St. Matthew

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 is joining the national campaign, We Are There, to promote the life-giving work of the Catholic Charities network. For 75 years, Catholic Charities has brought comfort, hope and relief to our neighbors, regardless of their faith, in the Diocese of Charlotte. The agency serves nearly 23,000 people, distributing over 600,000 pounds of food and aiding nearly 900 refugees. To learn more about the We Are There campaign, visit www.wearethere.us. To volunteer or make a gift to support the work of Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte, visit www.ccdoc.org.

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.

Did you know the Catholic Church supports organ donation as an act of love and self-giving? Joe Buonanno, a long-time member of our parish community, is in urgent need of a kidney transplant. If you feel called to help, please visit http://www.giftforjoe.com/ for more information.

Charlotte Catholic High School is excited to launch the Career Exploration Program (CEP), designed to provide students with a valuable 15-hour (two-day) job shadow experience during the summer before their senior year. In addition to the shadowing experience, students will also receive college and career readiness training. the program aims to help students explore potential career paths before finalizing their college applications or choosing a major. We are currently seeking “hosts” for the 2025 summer internship. If you or your company are interested in offering a student the opportunity to shadow and learn about your industry, please click here.  For more information, email Anne Runkle at amrunkle@charlottecatholic.org. 

Spaces are still available for the three-year-old and four-year-old classes at St. Vincent de Paul Preschool for the 2025-2026 preschool year. They offer half-day classes for children ages two through four. The Catholic preschool program is play-based, with a concentration on preparing children for kindergarten by the end of our four-year-old class. They also introduce children to our Catholic faith through Bible stories, songs, visits to the church and chapel, and celebrations of saints. For more information or to schedule a tour, please contact Mary Helen at mhcushing@rcdoc.org or 704-644-4656. Click here for registration forms and summer camp information.

Drexel High School opened in Fall 2023 and is a classical high school in the Catholic tradition. It is located in Belmont, North Carolina. To learn more, click here. 

Retrouvaille of Western Carolina Marriage Retreats in 2025 – Retrouvaille Marriage Help offers a welcoming and loving space to couples who have been living with the misery of a failing marriage. Retrouvaille offers hope: hope that it is not too late, hope of a different and better marriage. Retrouvaille helps couples to show each other mercy through the opportunities it provides to listen, to forgive, to be reconciled and to move into their futures believing that God loves them and with His help and their efforts, their marriages can be healed and restored. Retrouvaille provides help for marriage problems/difficulties/ crises. For more information about an upcoming Retrouvaille Weekend,  email: 3062ac@helpourmarriage.org  or Call: 727-343-6701. For information, registration please click here. 

Join Our Lady of Consolation Catholic Church (1235 Badger Court, Charlotte 28206) for a spiritual journey like no other, 2025 Holy Spirit Revival: A Pilgrimage of Love. Father R. Tony Ricard from the Archdiocese of New Orleans is the revivalist. The three-day event kicks off on Sunday, May 4, at 6 pm. On Monday, May 5, and Tuesday, May 6, the revival starts at 7 pm. Do not miss out on this incredible opportunity to connect with the Holy Spirit and deepen your faith. Click here to register.

St. Leo the Great for the Triad Region Guild will host a bioethics seminar at St. Leo the Great Catholic Church in Winston Salem, North Carolina on Saturday, May 31, from 9:30 am to 1 pm with lunch included. The seminar is Now and at the Hour of Our Death. Click here for more information. 

Teens: Where are you going in life? Explore how God is calling the vocations summer camps offered by the diocese!
YOUNG MEN (ages 15-19): Jesus has a great plan for you! At Quo Vadis Days, spend an unforgettable week exploring what that plan may be, talk one-on-one with priests and seminarians of the diocese, get equipped with tools to strengthen your faith, plus have fun with other young men like you from around the Diocese of Charlotte. Sign up soon – space is limited to 100 applicants!

• Monday-Friday, June 16-20, 2025
• Belmont Abbey College, Belmont
• Cost: $150
• Deadline to apply: June 2

Click here to learn more and register. For more info, contact Diocesan Promoter of Vocations Father Brian Becker at bjbecker@rcdoc.org or Office of Vocations Lainie Lord at ldlord@rcdoc.org.

YOUNG WOMEN (ages 16-19): Spend a week diving into your faith, following the example of Our Lady, at Duc in Altum, a summer vocations camp uniquely designed for young women to discover how the Lord is calling you as His beloved daughter, learning how to enhance your prayer life and having fun with others.

• Monday-Friday, June 23-27, 2025
• Belmont Abbey College, Belmont
• Cost: $150
• Deadline to register: June 9

Click here to get details and register. For inquiries, contact Sister Mary Jacinta at mjacinta@stjcs.org.

