Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Don’t forget to stop into St. Angela Hall after whichever Mass you attend this weekend and receive more information and answers to any questions you might have about our new Science and Engineering Academy wing of our St. Mary’s School. With the generosity of a few, we have already covered well over two-thirds of the 6.9 million total cost. With your generosity added, we will reach our goal.

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

From time to time, opportunities arise for you and me to effect change on a more monumental level. Such an opportunity has arisen here at St. Mary’s for our school, and I would like to invite you to join your fellow parishioners in making history.

St. Mary’s has been educating young minds since 1900, thanks to our past cherished religious Sisters. Our current parish school and its facilities were opened in September of 1955. Since then, we have had a modest expansion of its buildings, which have served us incredibly well over these past sixty-seven years. We continue to improve and maintain these important structures. However, state-of-the-art robotics, computer coding, and cyber security were not even words back in 1955, and so these buildings are woefully inadequate for our future needs.

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) began last Tuesday, September 6, but there is still time for you to join. In case you are not familiar with RCIA, it is a series of classes for those interested in joining the Catholic Church, or for those interested in learning more. We meet on Tuesday nights, 6:00 to 7:30pm in Mother Teresa Hall (located in the rose garden on the north side of the church) from now until Easter. Our classes take time to explore the Catholic faith in its depth and beauty. RCIA is also for those Catholic adults who did not receive Confirmation and/or First Holy Communion, and for others who may have been away from their faith and need a “refresher.” If you know someone interested, please invite them with the words of Jesus Himself, “Come and see!” There is no obligation, just an opportunity to learn more and deepen your faith. For more information, please contact Mary Ellen Jackson at 803-642-2676, or mjackson@charlestondiocese.org .

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

First, a few weeks ago, with great joy we prepared to send off Stasia Pierce from our parish to join the Northern Province of the Carmelite Sisters of the Divine Heart of Jesus. Unfortunately, due to the sudden death of the Order’s novice mistress (the Sister in charge of forming new Sisters), Stasia had to return home. Stasia is now praying fervently about where God might lead her, and we, of course, join our prayers with hers. God’s plan for our lives is not always easily discernable; but He still has one. It is true that when the Lord closes a door, somewhere He opens a window. In the meantime, Stasia is loved by so many and brings great joy where she goes. Please pray for Stasia and for all those discerning a religious vocation, especially from our parish.

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
First, a reminder that next Monday, September 5, is Labor Day. As for all civic holidays, the daily Mass in Old St. Mary’s will move to 9:00am. Also, of course, the parish office will be closed. Have a fun and safe Labor Day weekend!

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Well, school is back in full swing! Please pray for all of our students as they embark upon another year of learning. May Christ the Divine Teacher inspire all teachers in their vital vocation. Here is a fitting prayer you can offer for all students: Lord our God, in your wisdom and love you surround us with the mysteries of the universe. Send, we pray, your Spirit upon our students, and fill them with your wisdom and blessings. Grant that they may devote themselves to their studies and draw ever closer to you, the source of all knowledge. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

In a normal year, Monday, August 15 would be a Holy Day of Obligation – the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. But this is one of three of our Holy Days that, when falling on a Monday (or Saturday), the U.S. Bishops have dispensed from the obligation to attend Mass. However, dear friends in Christ, it is still an ancient and holy day, and I encourage you to come to Mass at 5:30pm in Old St. Mary’s as we celebrate the glorious Assumption of Mary.

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
This Thursday, August 11, is the feast day of St. Clare of Assisi. Daily Mass at 5:30pm this day will have special music. Our parish has a close connection to this marvelous holy woman through our Ste Claire Chapel (which you might notice uses the French spelling of the name.)

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, The month of August seems to come out of nowhere, and we suddenly realize we are firmly in the second half of 2022. Along with the advent of August comes the return to school for our children. We still need about three more volunteers to help teach our Sunday morning religious education classes (CCD).

Please contact Mary Ellen Jackson to help at 803-642-2676, or mjackson@charlestondiocese.org 

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Upon entering the church last Sunday, you will have undoubtedly noticed the scaffolding in the sanctuary around the altar canopy. There is nothing wrong. Nothing is broken and the roof is not leaking. In fact, it means something is right! Due to some generous donations from parishioners, we are finally able to add another piece of art that was originally planned for the church. Within the half-dome above the altar canopy, we are adding the image of the Holy Spirit dove, painted by our resident artist and parishioner, Alice Judd. This is a very ancient and universal symbol above the altars of many Catholic churches, including at the very apex of the apse in Old St. Mary’s.

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Upon looking at the bulletin this weekend, you will have immediately noticed our new and improved format. Cleaner lines and multicolored headings help to make it easier to find the information you need. The weekly calendar called “The Week Ahead” has returned, highlighting various activities and their locations. To make reading and finding information even easier, we have given English and Spanish language their own sections. Please be patient as any change is always challenging at first; but we hope you will like our new design.

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

“We want to start a fire, not a program.” Bishop Andrew Cozzens

As I mentioned in an earlier column, a time of National Eucharistic Revival was launched on the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ, or Corpus Christi. The first year invites us to what Pope Francis has described as “a renewed personal encounter with Jesus Christ” – particularly the transforming power and mercy of Jesus in the Holy Eucharist. Each Diocese will offer events that encourage the faithful to grow in their understanding and devotion to Christ in the Eucharist, complemented by online formation and resources that will raise up Eucharistic Missionaries at all levels of the Church!

Why Now? Because the Church needs healing. And the world needs the Church. Scandal, division, disease, doubt… The Church has withstood each of these throughout our very human history. But today we confront all of them, all at once. Our response in this moment is pivotal.

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

On Monday, July 4, our nation celebrates Independence Day. Daily Mass is moved to 9am. We will be celebrating a Votive Mass of the Immaculate Conception since the Blessed Virgin Mary is the patroness of our country under this title. Also, join us beginning at 8am for a Holy Hour for our nation, which will include Adoration of the Most Blessed Sacrament, a special rosary for the United States, and Benediction before Mass at 9am.