Fr. Jim Moran C.O. resumes his ministry at the Oratory

Fr. Jim Moran C.O., who until recently was working in Hawaii,and previously in Louisiana, his home state, has returned to the Oratory to resume his ministry. The Oratorians of Rock Hill extend to Fr. Jim a hearty welcome and hope that he can reacclimate himself quickly to the "southern way" of doing things! Many parishioners have expressed their pleasure at seeing him again, including one, who said, "I knew you would be back." Welcome, Fr. Jim!!

St. Anne's School Historical Marker Dedication

On October 26, 2009, a historical marker was dedicated to commemorate the legacy of St. Anne's Parochial school in the history of Rock Hill and of South Carolina. In a ceremony attended by fathers of the Oratory, sisters from the Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary from Pennsylvania, city officials, including Rock Hill mayor the Hon. Doug Echols, Buddy Motz and Thi Le and Master of Ceremonies Michael C. Scoggins, the marker was unveiled at 648 South Jones Avenue, the site of the first school.In 1954, St. Anne's School was the first school in South Carolina to integrate, when it enrolled 5 students from St. Mary's, the predominantly African-American Catholic Church in Rock Hill.

A sincere thank you to all who participated in this event and a special thanks to the sponsors, which included WRHI & Interstate 107 Radio; John C. West Forum on Politics and Policy, Winthrop University; Redeeming Life Ministries and The Hands of Mercy, Inc.; St. Anne Catholic School and the City of Rock Hill Culture and Heritage Museums.

Fr. William F. Pentis celebrates Golden Anniversary

On Saturday, August 22nd, Fr. William F. Pentis, C.O., the Oratorian community of Rock Hill and the many parishioners from our parishes in York County celebrated the 50th anniversary of Fr. William's entry into the novitiate in 1959. The Mass of the Blessed Virgin Mary was celebrated at noon in the Oratory Church followed by a luncheon in Blessed Pope John XXIII Center.

Fr. William has served in most of our parishes in York Co. through the years and been involved with the Summer Religion Camp for 38 years. He is also active with the South Carolina Council of Catholic Women.

Fr. William made his seminary studies at Mundelein Seminary at the University of St. Mary of the Lake, Mundelein, Illinois and finished his studies at Catholic University in Washington, D.C.

We are all very fortunate for Fr. William's decision to exercise his ministerial call at the Rock Hill Oratory. May he enjoy many more years (in semi-retirement, of course!!)

Sisters of Charity of Saint Vincent de Paul visit the Oratory

Five sisters from Saint Vincent's Convent in High Point, NC, visited the Oratory for a weeklong retreat August 3-7. Their Motherhouse is located in Mananthavady, Kerala State, India.

They are involved in parish and social ministries, focusing on pastoral care, faith formation, visitation and music ministries as well as nursing and teaching.

In the photos, you can see the sisters' visit to Divine Saviour Catholic Church's Summer Bible School.

Left to right, Sr. Pushpa Jose SCV, Sr. Christie SCV, Fr. Elbano CO, Sr. Vinaya SCV, Sr. Elsa Tom SCV, and Sr. Lissy Tom SCV.

You may contact the Sisters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul at their email: scvusa@triad.rr.com

Rock Hill Oratory Celebrates Corpus Christi

On Sunday, June 14, 2009, guests, both lay and religious, gathered in the Church of St. Philip Neri and Our Lady on the Oratory grounds to begin the annual procession of Corpus Christi. The readings at the stations were read in English, Spanish and Vietnamese. Fr. William Pentis, C.O. and Fr. Joseph Wahl, C.O., Provost, presided, as the procession wound its way through the grounds of the Oratory, praying the Luminous Mysteries of the Holy Rosary. A reception was held in the patio after the procession was completed.

Rock Hill Oratory Celebrates Diamond Jubilee

On Tuesday, May 26, 2009, the Rock Hill Oratory celebrated 75 years of mission service in York County, South Carolina. A Mass of celebration both to honor the feast of St. Philip Neri and to commemorate our anniversary was held in our church on the grounds of the Oratory at 12 noon. Special celebrant was the retired bishop of Charleston, David Thompson. Priests and men and women religious and invited guests came from throughout the Dioceses of Charlotte and Charleston, including monks from Belmont Abbey and Mepkin Abbey. The Mass was followed by a luncheon for those attending. Many thanks to all who helped us make this celebration so special!

Rock Hill Oratory Celebrates Its Diamond Jubilee

May 26, 2009 -- It was a single beautiful day in a very rainy week (thanks to God for the beautiful sunshine!), when the Oratorians and the Friends of the Oratory celebrated 75 years of service to the Rock Hill, SC community in a joyful and grand style!

~Our Diamond Jubilee~

From the earliest days of the Rock Hill Oratory, our goal was to follow closely in the path of St. Philip Neri and the Oratorians worldwide, who came before us. In this photo, Fr. Charles Naldi of the Oratory of Florence, Italy (right), greets then Bishop Walsh of the Charleston Diocese. Fr. Naldi came to Rock Hill to assist us . . . "When he observed how well the Rock Hill Oratory had begun despite being deficient in concrete Oratorian knowledge and traditions, he set about the task of helping to educate the members. He affirmed them by saying he was delighted in what he saw here without the benefit of ever having seen or visited another Oratory. "

We celebrate all that he taught us, as well as all we have been able to accomplish in our 75 years here, as we pray that we may continue on as an integral part of serving the needs of the people in the Rock Hill and York County area for another 75 years!

This photo is of the Rock Hill Oratorians as they looked in 1935 . . . Father Paul Hatch, founder of the Rock Hill Oratory is seated in the front row on the right end. He would be proud of how far his dream has led us.

To read more about the Diamond Jubilee celebration, go to http://www.rockhilloratory.org/html/rock_hill_oratory_-_the_diamon.html . . . and be sure to scroll to the bottom and click on the photos link to see some of the photos taken that day. And we now have an almost complete history of the Rock Hill Oratory on the web site as well, if you'd like to read it.

Have a blessed day!