YOUNG WOMEN (ages 12-15): Talitha Koum is like a “mini” Duc in Altum exclusively for you! At this one-day retreat/camp, experience your faith, open your heart and grow in confidence, and have lots of fun.

• 8 am to 4 pm Monday, June 23, 2025
• Belmont Abbey College, Belmont
• Cost: $25
• Deadline to register: June 9

Click here to get details and register. For inquiries, contact Sister Mary Jacinta at mjacinta@stjcs.org. 

Belmont Abbey College is offering their Schola Program for Catholic high school students (sophomores to seniors) from July 6 to 12. This week-long summer program enables Catholic high school students to explore a rigorous college experience, discuss the Great Books from an authentically Catholic perspective, and simply have fun with other like-minded Catholic teens. Click here for more information and to register. 

Take time for your marriage by attending the next Worldwide Marriage Encounter Experiences Sept. 26 to 28 in Hickory, North Carolina. Early sign up is recommended. For more information, click here or contact us atapplications@NCMarriageDiscovery.orgor 704-315-2144.

Deacon Larry O’Toole from St. Luke Church is hosting a Pilgrimage to Italy for the Jubilee Year from Nov. 12 to 22, through Nawas Travel. Visit Venice, Florence, Assisi, Padua, and Rome and pass through the Holy Doors of St. Peter’s Basilica and three other major basilicas. The price of $4,599 per person includes airfare, hotel accommodations, most meals, an English-speaking tour director, comprehensive sightseeing throughout, all admission fees, hotel charges, government taxes, airline surcharges, and transfers to and from airports by private motor coach. Click here for more information, including the registration form.

St. Philip Neri Catholic Church in Fort Mill, South Carolina 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, South Carolina (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

Carepoint Incorporated, located at 6401 Carmel Road, Suite 106, offers support to caregivers on the third Tuesday of the month at 10 am. The event is free to attend. However, registration is requested by calling 980-226-5516 or emailing marissa@carepointinc.com. 

Catholic Charities Elder Ministry 37th Annual Spring Fling
If you missed the May 6 Spring Fling, join us on Tuesday, May 27, from 9 am to 3 pm at the Catholic Conference Center. The cost is $17 per person and includes lunch. Make checks payable to Catholic Charities. The deadline to register is May 12. For more information, click here. 

Catholic Charities and the Alzheimer’s Association will host The Empowered Caregiver Series starting on June 2 at St. Barnabas Catholic Church in Arden, North Carolina and starting on June 3 at St. Matthew Catholic Church. Participants are not required to attend all sessions. The series is free. However, registration is required by May 20 for the St. Matthew location and May 26 for the St. Barnabas location. The St. Barnabas offering is on Mondays from 1 to 2:30 pm. The St. Matthew offering is on Tuesdays from 2 to 3:30 pm. Topics include:

• Building Foundations of Caregiving
• Supporting Independence
• Communicating Effectively and Responding to Dementia-Related Behaviors
• Managing Money for Caregivers
• Exploring Care and Support Services

The Alzheimer’s Association is offering a webinar, An Era of Hope: Community Awareness Summit live on Zoom on Tuesday, June 3, from 9 to 10:30 am. The event marks the beginning of Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month. Learn about the advancements in the fight against Alzheimer’s, including new treatments and diagnostic tools. The summit also addresses emerging challenges, such as cognitive impairment in the workplace, and highlights the incredible work being done by Alzheimer’s community volunteers, donors, and partners. To register and join the webinar, click here. 

Catholic Charities Elder Ministry, along with Atrium Health and Novant Health, is offering Stay Active and Independent for Life (SAIL), an evidence-based strength, balance and fitness for adults 50 and older, on Wednesdays from July 2 to Aug. 20 from 11 am to 12:30 pm at Our Lady of Consolation Catholic Church (1235 Badger Court, Charlotte). Adults 50 and older with a history of falls or concerned about falls are encouraged to attend. The SAIL program is able to accommodate people with a mild level of mobility difficulty. It focuses on improving flexibility, strength and balance and can be done standing or seating.  Please wear sneakers and loose clothing. You can bring weights (1lb to 5lb) if you have them, but they are not required. While attendance at all classes is not mandatory, you will benefit most from attending as many as possible. This is a FREE class; however, registration is required as space is limited. To register, please contact Program Director Elder Ministry Sandra Breakfield at 704-370-3220 or  sandrab@ccdoc.org.

Catholic Charities Elder Ministry will sponsor two incredible Days of Reflection this September!

Day of Reflection with Deacon Scott D. Gilfillan – Sept. 10

You are invited to a Day of Reflection with Deacon Scott Gilfillan on Wednesday, Sept. 10, at the Catholic Conference Center in Hickory. Nestled on 178 acres, the Center offers stunning mountain views and plenty of outdoor space for peaceful walks and prayer. With 50 hotel-style rooms, extensive meeting areas, a chapel, and a private retreat house, it is an ideal setting to join Deacon Scott in exploring “How to Grow in Hope.”

