Keeping You Close

03-29-2020Pastor's LetterFather Gregory Wilson

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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Joy In

03-22-2020Pastor's LetterFather Gregory Wilson

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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We're Still Diciples - Don't Panic

03-15-2020Pastor's LetterFr. Wilson

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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Our Soul Waits for the Lord

03-08-2020Pastor's LetterFather Gregory Wilson

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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Become Holy = Become a Saint

03-01-2020Pastor's LetterFather Gregory Wilson

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Hopefully, by now, we have all thought of some ways to enter deeply into this gift of Lent. If you’re still wondering how to observe Lent the best way possible this year, or if you totally forgot, it’s not too late! Start today. Think of it as quality, not quantity. In the Gospel passage for Ash Wednesday, Jesus outlined three things we could do: prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. I always encourage people to pick one thing from each category and do each of them well. In terms of prayer, the holy rosary is always a good choice. Or even better, commit to a weekly or bi-weekly holy hour in Ste Claire Chapel in front of Jesus in the Most Blessed Sacrament. Best of all prayer, consider daily Mass (in addition to Sunday, of course) two or three times a week. In the end, whatever you choose, if you stop what you are doing and get busy with the affairs of God, giving Him your time, you can hardly go wrong.

Recently, someone posted tips on how to fast, attributed to Pope Francis. These things are a sure path to becoming holy / a saint, which is the goal of everyone since only saints are in heaven. I’ve included those tips at the end of my column.

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Forty Days of Honesty

02-23-2020Pastor's LetterFather Gregory Wilson

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Into the desert, with Christ, we go. The holy season of Lent arrives this week with the celebration of Ash Wednesday. There is something special about Lent as we embark upon a deep, honest reflection about the state of our spiritual lives. Alone it’s hard, but together as the Body of Christ, we find the strength to go deeper.

First, some basic reminders: All Catholics over the age of 14 onwards abstain from meat on Ash Wednesday and all Fridays of Lent. (That’s right folks, there’s no upper age exemption for abstinence from meat!) Also, Catholics from the age of 18 to 59 fast at least on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. The Church defines this fast as one full meal for the day, as well as two smaller portions were taken for strength that together is not equal to a full meal. (Those for whom fasting is not advisable are exempt. Such people should look for other ways to do equivalent penance.)

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Faith Seeking Understanding

02-16-2020Pastor's LetterFather Gregory Wilson

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Some may recall that I was originally scheduled to be the chaplain for a trip to Ireland in May for the Diocese of Charleston’s 200th anniversary. Unfortunately, I will not be able to go on this trip. However, I still encourage people to go and celebrate our history through the life of our first bishop, John England. More information can be found on the website of the Diocese at charlestondiocese.org.

It’s not uncommon for us to question, and doubts are sometimes part of our life of faith. After all, St. Thomas Aquinas wrote copious volumes with this in mind. A century before him, a brilliant philosopher named St. Anselm took as his motto, “Faith Seeking Understanding.” The Church’s history is brimming with some of the brightest intellects ever born, who made the critical study of the faith and science their life-long passion: Augustine, Roger Bacon, Duns Scotus, Pascal, Jean-Baptiste Lamarck, Gregor Mendel, Edith Stein, Georges Lemaître, and Elizabeth Anscombe, to name a few. “On the basis that God is a God of reason and love, Catholics have defended the irreducibility of the human person to matter, the principle that created beings can be genuine causes of their own actions, free will, the role of the virtues in happiness, objective good and evil, natural law and the principle of non-contradiction. These principles have had an incalculable influence on intellectual life and culture.” (Fr. Andrew Pinsent, May 6, 2011)

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Becoming a Better Disciple

02-09-2020Pastor's LetterFather Wilson

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, It’s always hard to believe how quickly Lent seems to arrive, but it will soon be upon us in just over two weeks. I have always deeply appreciated this special time that helps remind us of our true purpose as disciples of Jesus Christ. Lent becomes a time to turn away from our selfishness and refocus on the most important thing: God. It’s not too early to begin thinking about what we might add in prayer and penance so that when Ash Wednesday arrives (February 26), we can hit the spiritual ground running.

One of the best ways to begin your Lenten journey is with this year’s Parish Mission, which begins the night of Ash Wednesday and runs through the evening of Friday, February 28. This year we are planning to make the Mission part of a Forty Hours devotion, a special forty-hour-ish period of continuous prayer made before the Blessed Sacrament. By coming before Jesus, truly present in the Most Blessed Sacrament, we will begin our Lent in the best way possible – focused on Jesus Christ. Jesus went into the desert for forty days, which is what Lent is based upon. It is also the root of the Forty Hours devotion. You will be encouraged to sign up with your fellow parishioners for some time of Adoration. (Those who already have an hour in Ste Claire Chapel will come over during their hour to Old Saint Mary’s.)

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Living Stones

02-02-2020Pastor's LetterFather Gregory Wilson

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

“The anniversary of a church’s dedication is celebrated with the rank of a solemnity.” – Roman Pontifical, Rite of Dedication of a Church, 27.

