Dec. 8, 2023 by Catholic News Herald

December 8, 2023

catholicnewsherald.com charlottediocese.org S E RV I N G C H R I ST A N D C O N N EC T I N G C AT H O L I C S I N W E ST E R N N O R T H C A R O L I N A

INSIDE 2022-23 Diocese of Charlotte Annual Report

Fieles de la diócesis celebran a Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe Faithful around diocese to celebrate Our Lady of Guadalupe 8, 19

A sign of the season Advent tradition brings awe and unity to Morganton parish 7

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‘Little Churches with Big Hearts’ 14-15

At a glance 2

catholicnewsherald.com | December 8, 2023 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

CATHOLIC ALL WEEK

DECEMBER 8, 2023

Timely tips for blending faith & life

Volume 33 • NUMBER 5

1123 S. CHURCH ST. CHARLOTTE, N.C. 28203-4003 catholicnews@charlottediocese.org

704-370-3333 PUBLISHER The Most Reverend Peter J. Jugis Bishop of Charlotte

INDEX Contact us.....................................2 Español....................................... 18-21 Our Diocese............................. 4-12 Our Faith........................................3 Our Schools................................. 13 Scripture................................. 3, 21 U.S. news.....................................24 Viewpoints.............................26-27 World news................................. 25

his Advent, as we prepare for the babe in the manger (“to eat”) in Bethlehem (“house of bread”), the many visual cues make it easy to remember that the greatest gift God gave us was Himself – first as an innocent child and then in the Eucharist. The latter may be less obvious to many, but just as in Scripture itself, imagery of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament has pervaded literature and the arts throughout the centuries. It continues to this day, if you know where to look. As Catholics stoke the fires of a national Eucharistic revival, take heart that Our Lord is with us always and share that faith with others with gift ideas for the bibliophile on your list – even if that book lover is you. DEEPEN YOUR DEVOTION WITH THE ‘APOSTLE OF THE EUCHARIST’ St. Peter Julian Eymard, a 19th-century French priest, had a deep love for the Eucharistic Lord since childhood. He continued to develop that relationship, founding religious orders devoted to the Blessed Sacrament and preaching and writing extensively on the subject in response to disbelief and indifference to the Real Presence during his time. Join the “Apostle of the Eucharist” on a retreat to deepen your own love of Jesus in the Eucharist in “30 Day Eucharistic Revival: A Retreat with St. Peter Julian Eymard” by Father Donald Calloway.

STAFF EDITOR: Spencer K. M. Brown 704-808-4528, skmbrown@rcdoc.org

MORE THAN A TOKEN TO TOLKIEN The widely popular “Lord of the Rings” trilogy is known as a Catholic work – the author said so himself. The Lembas bread that sustains the characters on their harrowing journey clearly comes from J.R.R. Tolkien’s Eucharistic love. A key moment in “The Return of the King” reads: “The lembas had a virtue without which they would long ago have lain down to die. It did not satisfy desire, and at times Sam’s mind was filled with the memories of food, and the longing for simple bread and meats. And yet, this way bread of the Elves had potency that increased as travelers relied upon it alone and did not mingle it with other foods. It fed the will, and it gave strength to endure, and to master sinew and limb beyond the measure of mortal kind.” Fans of Tolkien’s work will enjoy learning more about how his faith intertwined with his writing in “Tolkien’s Faith,” a new spiritual biography of the famed author written by Holly Ordway for Word on Fire.

ADVERTISING MANAGER: Kevin Eagan 704-370-3332, keeagan@rcdoc.org

THE BEAUTY OF THE EUCHARIST REVEALED IN ART In “Sacred Art Every Catholic Should Know,” author Jem Sullivan, a catechetics professor, shares her knowledge of Christian masterpieces. In the book, she reminds us that many of the world’s most admired and treasured artistic works are Christian in theme, origin and location Scan the QR code for this week’s – and many of those depict recommended or allude to the Eucharist. activities: Two such masterpieces

HISPANIC MEDIA MANAGER: César Hurtado 704-370-3375, rchurtado@rcdoc.org MULTIMEDIA DESIGNER: David Puckett 704-808-4521, dwpuckett@rcdoc.org EDITORIAL TEAM: Kimberly Bender 704-370-3394, kdbender@rcdoc.org Annie Ferguson 704-370-3404, arferguson@rcdoc.org Troy C. Hull 704-370-3288, tchull@rcdoc.org

in this new release from TAN Books are Raphael’s “Disputation of the Most Holy Sacrament” (left) and Leonardo da Vinci’s “The Last Supper.”

