St. Matthew

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 and those they serve sincerely appreciate your steadfast support in advancing their mission to assist those in need within the Diocese of Charlotte. The mission of Catholic Charities extends beyond mere material assistance. It encompasses acknowledging every individual’s inherent dignity and value and recognizing the collective duty to foster flourishing communities. To sustain and expand this vital work, they need your help. Join them on April 24 for the Vineyard of Hope fundraiser. Together, we can help those in need and offer hope to those in despair. Click here to learn more about the event and how you can support the work of charity in our diocese. 

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.

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.    

St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church ACES Senior Club invites all seniors 45+ young to join them on Thursday, May 2, at 11 am in the Activity Center for their Mother’s Day lunch. The cost of our buffet lunch and to enjoy an afternoon of square dancing with the “Swinging Saints Square Dancers” is $13 per person for members and $14 per person for guests. Advance payment and RSVP are due by April 26 to Donna Anderson at 704-607-6880 (call or text) or danderson@cottinghamchalk.com.  Seats are available for ACES Jimmy Buffett Musical Tribute on June 9; The Motown Sound Broadway style play on Sept. 8; a White House and Capital Christmas Dec. 13 to 24. For more information, contact Peggy Gibbons at pgibbons1@att.net or 704-588-5870 (leave a message). Newcomers are welcome to attend lunches or go on trips.  

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, contact  Bill and Lyn Folsom at 727-343-6701, or email 3062ac@helpourmarriage.org, or visit the web site at www.HelpOurMarriage.org.

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. 

Attention all Catholic young men ages 15 to 19! Do you know where your life is going? The Lord Jesus has a great plan for you! You are invited to attend the 11th annual Quo Vadis Days camp to spend time with other young men your age looking at the Lord’s call in your life while having fun. QVD is led by priests and seminarians of the diocese and is supported by the diocesan Office of Vocations. Quo Vadis Days are from June 10 to 14 at Belmont Abbey College in Belmont. The cost of the camp is $150.  Registration deadline is Wednesday, May 29. If you are interested, click here or contact Father Brian Becker, Diocesan Promoter of Vocations, at bjbecker@rcdoc.org.

Attention all Catholic young women ages 16 to 19! Do you know where your life is going? Do you have a desire to grow deeper after the role model of our Lady? You are invited to attend the eighth annual Duc in Altum camp to spend time with other young women your age looking at the Lord’s call in your life, while having fun and receiving the tools for a strong prayer life. DIA is led by priests and religious of the diocese and is supported by the diocesan Office of Vocations. Duc in Altum is held from June 24 to 28 at Belmont Abbey College in Belmont. The cost of the camp is $150. Additionally, the diocese is happy to introduce Talitha Koum for young women ages 12 to 15!  Talitha Koum is a daylong retreat for younger women to grow in their relationship with Jesus and Mary and to spend time having fun with each other. The retreat is on Monday, June 24, at Belmont Abbey College. The cost is $25. The deadline to register for Duc in Altum and Talitha Koum is Wednesday, June 12. If you are interested, click here or contact Sister Mary Jacinta at 704-370-3248 or mjacinta@rcdoc.org.

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 11^th 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. 

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. 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. 

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)  

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.