St. Thomas More Now a Personal Parish for USC
November 10, 2014
COLUMBIA, SC – The St. Thomas More pastoral outreach center at the University of South Carolina is now the Diocese of Charleston’s newest parish.
The center had operated under the canonical jurisdiction of St. Peter Parish since 1953. Its new status was formally recognized on Sunday, Oct. 12, when the Bishop of Charleston, the Most Rev. Robert Guglielmone, “erected the Personal Parish of St. Thomas More.” Fr. Marcin Zahuta, working with staff members Zach Dorsch and Pam Scott, had petitioned the Diocese for the change last fall in order to better serve the spiritual needs of students, faculty and families at USC.
Roman Catholic canon law states that a personal parish differs from a territorial parish in that a personal parish is determined by reason of the rite, language or nationality of the Christian faithful of some territory, or even for some other reason. Here, the new designation will help USC’s parish deepen its response to God’s call to discipleship and its commitment to the university community.
The chapel – which holds five Masses each weekend – shares its home with the Newman Club, which offers space for studying and socializing, a full kitchen and other attractions to busy students (also known as the Cocky Catholics.)
St. Thomas More Catholic Chapel is at 1610 Greene St. and more information is available at www.CockyCatholics.com.