Christina Lee Knauss 704-370-0783, clknauss@rcdoc.org COMMUNICATIONS ASSISTANT/CIRCULATION: Erika Robinson 704-370-3333, catholicnews@rcdoc.org COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR: Liz Chandler 704-370-3336, lchandler@rcdoc.org ASSISTANT COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR: Patricia L. Guilfoyle 704-370-3334, plguilfoyle@rcdoc.org THE CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD is published by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Charlotte 26 times a year. NEWS: The Catholic News Herald welcomes your news and photos. Please e-mail information, attaching photos in JPG format with a recommended resolution of 150 dpi or higher, to catholicnews@rcdoc.org. All submitted items become the property of the Catholic News Herald and are subject to reuse, in whole or in part, in print, electronic formats and archives. ADVERTISING: Reach 165,000 Catholics across western North Carolina! For advertising rates and information, contact Advertising Manager Kevin Eagan at 704-370-3332 or keeagan@rcdoc.org. The Catholic News Herald reserves the right to reject or cancel advertising for any reason, and does not recommend or guarantee any product, service or benefit claimed by our advertisers.

— Annie Ferguson

Diocesan calendar of events ENTERTAINMENT FESTIVAL OF LESSONS & CAROLS: 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9, St. John Neumann Church, 8451 Idlewild Road, Charlotte. Come hear the story of Jesus’ birth and watch children bring the story to life. A small reception to follow in the Parish Hall. CONCERT OF SACRED MUSIC FOR ADVENT & CHRISTMAS: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 16, St. Patrick Cathedral, 1621 Dilworth Road East, Charlotte. Performing will be the Cathedral Choir, Children’s and High School Choir. The choirs will sing the “In Nativitatem Domini Canticum” by Marc-Anotine Charpentier and other works by Marenzio and Bach. All invited to attend.

SUBSCRIPTIONS: $16.75 per year for registered families of the Diocese of Charlotte and $25 per year for all others.

ADVENT PENANCE SERVICES

POSTMASTER: Periodicals Class postage (USPC 007-393) paid at Charlotte, N.C. Send address corrections to the Catholic News Herald, 1123 S. Church St., Charlotte, N.C. 28203.

CHARLOTTE: 6:30-7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 6, St. John Neumann Church, 8451 Idlewild Road; 7-8 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 13, St. Gabriel Church, 3016 Providence Road

CONCORD: 7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 18, St. James the Greater Church, 139 Manor Ave. S.W. MINT HILL: 7-8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 14, St. Luke Church, 9800 Fairview Road MOORESVILLE: 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 19, St. Therese Church, 217 Brawley School Road PRAYER SERVICES POLISH MASS: 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 10, St. Matthew Church, 8015 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy., Charlotte. Father Mateusz Darlak will also offer confessions in Polish at 3-5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9, and 1:45-3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 10. For details, contact Barbara Banas at 303-204-8342 or bbanas153@aol.com. SIMBANG GABI (NIGHT MASS): 7 p.m. Dec. 15, St. Thomas Aquinas Church, 1400 Suther Road, Charlotte. Reception with light refreshments to follow in the parish hall.

Bishop Peter J. Jugis will participate in the following events: DEC. 13 – 10 A.M. Meeting with College of Consultors Pastoral Center, Charlotte DEC. 15 – 6 P.M. Advent Reception for Deacons St. Patrick Cathedral, Charlotte

Our faith

December 8, 2023 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

Pope Francis

Holy Spirit inspires creativity, simplicity in evangelization

“The Immaculate Conception” by Francisco Rizi (1614-1685)

What is the feast of the Immaculate Conception?

ec. 8 marks the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, when she was conceived without sin in St. Ann’s womb. A common misconception is that this feast honors the Incarnation of Jesus in the Virgin Mary’s womb. Though related, the Immaculate Conception is all about Mary. In 1854, Pope Pius IX’s solemn declaration, “Ineffabilis Deus” (“Ineffable God”), clarified with finality the long-held belief of the Church that Mary was conceived free from original sin. Mary was granted this extraordinary privilege because of her unique role in history as the Mother of God. That is, she received the gift of salvation in Christ from the very moment of her conception. The pope wrote, “The most Blessed Virgin Mary was, from the first moment of her conception, by a singular grace and privilege of almighty God and by virtue of the merits of Jesus Christ, Savior of the human race, preserved immune from all stain of original sin.” Even though Mary is unique in all humanity for being born without sin, she is held up by the Church as a model of holiness, purity and willingness to accept God’s plan.

