A Franciscan Approach to Lent ... a Workshop

Francis saw his life as the life of a penitent. What did it mean for him to wear cheap cloth and cord around his waist? Together we will read about him sprinkling ashes over his food and even covering his head with them. We will read Francis' original biographer's accounts of his approaches to almsgiving, fasting and prayer. Learning Francis' approach to the penitential life could serve to enlighten you and inspire you to "make it a great Lent." By the end of the day, you will have determined some new Lenten practices which will enrich your own journey toward Easter.

Facilitator for this workshop will be Julie McElmurry.

Date: Saturday, March 12, 2011
Time: 9 am - 4 pm
Place: Rock Hill Oratory
Cost $40 (lunch included).

Registration form for this workshop will be online on our web site for download

and mailing later today.

Workshops Information Now on Our Website

Information for the workshops: Summer Bible Institute, Visions in Faith, and A Day With the Book of Revelation along with Registration forms are now on our website.

Come join us at the Oratory's Center for Spirituality for wonderful workshops and camaraderie!

An Evening to Honour the Rock Hill Oratory

On Friday evening, February 11th, a St. Valentine's Day cocktail reception and buffet dinner was held in Blessed Pope John XXIII Center to honour the Oratorians of Rock Hill. The event was attended by the Bishop of Charleston, the Very Reverend Robert Guglielmone and the Right Reverend Oscar Burnett, Abbot Emeritus of Belmont Abbey in Belmont, NC. Abbot Oscar gave an entertaining and thoughtful talk about the Oratory, its past, its traditions, and its founder, St Philip Neri, including a look back at the times when the diocese was a mission territory with few Catholics (it still is a mission territory but with a much larger Catholic population),and the Oratory's role in the Civil Rights Movement.
Bishop Guglielmone offered a few remarks regarding the phenomenal growth of the diocese, after which Jon Varvel, member of All Saints Parish in Lake Wylie and the main organizer of the event, introduced the provost of the Oratory , Fr. Fabio Refosco, C.O., who shared a few words.
The guitar music during the meal was played by Bob Laubinger. A wonderful Italian meal, catered by Toni Elliott, a member of All Saints, was enjoyed by all. The dining hall was transformed into a night of fantasy, with lights shining through white diaphanous material, candles, and tablecloths in black and white, creating an ethereal atmosphere.
A big thank you to Jon Varvel, and all the members of All Saints who helped to make this event a success, and to those benefactors and sponsors whose generosity made this all possible, especially including all who attended.
We Oratorians are most grateful and humbled by the love and generosity of the parishioners we serve.

Bishop of Charleston Visits Rock Hill

On Monday, January 24th, the Most Reverend Robert E. Guglielmone, Bishop of Charleston, visited St. Anne Parish in Rock Hill, where he celebrated a Holy Mass for the students of St. Anne School, followed by a meeting of the School Board and a luncheon. That evening, the Bishop hosted a reception in the Fr. William Pentis Life Center to kick off the Bishop's 2011 Stewardship Appeal.

Fr. Elbano Munoz, pastor of St. Anne Church, introduced the Bishop, who commented on a short video presentation entitled "Walk Humbly with Your God." The video outlined the good and important works that the Diocese of Charleston supports.

The Catholics of St. Anne Parish and York County extend their welcome to Bishop Guglielmone!

New Convent dedicated in High Point, NC

Br. Paul, C.O. and Br. Josemaria, C.O. outside St. Vincent's Convent

Bishop Peter J. Jugis and the Sisters after the Mass of Dedication
Mother Primosa is at the Bishop's right and Sr. Archana, Local Superior, is at the Bishop's left.

The Bishop of Charlotte, Peter J. Jugis, with Fr. Paul, the Sisters and Friends of the Convent.

L to R: Maria Berrio, Lucy Quigg (in back), Br. Paul Ngyugen, C.O., Michael Young.

The Chapel

Bishop Peter J. Jugis of Charlotte was present at the new convent of the Sisters of Charity of Saint Vincent de Paul in High Point on Saturday, October 23rd, for the dedication. The Superior General of the Congregation, Mother Primosa SCV, and other sisters came from their foundation in Kerala State in India to attend the event. After Mass and blessing the building, a reception followed. A group of five with Oratorian ties attended. They are B. Paul Ngyugen, C.O., Br. Josemaria Schlubach, C.O., Lucy Quigg, of All Saints Parish in Lake Wiley, Maria Berrio, of St. Anne Parish in Rock Hill and Michael Young, of High Point. We wish the Sisters many years of happiness in their new building and may their work continue to flourish.

Beatification of Cardinal Newman, Oratorian

On September 19, 2010, His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI will beatify John Henry Cardinal Newman. Cardinal Newman is considered the "Father of Vatican II" as his progressive ideas for the Church were used at the Council.

Cardinal Newman was born in London in 1801 and died in Rednal in 1890. He was an Anglican priest and became a Roman Catholic in 1845.

The Oratorians of Rock Hill are pleased to share this important event with the parishioners of York County and ask that they pray for the canonization of Cardinal Newman in the near future!

New Assignments

Changes in assignments at The Oratory were announced in July and are now in effect. We ask you to pray for our priests and brothers as they begin these new assisgnments, that they will lead well as they serve God's people.

York County parishes are now being served as shown below:

St. Anne Catholic Church
Pastor: Fr. Elbano Munoz, C.O.
Parochial Vicar: Fr. Fabio Refosco, C.O.
Pastoral Associate: Br. Josemaria Schlubach, C.O.

St. Mary Catholic Church
Canonical Pastor: Fr. Joseph Wahl, C.O.
Parish Life Facilitarors: Br. David Boone, C.O.

Divine Saviour Catholic Church
Pastor: Fr. Adilso Coelho, C.O.

St. Philip Neri Catholic Church
Pastor: Fr. John Giuliani, C.O.
Parochial Vicar: Fr. Joe Pearce, C.O.

All Saints Catholic Church
Pastor: Fr. Ed McDevitt, C.O.
Pastoral Associate: Br. John Kummer, C.O