My dear people of Our Lady of Lourdes,

     Many of you have by now received and read the latest update from our Bishop.  If you have not, you will find it below.  The upshot, however, is that, due to the continuing danger posed by COVID-19 (aka the Novel Coronavirus), we will not be reopening on April 2^nd, as originally planned.  Instead the suspension of the public celebration of Mass and other Sacraments will continue, at least through Easter Sunday (April 12^th).  It saddens me deeply that I will not be able to be with you for Holy Week, the Triduum (Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and the Easter Vigil), and Easter Sunday.  Let us all hope and pray that we will be back together soon after Easter.  While undoubtedly sad, I am in agreement with the Bishop that this is necessary in order to slow the spread of this virus, which can be very dangerous and deadly.

     Specifically, this applies to our parish as follows:

1. The church building will remain open daily from 12 Noon to 6 p.m. for private prayer.  Please verify the hours every day on the website (www.olol.org).  It is possible, depending on circumstances, that on a given day those hours have to be amended.  Please do not assume, but check every day.  If you visit, please do NOT congregate in any groups but maintain the appropriate “social distance.”  This does not apply to family groups.
2. I will continue to live-stream Masses (facebook.com/ololgwd).  Those videos will also post to the parish’s YouTube channel, following the completion of the live-stream.  Recorded Masses for the 5^th Sunday of Lent and Palm Sunday will be posted to YouTube.  The Triduum (Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Easter Vigil) will be live-streamed.
3. Per the Bishop’s directive, the folks who would have been received into the Church at the Easter Vigil will now be received into the Church on the Vigil of Pentecost on Saturday, May 30^th, at the 5 p.m. Mass.
4. As schools will remain closed until the end of April, all Religious Education classes and programs are also suspended until at least the end of April.
5. Last Rites may still be given to those in imminent danger of death.  Call the parish office (864-223-8410) or the emergency number (864-223-3003).  If you call the emergency number, and I am unable to answer, please leave a message – I will return your call as soon as possible.
6. Confessions also remain suspended, except for those in danger of death.  Some folks have seen things on the internet about a few priests in various places offering “drive-up” Confessions.  Besides the fact that I find that to be most decidedly not in keeping with the dignity of the Sacrament, the Bishop has forbidden it.  So don’t ask me about it.  Nevertheless, I know that many, many of you are greatly concerned about lack of access to Confession.  I share your concern.  It has been suggested to him and is possible (but not decided or communicated to us as yet) that the Bishop may take the highly unusual and not at all light step of giving pastors the permission to grant what is called General Absolution at the beginning of whichever Sunday Mass we are able to be together again.  That is something that is done only in the gravest and most serious of emergency situations.  There are certain conditions that accompany such a step.  Should it prove to be the case, I will communicate that to you as soon as possible, and I will post a catechesis on the responsibilities of penitents in such a circumstance.
7. The parish office remains CLOSED for now, and staff are on “work from home” basis.  No one is in the office for any set hours.  It is best to contact the staff via email (see the “Contact Us” button at the top of the webpage).
8. Folks may be wondering about the First Holy Communion Masses, scheduled originally for Saturday, May 3^rd (English) and Saturday, May 10^th (Spanish).  Before I say definitively that those Masses will remain as scheduled or be moved to another day, I want to wait another week to see how things are going.  Please be patient.  I will make that determination by April 2^nd, and it will be communicated immediately.

     In the meantime, all of you remain in my prayers daily.  Right now, I’ve begun thinking of my separation from you as being like Purgatory and the day that we can be together again as being like heaven.  Stay safe.  Stay well.  And may God shower you with blessings in this time of trial.

Fr. Tebalt

En Español

Mis queridos feligreses de Nuestra Señora de Lourdes,
 
Muchos de ustedes ya han recibido y leído la última actualización de nuestro Obispo. Si no lo han hecho, la encontrará a continuación. Sin embargo, el resultado es que, debido al peligro continuo que representa COVID-19 (también conocido como el nuevo coronavirus), no volveremos a abrir el 2 de abril, como estaba originalmente planeado. La suspensión de la celebración pública de la misa y otros sacramentos continuará, por lo menos hasta el domingo de Pascua (12 de abril). Me entristece profundamente que no podré compartir con ustedes la Semana Santa, el Triduo (Jueves Santo, Viernes Santo, Vigilia Pascual) y el Domingo de Pascua. Esperemos y recemos para que volvamos a estar juntos poco después de Pascua. Aunque estoy indudablemente triste, estoy de acuerdo con el Obispo que esto es necesario para frenar la propagación de este virus, que puede ser muy peligroso y mortal.
 