Every person is called to recognize and respond to God’s call to carry out His plan for their life and fulfill the mission prepared for them since before the beginning of time. Mary’s “Let it be done to me according to Thy Word,” in response to the Angel Gabriel, is the response desired of all Christians to God’s plan. The Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception is a time to celebrate the great joy of God’s gift to humanity in Mary, and to recognize with greater clarity the truth that every human being has been created by God to fulfill a particular mission. As the prophet Jeremiah wrote: “The word of the Lord came to me thus: ‘Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I dedicated you, a prophet to the nations I appointed you’” (Jer 1:5-6). — Catholic News Agency

Daily Scripture readings DEC. 10-16

Sunday (Second Sunday of Advent): Isaiah 40:1-5, 9-11, 2 Peter 3:8-14, Mark 1:1-8; Monday (St. Damasus I): Isaiah 35:1-10, Luke 5:17-26; Tuesday (Our Lady of Guadalupe): Zechariah 2:14-17, Judith 13:18-19, Luke 1:2638; Wednesday (St. Lucy): Isaiah 40:25-31, Matthew 11:28-30; Thursday (St. John of the Cross): Isaiah 41:13-20, Matthew 11:11-15; Friday: Isaiah 48:17-19, Matthew 11:16-19; Saturday: Sirach 48:1-4, 9-11, Matthew 17:9a, 10-13

DEC. 17-23

Sunday (Third Sunday of Advent): Isaiah 61:1-2a, 10-11, Luke 1:46-50, 53-54, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24, John 1:6-8, 19-28; Monday: Jeremiah 23:5-8, Matthew 1:18-25; Tuesday: Judges 13:2-7, 24-25a, Luke 1:5-25; Wednesday: Isaiah 7:10-14, Luke 1:26-38; Thursday (St. Peter Canisius): Song of Songs 2:8-14, Luke 1:39-45; Friday: 1 Samuel 1:24-28, 1 Samuel 2:1, 4-8, Luke 1:46-56; Saturday (St. John of Kanty): Malachi 3:1-4, 23-24, Luke 1:57-66

DEC. 24-30

Sunday (Fourth Sunday of Advent): 2 Samuel 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16, Romans 16:2527, Luke 1:26-38; Monday (The Nativity of the Lord, Christmas): Isaiah 9:1-6, Titus 2:11-14, Luke 2:1-14; Tuesday (St. Stephen): Acts 6:8-10, 7:54-59, Matthew 10:17-22; Wednesday (St. John): 1 John 1:1-4, John 20:1a, 2-8; Thursday (The Holy Innocents): 1 John 1:5-2:2, Matthew 2:13-18; Friday: 1 John 2:3-11, Luke 2:22-35; Saturday: 1 John 2:12-17, Luke 2:36-40

hristians must rely more on the Holy Spirit than on their own plans and strategies if they hope to fulfill their mission to share the good news of God’s love and of salvation in Christ, Pope Francis said. The pope began his weekly general audience Dec. 6 explaining to the crowd that he once again asked an aide to read his catechesis “because I’m still struggling – I’m much better, but I struggle if I speak too much.” Since late November, Pope Francis has had respiratory difficulties related to a bronchial infection. A Vatican official read the pope’s text, but Pope Francis took the microphone back at the end of the audience to ask people to continue praying for peace in Ukraine and in Israel and Palestine. Without the Holy Spirit “all zeal is vain and falsely apostolic: it would only be our own and would not bear fruit.” “The Spirit is the protagonist; He always precedes the missionaries and makes the fruit grow,” the pope said, and that is a comforting thought because the results of sharing the Gospel are always the work of the Holy Spirit. “The Lord has not left us theological dispensations or a pastoral manual to apply, but the Holy Spirit who inspires the mission,” he said. Mission outreach inspired by the Spirit “always has two characteristics: creativity and simplicity,” the pope’s text said, and those traits are especially necessary “in this age of ours, which does not help us have a religious outlook on life.” At “the center of all evangelizing activity and all efforts at Church renewal,” he said, is the simple Gospel truth: “Jesus Christ loves you; He gave his life to save you; and now He is living at your side every day to enlighten, strengthen and free you.” When sharing that Gospel message seems “difficult, arduous (and) apparently fruitless,” he said, people may be tempted to stop trying. “Perhaps one takes refuge in safety zones, like the habitual repetition of things one always does, or in the alluring calls of an intimist spirituality,” he said. “They are temptations that disguise themselves as fidelity to tradition, but often, rather than responses to the Spirit, they are reactions to personal dissatisfactions.” But Christians can be certain that relying on the Holy Spirit and focusing on the key truths of the Gospel, they will find “new avenues arise, new paths of creativity open up, with different forms of expression, more eloquent signs and words with new meaning for today’s world.”

