Around the Diocese
Office of Family Life and Catholic Charities Elder Ministry
For Catholic Charities Elder Ministry events, scroll to the bottom of this page.
For Diocese of Charlotte Office of Family Life events and information, scroll to the bottom of this page or visit https://charlottediocese.org/faith-life/family-life. Please scroll to see information on upcoming events.
Outreach Opportunities
Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte needs volunteers and contributions to their food pantry toiletry kits and refugee donation kits. To find out how you can help, click here.
Catherine’s House is nestled in the picturesque Sacred Heart extension of the Belmont Abbey campus and is designed to provide a safe and peaceful refuge for the women and children who find themselves in need of transitional housing. Help celebrate the 22nd annual car raffle by supporting our mission of mercy with your ticket purchase! Tickets are 1 for $10 or 5 for $30. We will pull the winning ticket for a brand new car in December 2024! Winner does not need to be present to win. Winner must be over the age of 18 and is responsible for taxes, tags and title fees. Funds raised by this raffle are used to support the women and children within the program who are experiencing homelessness. For more information on Catherine’s House and to purchase a car raffle ticket, click here.
Catholic Charities offers Supportive Services for Veterans (SSVF). We are dedicated to helping very low-income veteran families in Mecklenburg County who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. Our services include outreach, housing search and placement, eviction prevention, security deposits, rental assistance, child care expenses, transportation assistance, and assistance obtaining Veterans Affairs (VA) and other benefits. Veterans, please call Supportive Services Supervisor Tonya Lawrence at 704-370-3257. Let us work together to end homelessness among veterans.
Healed and Restored was born at St. Mark Catholic Church in 2020, under the guidance of Father Putnam, to tend to a need that’s been overlooked in our communities and in the Charlotte Diocese in general. Our mission is to transform female victims of trauma and assault into strong survivors who positively impact the world, believe in their worthiness, and feel God’s love. Our vision is to strengthen women who are suffering after physical and mental traumatic experiences through therapy, workshops and retreats. Our goal is to provide a residential program offering a safe, faith-filled home for women to receive care for mind, body, spirit and soul free of charge. We are growing and so are our needs. We are looking for a space to rent (commercial or residential) in the Lake Norman/Charlotte area with a minimum of 900 square feet, where we can hold group and one-on-one counseling sessions, workshops on life skills, nutrition education, and physical fitness therapy for the women we serve. If you or someone you know owns a property that you think might fulfill our needs, we ask that you reach out to us by emailing info@healedandrestored.org. With your help, we can continue to make a difference in women’s lives. Click here for more information on the Healed and Restored ministry.
The Order of Malta runs a pen pal program for those in prison, and we are looking for volunteers to write inmates. This only takes a few minutes of your time each month and a stamp. The program is anonymous and presents us with a way to be true to our call to visit Christ in prison. If you are interested in volunteering, email Maltapenpalprogram@gmail.com. We provide all of the necessary support and direction.
HOM/Catholic Charities furnishes apartments for refugee families settling in the Charlotte area. HOM needs good-condition used furniture and new and good-condition housewares. Furniture collections are the third Saturday of every month except December. Housewares and smaller household items can be scheduled for a pickup anytime. To schedule a pickup, email homfurniture.donate@gmail.com. Furniture and items currently needed include: dressers, sofas, end tables, nightstands, coffee tables, kitchen tables, lamps, pictures and artwork, throw pillows bathroom rugs, toasters, bathroom hand towels, small kitchen trash cans , cutting boards, napkins, face tissues, toothbrushes, deodorant, new queen and twin bedsheets, new or gently used queen and twin comforters and blankets. Please note that we are unable to accept the following items: bed frames or mattresses, cribs, used bed linens, glass tables, large armoires, TVs and electronics (working flat screens TV’s with a stand are acceptable).
Birthright of Charlotte, a pro-life pregnancy center is located at 4435 Monroe Road in Charlotte. For more information, click here. Currently, Birthright of Charlotte needs new or gently worn maternity clothes, baby clothes up to three months, and infant gowns and sleepers. They also need disposable diapers up to size three, hypoallergenic lotion, diaper ointment, baby wash, baby wipes and hand-crocheted or knitted baby booties. To donate, volunteer and offer financial assistance, contact Executive Director Hank Chardos at hank@birthrightofcharlotte.org or 803-543-8144. Birthright of Charlotte is hosting a community baby shower for moms and their babies Sunday, Aug. 18, from 1 to 3 pm at their center. Items needed include: new and gently-worn baby clothes up to three months, infant gowns and sleepers, disposable diapers up to size three, baby lotion, diaper ointment, baby wash and wipes. Birthright does not accept furniture, car seats or toys. Please consider a donation for this special event to provide positive assistance and aid to those faced with an unplanned or problem pregnancy.
