Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

As things may easily change in five days since publishing this column, keep plugged into our website and Facebook pages for the very latest updates that affect our parish family life.

A spot of good news… We have a priest assigned to help “bridge the gap” until we can get an official parochial vicar. So, even while in the midst of this unusual time, we give a warm (virtual, perhaps) welcome to Fr. Filip (pronounced Phillip) Wodecki. Father Wodecki was ordained on December 28, 2011, at our Cathedral in Charleston and has served at various parishes throughout our diocese. Most recently he was helping in St. Gregory the Great parish in Bluffton. Father Filip Wodecki is in between assignments right now, so we are blessed to have some additional help. Welcome, Father Wodecki!

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Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

In addition to hiking, my other main hobby is doing a little gardening. If you’re like me, this time of year is usually a time of anticipation and excitement as gardeners everywhere begin fulfilling plans and making the more immediate preparations for spring planting.

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Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

As I’m sure you are aware, the spread of the new coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to be a topic of concern in our communities, and I have gotten several questions in reference to its spread and our parish life. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in Atlanta terms the spread of the virus a “rapidly evolving situation.” As disciples, we should, of course, not panic and take sensible precautions. A faithful disciple of Jesus Christ must be the example for others. We are still the light of the world, keeping unselfish love for others as our first standard.

Out of an abundance of caution, the Diocese continues to recommend liturgical accommodations for all parishes until such time as the coronavirus is no longer a threat. Of course, these measures will help curb the spread of the “regular” flu and cold as well, which is an added benefit. At Mass, we will continue to omit the giving of the Sign of Peace. We also have discontinued the distribution of the common chalices for now.

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Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

“Therefore, stay awake, for you know neither the day nor the hour.” – St. Matthew 25:13

It is with great sadness that I write to you about the death of Father Marcin Zahuta, pastor of St. Thomas More parish at the University of South Carolina in Columbia. He died suddenly last Sunday of complications from a stroke at the young age of 42. Father Marcin had been parochial vicar here at St. Mary’s, and I know many of you remember him well. As I write this column (Tuesday), funeral arrangements had not yet been completed, but I’m sure that by the time you read this, arrangements will have been made. We will get the word out as best we can for those who may wish to attend his funeral Mass. Please pray for the repose of his soul, for his family, for his parish, and for all who mourn his passing. Eternal rest grant unto Fr. Marcin, O Lord; and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace. Amen.

The parish mission and Forty Hours devotion was such a wonderful way to begin Lent! Many of you have continued to let me know how much you were enriched by those holy three days of opportunity to come to hear God’s voice and to put His will for you into action. We were truly blessed to have Elizabeth Ficocelli lead us in our mission. As always, a parish mission is just a beginning. Now, the ball is in your court. Our parish offers wonderful resources to help ever-deepen and inform our lives of faith. Take advantage of them. If you can’t think of any, I have three wonderful little words for you: read the bulletin!

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