Our diocese 4

catholicnewsherald.com | December 8, 2023 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

For the latest news 24/7: catholicnewsherald.com

In Brief Mass attendance required for both Fourth Sunday of Advent, Christmas CHARLOTTE — This year the Fourth Sunday of Advent falls the day before Christmas, so Catholics should plan ahead to attend Mass to fulfill both holy days of obligation. People will need to attend Mass for the Fourth Sunday of Advent, and then again for Christmas – two separate liturgies to celebrate the two distinct holy days. Catholics are not allowed to attend one Mass to “cover” both holy days. To accommodate people’s needs, Bishop Peter Jugis is giving pastors the option of adding more Masses Dec. 23-25. Masses for the Fourth Sunday of Advent can be offered anytime after 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 23. Masses for Christmas can be offered any time after 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 24, guidance from the diocese’s Office of Divine Worship stated. As a result, Mass times may vary, so check your local parish’s website and bulletin to plan your Mass attendance schedule. “Ideally, this is an opportunity to foster a love for the Sacred Liturgy and to enkindle a desire to celebrate the holy days as fully as reasonably possible,” the Divine Worship guidance to pastors noted. — Christina Lee Knauss

Register now for diocese’s pilgrimage to National March for Life CHARLOTTE — The Diocese of Charlotte’s Family Life Office has opened registration for its bus pilgrimage to the National March for Life Jan. 18-20, 2024, in Washington, D.C. A highlight of the three-day, two-night trip is the Opening Mass of the National Prayer Vigil for Life, celebrated each year at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. This year, it will be on Jan. 18. “It is always powerful to see the Church gathered to witness for life, with cardinals, dozens of bishops, and hundreds of priests and seminarians, united with thousands of the faithful in prayer for the protection of life,” said Father Peter Ascik, director of the diocese’s Family Life Office. On Jan. 19, the morning of the march, pilgrims will attend LifeFest, a new pro-life rally organized by the Sisters of Life and the Knights of Columbus. Father Ascik said the event is an opportunity to be informed by talks and testimonies that show the impact the pro-life message has on the lives of real people. On. Jan. 20, the group will visit the St. John Paul II National Shrine for Mass and a tour. Fees are $50 per person for students (four per room), $200 per person for a double occupancy room, and $350 per person for single occupancy. Lodging, bus transportation and breakfast both mornings are included. For more information, e-mail familylife@rcdoc.org. To register, visit charlottediocese.org/event/national-march-for-life. — Annie Ferguson

Healthcare providers learn, discuss ethics from the saints CHARLOTTE — St. Vincent de Paul Parish in Charlotte hosted Catholic healthcare workers from across the Charlotte-metro area Nov. 11 for a IN BRIEF, SEE PAGE 6

Churches ending use of digital projection screens during Mass CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD catholicnews@rcdoc.org

CHARLOTTE — Just as families, schools and workplaces rethink the increasingly pervasive use of digital technology, Catholic churches locally and nationally are examining the challenges posed by screens at Mass and other sacred liturgies. A new policy defining how churches in the Diocese of Charlotte can – and can’t – use digital projection screens took effect last weekend, as the new liturgical year began. The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops is also examining the issue and weighing whether to develop national guidelines for technology use during Mass. As some other dioceses have done, the Diocese of Charlotte policy – promulgated by Bishop Peter Jugis and shared with pastors in August – prohibits the use of digital projection screens during Mass so worshipers can focus on the liturgy without distraction. Parishioners may continue to use smart phones and other personal devices to access information to assist in their understanding of and engagement in the Mass. The policy went into effect Dec. 3, the First Sunday of Advent. “It is important for sacramental reasons that people aren’t distracted during Mass, and that they are concentrating on what’s happening at the altar – not on words on a screen,” said Monsignor Patrick Winslow, vicar general and chancellor of the diocese, whose PAGE 26: What office studied other people are dioceses’ policies saying about the and commentary diocese’s new from the USCCB in screen policy drafting the local policy. “Digital screens are useful and can elevate a program or talk, and one of Bishop Jugis’ pastoral goals is to increase our digital evangelization,” Monsignor Winslow said. “Nonetheless, we also want to preserve the essence of the Mass as a holy celebration in which people participate fully in the Eucharistic sacrifice offered on the altar.” Two projection screens came down last week at Holy Cross Church in Kernersville, and 600 new hymnals recently arrived as Father Noah Carter, pastor, prepared to embrace the diocese’s new policy. And the diocese’s two biggest parishes – St. Matthew and St. Gabriel in Charlotte, who regularly used screens at Mass – announced the new policy on the eve of the change, prompting both praise and criticism. “The intent of the screens is good – to help parishioners follow along with elements of the Mass – but there are a lot of concerns about them,” said Father Noah Carter, pastor of Holy Cross. “Ours were positioned on the right side of the church and forced people to

More inside

FILE | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Digital screens used inside Holy Cross Church in Kernersville, located on the wall to the right of the altar in this 2017 archive photo, were removed last week to conform to the diocese’s new policy prohibiting the use of screens and digital projectors inside churches and chapels.