Específicamente, esto se aplica a nuestra parroquia de la siguiente manera:
 
1. El edificio de la iglesia permanecerá abierto todos los días desde las 12 del mediodía hasta las 6 p.m. para la oración privada. Verifique las horas todos los días en nuestra dirección de “Internet” (www.olol.org). Es posible, dependiendo de las circunstancias, que en un día determinado esas horas tengan que modificarse. Por favor, no asuma y verifique diariamente. Si visita, NO se congregue en ningún grupo, pero mantenga la "distancia social" adecuada. Esto no se aplica a grupos familiares.

2. Continuaré transmitiendo misas en vivo ( facebook.com/ololgwd). Estos videos también se publicarán en el canal de “YouTube” de la parroquia, una vez  se complete la transmisión en vivo. Las misas grabadas para el 5º domingo de Cuaresma y Domingo de Ramos se publicarán en “YouTube”. El Triduo (Jueves Santo, Viernes Santo y Vigilia Pascual) se transmitirá en vivo.

3. Según la directiva del Obispo, las personas que habrían sido recibidas en la Iglesia en la Vigilia Pascual ahora serán recibidas en la Iglesia en la Vigilia de Pentecostés el sábado 30 de mayo a las 5 p.m.

4. Como las escuelas permanecerán cerradas hasta finales de abril, todas las clases y programas de Educación Religiosa se suspenderán hasta finales de abril.

5. Los últimos ritos aún se pueden dar a aquellos en peligro inminente de muerte. Llame a la oficina parroquial (864-223-8410) o al número de emergencia (864-223-3003). Si llama al número de emergencia y no puedo responder, deje un mensaje: le devolveré la llamada lo antes posible.

6. Las confesiones también permanecen suspendidas, excepto para aquellos en peligro de muerte. Algunas personas han visto en el “Internet” varios sacerdotes, en varios lugares, ofreciendo confesiones "auto-servicio". Además del hecho que creo que esto desvaloriza la dignidad del Sacramento, el Obispo lo ha prohibido. Así que agradezco no me pregunten al respecto. Sin embargo, sé que muchos, muchos de ustedes están muy preocupados por la falta de acceso a la Confesión. Comparto su preocupación. Se ha sugerido y es posible (pero aún no se ha decidido o se nos ha comunicado) que el Obispo puede dar un paso muy poco usual y que conceda a los pastores el permiso para dar lo que se llama “Absolución General”  al comienzo de cualquier misa dominical, que podamos celebrar juntos de nuevo. Esto es algo que se hace solo en las situaciones de emergencias y de extrema gravedad. Hay ciertas condiciones que acompañan  tal paso. En caso de que sea así, se lo comunicaré lo antes posible y publicaré una catequesis sobre las responsabilidades de los penitentes en tal circunstancia.

7. La oficina de la parroquia permanece CERRADA por ahora, y el personal trabaja "desde casa". Nadie está en la oficina durante un horario determinado. Es mejor ponerse en contacto con el personal por correo electrónico (presione el botón "Contáctenos" en la parte superior de nuestra página en el “Internet”).

8. Para aquellos que quieran información acerca de las Misas de Primera Comunión, programadas originalmente para el sábado 3 de mayo (inglés) y el sábado 10 de mayo (español). Intereso esperar otra semana más antes de decir si definitivamente  esas misas permanecerán según lo programado o se trasladarán a otro día. Me interesa palpar cómo van las cosas antes de decidir. Agradezco por favor sea paciente. Tomaré esa decisión antes del 2 de abril y se les comunicará de inmediato.
 
Mientras tanto, todos ustedes permanecen en mis oraciones diariamente. En este momento, he comenzado a pensar que mi separación de ustedes es como el purgatorio y el día en que podamos estar juntos nuevamente como el cielo. Manténganse con salud y bienestar. Y que Dios les colme de bendiciones en este tiempo de prueba.
 
Padre Tebalt

Dear My Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

     Over the last 10 days, we have all experienced new challenges in our day-to-day life. The advent of COVID-19 has caused a great deal of pain and anguish as we adapt to this new normal. To ensure the protection of the Catholic faithful and the community as a whole, I have decided along with the recommendation of the College of Consultors to suspend all Masses until further notice. However, we will continue to livestream Masses, including those that will be offered during Holy Week and Easter Sunday.

