Around the Diocese
Job Opportunity
St. Matthew Catholic Church Gift Shop is looking for an assistant manager preferably with retail experience. Interested candidates must be available to work on weekdays, as well as weekends. Please fill out an application available in the gift shop or church office.
Office of Family Life/Catholic Charities Elder Ministry/Catholic Conference Center
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.
For Catholic Conference Center retreat opportunities, scroll to the bottom of this page.
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.
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).
News
Are you a St. Ann Catholic School graduate? You are a special part of our school community. We are in the initial stages of planning for our 70th anniversary in 2025. Over the next year, we hope to reconnect with as many former students as possible. We would love a response from you! If you know other St. Ann’s alumni, spread the word! Scan the QR code to complete the alumni outreach form. We will send invitations to alumni events, give updates, and connect to gather special memories in order to celebrate 70 years strong at St. Ann Catholic School.
St. Vincent de Paul Preschool is considering offering a summer camp this year for children ages two to five during the following weeks: June 24-28, July 15-19, July 22-26. The summer camp would be half-day, 9 am to noon, five days a week. Each week would be treated as a separate camp so you may enroll for whichever weeks work best for you. If you have a preschool-aged child whom might be interested in enrolling for summer camp, please contact Mary Helen at mhcushing@rcdoc.org or 704-644-4656. If there is enough interest, registration would begin by the end of February. Also, registration for the 2024-2025 preschool year is now underway for children ages two through four.
Young Catholic Professionals of Charlotte invites all young professionals to attend our half-day retreat from 8:30 am to noon on Saturday, March 23, at Belmont Abbey. We are excited to explore God’s mercy through the events of Holy Week and experience the profound depth of the Father’s love and forgiveness. The day will include a guided meditation, small group discussions, confessions, and daily mass. Free breakfast will be provided! click here to reserve your spot today!
St. Ann Catholic Church is offering a retreat, His Mercy Endures Forever, with Father Dan Leary on Saturday, April 6, starting with Mass at 8 am. The retreat is from 9:15 am to 11 am. Father Dan Leary spent 3 years on a mission with the Sisters of Mary, serving children experiencing extreme poverty. He is a sought-after Retreat Master known for his gift of healing. In this talk, Father Dan will share how Mercy was won on the Cross. Now, it is up to us to receive it and share it with others. All are welcome. Gather your friends, and let this morning be a moment of reflection, inspiration, and spiritual renewal for all. The retreat is free but registration is required. Click here for more information and 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 our next weekend beginning on April 12, contact Bill and Lyn Folsom at 727-343-6701, or email 3062ac@helpourmarriage.org, or visit the web site at www.HelpOurMarriage.org.
Belmont Abbey College is hosting A Domestic Church Marriage Retreat April 13 to 14. The retreat provides sacramentally married couples a fruitful time to encounter each other and the Lord in a new way. The retreat includes Mass, talks, and time alone together. The retreat cost is $100 and includes lunch both days, Saturday dinner, and all retreat materials. For more information and to register, click here.
2023 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 May 3 to 5 in Hickory, NC or Nov. 1 to 3 in Emerald Isle, NC. Signup is required and early signup is recommended. Click here for more information or contact us applications@NCMarriageDiscovery.org or 704-315-2144.
Trip to Ireland with Father Ed Sheridan. Join Father Ed Sheridan on his final “Unforgettable Ireland Tour” July 14-26. Cost is $5,852, including airfare. For more information email dianepbrennan4@gmail.com.
Experience Schola: The High School Summer Program at the Abbey! Rising sophomore high school students and older: Now is the time to plan for your summer! Introducing Schola, the high school summer program at Belmont Abbey College. Parents, this is a program that will have your students exploring classic literature and philosophy while enjoying daily prayer life and amazing outdoor activities. Rooted in our Catholic tradition, Schola offers an introduction to the Socratic method, trips to the U.S. Whitewater Center, hiking, and of course, appreciation of the good, the true, and the beautiful. Take advantage of this unforgettable experience! You’ll grow in wisdom, critical thinking and make great friendships. This is the summer experience that will prepare you for a successful college career and life. Schola 2024 is July 14-20 at Belmont Abbey College. Click here to learn.