Under the new policy: n Non-retractable screens, televisions, projectors and other digital displays may not be permanently situated in the sanctuary or nave. n Cameras should be mounted “in unobtrusive and discreet locations.” (Livestreaming Masses and other liturgies for the sick and homebound may continue under the new policy.) n Screens may only be used inside churches before or after Mass “when there is an extraordinary need to share some sort of media message.” n Some exceptions may be acceptable, but prior approval from the bishop is required to use screens and projectors during liturgies inside a church or chapel.

Not all digital projections are prohibited, though: n Screens may be used in parish halls or other “overflow” spaces during liturgies when the church is full. n Retractable screens may be used for non-liturgical events in churches, such as talks and presentations, as long as “they are discreet and unnoticeable when retracted.” n Screens may also be used as needed for liturgies not celebrated in a church, such as at a convention center, arena or outdoors. n Sunday readings, hymns and other information may be made available for parishioners via QR codes to access on personal devices.

Read more At www.catholicnewsherald.com: Read the full text of the Diocese of Charlotte’s “Norms on the Use of Digital Screens and Projection Devices”

look away from the sanctuary. Since we shifted back to hymnals, I have already noticed that people seem to be singing with more gusto. Families and friends are sharing hymnals and they have the lyrics and music together in front of them – it’s kind of drawing people together.” Father Carter has been following the national conversation and had planned to remove the screens early next year. He inherited the screens when he became pastor in 2019, which had been installed years earlier in part to avoid the cost of hymnals and were regularly used during Mass to project readings, musical lyrics and Spanish translations. In an email to the Catholic News

Herald, he shared a 2021 newsletter from the U.S. bishops’ Committee on Divine Worship, describing the rationale against screen use: “The bishops have the perspective that since so many people spend much of their time looking at screens, the Sacred Liturgy ought to be a prayerful break from that experience. The bishops also believe that screens are a distraction from what is actually taking place in the liturgy.” Digital projection screens have become more common inside churches as a means of replacing expensive printed texts, providing a visual worship aid for large crowds, and projecting prayers and SCREENS, SEE PAGE 12

December 8, 2023 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

College seminary reaches initial $22M goal for chapel Groundbreaking projected for June 2024 ANNIE FERGUSON arferguson@rcdoc.org

MOUNT HOLLY — St. Joseph College Seminary has reached an important step in realizing its plans for a major chapel. Thanks to recent pledges, the seminary has met its initial $22 million goal, moving the project from the design phase to the construction documents phase, with groundbreaking planned for June 2024. “We recently received a $2 million pledge but have also been given many smaller gifts from people around the diocese,” said Fredrik Akerblom, director of advancement for the college seminary. “While Akerblom we have reached the initial goal, we still need to raise another $3 million to ensure that we can both meet the costs that have naturally increased since the $22 million estimate was made a few years ago and build all the parts that Father Kauth had planned for a third phase. This will avoid us having to pay the substantial costs of staging for a major construction project again.” The second construction phase of the seminary will now add a major chapel, offices, piazza, and a welcoming hall to host visits, talks and retreats for parishes around the diocese. The new chapel will be large enough to host liturgies with the seminary community and up to 150 visitors. The project promises to add a whole

new dimension to the life of the college seminary – and all those who want to visit. Father Matthew Kauth, rector of the college seminary, recently made several cost-saving tweaks to the original plan. For example, on the side of the chapel that faces the courtyard, the covered cloister walkway has been removed. “This will save a significant amount of money and allow natural light to fill the chapel to a much higher extent than when the walkway was there, as it partially blocked the windows of the chapel on that side,” Akerblom noted. All are invited to visit the seminary for an Advent open house from 2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 16, to see the seminary from the inside with all the Christmas decorations the seminarians have made and installed. Visitors will also be able to see the seminary chapel’s new polyptych, a five-panel painting that has been in progress for the past five years. Hot cocoa, cookies and self-guided tours will be offered, along with the chance to meet the seminary’s dogs Bocca and Lupo. In addition, Deacon Timothy Mueller will serve hot dogs and pretzels in the barn. The open house is a chance to experience the hospitality of St. Joseph College Seminary before the construction of the chapel, kitchen and meeting space.

