The Philipian, A Publication of St. Philip Neri Catholic Church — June 2022

JUNE 2022

the phi lipian

A P U B L I C AT I O N O F S T . P H I L I P N E R I C AT H O L I C C H U R C H

A Look at Our

Haiti Twinning Ministry

St. Philip Neri’s Partnership in “Mission” with St. Malachy Catholic Church “Whatever you do for the least of my brethren you do for me.” ~ Matthew 25:40

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t. Malachy’s Haiti Mission began in 1996 when St. Malachy Parish in Brownsburg, Indiana partnered with Ste. Marguerite Parish in Port Margot, Haiti to make improvements in health care, water, and education for the Port Margot community, pray for one another, and share concern for the needs of the parishes.

Since 1996, St. Malachy Parish has been providing medical, dental, vision, educational, economic, and water purification assistance through a faith-based, long-term relationship with the 46,000 members of continued on page 2

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Haiti Twinning Ministry Ste. Marguerite Parish, its five chapels, and the Port Margot community in northern Haiti.

The St. Malachy Haiti Mission is composed of several programs — Medical, Dental, Water, Education, and Twinning. Several times a year, volunteer doctors, dentists, optometrists, engineers, and water purification experts from Brownsburg and the Indianapolis area travel to Port Margot on mission trips to aid their brothers and sisters in Haiti.

The St. Malachy Clinic was established in 2002 when a two-room kindergarten was converted into the first medical clinic during a mission trip. The building has since been expanded to include a pharmacy, laboratory, and a second-story addition for a maternity clinic. The clinic provides medical care to hundreds of patients weekly and the delivery of babies daily.

The Servants of Mary, ministers to the sick, have managed the St. Malachy Clinic since 2008. The salaries for the clinic staff are provided through donations and by an endowment. The Servants of Mary obtain donations to help with medical and pharmacy supplies.

The maternity program began in 2012 with prenatal screening, vitamins, and wellness during pregnancy. A maternity unit was built and dedicated in 2014. This unit provides the only skilled health care and modern facilities for women of this rural area in northern Haiti with over 50,000 people.

The clinic is staffed three days a week with a dentist who focuses on the extraction and restoration of teeth and the reduction of infections caused by poor dental health. Over the years, the Indiana University School of Dentistry (IUSD) has provided great support with mission trips.

In Haiti, less than half of the population has access to clean water. Many Haitians travel long distances to get water for their homes — typically from local wells, streams, or rivers. Water sources are often contaminated due to the ongoing lack of sustainable sewage collection, and water treatment is non-existent in Haiti. St. Malachy, through its water program, has implemented two water treatment systems to help with this and continues to support upkeep and repairs to maintain these systems.

The St. Malachy Sponsor-a-Child Program began in 2004 to help Ste. Marguerite parish with the two schools that they operate. The Ste. Theresa School

continued from front cover is located behind the rectory and has 1,500 children attending. It has a primary and secondary program in addition to an afternoon class with 500 children that have never attended school and need reading, writing, and math skills. The Ste. Joseph School is near the clinic and has 1,000 children attending their primary level program. Both schools have difficulty with operations due to the inability of 90 percent of the families to pay the yearly tuition expenses. The St. Malachy Sponsor-a-Child Program sponsors 250 children annually to attend school.

In addition to the above-mentioned programs, the St. Malachy Haiti Mission also includes the Parish Twinning Program, which establishes partnerships with other parishes in helping Haiti. St. Philip Neri Church began such a partnership with St. Malachy Church in 2021 to help the community of Port Margot in northern Haiti.

To date, through your generous giving, St. Philip Neri has tithed $14,450 to support this mission partnership.

These funds have been utilized to support the staff salary expense of the medical clinic and provide tuition and salary support for the Ste. Marguerite parish schools. In addition, a portion of the funds we tithed were used to purchase musical instruments and supplies for the parish choir and scouts to enhance their celebration of Mass.

As travel to Haiti begins to open, St. Malachy will resume its mission trips. We at St. Philip Neri look forward to continuing our partnership in the Haiti mission through the Twinning Program and will be providing regular updates going forward.

Haiti Snapshot Haiti is the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere, with 80 percent of the population living on less than $2.00 per day.

Ongoing corruption, political instability, resurgent gang violence, illiteracy and barriers to education, food shortages, unemployment, and vulnerability to natural disasters have kept most Haitians locked in a cycle of poverty for generations. Widespread famine is a real and growing threat.

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A Letter From Our Pastor

Embrace the Holy Spirit Y

ou’ve all heard homilies about Pentecost, which comes on June 5 this year. Pentecost was the day when the Holy Spirit came upon the apostles while they were gathered for prayer in Jerusalem.