The Cathedral of St. Patrick’s 11th annual choir camp is this summer from Aug. 5-9. All rising second to eighth grade boys and girls are invited to attend. In addition to choral singing (including singing for daily Mass), activities will include games, crafts, learning about Gregorian chant and music history. All participating children will sing for the Diocesan Eucharistic Congress Holy Hour at the Charlotte Convention Center on Saturday, Aug. 31, at 10 am. Registration is $30 per child with a family maximum of $90. Click here to register.
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.
Catholic Charities Elder Ministry
Catholic Charities Elder Ministry invites senior adults from across the diocese to join them for fun and fellowship at the 36th Annual Spring Fling. Discover something new and build upon your faith while enjoying exciting activities, presentations and performances. This is where friendships are strengthened and memories are made. There are two opportunities to attend.
On Tuesday, April 30, join the Elder Ministry at St. Matthew Catholic Church. The cost is $15 per person and includes lunch. The deadline to register is Monday, April 22. Click here for a registration form for the St. Matthew opportunity.
On Tuesday, May 14, join the Elder Ministry at the Catholic Conference Center, located at 1551 Trinity Lane, Hickory, NC 28602. The cost is $15 per person and includes lunch. The deadline to register is Thursday, May 2. Click here for a registration form for the Catholic Conference Center opportunity.
Catholic Charities Elder Ministry in collaboration with AARP Mountain Region is hosting the following educational presentations at St. Joan of Arc in Candler, NC.
Topic: HomeFit – Make your Home a Forever Home – Join us on Wednesday, May 22, from 1:30 to 2:30 pm for a practical, energizing overview of simple steps you can take to identify modifications that will assure that your home is safe and accessible. An AARP HomeFit presentation can help you make where you live a life-long home that’s comfortable, safe, and a great fit! Includes a full-page color pamphlet that highlights the key points of this presentation. The registration deadline is May 16. Register by contacting Diane Hawkins at 828-337-7714 or Sandra Breakfield with Catholic Charities Elder Ministry at 704-370-3220 or sandrab@ccdoc.org.
Topic: 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. Join us on Wednesday, May 29, from 1:30 to 2:30 pm. The registration deadline is May 23. Register by contacting Diane Hawkins at 828-337-7714 or Sandra Breakfield with Catholic Charities Elder Ministry at 704-370-3220 or sandrab@ccdoc.org.
Topic: Downsizing and Decluttering – Clear the Clutter! Having too much stuff can impede people from relocating or getting health care into their homes. This engaging presentation explores why stuff is so important for some people and teaches practical, easy-to-follow tips on downsizing and decluttering. Learn how to get started! Join us on Wednesday, June 5, from 1:30 to 2:30 pm. The registration deadline is May 30. Register by contacting Diane Hawkins at 828-337-7714 or Sandra Breakfield with Catholic Charities Elder Ministry 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.
Birthright of Charlotte, a pro-life pregnancy center is located at 4435 Monroe Road in Charlotte. For more information, click here. To volunteer and offer financial assistance, contact Executive Director Hank Chardos at hank@birthrightofcharlotte.org or 803-543-8144.
North Carolina Rally and March for Life is May 18. Join the Office of Family Life for a day pilgrimage to our state capitol for the 26th Annual Rally and March for Life. For more details and to register, click here.
Click here for more information on Diocese of Charlotte Office of Family Life or email FamilyLife@rcdoc.org or call 704-808-4507.
Catholic Conference Center Retreats (Hickory, NC)
Join us for a one-night retreat on the Passion readings found in the Gospel of Mark March 22 to 23. The retreat is a balanced blend of historical, theological, and spiritual reflections, with additional time to walk the beautiful grounds or pray in the chapel. The retreat is the day before Palm Sunday and is a great way to spiritually prepare for the holiest week of the year! Click here to register. For more information, email info@catholicconference.org or call 828-327-7441.
Kindle in Me the Fire of Your Love, art as spiritual therapy one-day retreat, April 19-20. Join us for a thoughtful blend of reflections, prayer, and pottery – all designed to help you deepen your relationship with the Holy Spirit. Click here for more information and to register.
Easter retreat from April 26 to 28. One of the center’s favorite retreat masters is back, Deacon Matt Newsome will share some insights he has gained as a devotee of St. Francis de Sales and share some reflections from his recently published book, The Devout Life: A Modern Guide to Practical Holiness with St. Francis de Sales. Space is limited so register early. Click here for more information and to register.