PARISH LETTER
January 13, 2021

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PARENTS MEETING

We pray that you and your family are well during these unprecedented times that we are experiencing. We need to keep that hope alive and to know that we will get through this time - together. This is a special year for many of us, as we begin the the journey of preparation for the Sacraments of Initiation, both individually and as a faith community. This year of preparation is being carried out differently than in past years (i.e. Families With Christ online catechism program) due to the current situation in the world.

For this reason, Corpus Christi is coordinating a mandatory, in-person meeting for families who are preparing and planning for their child(ren) to receive one of the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Holy Communion, Confirmation) this liturgical year.

IMPORTANT
Your attendance is required in order for your child(ren) to receive the Sacrament(s) of Initiation

Please plan to attend one of the following three (3) meetings:
 Wednesday, January 13th 
6:00 p.m.
Meeting will commence with the Benediction and Reposition of the Most Blessed Sacrament in the church building

Sunday, January 17th
12:00 p.m.
Immediately following the 11AM Sunday Mass
 
Wednesday, January 20th
6:00 p.m.
Meeting will commence with the Benediction and Reposition of the Most Blessed Sacrament in the church building

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RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS

Any adult interested in understanding Catholicism and nurturing his/her relationship with God is commendable. Examine why God is asking from you to know Him more deeply, and join us during one of the three meetings listed above to learn more about the spiritual journey of our RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) process – focused to deepen relationships with Jesus Christ and understanding of the Catholic Church, its teachings, and living a Christian life. If you have any questions or need further information prior to the meeting, please feel free to let us know by clicking on the bottom below. We look forward to seeing you, and, in the interim, we will pray for you during this time of discernment.

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BLESSING YOUR CIVIL MARRIAGE

For couples who are wondering if their marriage is fully recognized by the Catholic Church, or are looking forward to convalidating their marriage into the Church, we invite you to attend one (1) of the three (3) meetings listed above to review and discuss the possibilities. Regardless of what happened in the past, the Catholic Church invites you to bring new meaning to your lives by embracing the vocation of marriage and dedicating your family's mission to sharing God's love.
 
"It is the presence of the Lord, who reveals Himself and the gift of His grace, that will render your marriage full and profoundly true." - Pope Francis

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ASSISTANCE MINISTRY
We are most grateful to Dolores Aleixo, the volunteers, and the generous parishioners of Corpus Christi for all you have done for the Assistance Ministry and the community of Lexington County. Last year, the Ministry assisted:

FOOD PANTRY
1,213 individuals and 395 families

UTILITY BILLS & RENTAL EXPENSE
$37,590.03

A donation like yours, as you know, goes a long way in helping serve the hundreds of individuals and families that we encounter every year. We aim to become a beacon of hope for our community by empowering those who come to us with needs as a way to strengthen Lexington. As Pope Francis said in his Apostolic Exhortation Evangelii Gaudium: “Our faith in Christ, who became poor, and was always close to the poor and the outcast, is the basis of our concern for the integral development of society’s most neglected members.”

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COLLECTIONS AND DESIGNATED OFFERINGS
During the second quarter (October, November, December) of fiscal year 2021, Corpus Christi generated net cash from collections and designated offerings of $263,769.75, compared to $261,469.22 previous quarter-to-date (FY21Q2). Thank you very much for your generous gifts which support ours effort to prayerfully imitate the ultimate servant, Jesus Christ, in what we strive to do each and every day.

WEEK OF DECEMBER 28 TO JANUARY 3
OSV Online Giving Sub-Total: $6,657.50
In-Person: $26,279.00
Total Contributions: $32,936.50

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JOSEPHINE BENSON

It is with a heavy heart we communicate the passing of our beloved parishioner Josephine Benson, who passed away last Sunday, January 10. As many of you are aware, Ms. Benson was predeceased by her husband of 70 years, Clarence Benson, and her son Edward Benson. We ask for your prayers that the Lord may receive her today in His eternal Kingdom, and provide His divine comfort and strength to the Benson family and all who mourn her passing.

Public Funeral Mass
Friday, January 15, at 11:00 a.m.

