by popadmin | May 23, 2021 | The Latest
My Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
The time will soon come when we may return to public worship without fear of the coronavirus, and so effective June 5, when we celebrate the feast of Corpus Christi, the general dispensation from the obligation to attend Sunday Mass will end.
Individual dispensation, for those who are still at risk of grave illness and for their caretakers, will remain in place. These include but are not limited to caring for the sick, homebound, or infirm, those who exhibit flu-like symptoms or who are in the high-risk category.
We closed our churches and schools in March 2020 because it was the responsible thing to do, and it was important to follow local, state, and national health ordinances. We were able to resume public worship with safety precautions in place in May, and our Catholic schools opened for in-person instruction in the fall. We have learned how to live with this virus and to find a way through it together.
I am grateful to all of you for the patience and generosity you demonstrated during this difficult year, and it is our goal to make public worship accessible to everyone while still providing options for distancing and safety. Because we will be dealing with it for many years to come, it is important for everyone 12 year of age or older receive the vaccinations which are now available, both for the health of our communities and our shared life in the faith. It is not sinful in any way to receive any of the three COVID-19 vaccines.
As Catholics, we attend Mass to gather as a community that believes in Christ Jesus, and especially to receive our Lord in the Most Holy Eucharist. It is the source and summit of the Christian faith and life. I pray that you and your family will be restored and nourished by returning to the Table of the Lord.
Please pray for your priests who have worked so diligently throughout this pandemic and know that my prayers remain with you and your families.
In the Lord’s Peace,
Most Reverend Robert E. Guglielmone, DD
Bishop of Charleston
At Prince of Peace Catholic Church, a live broadcast of the 10a OF Sunday Mass will be streamed to the PAC with Communion Service for those who are in extraordinary circumstances requiring strict social distancing and mask wearing. In some situations where technology fails, audio only may be offered with Communion Service. Both will fulfill the obligation to attend Mass.
by popadmin | May 23, 2021 | CIC Saint Writeups
26 May: Feast of Saint Philip Neri. Born in 1515, Philip Neri gave up material wealth at the age of 17 and chose to serve God instead of a career in business. He went to Rome and studied philosophy and theology until he thought his studies were interfering with his prayer life. He then threw away his books. After dark he would go to the catacombs to pray. One night, he felt a globe of light enter his mouth and sink into his heart. This gave him so much energy to serve God that he went out to work at the hospital of the incurables and starting speaking about God to everyone from beggars to bankers. Philip found the city of Rome suffering great spiritual deterioration due to ill effects of the Renaissance. Philip committed to re-evangelize Rome. He began with the youth. Philip did pilgrimages for children to keep them out of trouble. He took them to the seven churches of the city, talking all the way and opening their hearts with his joyful spirit. (The practice of pilgrimage to the seven churches is still followed, especially on Holy Thursday.) Philip also reached out to businessmen, giving talks on theology and religion, followed by prayers. These gatherings grew in great numbers. After his ordination into the priesthood, Philip remained a champion of the Faith. He instituted the devotion known as Forty Hours, in which the Blessed Sacrament is exposed for 40 hours while continuous prayer is made. He established a group of priests, the Oratorians. St. Philip was known for his burning love of God. So ardently did this fire of divine love affect him that once during Pentecost the beating of his heart broke two ribs. It was a wound that never healed. For years, Philip worked tirelessly in Rome. He revived the practice of frequent Holy Communion. He promoted frequent confession, himself spending hours a day in the confessional. As a confessor he was in great demand; among his penitents was St. Ignatius. Philip made himself available to everyone at any hour, even at night. He said: “They can chop wood on my back so long as they do not sin.” Humility was the virtue he most tried to teach others and to learn himself. When one man asked if he could wear a hair shirt, Philip said yes – if he wore the hair shirt outside his clothes! The man obeyed and found humility in the jokes he received. There are stories of Philip himself wearing ridiculous clothes or walking around with half his beard shaved off. The greater his reputation for holiness the sillier he would be for the sake of humility. On the Feast of Corpus Christi in 1595, Philip’s doctor told him his health was poor. Philip realized it was his time to go to God. The rest of the day, he listened to confessions as normal. Before heading to bed, Philip stated, “Last of all, we must die.” That night, Philip suffered a heart attack and died. Four years later, his body was exposed and found in good condition. It was moved to the new Oratorian Church, Chiesa Nuova, where it rests today. He was beatified by Pope Paul V in 1615. In 1622, Pope Gregory XV canonized St. Philip Neri with the title “The Apostle of Rome.” He is the patron saint of Rome, United States Army Special Forces, humor and joy.
