Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

In order to get this column into the bulletin, it has to be done very early. So, at the moment of writing this, I do not have an update on the status of our Bicentennial Campaign. Hopefully, you received a mailing last week that explains the campaign in more detail and includes a pledge card. This week, you may receive a follow-up call from a parish volunteer to see if we can answer any questions you might have. Remember, you can pledge over five years and nothing is legally binding. Also know that due to the special circumstances of the pandemic, truly no gift is too small. Like Jesus’ story of the widow’s mite (Mark 12:41– 44), the true value of any gift is based on the sacrifice of the giver. This campaign is genuinely a good thing for the people of both the diocese and our parish, which receives half of all gifts. You can also donate online. Just click on our Bicentennial Campaign banner.

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Last week I mentioned that since mid-May, all the parishes of our diocese have been making in-person Mass available. No case of COVID-19 has been contracted by attending Mass at any parish in the diocese – praise God.

During this time, Mass attendance has been gradually increasing. Since July the Bishop has allowed up to 50% capacity provided that we can maintain social distance. That means that St. Mary’s is able to exceed 200 people. Those living under the same roof do not need to socially distance, so we are able to seat more people. As of yet, we have not had to send anyone to our overflow at 5 pm Sat., 11 am Sun. or 12:30 pm Sun.

A reminder that this Sunday we will begin singing again at Mass. This has not resulted in people contracting the coronavirus from attending Mass at other parishes. Of course, we will keep our masks on and sing at a normal, i.e., not elevated, volume. Recall from last week’s column that most people do not sing hymns like professional singers, so the number of droplets produced by “regular” people like you and me (according to the most recent studies with people singing with masks) is not more dangerous than regular talking. We are pro-life, and would never do something to recklessly endanger human life.

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Since mid-May, St. Mary’s parish, along with all the parishes of our diocese and our neighboring diocese, have been making in-person Mass available. Thanks are to God, no one has contracted COVID-19 by attending Mass. Also, almost without exception, the other parishes have been doing at least some singing. Again, this has not resulted in people contracting the disease from attending Mass, and they have been doing this for nearly five months. With this in mind, we plan to resume some singing at Mass (still with masks on) beginning next Sunday, October 18.

Why is this safe? Most people in a congregation do not sing hymns with the gusto of an opera diva or even the controlled beauty of our wonderful cantors; so the number of droplets produced by “normal” people like you and me are (according to the most recent studies with people singing with masks,) not more dangerous than regular talking. We are pro-life and would never do something to recklessly endanger human life. So, let’s dip a toe into the water and “Make a joyful noise unto the Lord!” (Psalm 100)

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

My recent vacation and retreat were wonderfulopportunities both to relax and recharge. As most of youknow, perhaps my favorite way to unwind is a good, longhike. Over several days in western NC, I was able to clock inover 50 miles of trails with a combined elevation gain of over9,500ft. (If you’re not someone who enjoys hiking, all thatmeans is that I had a great time!) In all my Masses Iespecially remembered each of you and your personalintentions, offering them all up in the greatest possible act ofprayer – the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. As with any timeaway, it’s always wonderful to come home, and it’s great tosee your faces again! (Well, most of your head at least.)

Dear friends,

This week, September 29th (Tuesday) is the feast of the archangels, Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael. The liturgy celebrates the three archangels who are venerated in the tradition of the Church. The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches that “The existence of the spiritual, non-corporeal beings that Sacred Scripture usually calls “angels” is a truth of faith (#328).” Angels are immortal, pure, created spirits with intellect, and will. The name “angel” means servant or messenger of God. Angels are on a higher order than human beings as they have no bodies and do not depend on matter for their existence or activity. Archangels are one of the nine choirs of angels listed in the Bible. In ascending order, the choirs or classes are 1) Angels, 2) Archangels, 3) Principalities, 4) Powers, 5) Virtues, 6) Dominions, 7) Thrones, 8) Cherubim, and 9) Seraphim. The angelic hierarchy provides a sense of order, progress, and ascent in how God’s infinite knowledge establishes and maintains the order and beauty of creation.

Dear friends,

As we all know our pastor, Father Wilson has been away on vacation for a few weeks and we are excited to know that he is returning this Friday, September 25th. We have been praying for Father Wilson’s fruitful retreat and wishing him a restful break. May God bless him and bring him back home safely.

This week, September 21st (Monday) is the feast of St. Matthew, apostle and evangelist. In today’s Gospel (Matthew 9:9-13) we have a short account of Jesus’ call of Matthew, a tax collector. Jesus called him out of his daily work to a life of discipleship. I cannot hear the account of the calling of Matthew without thinking of the famous painting by Michelangelo Caravaggio painted at the end of the 16th century. This painting is still in display in the church of San Luigi dei Francesi in Rome.