Job Opportunities
Mecklenburg Area Catholic Schools is now hiring after-school assistants. Join our team! Locations include St. Ann Catholic School, Holy Trinity Middle School, St. Patrick Catholic School, St. Gabriel Catholic School, St. Mark Catholic School and St. Matthew Catholic School. The part-time job is from mid-August to May with three to five hours a week, from 2:30 to 6 pm. There are no weekend or evening hours, and you have the summer off. If interested, contact Ellen Buening at ehbuening@rcdoc.org or 704-370-3268
Charlotte Catholic High School’s Options Program is growing and seeking to hire two part-time teaching assistants. The Options Program provides a Catholic high school education for students with developmental disabilities. Click here for additional details or contact Dr. Marie Leahy at MMLeahy@charlottecatholic.org.
The Diocese of Charlotte has three openings in the Human Resources Department. They are looking for a total compensation and benefits analyst, human resources administrator and human resources manager. Click here for more information on the positions or email tamack@rcdoc.org.
News
St. John Neumann offers a Catholic-based, mixed bowling league open to beginners and experienced bowlers. Bowl every other Sunday from Aug. 25 to April 20 at Bowlero Matthews. You may form your own four-person team, come with a friend, or come by yourself. The kick-off meeting is Aug. 25 at 5:30 pm followed by bowling. For more information and to sign up, contact Mary Blinn at 980-242-0105 or Mike Horeth at 704-650-8942 or horethm@bellsouth.net.
St. Ann Catholic Church is hosting a Together In Holiness wine and cheese night on Tuesday, Aug. 27, from 6:30 to 8 pm in the Allen Center. All are invited to join and learn about this opportunity of marriage enrichment. Click here to RSVP. For more information, contact Rachel Townsend at rachel@forlifeandfamily.org.
Join the St. Thomas More Society of Charlotte (STMS) for a Red Mass for the Legal Profession on Wednesday, Sept. 11, at 6 pm at the Cathedral of St. Patrick. Bishop Michael T. Martin, OFM Conv., will celebrate the Mass, and U.S. District Judge Robert J. Conrad will give remarks at a dinner reception following the Mass. Free and open to all members of the judiciary and legal profession and their spouses and guests, but donations to support the STMS and the Red Mass are also welcome. If planning to attend the dinner reception, click here to register. For more information, email StThomasMoreCLT@gmail.com.
St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church ACES Senior Club invites all seniors 45+ young to join them on Thursday, Sept. 12, at 11 am in the Activity Center to celebrate Grandparents Day with a southern buffet and music by Jerry Herbert. The cost is $13 per person for members and $14 per person for guests. RSVP and payment are due by Sept. 6 to Donna Anderson at anderson@cottinghamchalk.com or 704-607-6880 (call or text). Seats are available for “A Capitol Christmas” trip, three days and two nights. The trip includes a tour of the White House and 17 other venues. The cost per person for double occupancy is $751.43. For single occupancy, the cost is $938.77. Triple and quadruple rates are available. For more information, contact Peggy Gibbons at pgibbons1@att.net or 704-588-5870 (leave a message). Trip RSVP and deposit are due by Aug. 10, with final payment due by Aug. 31.
Come celebrate with Father Rodolph Wakim and experience the rich culture and traditions of Lebanon! The festival is sponsored by St. Stephen Maronite Catholic Church and is on Saturday, Sept. 21, from 11 am to 7 pm. On Friday, Sept. 20, you can drive through for Lebanese food from 4 to 8 pm. Event highlights include delicious Lebanese food, music, a children’s area with fun activities and exciting prizes. Purchase $50 raffle tickets for a chance to win $5,000! Click here for a flier. For more information, visit the Facebook page (@https://www.facebook.com/StStephenNc) or email saintstephenmaronitechurch@gmail.com.
St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church is pleased to host Catholic converts, Dr. Scott Hahn and Dr. John Bergsma, for a conference, The Eucharist Our Source and Summit, on Saturday, Sept, 21, from 8 am to 3 pm. The cost is $35 and does not include lunch. For $15, you may purchase lunch. St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church is located at 1400 Suther Road, Charlotte, NC 28213. Click here to register.
You Can Help Your Marriage – Do you feel alone? Are you frustrated or angry with each other? Do you argue … or have you just stopped talking to each other? Does talking about it only make it worse? Retrouvaille (pronounced retro-vi with a long i) helps couples through difficult times in their marriages. This program has helped tens of thousands of couples experiencing difficulties in their marriage. For confidential information about Retrouvaille and to register for the fall program beginning with a weekend, Sept. 27 to 29, contact Bill and Lyn Folsom at 727-343-6701, or email 3062ac@helpourmarriage.org, or visit the web site at www.HelpOurMarriage.org.
