Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
I have been rather amazed at the blatant irresponsibility of various news sources reporting on just one of many recent deliberations of our U.S. Catholic Bishops. The Conference voted to draft a teaching document with help from the Vatican on the centrality of the Eucharist in the life of all the Catholic faithful. It is indeed sad that some have chosen to read things through a political lens, and not through the eyes of faith. We absolutely must be a people driven by the Holy Spirit, and not by rumors, speculation, or our own agendas. If one is searching for a fight, he or she will always find it.
Below are some excerpts from a recent interview by Our Sunday Visitor with Bishop Kevin Rhoades, chair of the U.S. bishops’ Committee on Doctrine, which explains things well:
READ MOREDear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Father Francisco continues to be away on a well-deserved vacation, visiting his family in Mexico. He will be away through July 11th. We pray that he has a relaxing and Holy Spirit-filled time. While he’s away, we welcome the help of our retired priest-in-residence, Msgr. Willie. Thank you for offering Msgr. Willie such a warm welcome to St. Mary’s.
READ MOREDear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Saying “Thank you” is far too little for all the amazing love and support so many of you showed last weekend. I am extraordinarily blessed to celebrate twenty years of priesthood. I’m doubly blessed to celebrate it here with the wonderful people of St. Mary’s parish. From the bottom of my heart, thank you and may God bless you!
READ MOREDear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
This Wednesday on June 9, by the grace of God I will give thanks for twenty years as a priest. It doesn’t escape my notice that half of my priesthood has been spent here with you, the wonderful people of St. Mary’s! Our parish staff has graciously arranged a little reception following the 5pm Mass on Saturday, June 5, in the rose garden and Mother Teresa Hall. (Rain location is St. Angela Hall.)
READ MOREDear 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:
READ MOREDear 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!
READ MOREDear 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.
READ MOREDear 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.
READ MOREDear 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.
READ MOREDear 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.)
READ MOREI 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.
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