     This is a serious virus that continues to spread across our state that we must take seriously. By continuing our efforts to bring Mass into people’s homes, we can safeguard everyone’s health while still providing the faithful an opportunity to participate in Holy Week and Easter Sunday Masses. I know this is difficult news to hear during this challenging time.

     The Diocese will livestream Holy Week and Easter Sunday Masses from the Chapel of the Holy Family at our Pastoral Center during the following days and times at facebook.com/DioceseChas and YouTube.com/DioceseChas:

Palm Sunday, April 5

• Mass in English at 11:00 a.m.
• Mass in Spanish at 12:30 p.m.

 Monday, April 6

• Mass at 8:30 a.m.

Tuesday, April 7

• Chrism Mass at 11:00 a.m.

 Wednesday, April 8 

• Mass at 8:30 a.m

 Holy Thursday, April 9

• Liturgy of the Lord’s Supper at 8:00 p.m.

 Good Friday, April 10

• Liturgy at 3:00 p.m.

Easter Vigil, April 11

• Mass at 8:00 p.m.

 Easter Sunday, April 12

• Mass in English at 11:00 a.m.
• Mass in Spanish at 12:30 p.m.

     Additionally, all the faithful are dispensed from Fast and Abstinence for the duration of Lent, except for Good Friday.

     During this time of great uncertainty, we pray that the Church in its response will provide comfort to those isolated in their homes and away from their loved ones.

     We will update our special COVID-19 webpage on the diocesan website as needed. I also ask that you stay in touch with your parish by following their social media pages.

     My dear friends, this is a time where our beliefs are an asset and a true blessing.  We need look no further than the Resurrection to find the ultimate story of faith, hope and love. May we all continue to invite Christ into our hearts, even as they ache. Take this remaining time in Lent to embrace the works of mercy with zeal. Practice a spirit of gratitude and generosity to others, albeit remotely. Remain hopeful, pray unceasingly, and be assured of my prayers for you and your families.

In the Lord’s Peace,

Most Reverend Robert E. Guglielmone

Bishop of Charleston

     Like many people, when all this Coronavirus business first began to be the biggest news around, I assumed a lot of it was media hype.  After all, that's what the media is in the business of doing -- creating interest to fuel ratings to increase advertising dollars, etc.  As things progressed, it began to look like some cancellations and closures would be happening.  Closing schools?  Makes sense.  Dispensing people from their obligation to attend on Sunday if in danger of severe complications from Coronavirus?  Makes sense.  Absolutely.  Making other minor changes (the holy water, the sign of peace, the offertory baskets, the hand sanitizer, etc.)?  Yep, I was down with all that.  But cancelling public celebrations of the Sacraments, especially Sunday Mass? I was most definitely not down with that.  Just issue a blanket dispensation, I thought.  That would be enough -- then those who didn't want to come wouldn't have to, and those who wanted to come would be able to.  That's enough, I thought.

     But then, this past Monday evening, it happened:  the Bishop directed the cancellation of everything, including Sunday Mass, for the next two weeks.  Many accepted the announcement with equanimity.  Some folks were saddened (legitimately so) at not having access to the Mass.  A few folks got aggravated -- I heard from some of them.  Well, maybe it was from my beloved years in the U.S. Army, but I never see the point in fussing or getting upset when the boss makes a decision and issues an order.  You get your orders.  You carry them out.  Negativity and nay-saying are not good for morale in the midst of a crisis or a battle (whether physical or spiritual), especially when the negativity is not grounded in facts or ignores reality.

     You know, if you've been here at OLOL even a little bit of time, that I love history and am always looking back in history to understand the present, to understand how things came to be the way they are, and how that applies to us now.  So I started poking around, as I am wont to do.  So the first question I had was "Is the closing of churches and suspension of the public celebration of Sacraments unprecedented?"  It didn't take long to find an answer to that question -- the answer is no, it is not unprecedented.  One example is that of St. Charles Borromeo (Bishop and Doctor of the Church), who served as Archbishop of Milan from 1564 to 1584.  He shuttered the churches during an outbreak of the plague in Milan.  But heavens, that was almost 500 years ago and all the way in Italy.  What about something in America -- surely it has never happened here?