St. Gabriel Catholic Church is offering a half-day gathering for women with guest speaker, Laura Phelps on Saturday, Oct. 5, from 10 am to 2:30 pm. The cost of the offering is $30 and includes lunch. For more information and to register, click here.
Bishop Michael Martin will celebrate the annual diocesan 25th and 50th Wedding Anniversary Mass on Sunday, Oct. 27, at 3 pm at the Cathedral of St. Patrick (1621 Dilworth Road East). If you were married during 1974 or 1999, you and your family are invited to this special Mass, followed by a reception. Click here to register.
Worldwide Marriage Encounter Weekends (WWME) Fall into love all over again! Remember why you fell in love and get the tools you need to keep your marriage on the right path. Sign up today to attend one of the next in-person Worldwide Marriage Encounter Weekends on Nov. 1 to 3, 2024 in Emerald Isle, NC or May 3 to 5, 2025 in Hickory, NC. Signup is required and early signup is recommended. Click here for more information or contact us at applications@NCMarriageDiscovery.org or 704-315-2144.
St. Philip Neri Catholic Church in Fort Mill, SC has a singles group for men and women 45 years old and older. They have monthly meetings as well as social events throughout the year. If you are interested in joining or would like more information, contact Judy at spnsingles45@gmail.com.
Celebrate Mass in the Byzantine Rite on Saturdays at 4 pm at St. Philip Neri Catholic Church in Fort Mill, SC (292 Munn Road). The Divine Liturgy is held in the Ministry Center, the building across from the main church. All are welcome. Bishop Kurt Burnette granted the Byzantine community a proper name, The Petro Oros Byzantine Catholic Mission. Father Oros was a Ukrainian priest martyred in 1953 and recently beatified by Pope Francis. For more information visit www.carolinabyzantine.com or contact Andrea Kakuk at akakuk1@gmail.com.
Catholic Charities Elder Ministry
Catholic Charities Elder Ministry invites you to join their Zoom session on Brain Health – It’s never too late to take charge of your brain health! In this hour-long, interactive session you will learn about the five pillars of a brain-healthy lifestyle, share your brain-boosting activities and be inspired by others. This session is a good overview for anyone interested in improving their brain health and will provide you with actionable steps you can take along with resources to learn more.
Date: August 20, 2024
Time: 10 a.m. – 11 am
Register in advance for this zoom meeting by clicking here.
For additional information contact Sandra Breakfield, Program Director Elder Ministry, at 704-370-3220 or sandrab@ccdoc.org.
Catholic Charities Elder Ministry is hosting a Medicare seminar presented by Abby Landry from the Council on Aging of Buncombe County. Three sessions are scheduled, one in Arden, one in Asheville and one in Hendersonville.
- Arden Session
St. Barnabas Catholic Church, 109 Crescent Hill Road
Tuesday, Aug. 27, 10 to 11 am
RSVP by Aug. 19 to Sandra Breakfield at 704-370-3220 or sandrab@ccdoc.org. - Asheville Session
St. Eugene Catholic Church, 72 Culvern Street
Tuesday, Sept. 17, 2 To 3:30 pm
RSVP by Sept. 12 to Sandra Breakfield at 704-370-3220 or sandrab@ccdoc.org. - Hendersonville Session
Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 280 7th Avenue West
Tuesday, Sept. 24, 1 to 2:30 pm
RSVP by Sept. 20 to Sandra Breakfield at 704-370-3220 or sandrab@ccdoc.org.
For more information on Catholic Charities Elder Ministry, click here or contact Program Director Elder Ministry Sandra Breakfield at 704-370-3220 or sandrab@ccdoc.org.
Diocese of Charlotte Office of Family Life
The Diocese of Charlotte Office of Family Life offers a Catholic apostolate for men and women who experience same-sex attractions and for their family members and loved ones. Whether you experience same-sex attractions (Courage) or you have a family member or loved one who identifies as LGBTQ+ (EnCourage), you are not alone. Join the Courage and EnCourage family and discover an apostolate that provides confidential support for living by the Catholic Church’s teachings on chastity and keeping family bonds intact. To learn more, visit https://Couragerc.org. To inquire about our local Courage chapter, email courage@rcdoc.org and local EnCourage chapter at encourage@rcdoc.org.
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Click here for more information on Diocese of Charlotte Office of Family Life or email FamilyLife@rcdoc.org or call 704-808-4507.