Coming 10 days after Jesus’ Ascension into heaven, the descent of the Holy Spirit turned the apostles from a collection of fearful followers looking for some direction into a band of courageous witnesses ready to declare their faith in Christ to the whole world.

You’ve heard that Pentecost is the birthday of the Church because that was the day when newly filled with the Holy Spirit, St. Peter preached the first Christian sermon, inviting his hearers to turn to Jesus as their Savior and their Lord. Those who accepted the invitation were baptized and “were added” to the Church (Acts 2:41). That day marked the beginning of the Church’s public mission, which continues to the present.

But the Holy Spirit’s actions in the Church were not limited to the apostles in an ancient time. He remains active down to the present, guiding the pope and the bishops as they go about their work of sanctifying, teaching and ruling in the Church. The Holy Spirit acts in the sacraments to make them effective signs of grace.

We see the Holy Spirit’s work in the witness of the saints through whom He continues the work of salvation.

The Spirit, moreover, acts not only in the Church as a corporate body, but also in the lives of individual Christians. We become temples of the Holy Spirit at our Baptism. Then at Confirmation, which is our own personal Pentecost, we receive the seal of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit unites us more closely to Christ, increases the spiritual gifts we have been given, and strengthens us to spread and defend the faith.

Ultimately, Pentecost is more than simply a feast celebrating something that happened a long time ago.

Of course, the coming of the Spirit we read about in Acts 2 took place just once. But the Holy Spirit remains active today, guiding the Church as a whole, but also

working in the life of each individual Christian to make us holy.

Maybe you don’t feel as if the Holy Spirit is working in your life. Well, God the Father gave us free will, so we can choose whether or not we’ll obey Him. And God the Holy Spirit, being united in the one Godhead with the Father and the Son, honors that freedom. He’ll never force us to turn away from sin or compel us to obey God’s commandments. The Spirit offers us grace. He will beckon us toward heaven, and occasionally we may feel Him nudging us along, but we always have the freedom to choose God or to reject Him. Perhaps you’ve made a commitment to worship at Mass at least weekly and spend some time each day in prayer. Maybe you have promised to use some of your talents in parish ministries and service to the community. You may even have turned in a card at our last renewal to indicate your pledge of a portion of your treasure to be used in God’s service.

I hope you’ve done all of these. If so, both the Holy Spirit’s grace and your response were involved in your decision. And the Holy Spirit will give you the strength to fulfill your commitments.

This Pentecost, make the Gradual verse we’ll sing just before the Gospel your personal prayer: Alleluia. Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful; and kindle in them the fire of your love. Alleluia.

If you do, you’ll find the Holy Spirit working even more strongly in your life. You’ll be happier, and the world, at least your little corner of it, will be a better place.

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Fr. Fabio Refosco, C.O.

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In the Beg

Carrying on the Work of Ou “We have come to share in Christ, if indeed we hold our original conviction firmly to the very end.” ~ Hebrews 3:14

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n October 1992, Fr. John Giuliani led a study to determine the feasibility of establishing a Catholic community in the Fort Mill area. In early 1993, 44 families gathered, on faithful hope, to establish a Mission Church known as the Fort Mill/ Tega Cay Catholic Community.

Initially Masses were celebrated Saturday afternoon at Lake Wylie Lutheran Church in Fort Mill. The congregation grew, with Masses then held in the Fellowship Hall at Philadelphia United Methodist Church.

It was in these early years of the Fort Mill/Tega Cay Catholic Community, Fr. John Giuliani and a number of families gathered to discuss plans to build the Mission Church. At the time the Mission Statement was accepted

by Bishop Thompson, the charter members signed their names to the Mission Statement, with the list of signatures displayed in the Parish Center gathering area.

We appreciate the efforts and important work of Fr. John and the charter members to build St. Philip Neri Church’s foundation, and the commitment of today’s parishioners to carry on the work of those who had the vision to develop our faith community over the years.

In the words of Bill Wolfe, one of the founding charter members

of St. Philip Neri Catholic Church, “I’ve just been a small part of this. A lot of great people have done so much for this parish community.” We are deeply grateful to those individuals and families who came before us to build the church that we enjoy today and who have established the foundation of what we hope to pass onto future generations.

As we embark on the Rebuild to Serve, Strengthening Our Foundation for the Future Campaign, we will provide a viable place for our parish community to live out our mission and serve for many generations to come.