The painting depicts a particular moment, that is, the seconds before Matthew’s decision. What will Matthew say when Jesus says, “follow me”? Undoubtedly, this was a dramatic call and yet Matthew got up and followed the Lord. The painting not only depicts the calling of Matthew but also our calling, as Jesus is inviting us daily to follow Him. Jesus comes to us in the midst of our everyday work, in the daily challenges of life. Christ is calling us to holiness. He is calling us to follow in His footsteps. How will I respond?

Dear friends,

I want to take this opportunity to say, “thank you” for your warmest welcome. I am truly blessed to be part of the St. Mary’s family. I also want to thank you for all your prayers and especially for praying for me while I was sick with COVID-19. Your prayers worked!

It all started in Mexico while visiting family in the middle of July. I wasn't able to breathe and it just got worse after that. I really thought I was not going to make it, but God had other plans for me. Let us pray for all of those who are struggling with this horrible virus that they may not lose hope and that God may heal them. Prayer is one of the most powerful weapons God has given us. Remember, Jesus Himself would often slip away to pray.

This week we celebrate the feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, also known as “The Triumph of the Cross.” According to tradition, early in the fourth century, St. Helena, the mother of Emperor Constantine, went to Jerusalem to excavate the Holy Sepulcher and discovered the True Cross. Holy Cross day is a day which honors and commemorates the sacrifice that Jesus Christ made on the cross for our salvation.

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

First, a reminder about scammers using the names of priests and parish staff: Some parishioners continue to get texts or emails claiming to be me, our school principal, or another trusted member of St. Mary’s parish. The scammers always ask for money in the form of iTunes gift cards or something similar. They even say things like, “I’m going into a meeting, so don’t call me. Just reply to this email” (or text). Please know that no one from St. Mary’s will ever ask you for funds like this. If you’re unsure, do nothing until you speak directly to the person you are trying to help. The scammers troll through our bulletin and website to get phone numbers and emails from volunteers or others. There isn’t much we can do to stop them since it is often someone overseas. Please pray for these unfortunate, deceitful people.

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

For a while now, we have resumed regular confessions, but in a different location. Since at present we are not able to utilize the confessionals, we have been using the Waters Conference Room in St. Michael Hall. Confession times are: Mon., Tue., Thurs., and Fri. 4:45-5:15pm (before the daily Mass); and Saturday 3:30-4:30pm. “Though your sins be like scarlet, they shall become white as snow” (Isaiah 1:18). Our Lord died and rose to bring us this Sacrament. Let us run to receive His free gift of loving forgiveness.

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

We pray in a special way for our parishioner, Anastasia (Stasia) Pierce, who is heading off to discern a calling to religious life with the Little Sisters of the Poor. Originally, the Congregation planned for her internship to be in Delaware; however, this has changed to their house in Mobile, Alabama. I’m certain she’d love to hear from you. Drop her a note and let her know you are praying for her. If all goes well, Stasia will enter as a postulant for the Congregation in the fall of 2021. Her address is Stasia Pierce, Sacred Heart Residence, 1655 McGill Avenue, Mobile, Alabama, 36604. The Little Sisters of the Poor are a truly remarkable international congregation of women religious serving the elderly poor in over thirty countries around the world. May God bless their important work!

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

This weekend, we give a very warm welcome to our new parochial vicar, Fr. Francisco Oñate-Vargas. In answer to a popular question, Father says that he prefers to be called “Father Francisco.” Over the next couple of weeks, Father will be rotating through the Masses. Although current safety precautions keep us from giving our warmest welcome, I know the great people of St. Mary’s will find a way to make Fr. Francisco feel our joy to have him here with us in Aiken!

While you were out… Our stained glass windows continue to arrive even in the midst of the pandemic. Although the church is not open as usual during the day (so that the church remains sanitized for Masses), I hope you will be able to come around Mass times to enjoy our three newest windows: The Crucifixion, The Resurrection, and The Ascension Into Heaven. (Many thanks go especially to our remarkably generous donor!)

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

To all of our dear friends who keep up with Holy Mass virtually/on-line, please know how much we miss you! Personally, I never realized until now the tremendous value of something so small as a simple handshake and “Hello!” at the door of the church after Mass. We are doing our very best to keep our parishioners at home connected until we can all safely be together again. Help us keep you connected!

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

In the midst of this present pandemic, some people wonder if all our precautions are worth it. It’s sometimes difficult to persevere with no particular designated end if we don’t seem to have evidence that it affects us personally. To that end, I beg you to persevere. Many of you have told me of loved ones and even parishioners who have contracted the disease caused by the coronavirus. Please note that these cases were not contracted from attending Mass here at St. Mary’s. So far, they have been homebound, loved ones in nursing homes, or beloved relatives who live elsewhere. However, this is the reason we have the precautions we have.