Dear Friends:

My Bishop, the Most Reverend Robert Guglielmone, DD, has approved of my request to return to studies and complete my licenciate degree in moral theology. In September, I'll head back to Rome for an academic year.

I am excited to go back to studies, but I realize how sad it's going to be to leave the parishioners and good people of St. Mary's in Aiken. They have become a special part of my heart.

I ask for your prayers for my studies and for my September farewell from Aiken, South Carolina.

Thanks be to God! On March 25, the prayers of the faithful of the Diocese of Charleston were answered: we have a Bishop!

Robert Guglielmone was ordained as the thirteenth Bishop of Charleston in the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist.

All Access!

This past weekend, I was at the White Oak Convention Center outside of Columbia, South Carolina. I was there for the 19th annual Diocesan Youth Conference (DYC). There were several hundred young people from throughout the state at the conference. Each was there to hear something about Jesus, draw close to Him, and learn about the "all access" pass that he offers to all people.

I was blessed to run two workshops at the conference, as well as to preside and preach at the closing Mass.

The Diocesan Youth Evangelization Team (the "E-Team") did a superb job in peer mentoring and facilitating the conference. It's been my great joy to serve this past year at the team's chaplain. The team consists of about thirty high schoolers who serve and organize various events for their peers and the younger grades. They do an awesome job. It's a blessing to see such shining witnesses to the Lord among the young Church of today.

It is in the youth and young adults of the Church that our renewal and reform is especially seen in all its diverse and creative expressions. There is cause for great hope (and joy).

Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ, the King of Endless Glory!

One of my pastoral duties in the parish is to teach seventh grade religion at our Catholic school. It's a great blessing. The young people are genuinely interested in knowing about God.

This year the overall theme is salvation history. We're attempting to cover the vast panorama of God's relationship and story with humanity. And, through this story, to emphasize points of God's revelation and sacred doctrine.

Today, in class, we discussed the awesome story of Naomi and Ruth. Contained in the four brief chapters of the Book of Ruth, the story is one of touching fidelity and sacrificial love. It is also a reminder to us of God's constant willingness to do something great through and in us. From Ruth's lineage and love, of course, will come the great King David. And, from David, will come the long-awaited Messiah.

The story of salvation is each person's own story. We see portions and parts of the story in us and in our own history. From the story, the Holy Spirit pours out his gifts. We see the workings of God and begin to understand his plan. In Ruth, we each see the Lord's call to us, the constant invitation to love him and cling to him above all things. It can be difficult, but the Lord is with us.

To those who maybe aren't familiar with Ruth, I would strongly recommend the Book of Ruth in the Old Testament. To some who are familiar, I 'd encourage a good re-read of this inspiring story.

Ruth stands out to each of us. She is a model and a witness, as well as an older sister in the Communion of Saints. We should seek to emulate her, as well as to seek her prayers and friendship.

Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ, King of endless Glory!

Lent has begun! Come, Lord Jesus. I always approach Lent with a certain degree of hesitation and excitement. I look forward to the things I'll attempt that will help to make me a better Christian, and am reserved with knowing how much I'll miss some aspects of my daily life and habits.

The aspect that makes Lent most exciting for me, however, is the reality of our opportunity to grow in the knowledge and love for the Lord. And, through this relationship with Christ, to have another new beginning. To be able to start over, and not let any faults or weaknesses define us.

During Lent, as the parochial vicar in a parish, I've started the Lenten visits to the homebound, during which I offer the sacraments, especially the Anointing of the Sick. While the visits can make for long days, they are sacred and touching moments of grace and conversion. It is in these brothers and sisters that our Christian faith (and my priestly ministry) find their reason and expression. They are the true treasures of the Church.

If anyone was listening to NextWave Live this evening, it was fun being on the show. If anyone isn't familiar, I recommend the program: www.nextwavelive.com.