The Founding Charter Members of St. Philip Neri Catholic Church (from signatures originally on display in the Parish Center’s Gathering Area) Mark and Betty Adams John, Cynthia, Sandy and Tommy Baldridge Helen Bardsley Bob and Linda Bertges Anne Biesty Tara Bogue Florence Bonasch Matthew and Joan Brady Luke Britz Peter C. and Toni Britz Eleonora Buba continued on page 5

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ginning...

ur Parish’s Charter Members Bob Burkhard Michael and Michelle Carney August and Susan Capotosto William and Mary Christian Robert Ciatih Patricia Clark Steven, Maurie and Brian Cole Bob and Bonnie Constantino Fred Cormack Edward and Nancy Currie Leonard, Sandra, Andrea, Jennifer and Lenny Diaddario Tony and Ann DiNoto Walter Dobrynski Louis and Delores Dykie D ale, Sue, Kelli, Ryan and Lee Fandel Melanie Flowe Bobby Freeman Roger and Stephania Fuller Rich, Martha, Valerie, Juli and Adrian Gagnon Jon and Sabrina Gast Carol Genest Bob and Mary Ann Gesell Mike and Diane Gill William Goetz Leonard and Monica Gostomaski Richard, Valeria, Shawn and Jason Guicheteau Rev. Fr John Giuliani, C.O J ane Guissinger Michelle Guissinger Michelle Hall Nancy Hall George and Ronnie Hamilton Joy Hawkins Carol Higgins

Barbara Hinson Joan Hyman Craig and Michelle Jasper Don and Louise Kent Steve and Clee Knooihuizen George Kohut Lou and Rosemary Kuchinic Irene Lampe A l, Kathy, Gerald and Nick LaPorta George and Patricia Leahy Heather Lerow Sharon Lerow Judy Lindstrom Richard and Valeria Lindstrom Kristin Lordo Robert and Grace Lordo Ronald and Leanne Lordo James Magarahan Jack and Donna Mager Joe, Pat and Kevin Marinelli M ichael and Kathleen Masterson Elizabeth McKinney and Family Rodney and Claire Meier Kirk and Marieta Menzel Michael and Leslie Miller Hugh and Sybil Mitchell Randall, Margaret, Amy and Ryan Morris Kerry and Sharon Mosher Renee Moiser Joseph and Barbara Murphy Katherine O’Neill Patricia Orcutt Leslie C. Pemberton Joseph and Monica Pietzyk Dan and Gerri Polito

Diane Rosengren Nona Redd Billy Redd Katie Richardson Chris Schneider David and Gail Schneider John Schneider Willie and Rita Senst John Scott Ryan Smith Pat Stansell John and Denise Steinberger Barry Stephens Jean Stephens Marge Stern Lee and Audrey Stinson Patricia Tarulli Chris Tedesco Nina Tedesco John, Linda and Sara Tennant David Thompson Julia Tomasovich Joe and Patricia Tramontana Bob and Paula Turner Adrian Tyler Mayle Tyler Henry and Diane Van Wart Joe and Joan Volk Bob and Anne Wallace Robert and Cheryl Ware Roberta Whitaker Kevin, Patti, Caitlin and Tim White Chet and Dawn Wisniewski Bill and Debbie Wolfe Edward Wood Richard Woods, Sr. Gregory and Nicky Zakrzewski

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STEWARDSHIP

Keeping Our Stewardship Commitments in the Summertime

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he kids are out of school and our fast-paced lives centered on school and youth sports activities have slowed down. Our own internal clocks are now on summer time. We’re ready for a break from our hectic lives.

And while we take vacations and enjoy the leisurely pace of the season, we need to remember that summer is not the time to take a vacation from God. In fact, summer can serve as the perfect opportunity to grow in our relationship with God, especially since most of us have considerably more free time.

So, instead of neglecting our faith due to busy days and late nights, try these simple steps to embrace God during the quieter summer months and during your vacation.

Get More Active in a Parish Ministry The summer is actually a perfect time to get more involved in a parish ministry. Because we no longer have to get the kids to and from school, or get them to sporting events or other activities that normally occur during the school year, our schedules are a bit less cluttered. Summer is indeed a perfect time to fill some downtime with service to God through ministry and giving of your talents. Take a look through the parish ministries to find something that suits your particular interest or talent.

Vacation Bible School, for Kids and Adults Vacation Bible School is a great way for younger children to learn about God through songs, activities and fellowship. The fun-filled lessons build upon Gospel teachings while keeping kids’ attention. For older children, it is a great opportunity to offer service by being a team leader or assistant. Adults can also help plan, decorate, organize and teach during the week. It’s a wonderful activity for the entire family!

Give Thanks for the Sun Praise God for the sun, time off from school and easygoing days by visiting the adoration chapel to say a quick prayer. Bring a journal or rosary along to help stay focused. Little children can even bring a religious

coloring book to give thanks to God on their terms. Or, before heading to the pool, why not attend daily Mass with the kids? It’s a perfect way to start the day and set the tone that — vacation or not — God is still an important part of your family life.