Presenter: Deacon Scott D. Gilfillan, Founder and Executive Director of the Font of Mercy, leads retreats, offers spiritual direction, and writes a popular blog on practical spirituality. He previously served as the Director of the Catholic Conference Center and the Director of Formation for Deacons in the Diocese of Charlotte. Additionally, he is an adjunct faculty member for Divine Mercy University’s spiritual direction certification program, teaching classes and facilitating residencies. Deacon Scott has been a deacon since 2001, focusing his ministry on Matthew 25, helping the “least among us:” the prisoner, the elderly, the hungry, and the homeless. Despite the challenges faced by these populations, he has consistently delivered a message of hope.

Event Details:

• Date: Wednesday, Sept. 10
• Location: Catholic Conference Center, Hickory
• Topic: “How to Grow in Hope”
• Check-In: 9:45 to 10:20 am
• Welcome and Announcements: 10:20 to 10:30 am
• Program – “How to Cultivate Hope in the Present”: 10:30 am to noon
• Lunch: Noon to 1 pm
• Program – “5 Steps to Greater Hopefulness”: 1 to 2 pm
• Wrap-Up: 2 to 2:15 pm
• Prayer Service: 2:20 pm
• Cost: $17 per person (includes program, morning refreshments, and lunch)
• Registration Deadline: Monday, Aug. 25. Contact Sandra Breakfield at 704-370-3220 or sandrab@ccdoc.org.

Day of Reflection with Father Patrick “Pat” Cahill

Join us for a Day of Reflection with Father Pat Cahill on Tuesday, Sept. 23, at St. William Catholic Church in Murphy.  St. William Catholic Church, nestled in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains, is a sanctuary of tranquility and beauty. Surrounded by picturesque valleys, serene lakes, and meandering rivers, this charming location offers a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of daily life. The natural splendor of the area creates an ideal backdrop for contemplation and spiritual renewal.

In this serene setting, Father Pat Cahill will guide us through a reflective journey on “The Power of Hope.” His insights and wisdom will inspire and uplift, providing a beacon of light in challenging times. This day promises to be a rejuvenating experience, filled with moments of introspection and hope.

Come and immerse yourself in the beauty of St. William’s, and let the peaceful surroundings and Father Pat’s guidance help you discover the profound impact of hope in your life.

Presenter: Father Pat Cahill, currently serving as the pastor of St. Eugene Catholic Church in Asheville, is the eldest of six children. He moved to North Carolina from Connecticut during grade school and attended Charlotte Catholic High School followed by Belmont Abbey College. His parents relocated to Atlanta while he was in college and now stay busy with their fourteen grandchildren (five in Georgia, seven in Houston, and two in Wisconsin).

Father Pat pursued his seminary studies at Catholic University in Washington, DC (philosophy) and St. Charles Borromeo in Philadelphia (theology). He served as parochial vicar at St. Matthew Catholic Church in Charlotte from 2007 to 2009, and at St. Gabriel in Charlotte from 2009 to 2011. In 2011, he was appointed pastor of St. Eugene Catholic Church and Administrator of Asheville Catholic School. In 2014, he was appointed the Diocesan Director of the Mission Office, and in 2024, he was appointed to the College of Consultors by Bishop Martin.

Event Details:

• Date: Tuesday, Sept. 23
• Location: St. William Catholic Church, Murphy
• Topic: “The Power of Hope”
• Check-In: Begins at 11 am
• Lunch: Provided by the parish at 11:30 am
• Program: 12:15 to 2:30 pm
• Wrap-Up: 2:30 to 2:45 pm
• Closing Mass: 3 pm

There is no cost to attend, but registration is requested by Monday, Sept. 15, to help the parish plan accordingly. To join us, please contact either Mary Welch, Ministry Coordinator at St. William’s, at 386-453-3859 or email maryw8349@gmail.com. or Sandra Breakfield, Program Director Elder Ministry, at 704-370-3220 or email sandrab@ccdoc.org. We look forward to seeing you there!

For more information on all Elder Ministry programs, contact Program Director Sandra Breakfield at sandrab@ccdoc.org or 704-370-3220.

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. 

Join the Family Life Office in a daylong bus trip pilgrimage on Saturday, May 17, to our state capitol for a Mass, rally and March for Life. The cost is $25 per person. To learn more and sign up for the pilgrimage, click here. If you have questions, email FamilyLife@rcdoc.org. 

Click here to receive important newsletters from the Diocese of Charlotte Office of Family Life. In each email that you receive, there is a link to unsubscribe. 

Click here for more information on Diocese of Charlotte Office of Family Life or email FamilyLife@rcdoc.org or call 704-808-4507.