From June 20 through June 30, Bishop Jacque Fabre-Jeune CS will travel across the Beaufort deanery, visiting each parish and meeting the local, low country Catholic community. The Beaufort Deanery marks the third stop in the bishop’s ongoing pastoral visits to each deanery across the diocese. These visits provide an opportunity to witness firsthand the vibrant faith communities, rich history and growing Catholic presence that make the Beaufort Deanery unique!
June 20
Walterboro: St. James the Greater Mission & St. Anthony Parish
The story of St. James is one of perseverance. After the early church was destroyed by fire and the Civil War erased much of its history, the parish endured through the dedication of local families and community leaders. The mission’s historic church, built in 1925 and still home to its original bell, stands as a reminder of a faith community that refused to disappear.
Since its founding in 1917, St. Anthony Parish has accompanied generations of Catholics in the Lowcountry. As the community expanded, so did the parish, moving into larger facilities and building spaces for fellowship and formation. Today, St. Anthony remains a welcoming parish family rooted in faith, service and a century-long commitment to the Walterboro community.
June 21
Ridgeland: St. Mary Mission (Hampton) & St. Anthony Catholic Church
Long before a church building existed, Catholics in Hampton County gathered in homes, funeral parlors and school auditoriums for Mass. Those humble beginnings culminated in the dedication of St. Mary Mission in 1958, creating a permanent spiritual home for generations of Catholic families throughout the region.
Born from the generosity of travelers who longed for a Catholic presence in Ridgeland, St. Anthony Parish has been welcoming parishioners since 1964. Distinguished by its striking stained-glass windows, marble altar and unique cross-shaped design, the parish grew from just 40 members into a vibrant community that continues to serve Catholics throughout Jasper County.
June 22
Hardeeville: St. Anthony Catholic Church
For over a century, St. Anthony has served travelers, local families and newcomers alike. What began as a small roadside chapel along Highway 17 survived hurricanes, demographic shifts and changing times before experiencing dramatic growth through its Hispanic ministry. Today, the mission stands as a testament to resilience, hospitality and the Church’s ability to meet the needs of a changing community.
June 23
Hilton Head: St. Francis by the Sea Catholic Church
St. Francis by the Sea began as an adventure of faith, celebrating Mass wherever space could be found. From a Presbyterian church to the beloved “Holy Crab” restaurant. In just a few decades, that fledgling community became a thriving parish of nearly 2,000 households, complete with an award-winning church, a Catholic school and dozens of ministries serving Hilton Head and beyond.
June 24-25
Provincial Meeting in Atlanta
June 26
Ridgeland Correctional Facility | Lowcountry Outreach Center
The Lowcountry Outreach Center prioritizes being a “light for Beaufort” by offering their office spaces to local partner organizations who meet the needs in the Beaufort area. The center also offers a “Angel Rides” program, supporting the community by connecting people to the services they need. Since their opening in 2023, The Lowcountry Outreach Center has worked tirelessly to empower God’s people in more ways than one!
June 27
Beaufort: St. Peter’s Catholic Church
Few Catholic communities in America can trace their roots as far back as St. Peter Parish. The area witnessed one of the earliest recorded Masses in what is now the United States in 1566, while the parish itself was founded in 1846. Today, St. Peter continues that remarkable legacy, serving Beaufort County from a thriving campus that honors both its historic past and vibrant future.
June 28
Bluffton: St. Gregory the Great | Holy Cross Mission
The roots of St. Gregory the Great stretch back to a humble chapel built by the Pinckney family more than a century ago. As Bluffton transformed from a quiet community into one of South Carolina’s fastest-growing regions, the parish grew with it, evolving from historic St. Andrew Chapel into the dynamic parish campus that serves thousands of Catholics today.
What began in rented storefronts and even a former gas station became something far greater than a mission church. Founded through the vision of dedicated priests and religious sisters, Holy Cross has spent decades serving both the spiritual and practical needs of St. Helena Island. Known affectionately as “the happy hour” because of its joyful worship community, Holy Cross continues to embody the welcoming spirit that has defined it from the beginning.
June 29
Freedom House / Family Promise
June 30
Hilton Head: Holy Family Catholic Church | Pregnancy Center & Clinic of the Lowcountry
What started with seasonal Masses for a few dozen visitors at local inns grew alongside Hilton Head Island itself. From five donated acres in 1969 to a 1,200-seat church by 1988, Holy Family became a spiritual home for generations of island residents and visitors. Its story reflects both the remarkable growth of the island and the enduring strength of its Catholic community.
REFLECTION
Across the previous Pastoral Visits, a beautiful truth has emerged: faithful ministry is alive and bearing good fruit throughout South Carolina. For those who may feel isolated or weary, these trips hopefully offer reassurance of the living Church present here.
In every parish, school and outreach effort, we see the same determination of the faithful, ongoing work of good people that reflects the strength and unity of the Church. Seeds planted years ago are growing. Needs are being met. Lives are being changed. The work may not always be visible, but it is deeply meaningful and Catholics are thriving.
This is the shared mission of our diocese — to form disciples, serve with compassion and remain faithful where God has planted us!