     Actually, it has, and not just in America, but right here in South Carolina, during the 1918 Spanish Flu Pandemic.  In Spring 1918, the Spanish Flu arrived in South Carolina with soldiers returning from World War I in Europe.  In the spring of that year, it started as mild flu, which returned in the autumn in a more virulent form.  In mid-October 1918, Camp Jackson (now Fort Jackson) in Columbia reported 39 cases.  About six weeks later, at the end of November, cases at Camp Jackson had increased to 8,255 with 412 fatalities.  Elsewhere in the state, the flu spread rapidly.  In nearby Clinton, 600 people got the flu -- out of a population of 3600.  In Greenville, during a four-day period in October, 1000 new people each day fell ill with the flu.  The city of Charleston was especially vulnerable, as it constantly saw an influx of military personnel due to the large naval base there.  The Board of Health in Charleston ordered the closure of all schools and churches (including the Catholic ones) and banned gatherings of more than five persons.  The Citadel closed.  The College of Charleson closed.  Funerals were held entirely privately in homes, for even those were not allowed in the churches.  By the end of 1918, there had been some 50,000 cases of flu in South Carolina (out of a population at that time of about 1.6 millions).  Of those 50,000 cases, 14,250 died.  In 1918, the world population was about 1.9 billion.  Between 17 and 19 million died in that pandemic.

     Certainly to this point, the Coronavirus has not proven to be nearly as deadly as the 1918 Flu Pandemic.  That is of very little consolation, however, to those who are mourning the death of a loved one.  Are these steps we are being asked to take at this time overreacting?  I don't think so.  Are the sacrifices we are being asked to make worth it?  I believe they are.  We have got to "flatten the curve" so that our healthcare system does not become overwhelmed.  Nobody wants a situation where doctors are having to make decisions like "you get the ventilator; you, on the other hand, have to lie there and die."  Our healthcare system was overwhelmed in 1918.  Let's not let that happen again.  Did our Bishop make the right decision?  You bet he did.  We know a lot more now about how an infectious disease spreads than we did 500 years, 250 years ago, or even 100 years ago.  Because we have that knowledge, we are responsible for it.  MORALLY RESPONSIBLE FOR IT.

     Now you may be thinking, "what's he talking about -- 'flatten the curve'?"  I don't pretend any expertise whatsoever in epidemiology.  But I do offer this short video below (sent to me by friend Fr. Smith at Prince of Peace in Taylors).  I highly recommend it.  It explains the danger we face at this time quite well.  I urge you to watch it.

Fr. Tebalt

IMPORTANT MESSAGE FROM THE PASTOR

     Please see the letter below to the faithful issued this evening (March 16) by the Bishop.  I know it may come as a shock.  I must say that I need some time to process my thoughts myself.  After I have done so, I will post some spiritual guidance here for your benefit during this difficult time.  The church will be open for private prayer each day, but the hours it will be open will be posted here on the webpage. Please check here often for updates. The parish office will be closed, effective at Noon on Tuesday, March 17.  All other parish activities, events, and meetings are cancelled.  Please call the emergency number (223-3003) for Last Rites. In the meantime, you all remain in my prayers.

From our Bishop:

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

     The COVID-19 coronavirus continues to spread throughout the United States, and we must take care to protect ourselves and those who are most vulnerable. The Center of Disease Control and various government entities have issued directives to limit the number of people who can gather in one place. As a result of these recommendations, and in collaboration with other dioceses in our province, there are to be no sacramental or other liturgical celebrations anywhere in the Diocese of Charleston effective at 12:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 17 through the end of day on Wednesday, April 1, 2020.

     This directive means there are to be no Masses in the Diocese during this time; therefore, I am granting dispensation for your Sunday Mass obligation for the weekends of March 21-22 and March 27-28. Additionally, all scheduled Confessions are cancelled. Any baptisms planned in the next sixteen days should be rescheduled. All quinceañeras must be canceled or rescheduled. Confirmations will be rescheduled according to each parish’s calendar. Funerals and weddings may occur but will be celebrated privately with just the immediate family present. Unfortunately, perpetual adoration will have to be temporarily discontinued. There will be no regularly scheduled parish activities until further notice. All scheduled penance services are cancelled, and there will be no Communion calls at hospitals, nursing homes, or private homes until further notice.

     The sole exception to this policy is the celebration of the final sacraments for those in danger of death. If you need a priest for the Anointing of the Sick or Last Rites, your pastor will provide a number you can call.

