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.
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.
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.
Job Opportunities
Mecklenburg Area Catholic Schools is now hiring After School Assistants. Come Join our team! The job is from now until May, from 2:30 to 6 pm, three to five days a week. There is no weekend or evening hours and you have the summer off. We need help at the following locations:
- St. Ann Catholic School
- Holy Trinity Middle School
- St. Patrick Catholic School
- St. Mark Catholic School
If interested, contact Ellen Buening at ehbuening@rcdoc.org.
St. Philip Neri Catholic Church in Fort Mill, SC (www.saintphilipneri.org) is seeking a Family Faith Formation Coordinator. This position is primarily responsible for the coordination and oversight of the Religion Education Program at the elementary level Grades first through sixth, preparation and implementation of the Special Religious Development Program (SPRED) and Vacation Bible Study (VBS). In addition, they are responsible for coordinating the parish programs for the Sacraments of First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion, as well as Adult Formation programs and activities. This is a full-time exempt position. Send resume, cover letter and inquiries to the Director of Operations at operationdirector@saintphilipneri.org.
The Diocese of Charlotte has an opening in the Human Resources Department. They are looking for a total compensation and benefits analyst. Click here for more information on the positions or email tamack@rcdoc.org.
News
St. Luke Catholic Church in Mint Hill is pleased to announce their new ministry, Pathways To Healing, a ministry supporting those affected by domestic abuse. They invite you to attend a candlelight prayer vigil on Thursday, Oct. 24, at 7 pm in the Pavilion at St. Luke’s main campus on Fairview Road. For more information please email pathwaystohealing2024@gmail.com.
St. John Neumann Catholic Church will hold a 40-hour devotion beginning Thursday, Oct. 24, and ending Saturday, Oct. 26. The presider is Deacon Wally Cabrese. Thursday night at 6 pm, Deacon Cabrese will open Adoration at 6 pm. At 7 pm he will talk about The Eucharist as the Source of Charity and Stewardship, followed by Night Prayer. On Friday at 7 pm, Deacon Cabrese will talk about The Eucharist and Transformation of Life, followed by Night Prayer. On Saturday at 9 am, Deacon Cabrese will talk on The Eucharist as a Call to Holistic Stewardship. The closing Mass is at 10 am on Saturday.
Join St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church for their 11th annual World Feast celebration in honor of our Lady of Fatima on Saturday, Oct. 26 from 11 am to 6 pm. Enjoy live music, games, cultural entertainment, and food from over 16 countries! Beer and Kombucha are for sale, as well as your chance to bid on 50/50 and silent auction items. St. Thomas Aquinas is located at 1400 Suther Road.
Holy Angels provides compassionate, dependable care and opportunities for high-quality living to those with intellectual developmental disabilities and delicate medical conditions. On Nov. 2, they are hosting the “Holy Angels Got Talent Gala” at the Performing Arts Center at Charlotte Catholic High School. The evening features resident performances, heavy hors d’oeuvres, cocktails and guest experiences. The cost is $200. All proceeds benefit Holy Angels programs and services. Click here for more information and to purchase tickets.
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, Nov. 1 to 3, 2024 in Cary, 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 and the Byzantine community invite you to join them for the Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom on Saturday, Nov. 2, at 4 pm. Afterwards, stop by the Ministry Center rooms 103 and 104 for a potluck and fellowship. Please RSVP by Oct. 27. Click here to RSVP. For more information email Andrea Kakuk at petromissionfortmill@gmail.com.
All are invited to a recollection directed by a priest of Opus Dei on Nov. 5 at St. Matthew Catholic Church in the chapel. Opus Dei is a Catholic institution founded by St. Josemaría Escrivá. Its mission is to help people turn their work and daily activities into occasions for growing closer to God, for serving others, and for improving society. Click here for more information on Opus Dei.
Recollection for Women
Tuesday, Nov. 5, from 10 am to 12:30 pm
Recollection includes Holy Mass at noon.
The priest is available for confessions starting at 9:30 am.
For more information, please contact Remy Ignacio at 704-340-3420 or remy_ignacio@hotmail.com.
Recollection for Men
Tuesday, Nov. 5, from 7 to 9 pm
The priest is available for confessions starting at 6:30 pm.
For more information, please contact Joe Ignacio at 704-340-3749 or mightyjope@yahoo.com.
The Catholic Conference Center is hosting its signature New Year’s Retreat. Jesus used questions to promote healing, forgive the past, repair brokenness, and instill hope. The retreat, “Questions Jesus Asks You for the New Year,” will invite you to answer the same life-altering questions. The retreat includes five engaging reflections, Mass, confession, Matins, Vespers, and Adoration. Plus, plenty of time to reflect upon the New Year in our sacred spaces while enjoying the fireplace in our lounge or exploring the beautiful grounds of the Catholic Conference Center in Hickory. Two nights, Dec. 30 to Jan. 1. As a special treat, there is a New Year’s Eve banquet with traditional festivities. The last two years have sold out, so register now at www.catholicconference.org/new-years. For more information email info@catholicconference.org or call 828.327.7441.
Retrouvaille of Western Carolina Marriage Retreats in 2025 – Our January retreat is filling fast. For information, registration please click here.
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
For more information, contact Elder Ministry Program Director Sandra Breakfield at sandrab@ccdoc.org or 704-370-3220.
Diocese of Charlotte Office of Family Life
The Diocese of Charlotte Family Life Office will host a cycle prep workshop for mothers and daughters on Oct. 26 from 1 to 4:30 pm at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church. This course will assist parents to prepare their daughters for the start of their first period, together. Give your daughter all the tools she needs to navigate puberty positively, while building a foundation that will help you continue these conversations with her. New introductory content on Theology of the Body is included. Click here to learn more and register.
Rachel Retreat: Healing After Abortion – Are you or a loved one seeking healing from the effects of a past abortion? Find healing and support in a confidential, non-judgmental environment at a Rachel Retreat weekend. These retreats are offered by the Family Life Office of the Diocese of Charlotte for men and women, in both English and Spanish. Click here to register for the next weekend, Nov. 1 to 3.
Married and engaged couples are invited to the sixth annual Together in Holiness marriage conference on Nov. 16 from 8:30 am to 3:45 pm at St. Barnabas Catholic Church in Arden, NC and St. Ann Catholic Church in Charlotte, NC. This one-day conference will help you strengthen your relationship with your spouse and discover God’s plan for your family. Registration is $64 per couple and $5 per child for on-site childcare. An early-bird discount is available through Wednesday, Oct. 16, as well as scholarships upon request. Click here to request a scholarship. This conference is presented by the St. John Paul II Foundation and the Diocese of Charlotte. For more information, visit www.togetherinholiness.org or email Th@forlifeandfamily.org.
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.