Rooted in faith and committed to building a strong Catholic community, John Paul II Catholic School recently hosted a special event in its ongoing JPII Parent Seminar series: Catholic Identity in the Lowcountry. This panel discussion brought together parish and school leaders from across the Beaufort Deanery to share insights into the programs, education opportunities, and sacramental resources available to families. 

As Catholic families navigate their faith journey, the importance of connection, support, and ongoing education remains paramount.  

Facilitated by Deacon Brent Heathcott, a JPII theology teacher, the discussion highlighted the vital role of Catholic parishes and JPII in strengthening families, supporting education, and guiding individuals toward the sacraments.  

Panelists included:

• Willard Fosberry – Parish Manager, St. Peter’s Catholic Church
• Chris Trott – Parish Manager, St. Gregory the Great Catholic Church
• Karen Widenhouse – Parish Manager, St. Anthony Mission
• Sr. Mary Beth Kubera – Guidance Counselor, John Paul II Catholic School
• Colleen Rzeczycki – Director of Communications/Safe Environment Coordinator, St. Francis
• Deon Jenks– Parish Manager, St. Francis

Building Strong Families and Faith Communities

The panelists emphasized the significance of parish programs that serve as the backbone of Catholic life in the Lowcountry. Willard Fosberry spoke about St. Peter’s three-year pastoral plan focused on strengthening marriages and families. Chris Trott highlighted the challenge of maintaining close relationships within South Carolina’s largest Catholic Church, St. Gregory the Great. To address this, the parish has developed thriving ministries, particularly in Hispanic outreach, youth ministry, and music ministry. The youth ministry alone sees 75 high school students gather every Sunday night, bridging the gap between young adults and young families.

 Sr. Mary Beth Kubera shared the impact of JPII’s faith-centered community, where faculty and staff model the faith in their teaching and actions. She also praised efforts to increase diversity through generous support for the Hispanic community and a significant grant program for African American students. Retreats, student-led faith formation, weekly Mass, and extensive community service opportunities continue to shape the student experience at JPII.

Catholic Education Beyond the Classroom

Education does not stop at the school level—parishes across the Lowcountry offer faith formation for adults seeking deeper understanding and connection. Karen Widenhouse discussed the unique demographic at St. Anthony’s, which serves both a large Hispanic community and retirees from Sun City. She noted that their collaboration with St. Gregory the Great has been a Godsend. 

Meanwhile, Colleen Rzeczycki shared how St. Francis’ Bible study program is evolving, with new topics introduced every six weeks to engage members at different points in their faith journey. She also noted an increase in young parishioner involvement, a promising trend for the future of the Church. 

The Journey Toward the Sacraments

For those seeking the sacraments, parishes are committed to making the process welcoming and accessible. Ms. Rzeczycki highlighted the growth of St. Francis’ RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults) program, with nearly 30 individuals currently preparing to enter the Church. Ms. Widenhouse shared that St. Anthony’s welcomed 18 new members last year, while Willard Fosberry noted that St. Peter’s confirmed 40 individuals. 

“Our community begets community,” said Mr. Fosberry. “My daughter’s boyfriend and his sister were recently confirmed. These types of relationships—reaching out to neighbors, to those who have moved here—invest in our parishioners and strengthen our Church.” 

At St. Gregory the Great, parish verification forms serve as a bridge between families and the Church, ensuring that Catholic families stay connected when enrolling children in Catholic schools. Chris Trott encouraged families to start the RCIA process early, especially during the summer months when programs typically gain momentum. 

Sr. Mary Beth Kubera added that even within JPII, 10 students recently entered the Church after witnessing the school’s faith-filled environment. “What they witness and experience makes an impact. Having a special place where they can ask important questions supports our faith community.” 

Strengthening Catholic Identity in the Lowcountry

“This seminar provided a powerful reminder that the Church is not just a place of worship—it is a living, breathing community of faith,” said JPII Principal Heather Rembold. “From family-focused programs and lifelong learning opportunities to guiding individuals toward the sacraments, Catholic parishes in the Lowcountry continue to serve as pillars of faith and formation.”

JPII is grateful to the panelists for sharing their time and expertise, helping families gain a deeper understanding of the many faith-based resources available to them.