Parish Blog

O Holy Night!

12-25-2022Pastor's LetterRev. Gregory B.Wilson, VF

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

If you are visiting with us, welcome! The Christmas Masses often bring many visitors to our parish, especially family members and friends of parishioners. We pray you find a warm welcome from our family of St. Mary’s Parish and School. I invite all visitors and parishioners to receive our free gift, the book Holy Moments by Matthew Kelly, as you leave Mass. It will deepen your faith, hope, and love. Special thanks go to our generous anonymous donor, who has made the gift of this book possible.

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A Challenge to Help our Children Excel

12-18-2022Pastor's LetterRev. Gregory B.Wilson, VF

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

We are in the midst of a 120-Day Million Dollar Challenge, and pledges have been coming in already as I write this! Since the holidays create accelerated deadlines for this bulletin, I am writing this column only a couple of days after we introduced the challenge at Masses. I will be providing updates on our progress as soon as I can get them to you.

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The 120-Day Million Dollar Challenge

12-11-2022Pastor's LetterRev. Gregory B.Wilson, VF

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

This weekend at the 11:00am and 1:00pm Masses, we make our final farewell to Fr. Francisco as he leaves us to become pastor of Our Lady of Lourdes in Greenwood. In his over two years with us, he has become part of our St. Mary’s family. He won’t be far away, and I’m sure he’ll enjoy a visit from you.

On December 19, we give a very warm St. Mary’s welcome to Fr. Orlando Serrano. Please see a personal note from him below. Welcome, Father Orlando!

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Immaculate Mary

12-04-2022Pastor's LetterRev. Gregory B.Wilson,VF

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

As Advent begins to get into full swing, we come to the truly beautiful Holy Day of Obligation, the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, this Thursday, Dec 8. Love means that we joyfully fulfill certain obligations – things we must do. But, it is an obligation fulfilled in joy. People who are married know this! Catholics out of love not only are obliged to participate at Holy Mass all Sundays but also a very few Holy Days.

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Saying Farewell

11-27-2022Pastor's LetterRev. Gregory B.Wilson,VF

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

As you have likely heard by now, Fr. Francisco has received a new assignment from our Bishop. Effective Dec 15, Fr. Francisco will be the new pastor of Our Lady of Lourdes parish in Greenwood. This is what every priest prepares for, so we are immensely happy for Father. At the same time, we are, of course, sad to see him move on.

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Jesus Christ Our Eucharistic King

11-20-2022Pastor's LetterRev. Gregory B.Wilson,VF

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

First, please note that there will be no 5:00pm Sunday Mass today (Nov. 20), due to the Eucharistic Procession, so please plan accordingly.
Below, please find a summary of our recent Strategic Plan initiative by Parish Council chair, Liz Stewart. God bless! – Father Wilson

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Your Parish Council worked on facilitating a Strategic Plan for the Parish for almost a year. We are now at the most exciting stage – Implementation. Let’s look at how we got here and where we are going.

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Black Catholic History Month

11-13-2022Pastor's LetterRev. Gregory B.Wilson,VF

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

November is Black Catholic History Month. “The presence and contributions of African Catholics range from the earliest centuries of the Catholic Church to the present. … Let Catholics from all the nations of the world rejoice in the Gospel and the gifts presented by members of every race who bear the name of Catholic.” (from an article by Fr. Raymond Petrucci) Let us help each other as brothers and sisters in one faith to create a glimpse of heaven, the “great multitude, which no one could count, from every nation, race, people, and language. They stood before the throne and before the Lamb” (Rev. 7:9).

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A Flurry of Activity

11-06-2022Pastor's LetterRev. Gregory B.Wilson,VF

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

November is a busy month! Here are several updates for you:

More and more hearing aids today are equipped with Bluetooth technology, allowing users to control their hearing aids even through an app on their phone. We are in the process of installing the necessary devices which will allow those with this technology to stream audio directly through our church’s sound system. Once installed, we will offer training sessions and other information on how to connect wirelessly through your smartphone. Stay tuned for more information very soon. As you hopefully know, since the 1950s, St. Mary’s has owned Calvary Cemetery at 1255 University Lane here in Aiken. I wanted to make you aware of some improvements happening there. First, we have installed new, concrete curbing throughout the main drive of the cemetery. Also, we are preparing to open up more of the usable land we have, which will make the area even more beautiful. Finally, in December, a columbarium for cremated remains will be added. 

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For All the Saints

10-30-2022Pastor's LetterRev.GregoryB.Wilson,VF

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

I’ve been so encouraged by those of you who have pledged to help build the new Science and Engineering Academy wing for our school. As of this past Monday morning, we have 87 pledges totaling $5,307,070. Wow! In order to receive diocesan approval to begin, we need about $1,500,000 more to make our goal. We can do that with your help! This parish has always outdone expectations in generosity. Please prayerfully consider a gift for the future of our children. Also, if you have any questions or concerns at all, please contact our team, who can help:

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The Power of the Cross

10-23-2022Pastor's LetterRev.GregoryB.Wilson,VF

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Don’t forget! This Sunday (October 23) immediately following the 11am Mass, we are excited to present to you the survey results for our Parish Strategic Plan, which you are helping to create. Please join us in St. Angela Hall a little after noon. Ultimately, the Strategic Plan is all about how best to proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ and how to nurture this in ourselves as the parish of St. Mary Help of Christians.

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This and That

10-16-2022Pastor's LetterRev.GregoryB.Wilson,VF

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Please mark your calendars for some wonderful upcoming events:

- The results are in!  The information you provided over the last few months for our Parish Strategic Plan has been compiled.  Join us October 23 in St. Angela Hall at 12:15pm (immediately following the 11:00am Mass) as our Parish Pastoral Council presents the findings. Remember that this is not the end; it is only the beginning as these results will generate more ideas and help direct our beloved parish as we go forward. One finding that I thought was particularly interesting is that, overwhelmingly, parishioners would like more opportunities to gather and socialize.  This is such an important part of our faith – to help each other in our faith by connecting with others who share this same divine faith.

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Life is Worth Living

10-09-2022Pastor's LetterRev. Gregory B. Wilson, VF

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Regarding the future Science and Engineering Academy wing of our St. Mary’s School, thanks so much to our parish families who have pledged. With just a few, we now have an incredible $5,166,400 of our $6,900,000 goal! Two factors will close this gap and allow us to break ground on schedule: 1) The probability that some construction costs may be coming down; and 2) Your generous pledge. Our Diocese will allow us to begin once we have half the planned cost covered in cash and the rest in pledges, and we are very close. Thank you for your help!

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Respect Life Month

10-02-2022Pastor's LetterRev. Gregory B. Wilson, VF

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

We are so sorry, but the Blessing of the Animals had to be cancelled this year due a scheduling conflict. Don’t worry — St. Francis will still pray for and bless your dear furry friends!

Every year, the Church dedicates October as Respect Life Month. We take this month to spread awareness of the dignity of every human person and God’s call to cherish and protect life from conception to natural death. Let us be mindful of the great gift of life that we have been given and use it to serve God and neighbor. #berespectfulofalllife

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