Text "app" to 88202

A Synod survey is now available on the diocesan website in English and Spanish.  Visit:
http://charlestondiocese.org/synod2023

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

Yard & Bake Sale

Our church Yard & Bake Sale is Saturday, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.!

If you have items to donate for sale, you can bring them by the Parish House on Thursday and Friday, from 12 to 6 p.m.

Any baked goods you can provide are also appreciated.

October is Respect Life Month

Prayer to St. Joseph for Respect Life Month from the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops:

Dearest St. Joseph, at the word of an angel, you lovingly took Mary into your home.

As God’s humble servant, you guided the Holy Family on the road to Bethlehem, welcomed Jesus as your own son in the shelter of a manger, and fled far from your homeland for the safety of both Mother and Child.

We praise God that as their faithful protector, you never hesitated to sacrifice for those entrusted to you.

May your example inspire us also to welcome, cherish, and safeguard God’s most precious gift of life.

Help us to faithfully commit ourselves to the service and defense of human life — especially where it is vulnerable or threatened.

Obtain for us the grace to do the will of God in all things.  Amen.

Hispanic Heritage Festival

Our Hispanic Festival was held on Sunday, September 26.  Hundreds of people were involved in food sales, music and dancing, games and other activities.  Thanks to everyone who helped prepare for the event and who took part in the fun!  More pictures here .


Religious Education Classes

Classes began on September 12 for First Holy Communion, Confirmation, and RCIA.  Religious education will continue each Sunday morning from 10 to 11:30, and RCIA will be at noon..  Students will undergo a health screening each weekend and are asked to wear face masks in class.


More COVID-19 Vaccine?

The nurses from Lovelace Medical Clinic who hosted two COVID-19 vaccine clinics at our Parish House in July say they will return for a third clinic if we can sign up 75 people who want a first or second dose of the Pfizer vaccine, or the booster shot for those who are eligible.

If you are interested, send your name and contact info to hslaurens@charlestondiocese.org or call (864) 984-2880.

Masks Again, Please!

On August 5, the Bishop released a letter about the importance of continuing to take precautions at church against COVID-19.  And the head of the Greenville Deanery, Father Jay Scott Newman, asks that we re-emphasize three precautions.

• Wear a mask at Mass

• Receive Holy Communion in the hand rather than on the tongue

• Get vaccinated

While these actions are not mandatory in order to attend Mass or receive Communion, our church leaders say they are strong recommendations.

Medical experts warn that the rapid spread of the Delta variant is showing that we cannot prevail against the coronavirus by only taking partial measures.  Health officials urge that we do everything we can in this latest wave – not just for our own good, but to help protect everyone, especially unvaccinated children.

And a reminder of two precautions that are a requirement until further notice:  The chalice cannot be offered to the congregation during the Eucharist, and parishioners should not exchange the Sign of Peace by touching.

Return to Mass!

From Bishop Robert E. Guglielmone on August 5:

"I write to you concerning the continuing spread of the COVID-19 virus in South Carolina.

"According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the delta variant is contracted more easily and rapidly than other variants. The number of cases is increasing and leading to more hospitalizations and potentially more deaths. It is placing a strain on healthcare resources.

"I have written to your pastors to recommend that masks be worn during Masses, and that we take Communion in the hand, so that we are able to continue worshipping together.

"Also, I strongly recommend that everyone who is eligible get vaccinated. The Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith issued guidance on COVID-19 vaccines determining that it is morally licit, that is, lawful and not forbidden, for Catholics to be
vaccinated against the virus.

"Please continue to respect local ordinances and directives from the CDC and South Carolina
government officials, and take precautions as much as possible so that we may each do our part to end this terrible disease.

"I know that these are difficult times, and so I continue to pray for you and your families."

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 them live, the Masses are recorded and posted for viewing anytime later.

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 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:         4:30 to 5:30 PM