“We are looking forward to inviting larger groups from around our diocese to visit the seminary,” Akerblom said. “With a new chapel and a chapter house that is created in large part for our visitors to have talks, lunch and other gatherings, we hope that parishes, Catholic groups, and others will feel welcome to visit here.” Father Kauth is also looking forward to welcoming more visitors, especially fellow priests, encouraging those interested to contact Akerblom. “I extend an invitation to all my brother priests to consider a visit to the seminary, alone, or with people from your parish,” Father Kauth said. “We want to make the seminary a location where all our priests feel welcome to make a personal retreat or to bring a group of the faithful for tours, talks, or simply to get to know us here.”

FRON T A E RIA L

RE A R A E RIA L

These renderings show sketches of the future chapel at St. Joseph College Seminary. With fundraising goals met thanks to generous donors, groundbreaking is set for June 2024. GRAPHICS PROVIDED

For information Interested in visiting the seminary or have other inquiries? Contact Fredrik Akerblom at 704-302-6386 or fakerblom@stjcs.org.

Jobs available in diocese schools, pastoral center, and Catholic Charities CHARLOTTE — Looking for a job? Consider a future working with the Diocese of Charlotte.

but other openings do come up, and those interested in working with the diocese should consistently monitor the careers page, Madden said. There, they can check for openings in Catholic Charities, schools and at the pastoral center.

PASTORAL CENTER

SCHOOLS

CHRISTINA LEE KNAUSS clknauss@rcdoc.org

Five positions are currently available at the diocesan pastoral center in Charlotte, according to Emily Madden, human resources specialist for the diocese. Openings are available for accounts receivable clerk, HR manager total compensation and benefits, bookkeeper (parish accounting services), development director for Catholic schools, and staff accountants. Those interested in applying should click the “apply” button on the link at the diocesan website’s Careers page: www.charlottediocese.org/employment-opportunities. From there, they will be directed to a site where they can submit applications and resumes. This is a smaller number of open jobs than usual,

The biggest employment search currently under way in the diocese’s school system is four principal positions coming open for the 2024-’25 school year, according to Dr. Greg Monroe, superintendent of schools for the diocese. New principals will be needed at Asheville Catholic School, Bishop McGuinness High School in Kernersville, and at St. Leo the Great School and Our Lady of Mercy School, both in Winston-Salem. Those interested in learning more about the opening at Bishop McGuinness should go to www.bmhs.us/about/ principal-search.cfm. Specific information about the other principal positions will be available online in the near future.

Monroe said those interested in the education field should consider the special opportunities offered by Catholic schools. “Working in a Catholic school isn’t just a job – it’s a vocation where one can truly make a difference and contribute to a legacy of education, faith and building intentional Catholic culture,” he said.

CATHOLIC CHARITIES

Catholic Charities is also hiring, with several positions open in Asheville, Charlotte, Murphy or Winston-Salem – including the position of regional director for its Piedmont-Triad Office. Read more and apply at www.ccdoc.org/jobs.

More online At www.charlottediocese.org/employment-opportunities: Get more information about the 28 jobs available now with the Diocese of Charlotte, its school system, and at Catholic Charities.

catholicnewsherald.com | December 8, 2023 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

IN BRIEF

Growing quilting ministry holds show and sale at St. Joan of Arc Parish

FROM PAGE 4

CHARLOTTE — More than 100 parishioners came together Nov. 17 for Family Adoration and Christmas card making for St. Matthew’s annual Christmas Meal Bin outreach. After Eucharistic Adoration, led by Father Darren Balkey, families gathered in the narthex to make special Christmas and Advent cards, which will accompany each food bin for those in need. Each year, the parish reaches out to neighbors in need, providing them with non-perishable food items for Christmas Day celebrations. For more information on St. Matthew’s Christmas Meal Bins program, contact Antoinette Usher at ausher@stmatthewcatholic.org.

CANDLER — St. Joan of Arc’s Quilting Ministry team organized its first Quilt Show and Sale Oct. 7-8 to raise funds and awareness for the growing ministry. The Quilting Ministry team began in 2021 as a means of making and donating lap quilts to parishioners who were gravely ill or homebound. They have since expanded their efforts to include making child’s quilts for each infant and child baptized into the Church at the parish. Before every meeting, the quilters pray that the Lord’s love and care will be made present in each stitch they sew and thread they knot. Each quilt is then blessed by Father Dean Cesa, pastor, before it is given as an expression of a loving and caring “hug” from the parish community. Over the past two years, the group of as many as 15 quilters have completed approximately 70 quilts. The show and sale, which included lap quilts, children’s quilts, table runners, Christmas stockings and other household items, raised approximately $4,100 for the ministry to buy fabric and thread for future quilts. Pictured is Ellie McCurdy in front of a quilt raffled off during the event.

