God Mounts His Throne

05-29-2022Pastor's LetterRev. Gregory B. Wilson, VF

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
What does heaven look like? “I had a vision of a 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). The month of May has been busy! In the past several weeks, both here at St. Mary’s and in our diocese with the ordination of our new bishop, we have had a magnificent glimpse of the biblical vision of heaven. What a blessing to experience such an incredible blend of languages, races, music, and peoples from all over the world who make up our one, universal Church.

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Looking to the Future

05-22-2022Pastor's LetterRev. Gregory B. Wilson, VF

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

For several weeks now, our parish council has been working diligently to gather data for a parish strategic plan. Our mission is clear, one which Jesus Himself gives us and which I mentioned in my column last week: “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:19-20).

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Successor to the Apostles

05-15-2022Pastor's LetterRev. Gregory B. Wilson, VF

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

As of the feast of Our Lady of Fatima, we joyfully welcome our new bishop! Bishop Jacques Fabre was ordained and installed as the Fourteenth Bishop of Charleston on May 13. Through the rite of ordination, Bishop Fabre joins the ranks of the successors to the Apostles. The main part of the ordination rite is the ancient laying on of hands and the prayer of ordination. With roots in the Old Testament for commissioning priests, this was taken up by the Apostles in the New Testament to commission their successors, and it has continued unbroken for 2,000 years. Please pray for our new bishop. If you get the opportunity, perhaps send him a card of congratulations and assure him of your prayers.

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Bring Flowers to the Fairest

05-01-2022Pastor's LetterRev. Gregory B. Wilson, VF

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

It’s back! After a two year hiatus, this Sunday marks the return of one of our parish’s beloved traditions: Our annual May Procession and Parish Picnic.

Even if you attend the 5:00pm Saturday or 8:30am Sunday Mass this weekend, come back to join your parish family for the May Crowning and Parish Picnic. The 11:00am, 1:00pm, and 5:00pm Sunday Masses this Sunday (May 1) are being combined into one bilingual Mass at 11:30am. This Mass will be followed by a procession with a statue of our Blessed Mother down Park Ave and back where we will solemnly crown the image of Mary to the left of the altar. All are encouraged to bring flowers from home to leave at Mary’s feet!

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