to our Bishop England Community

 Dear Bishop England Community, 

Almost any time I speak to a priest about ministry at Bishop England, I hear something like, “Wow, 700 teenagers, better you than me!” Even though it is always meant as a joke, I know most breathe a sigh of relief that it isn’t them in a high school. 

But for me, it has always been different. I can honestly say I have cherished walking these halls every day, and my heart fills with hope knowing that so many young people still want God and that so many faculty and staff will desire God. Being able to walk with these young people, challenge them, inspire them, offer mercy, and give them hope has always given me inner joy. 

It is with great sadness that I share the news of my departure from Bishop England, my home for the past four years. I cannot thank you enough for permitting me to shepherd this community. Even though my priesthood flows from the Eucharist, I loved that, as a chaplain, I could be a part of your children’s lives that went beyond the altar. Journeying with these young people has been a gift.

Even though I will move on as a full-time chaplain, I am grateful to say that I will stay in education. I have been assigned to support all the Catholic schools in the Charleston and Columbia Deaneries. In affirming and strengthening the Catholic mission at Bishop England, I now get to support many more schools in a similar manner. Leaving BE will not be easy, but you will still see me around occasionally throughout the year. I ask for your prayers as the next chaplain is still being discerned, but I trust that the Holy Spirit will send a holy priest.

On July 1, I will begin as the coordinator of college campus ministry, as well as coordinator of Catholic education in the Charleston and Columbia Deaneries. I will also assist on Sundays at St. Thomas More, the USC university parish and I will continue my doctoral studies while having residence at the Basilica of St. Peter, Columbia. 

Bishop England community will always hold a special place in my heart. I will not only cherish my time here, but I believe I will look back on these years as the most rewarding years of my priesthood. Please be assured of my prayers for you and your families, and I ask for your prayers as I begin to serve in these new ministries. 

In Christ, 

Fr. Fryml