— Catholic News Herald

— Katie Kalarovich

seminar on making ethical decisions in their profession according to teachings of Sts. Thomas Aquinas and Augustine. Dr. Catherine Nolan, assistant philosophy professor at Belmont Abbey College, gave a talk about St. Thomas Aquinas and his “Summa Theologica” and writings from St. Augustine’s “City of God.” Nolan then applied these philosophies to healthcare situations, such as end of life decisions and ectopic pregnancies. Catholic Health Professionals of Charlotte, an organization dedicated to supporting Catholic healthcare workers and promoting the Church’s teaching in the fields of medicine and science, hosted the event. The group is open to all Catholic healthcare workers in the diocese. To learn more, contact catholichealthcharlotte@gmail.com. — Mike FitzGerald, correspondent

St. Matthew parishioners reach out with food and Christmas cards

Mass for people suffering grief, loneliness to be offered Dec. 21 at St. Peter Church CHARLOTTE — For some, Christmas is not joyful. For people experiencing grief, a lost job, loneliness or other painful circumstances, it can be difficult to join in the holiday cheer. A special Mass at St. Peter Church is being offered later this month to provide comfort and encouragement, and everyone is welcome to attend. The “Mass of the Longest Night” will take place at 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 21. “Christmas can be a painful time for some,” said one of the planners of the event, Deacon Jim Bozik. “The constant refrain on the radio and television, in shopping malls and churches, about the happiness of the season, about getting together with family and friends, reminds many people of what they have lost or have never had.” “The anguish of broken relationships, loss of loved ones, the insecurity of unemployment, the weariness of ill health, the pain of isolation – all these can make us feel very alone in the midst of the celebrating and spending,” he continued. “We need the space and time to acknowledge our sadness and concern. We need to know that we are not alone.” While a service of this type has been found in Protestant churches, it is now beginning to be offered in Catholic worship. The Mass will be celebrated on the Winter Solstice, the day with the shortest amount of daylight. The hymns, prayers and readings are purposely chosen to be more reflective. The parish hopes the Mass offers people a contemplative, peaceful and – ultimately – hopeful moment of worship and fellowship this season as Christians look forward to the birth of Our Savior. “We need encouragement to live the days ahead of us,” Deacon Bozik said. St. Peter Church is located at 507 S. Tryon St. in uptown Charlotte. Free parking is available in The Green underground deck next to the church. For more information, please contact Deacon Jim Bozik at jbozik@ stpeterscatholic.org. — Catholic News Herald

Your Life’s Journey… how will you be remembered? Establish a legacy that responds to the many gifts God has given you.

For more information on how to leave a legacy gift to your parish, Catholic school, Catholic agency, the Diocese of Charlotte or the diocese foundation, please contact Gina Rhodes, Director Foundation of the of Planned Giving at 704-370-3364 / Diocese of Charlotte gmrhodes@rcdoc.org .

December 8, 2023 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

PHOTOS BY TROY HULL | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Parishioners of St. Charles Borromeo Church in Morganton came together to build their annual 11-foot Advent wreath on Dec. 1. The wreath is made from the boughs of 11 trees and hangs suspended over the nave of the church.

A sign of the season Advent tradition brings awe and unity to Morganton parish CHRISTINA LEE KNAUSS clknauss@rcdoc.org

MORGANTON — Parish volunteers braved the rain and cold to gather outside St. Charles Borromeo Church in Morganton to cut boughs from 11 Christmas trees on Dec. 1, part of a 32-year-old Advent tradition. They carried the branches inside, where a team climbed up and down ladders as they arranged the branches into a beautiful Advent wreath like no other in the region. The massive Advent wreath hangs suspended over the nave. The thick green branches of North Carolina-grown Fraser fir trees cover an 11-foot PVC frame built by a parishioner. The wreath is suspended by wires about 14 feet over the pews. When the tradition first started at the parish, some people were afraid to sit under the wreath, but they quickly discovered it was safe, noted Deacon John Martino, who regularly takes part in organizing the setup. After the branches were arranged, the volunteers secured battery-powered candles among the greenery. Pink and purple ribbons and other floral touches came later. In the early years of the project, it took about six hours to put the wreath together, but now volunteers have it down to a science. This year’s assembly took about 90 minutes. When the wreath was complete, the scent of fresh

evergreens filled the air inside the church. Father Ken Whittington, pastor of St. Charles Borromeo, came up with the idea for the big wreath 32 years ago as a way to usher in the Advent season and build community. Since then, the special wreath has become a tradition at the parish, beloved by parishioners and attracting visitors from around the community as well. “When I first walked in the church shortly after I started here, I saw the high open ceilings and I saw a vision of a big Advent wreath hanging from it,” Father Whittington said. “The idea was a little out there, but the parish embraced it.” The only time the wreath hasn’t been built in 32 years was during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, and many people missed it terribly, Father Whittington said.

