St. Benedict Catholic Church

I have been with St. Benedict Church for about 8 years. My experience has been reminiscent of the Catholic Church that I grew up in. People are welcoming and supportive, Father Chet takes the time to know and understand the congregation and encourages and educates his followers to reach out and exemplify a true christian spirit. Yes, a church had to be built and finances discussed but there was always full disclosure regarding the process, of which many appreciated. What most touched my heart was the truly christian charity, guidance and understanding that was shown to me when my husband passed to be with our Lord last year. If you are new to Catholicism or a cradle Catholic you will feel at home. more

I have only belonged to St. Benedict's for a few years. But, when I first attended they were holding Masses in a Middle School cafeteria because the parish had no church building. But the parish members very much wanted a church and worked very hard to raise the funds to build one. And members wanted updates on how they were doing. It is sad that some people came and thought that this parish was ""all about money."" This is so far from the truth! Saint Benedict now has an astounding church home, and this is because so many parishioners ""concerned themselves with money."" Money given in the hope of moving out of a cafeteria into a beautiful church. I suspect those who so disliked the ""constant talk about money"" found some established church where this was not an issue. But--did any of them volunteer to help build a church for the St. Benedict parish? more

I want to remind Ameshort that all churches are about the money, not just this place. It's all business, like show business. Religion-it's all about marketing and branding. The product is the dogma, and to make you less afraid of death-what we all face in the end. Some churches guilt trip the money out of you. I am an ex-Catholic. After 50 years I suddenly realized that if there IS a God, he or she could care less whether or not I attend the weekly magic show. \r I wish churches had to pay taxes. That way, they would be forced to do good in the community and not just be some cold ediface, a shrine to false aspirations. \r What got me was the diocese, a few years back railed about the need to raise several million dollars, and after that PAID several million to victims of sexual abuse.\r NOW THAT is what I would call sin.\r I agree with Ameshort. It's all about the money. Churches have no more authority over your ""soul"" than I have to tell you what to eat for breakfast. Stay home on Sunday. Save your money. Make a donation to a real charity, You'll wind up a lot happier! more

I DISAGREE with the previous review. I have been a member of St. Benedict's Catholic Church since I moved to SC over 2 years ago. It was a shock to me to be attending Mass at a school cafeteria, so I was delighted when I learned that the Church had a Building Fund to construct a real Church for us parishioners to worship God as it should be. With all due respect, all you had to do was to talk personally to Father Chet or his fund raising Campaign Chairperson and made them aware of your feelings and dislikes about the way they were conducting it. In my opinion, leaving the Church and criticizing it from outside is not the answer. Unfortunately, if you do not ask for donations, most people will ignore the need or postpone donating, and nothing will happen. I think Father Chet and Ms. Ferencz are very mindful of the parishioners opinions. I encourage you to come back and give us another chance. The new church is going to be great! and I assure you that you will feel welcome and at home. Maria Lopez more

I have been attending St. Benedict's for the past several months. Every week that I have attended, I have felt as if I was attending a financial meeting! Every week the liturgy is devoted to discussing the financial situation of the church as well as an update on the building plans for the new church. Last week, they even had a guest speaker (financial advisor) come during the liturgy and discuss how members are not donating enough money each week to the church!!! Never had I been to a mass where this was actually discussed in such great detail. The financial advisor even gave statistics, i.e. There are 500 families who are registerd and out of those 500 families, only 150 families donate the recommended $20 or more offering!!!! \r \r I really don't know how I lasted so long at this church. Every week I tell myself, if Monsignor Chet devotes the entire ceremony to discussing the finances of the church or how the current members are not doing enough, I will not attend again and find a new church. Last week, when they had a financial advisor give a presentation, was definitely the last straw! I was sitting there feeling as if I should be taking notes watching a powerpoint presentation. \r \r If you have just relocated to the area or are considering switching to a new parish, PLEASE consider finding an alternative church. \r \r FYI: I do understand that the church needs money to operate and that religion is not ""free"". I just feel that if the church did not press the issue so insistently that members would be more willing to give and not become cynical of the practices of the Catholic Church. I never thought in a million years that I would be writing a bad review of a church. more