Text "app" to 88202

(Para ver esto en español, haga clic en el botón "Seleccionar idioma" en la parte inferior de la página.)

Farewell to Father Orlando and best wishes at his new location.  And hello to Father Jaime Gonzales Farias (pictured), who was reassigned from Blessed Trinity Church in Greer to be the new Parish Administrator for Holy Spirit, St. Boniface and St. Mark churches!
 

Return to Mass! 

Welcome back to Mass.  Our state is one of several where there is a significant increase in the number of coronavirus cases, so taking precautions is more important than ever.  And the most effective protections against the spread of the virus at this time are social distancing and wearing face masks.  So, we are continuing to space worshippers apart both inside and outside the church, and especially as you receive Communion.  We have face masks available if you did not bring one, as well as hand sanitizer.  And for now, the Saturday evening Spanish Mass will continue to be celebrated outside -- weather permitting -- due to the large number of people who take part.
 
Other precautions continue as we try to protect the health of our priest and parishioners during our gradual resumption of public Masses. Holy Communion is being distributed in the hands only and there is no drinking of the Precious Blood from the cup.  Communion to the homebound remains suspended due to the health risks posed to some of our most vulnerable parishioners.  However, spouses and immediate family members may use a pyx to take Communion to those staying in their home.  
 
The use of hymn books, missalettes and other liturgical aids that are typically handled by multiple people will be limited.  Any missalettes available should be taken home and brought back for the same family to use the next time they attend Mass.  Any copies of songs or prayer sheets should be discarded after each Mass.  Social gatherings are discouraged before or after Mass.  Adoration is permitted during the week, but only if social distancing requirements can be met.
 
Perhaps most importantly: The Diocese asks worshipers who are sick, vulnerable or at-risk not to attend Mass yet, but to continue watching it online or on TV.  The Bishop is granting dispensation to those who are uncomfortable attending weekend Mass and to those who are at high risk.  Sunday Masses continue to be livestreamed online from St. Mark Church on Facebook.  The 12:30 p.m. Mass is in English and the 2 p.m. Mass is in Spanish.  Go to:
       http://www.facebook.com/StMarkNewberry  
If you can't watch Mass live, the Masses are recorded and posted for viewing anytime later.
 
These precautions may be inconvenient, but the Bishop feels they’re also reasonable and prudent measures to help ensure everyone’s safety.  Thanks for your understanding and cooperation.  Thanks for thinking of others.  And welcome back! 
  

Whether you're attending public Mass or watching it online, please don't forget the offertory donation to your local or "home" church.  With attendance down due to the coronavirus pandemic, funding needed to keep churches operating has decreased considerably.  You can drop offertory donations by the church office, mail them, or contribute online at:
  https://charlestondiocese.org/parish-donation-form
   
Our church bulletin is also being published online at https://bit.ly/HSbulletins and through our website (click on the "Bulletins" link at the top of this page).  Or, view it by tapping the “bulletins” button on the home screen of our new parish app. 

The myParish app can be downloaded to your smartphone and provides church messages, prayers, daily readings, a link to our website, online giving options, the Rosary, and much more. To download, text app to 88202 or go to https://myparishapp.com .

THURSDAY:         5 PM to 5:30 PM