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CONSECRATION TO ST. JOSEPH

With the Apostolic Letter “Patris Corde” ("With a Father’s Heart"), Pope Francis recalls the 150th anniversary of the declaration of Saint Joseph as Patron of the Universal Church, and to mark the occasion, the Holy Father has proclaimed a “Year of Saint Joseph” from December 8 of last year to December 8, 2021.

Corpus Christi will undertake and encourage all parishioners to prepare for and consecrate ourselves to Saint Joseph on March 19th, the day of the Feast of St. Joseph the Husband of Mary, following the book written by Father Donald Calloway to emulate the tried and true preparation method employed by St. Louis de Montfort in his Marian consecration, highlighting many of St. Joseph’s titles, privileges, and heroic virtues.

What does it mean for a person to be consecrated to St. Joseph?
It basically means that we acknowledge that he is our spiritual father, and we want to be like him. To show it, we entrust ourselves entirely into his paternal care so that he can help us acquire his virtues and become holy. Total consecration to St. Joseph means we make a formal act of filial entrustment to our spiritual father so that he can take care of our spiritual well-being and lead us to God.

If you have already consecrated yourself to the Virgin Mary, can you be consecrated to St. Joseph, as well?
The answer is a resounding “Yes!” God desires that all children be committed to the care of a mother and a father. You are not a member of a single-parent spiritual family. Mary is your spiritual mother, and St. Joseph is your spiritual father. The spiritual fatherhood of St. Joseph is extremely important for your spiritual growth. Total consecration to Mary is not diminished by total consecration to St. Joseph. Mary wants you to consecrate yourself to St. Joseph. Jesus wants you to consecrate yourself to St. Joseph. Everything you have given to Jesus and Mary can also be given to St. Joseph. The hearts of Jesus, Mary, and St. Joseph are one.

Dates, Book, and Registration
The Consecration to St. Joseph program will commence on February 15, a preparation and consecration that takes 33 days, concluding on his Feast day on March 19. To register and receive a copy of the book Consecration to St. Joseph, please feel out the (brief) registration form by clicking on the bottom below.

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THE BIBLE IN A YEAR

The Bible In A Year program, hosted by Father Mike Schmitz featuring Jeff Cavins, guides Catholics through the Bible in 365 daily episodes. Each 20- to 25-minute episode includes (i) two to three scripture readings, (ii) a reflection from Fr. Schmitz, (iii) and a guided prayer to help you hear God’s voice in His Word. To listen to the episodes, or sign up to receive the complete The Bible in a Year program, reading plan and updates, please click on the bottoms below.

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TEMPORARILY CLOSED

The Corpus Christi Assistance Ministry office is temporarily closed due to a positive COVID-19 test result. We will notify you as soon as the Ministry's office reopens.

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MASS AND CONFESSION TIMES

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MARRIAGE ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION

The Diocese of Charleston Office of Family Life is sponsoring the 21st Annual Marriage Anniversary Celebration Mass - an opportunity to honor all married couples, especially those in long-term marriages, by affirming their love and commitment to each other. This celebration is taking place in the Cathedral of John the Baptist (120 Broad Street in Charleston) on Sunday, February 14, at 2:00 p.m., with Bishop Robert E. Guglielmone as the main celebrant. (The Mass will fulfill the Sunday obligation.) To attend, please click the bottom below, fill out the brief form and return it via mail to the address listed on the form.

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Bereavement Ministry

The 3rd session of Beloved will take place in the Parish Hall on Wednesday, January 6. Our bereavement ministry is open to all members and nonmembers of Corpus Christi who have experienced the death of a loved one and need assistance in the healing process. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. The session will commence at 7:00 p.m.

The next three (3) sessions of the Beloved Bereavement Ministry will take place in the Parish Hall on Wednesday January 13, Wednesday January 20, and Wednesday January 27. Please remember you have two (2) opportunities to attend the Ministry - at 2:00 p.m. or 6:30 p.m. For more information, please click the bottom below.

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YOUTH MINISTRY

All high schoolers will continue to participate in the Stay Alive weekly gathering on Sunday, January 17. We ask all parents to encourage their high school children to participate in Stay Alive - a Ministry that is drawing young people to responsible participation in the life, mission, and work of the Catholic faith community.