     Parish churches will remain open during their normal hours so that you can come to pray. Parish offices will remain open at the discretion of the pastor.

     The College of Consultors and I will meet again on Monday, March 30, to decide how we will proceed, including whether we will have public or limited Holy Week services. In the meantime, we will update you on our response to this ever-changing health crisis on The Catholic Miscellany and diocesan websites, and on our various social media pages.

     These may seem like drastic measures; however, we must put public safety first. We are dealing with a deadly virus.

     In the coming weeks, I encourage you to pray. Watch Mass on your computer or on your television. Gather your family and pray together. We are still on this sacrificial journey of Lent. We must mark these turbulent times with prayer asking for the Lord’s boundless mercy as well as showing His love through kindness and care for our neighbors.

     These are days when we truly must care for one another by taking the appropriate precautions and providing needed help. Let us pray that the virus is dispatched quickly as we look forward to celebrating the resurrection of our Lord on Easter Sunday.

In the Lord’s Peace,

Most Rev. Robert E. Guglielmone

Bishop of Charleston

En Español

Queridos hermanos y hermanas en Cristo, 

     El COVID-19 Coronavirus continúa extendiéndose en los Estados Unidos y debemos cuidar de nosotros mismos y de aquellos quienes son más vulnerables. El centro de Control de Enfermedades y varias entidades del gobierno han dado indicaciones de limitar las reuniones en donde se junta un número grande de personas. Como resultado a estas recomendaciones y en colaboración con otras diócesis, no habrá ningún Sacramento u otra celebración litúrgica en ninguna parte de la Diócesis de Charleston efectivo a las 12:00 pm del martes, Marzo 17 hasta el Miércoles, Abril 1, 2020. ​
 ​
     Esta directiva implica que no habrá más misas durante este tiempo; así es que, estoy dispensando a los feligreses de su obligación de ir a Mida los domingos por los fines de semana de Marzo 21-22 y Marzo 27-28. Adicionalmente, todas las confesiones quedan canceladas. Cualquier bautismo planeadoen los siguientes 16 días debe ser reprogramado. Todas las quinceañeras deben ser canceladas o reprogramadas. Las confirmaciones serán re agendadas según cada calendario de la parroquia. Funerales y bodas podrán llevarse a cabo, pero deben ser celebradas de forma privada y con solo la familia inmediata presente. Desafortunadamente, la adoraciónperpetua será temporalmente descontinuada. ​
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     No habráactividades parroquiales hasta un futuro aviso. Todos los servicios penitenciales son cancelados y no habrá llamadas para llevar la comunión a hospitales, ni casas de enfermos, ni a casas privadas hasta un futuro aviso. ​
 ​
     La única excepción a esta póliza es la celebración de los sacramentos finales para aquellos en peligro de muerte. Si se necesita un sacerdote para atender a los enfermos para los últimos rituales, el párroco dará un número a donde se pueda llamar en estos casos. Las parroquias se mantendrán abiertas durante horas normales, para que la gente pueda ir a orar. Las oficinas se mantendrán abiertas a discreción del párroco. ​
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     La comisión de consultores y yo nos reuniremos nuevamente el lunes, Marzo 30 para decidir cómo procederemos, incluyendo si tendremos servicios de semana santa públicos o limitados. Mientras tanto, les mantendremos informados de nuestra respuesta a esta crisis de ​salud por medio de nuestras páginas web de la diócesis y The Catholic Miscellany y también por medio de nuestras páginas de redes sociales. ​
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     Esto pudiera parecer una medida drástica; sin embargo, debemos poner la seguridad de las personas primero. Estamos lidiando con un virus mortal. ​
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     En las siguientes semanas, les pido que recen. Miren la Misa en la computadora o en su televisor. Junten a su familia para orar juntos. Estamos en un camino de sacrificio para la Cuaresma. Debemos marcar estos tiempos turbulentos con oración pidiendo a Dios por su eterna misericordia al mismo tiempo que reflejamos su amor a otros por medio de un trato amoroso a nuestros vecinos. ​
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     Estos son los días en los que de verdad debemos cuidarnos los unos a los otros tomando las precauciones apropiadas y brindando ayuda al necesitado. Oremos para que el virus desaparezca pronto mientras esperamos la resurrección de nuestro Señor el día de la Pascua. ​
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Que la paz del Señor este con ustedes, ​
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Reverendísimo Robert E. Guglielmone Obispo de Charleston