Don’t Take a Vacation from Mass Often while on a vacation away from our parish family, we are not familiar with where to attend Mass. Don’t let that be an obstacle for you. Check out masstimes.org in order to find out where and when to go to Mass. In addition, if you are lodging at a hotel, the concierge will assist you with directions to the nearest Catholic Church.

Summertime Stewardship of Treasure The prime reason for keeping up our pledge all summer is that God doesn’t go on vacation. He continues to sustain us throughout the summer months. He persists in pouring out blessings on us, even during the hottest weather. He keeps on meeting us in His sacramental presence when we go to Mass wherever we travel. As God remains faithful to us during the summer, we are called to be faithful in our commitments to Him and our parish family, even during our vacation time.

So, enjoy the warmer temperatures and the relaxed atmosphere. Just don’t forget Who provides the sun and the sand! And most importantly, remember to take God with you wherever you go on vacation!

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A Catholic’s Guide to

Good Summer Reading H

ave you been wondering what to read during vacation this year? Why not give spiritual reading a try?

There are thousands of titles out there — too many for any one person — just waiting to make a positive impact on your faith life. Reading is a fantastic opportunity for general spiritual direction and good practice for every searching soul.

Choose a title from “you can’t go wrong” authors such as Louis de Wohl, G.K. Chesterton, Peter Kreeft, Francis de Sales, C.S. Lewis, and Scott Hahn. Their works alone should take you well into the summer, and possibly through to the next decade.

Or, choose from this list of great Christian books, in no particular order: The Story of a Soul by St. Therese of Lisieux In this autobiography and all-time favorite Catholic book, St. Therese teaches her “little way” of spiritual childhood. Millions of copies have been sold worldwide.

Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis One of the most popular introductions to the Christian faith ever published, this series of broadcast talks has been collected into book fashion. Mere Christianity sets out to “explain and defend the belief that has been common to nearly all Christians at all times.”

Rome Sweet Home: Our Journey to Catholicism by Scott and Kimberly Hahn This offers a conversion story of a brilliant, anti-Catholic Scripture scholar and his wife to the Catholic faith. Now well-known speakers and Catholic apologists, Scott and Kimberly recount their story with simplicity and love.

The Good News about Sex & Marriage: Answers to Your Honest Questions about Catholic Teaching by Christopher West This down-to-earth application of Pope St. John Paul II’s Theology of the Body is an easy-to-read, yet insightful account of the Church’s teaching on sex and marriage.

What Catholics Really Believe by Karl Keating Addressing 52 of the greatest misconceptions of the Catholic faith, Keating draws upon Scripture and Tradition to dispel errors and explain the rationale behind Church teaching.

No Greater Love by Mother Teresa This anthology collects the teachings and sayings of St. Teresa of Calcutta. Founder of the Missionaries of Charity and recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize, St. Teresa of Calcutta speaks joyfully about her work with the poor and God’s call in our lives.

Surprised by Truth edited by Patrick Madrid Eleven converts give their Biblical and historical reasons for becoming Catholic. These unique personal testimonies continue to transform hearts throughout the world in an insightful read for Catholics and nonCatholics alike.

Something For Young Catholics As for the little ones at home, nothing settles them into bed better than a good book. Seek wholesome children’s literature that communicates Christian messages. Be sure they are positive, healthy stories with characters they can emulate that inspire virtues such as courage, justice, charity, patience, generosity and prudence. To name a few: continued on back cover

St. Philip Neri C AT H O L I C C H U R C H 292 Munn Road East Fort Mill, SC 29715 803.548.7282 saintphilipneri.org

Summer Reading

continued from page 7

Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis This series of seven fantasy novels is considered a classic in children’s literature.

Chronicles of Narnia alludes to traditional Christian ideas within the framework of an exciting tale of adventure.

Little Acts of Grace by Rosemarie Gortler, Mimi Sternhagen (Illustrator) and Donna Piscitelli This beginning-level book is a fantastic way to introduce 2 to 4-year-olds to Catholic customs.

It is written in an age-appropriate, beautifully explained way.

All (or just one) of the 20 books of the Mary Fabyan Windeatt saint biographies This unbeatable collection of saint stories,

appropriate for children of all ages, is perfect to read aloud with the whole family.

Blessed Teresa of Calcutta: Missionary of Charity by Sr. Mary Kathleen Glavich There is no better way to introduce children to St. Teresa of Calcutta! This book highlights her work with the poor and includes a special prayer for children.

The Story of Easter by Aileen Fisher Telling the story of Jesus’ death and resurrection, and exploring how different cultures celebrate Easter, this is recommended for children in first through third grades.

Happy summer! Happy reading!