In a typical year, we move the celebration of the dedication of our parish church to the closest Sunday. In the Church’s liturgical calendar, the anniversary of the dedication of a parish church is considered so important for the local community, it even takes the place of a Sunday in Ordinary Time. However, every few years the date of our dedication – February 2 – falls on a Sunday. Thus, in addition to our celebration of the consecration of St. Mary’s, we also celebrate the great feast of the Presentation of the Lord in the Temple, a.k.a., Candlemas. (Keep in mind, our feast was celebrated long, long before we Americans came up with “Groundhog Day”!)

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Catholic Schools Week

01-26-2020Pastor's LetterCharlene Krushinsky, M.Ed., Principal

Dear Parishioners,

Today marks the beginning of a national week-long celebration of Catholic schools. So, Fr. Wilson asked if I could share a few thoughts with you about the need and importance of Catholic schools.

Our world has embraced Christ’s love for His people for over 2,000 years and this gift of our Faith has been carried out in Catholic schools from one generation to the next. Simply put - Catholic schools exist to introduce students to Jesus Christ.

More importantly, Catholic schools teach children to grow in their relationship with Jesus through prayer, celebrating the Sacraments, Scripture, and catechesis.

Our forefathers were faced with a dominant culture that was hostile to their values. The Catholic community in America built schools that allowed their children to grow in knowledge and faith – as good Catholics and good Americans. And with sweat, resolve, and prayer, these immigrants built the largest system of private schools the world had ever seen. For over 300 years, the Catholic community in the United States has championed our schools. And today, we bear the good fruit they planted.

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Giving God Our Time

01-19-2020Pastor's LetterFather Gregory Wilson

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

This Wednesday, January 22, is a voluntary day of fasting and prayer for Respect for Human Life. All human beings are made in the image and likeness of God, regardless of age or even stage of development. God Himself revealed this by taking on human flesh in the Virgin Mary’s womb. There never was a time that His miraculous conception and gestation could have been considered “not human” or “not human yet.” Saint John the Baptist even leaped at the presence of Jesus, newly conceived, in the womb of his own mother, St. Elizabeth. In the words of Mother Teresa, “Any country that accepts abortion is not teaching its people to love, but to use any violence to get what they want. This is why the greatest destroyer of love and peace is abortion.” I personally have known many couples unable to have children, who want children and would make fantastic mothers and fathers. Children are wanted – never unwanted. It’s heartbreaking to know there is a home for a little girl or little boy if only we can give mothers and fathers considering ending the life of their unborn child a better choice – Life.

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Happy Rebirth Day!

01-12-2020Pastor's LetterFather Gregory Wilson

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

You may recall that back in November of 2018, a parish pilgrimage to the Holy Land was planned. The pilgrimage filled up almost immediately. It’s hard to believe but it’s now time to go! From January 15th through the 24th I will be accompanying thirty-four fellow parishioners to visit the land where God walked. We will see nearly all the places we hear about in the Scriptures. As I did when on sabbatical in 2015 when I began in the Holy Land, I am taking each of you with me spiritually and will be offering the Holy Mass for each of you and your intentions. Please pray for the safety of all on the trip; and please pray for peace in the Holy Land and the Middle East.

This weekend as we celebrate the Baptism of the Lord, we will begin some of the Masses with the Rite of Blessing and Sprinkling of Water, recalling our own Baptism when Christ washed us clean of original sin and incorporated into His Mystical Body. As the priest moves through the assembly sprinkling the blessed water on the people, the cantor will sing, “Sprinkle me with hyssop, O Lord and I shall be cleansed; wash me and I shall be whiter than snow” (Psalm 51:9). “This sprinkling with water is a visual reminder of Baptism (the foundational sacrament of all repentance) and the unique character of Sunday. Through the sacraments of Christian initiation, we die, are buried, and rise again with Christ: we thereby share in Christ’s victory over sin and death.” (Lawrence Johnson, The Mystery of Faith: A Study of the Structural Elements of the Order of the Mass, 1994.)

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Happy "Little Christmas"

01-05-2020Pastor's LetterFather Gregory Wilson

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Gratitude is always difficult to express completely in the written word; however, I will try. While we are still in the midst of this joyful Christmas season, I want to say from the bottom of my heart how grateful I am for all those who helped make our experience of Christmas so meaningful. Of course, you’ve noticed the work of our “elves” (that’s how they’ve asked me to refer to them), who worked so hard setting up trees, hanging wreaths, gathering greenery and more, in order to create a beautiful and festive atmosphere in our churches and chapel.

Also, our staff worked tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure all was perfectly in place. We have an army of volunteers, whose weapons are boundless generosity and kindness! They not only clean and prepare for Christmas, but also for every week. Often, we don’t think of the work that has to be done washing and pressing linens, cleaning pews, changing holy water fonts, and so much more.

Another layer of beauty in audible form is added through the wonderful and tireless work of the leaders and volunteers from our choirs. They prepare for hours so that we can have a few minutes of enjoyment. Ultimately, of course, they sing to praise God first.

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