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament (back) to St. Claire Chapel. Thanks to everyone for your flexibility, and thank you for taking the precautions necessary to allow us to continue Adoration during the pandemic, even in a smaller space. By the time you read this, repairs to Old St. Mary’s should have begun. We hope to have our beloved old church up and running again soon.