“Cheerfulness strengthens the heart and makes us persevere in a good life. Therefore the servant of God ought always to be in good spirits.” – St. Philip Neri
Ideas for celebrating this feast at home:
- Click here to read quotes from St. Philip; print one to hang on your wall.
- Download a St. Philip Neri activity for kids here.
- St. Philip Neri was known for his sense of humor. Today, try to laugh at yourself when something annoying happens. Try to make someone else happy with your cheerful disposition or loving act of service. Tell jokes and share smiles around the dinner table.
- St. Philip’s favorite feast was Corpus Christi: make a visit to Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament.
(sources: catholic.org, saintsfeastfamily.com, The Church’s Year of Grace by Pius Parsch)
by popadmin | May 20, 2021 | Bulletin
Click to read the 23 May 2021 Bulletin!
by popadmin | May 16, 2021 | CIC Saint Writeups
22 May: Feast of Saint Rita of Cascia. In the hills of Cascia, Italy, Antonio and Amata Lotti welcomed their only child, Margherita, in 1381. Her name meant “pearl” and she was called Rita. Growing up in Cascia, Rita knew the local Augustinian nuns and was attracted to their way of life. But her parents arranged a marriage to provide security, and so Rita obediently married Paolo Mancini with whom she had two sons. In the troubling political climate, there was often conflict between families. Paolo was the victim of one conflict, and was murdered. The societal expectation was that the boys should avenge father’s murder. Rita forgave her husband’s killers. She faced a steep challenge in convincing her sons to do the same. She pointed to the image of the crucified Christ and the fact that he forgave those who killed him. Soon, however, both sons died of illness. Trusting God after these tragedies, Rita felt called to a second vocation: religious life. The sisters at the Monastery were hesitant and refused her request, because although Rita had forgiven her husband’s killers, family had not. There were members of the rival family in the convent; her presence would be detrimental to community harmony. And so, Rita set out to make peace between the families. She went to her husband’s family and exhorted them to put aside hostility. They were convinced by her courage. The rival family, astounded by this, also agreed. The families exchanged a peace embrace and signed an agreement, putting the vendetta to rest forever. At age 36, Rita finally was accepted into the Augustinian convent. She lived a life of prayer, contemplation and spiritual reading for 40 years. On Good Friday of 1442, she had an extraordinary experience. In contemplation before an image of Jesus, she was deeply moved and spoke her willingness to relieve Christ’s suffering by sharing in his pain. Her offer was accepted, and Rita was given a thorn from his crown penetrating her forehead. The wound it caused remained open until her death. Toward the end of her life, Rita was visited by a relative who asked if there was anything she could do. Rita asked for a rose from the garden of her family home. It was January, the dead of winter, but upon arrival at Rita’s family garden, the relative astonishingly found a fresh rose in the snowy garden. She brought the miraculous rose to Rita, who died peacefully on May 22, 1457. The convent bells immediately began to peal unaided by human hands. So many people came to look upon the gentle face of the “Peacemaker of Cascia” that her burial had to be delayed. It became clear that something exceptional was occurring as her body was free from nature’s usual course. It is still incorrupt today, in a glass coffin in the basilica of Cascia, where numerous miracles have been wrought. On May 24, 1900, Pope Leo XIII canonized St. Rita, heralding her as the saint of impossible and desperate cases. St. Rita’s Church at Cascia was raised to the ranks of a basilica, September 11, 1955, by Pope Pius XII.
Ideas for celebrating this feast at home:
- In honor of her name, make “Margherita” Pizza for dinner (recipe here!) Really, any Italian themed meal would be fitting.
- Plant a rose bush in your yard: roses are one of the symbols associated with St. Rita.
- Read the address that Pope St. JP II gave on the 100th anniversary of St. Rita’s canonization: link here.
· Go to confession: exemplified by forgiveness of her husband’s murderers, Saint Rita is patroness of reconciliation.
· Peacemaking: the Saint of Cascia didn’t just forgive, she helped two rival families set aside a vendetta and make peace. Is there a person you need to make peace with? Be inspired by Saint Rita to do it today.
· Play a game of baseball! St. Rita has been loosely associated with the game of baseball. If you’re not convinced that an unofficial patron can help you out in the bottom of the ninth, remember that Saint Rita is also the Patroness of Impossible Causes!
(sources: excerpts from “The Precious Pearl” by Fr. Michael DiGregorio; stritashrine.org)
by popadmin | May 13, 2021 | Bulletin, The Latest
Click to read the 16 May 2021 Bulletin
by popadmin | May 10, 2021 | Parish Life, School, The Latest
waitlist only FREE Academic STEAM Robotics Summer Camp: The academic program is driven from Catapult Learning’s Summer Journey Program that combines Achieve Literacy and Mathematics, as well as curricula from Prince of Peace. The enrichment programing is STEM Robotics driven from the Engineering Design Process. Ultimately, the experience would balance academic enrichment and learning with fun and engaging activities.
