Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
“He must increase; I must decrease.” – St. John 3:30
Before continuing with our Ordinary – or numbered – Time, we pause to celebrate the Solemnity of the Nativity of St. John the Baptist. Generally, the Church only celebrates the birth into heaven of Saints, i.e., their day of death. But in fact, there are three earthly birthdays – or nativities – that we celebrate: Jesus at Christmas (of course), the Blessed Virgin Mary (Sept. 8), and today (June 24), St. John the Baptist.
READ MOREDear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
It has been fifteen years since the implementation of the "Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People" in the United States. Our diocesan newspaper, The Catholic Miscellany, reported the results of the most recent audit conducted between July 1, 2016, and June 30, 2017, by the independent auditor StoneBridge Business Partners. I thought it an opportune time to comment on our efforts here in the Diocese of Charleston and St. Mary's parish in particular to ensure the safest environment possible for our young people and vulnerable adults.
READ MOREDear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
This past Wednesday was our final school Mass for the academic year and also the final school Mass for our retiring principal, Mrs. Marguerite "Peggy" Wertz. We have been extremely blessed to have the leadership of Mrs. Wertz these many years. Saint Mary's School has flourished under her capable guidance. I am personally grateful to Mrs. Wertz not only for her expert hand in forming our children in faith and knowledge, but also for staying a whole year past the time she planned to retire in order for us to find the best successor. So, let's all give a collective, "Thank you, Mrs. Wertz!"
READ MOREDear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Welcome to our summer seminarian, Rafael Ghattas! Rafa is entering 2nd year theology at St. Mary's Seminary in Houston, Texas. Rafa's home parish is St. Andrew's in Myrtle Beach. Be sure to give him a warm St. Mary's welcome when you see him!
"This is my Body… This is my Blood of the covenant" (Mark 14:22, 24). "My Flesh is true food, and my Blood is true drink." (John 6:54-55).
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