- What are the dates for the camp? June 28th through July 29th (we have built in a “break” in the camp from July 12th through the 19th to allow families to participate in Totus Tuus).
- What are the days/hours for the camp? The camp is scheduled for 9a to 12n each day, Monday through Thursday for each week of the camp . The schedule will include 1 hour of mathematics, 1 hour of literacy and 1 hour of enrichment (STEM Robotics)
- What is the cost of the camp? As a result of the EANS (Emergency Assistance for Non-Public Schools) funding, we are able to offer this academic camp FREE OF CHARGE. The only cost for the camp is a $13.95 fee for a POPCS summer camp tee shirt. Comparable camps in the Greenville area are asking $150 to $300 per week, so this is an amazing opportunity for the Prince of Peace community!
- Who are the teachers? Qualified teachers from Catapult Learning will be leading the sessions. Some of our very own POPCS teachers may participate as well!
- What are the class sizes? Class sizes are limited to 10 students for each group with four classes currently being offered. Students will be grouped in the following manner:
- Group 1: K5-1st
- Group 2: 2nd-3rd
- Group 3: 4th-5th
- Group 4: Middle School
- How do we register for the camp? Registration will be first come, first served. A waiting list will be established once a group has been filled and, if there is enough demand, we will be able to add additional groups. It is our hope to provide the camp experience for all who would like to attend. We do ask that you only register if you are able to commit to the dates the camp is offered. Click HERE to register for the 2021 Prince of Peace of Peace Academic Summer Camp.
- How do I purchase my required camp t-shirt? Click here.
nearly full Totus Tuus Vacation Bible School: 11-16 July 2021. 9a-2.30p on Monday-Friday for students entering grades 1-6, 7p-9p on Sunday-Thursday for students entering grades 7-12. Each grade (1-6) will be limited to 12 students. Cost is $35/child, $80 maximum/family. What makes Totus Tuus special? The Totus Tuus program was developed by Catholics and teaches the Catholic faith. Totus Tuus is run by a team of enthusiastic, college-age adults who are on fire for our faith. The Totus Tuus program follows a 6-year curriculum cycle. So even if you came last year, or three years ago, the material is going to be different. Not to mention, the team changes each year so the leaders will have a totally fresh perspective. The elementary program sells out every year, so register early. For registration & additional information, contact Maria Barontini at maria.barontini@princeofpeacetaylors.org.
1 spot left Archery Camp will be 21-25 June from 9a-11.30a each day for rising 4th grade-9th grade students of the school or parish. Learn the basics of the National Archery in Schools Program sponsored by the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. The cost is $85 for the 1st child. And, in families with multiple children, $75 for the 2nd child, and $65 for 3rd child+. Limit 12 in the camp (first come, first served paid & completed registration). Until further notice by the Diocese of Charleston, COVID protocols will be followed. Email Coach Moreauor pick up the forms in the school office. Deadline 28 May.
Dribble for Destiny Summer Basketball Camp is for ages 8-13 boys and girls. It will be held 9a-12p on Tuesday, 6 July—Friday, 9 July. Camp includes ball dribbling, passing, shooting, ball handling, daily contests, daily devotions, video, snack and full court play round out each days activities. The Awards Ceremony is on 9 July @ 11a. The cost is $119 and includes a t-shirt OR ball. Registration forms are available in the parish office or online. Maximum of 50 athletes.
Summer Art Camp with Marilyn Alber is a great way for kids entering 1st-8th grade to kick off summer and be creative. Choose between week 1 (14-18 June) and/or week 2 (21-25 June). Classes are held for 2 hours each day Monday-Friday in the Media & Art Bldg. The cost of a 1-week session is $160, materials provided. The registration deadline is Friday, 28 May. No refunds are given after 1 June. Forms are available at the school office. For additional information, please contact Marilyn at mmalber@att.net.
Come play “pick up” soccer this summer at POPCS. Mr. Barontini will be supervising a series of small-sided soccer games, Thursday nights from June 17 to July 15 (with a rain makeup game on July 22). We will be playing a series of 3 v 3 or 4 v 4 games to have fun, keep in contact with friends or make new ones. Contact nathan.barontini@popcatholicschool.org for details and to register. Your student can attend as many games as he or she wants. Grades: Rising 5th to Rising 8th (boys and girls). Cost: $50 for 5 sessions. No refunds.
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