Antonio Diego, his wife Angelina Pedro and their three sons have made building the wreath a part of their holiday celebrations for the past 15 years. “This is something special we do for the holiday together,” Diego said. “We do this and we help to put together the Nativity scene for the Church. It’s a special way to celebrate the season.” Father Whittington said the wreath is not only a unique way to celebrate the season – it is also a reminder of the importance of preparing for Christ’s birth. “This wreath defines Advent for many people here,” he said. “Advent is hard to celebrate these days because of the secular tone of the season in today’s world, and this really helps to bring it into focus.” Armando Estrada has been a member of the parish for only a few months, but he was drawn to help with the wreath as soon as he heard about it. “I have been to several different churches, and I have never seen anything like this,” he said. “The size of this wreath makes it so unique. I like helping the church and my community, and this is going to be a new tradition for me.” After Advent, volunteers will redecorate the wreath for the Christmas season with ribbons, lights and flowers. “When you think of all the hands involved in putting this together, this wreath becomes a true symbol of the unity of this church,” Deacon Martino said. “It is one beautiful wreath that represents the entire church family and takes on the spirit of the parish.”

See more At www.catholicnewsherald.com: See more photos of the Morganton parish’s massive Advent wreath

catholicnewsherald.com | December 8, 2023 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Faithful around diocese to celebrate Our Lady of Guadalupe CHRISTINA LEE KNAUSS clknauss@rcdoc.org

CHARLOTTE — One of the biggest and most beloved feast days dedicated to Mary is coming Dec. 12. The feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe recalls her appearance on Dec. 12, 1531, to St. Juan Diego on Mount Tepayac in Mexico. Over the centuries, the feast has become one of the largest annual celebrations in Mexico, and Mexican Americans have brought the tradition here. The feast is observed with special Masses, songs, dancing, music, processions, and live representations of Mary’s appearance. The story of her appearance nearly 500 years ago to St. Juan Diego is a testament to faith and devotion, according to Pope Francis. In a speech about evangelization on Aug. 23, the pope called Our Lady of Guadalupe a shining example of motherhood and a model of faith for all people. “Our Lady always chooses those who are simple, on the hill of Tepayac in Mexico as at Lourdes and Fatima,” he said. “Speaking to them, she speaks to everyone, in a language suitable for all, comprehensible like that of Jesus.” Here is a look at Our Lady of Guadalupe celebrations planned at parishes across the Diocese of Charlotte:

DIVINE REDEEMER CHURCH, BOONVILLE

9:45 p.m. Monday, Dec. 11, Our Lady of Guadalupe play followed by 10:30 p.m. Mass and Mañanitas at midnight. 8 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 12, Mass followed by celebration featuring traditional dances, food and more.

GOOD SHEPHERD MISSION, KING

5 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 12, Mañanitas, then 6:30 p.m. Mass.

HOLY ANGELS CHURCH, MOUNT AIRY

7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 12, Mañanitas by San Miguel and Holy Angels choirs, performance by Tonanzin dancers.

HOLY FAMILY CHURCH, CLEMMONS.

FILE | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9, mariachi music and Mañanitas.

HOLY TRINITY MISSION, TAYLORSVILLE

Parishioners from Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in Charlotte process with a statue of our Blessed Mother in honor of the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe in 2022.

8:30 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 10, English Mass; 9:30 a.m. Mañanitas, rosary, Spanish Mass and cultural celebration.

History of Our Lady of Guadalupe Tradition says that the Blessed Virgin Mary told Juan Diego to build a church upon the spot where she appeared. When he spoke to the local archbishop, his request was denied. Mary appeared to him two more times, but still the bishop asked for proof. Juan Diego then gathered roses, which should not have been growing at that time of year, from the hillside where Mary appeared and carried them to the prelate’s house wrapped in his cloak, also known as a tilma. He opened the tilma in front of the bishop, and as the roses poured out, a miraculous image of Mary was revealed on the inside of the cloak. Juan Diego’s tilma is on display to this day in the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City, a destination for thousands of pilgrims each year. Juan Diego was canonized by then-Pope John Paul II in 2002.

IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY CHURCH, HIGH POINT

2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 12, Mass followed by cultural celebration with food, dancing and mariachi music. 10 p.m. Monday, Dec. 11, vigil for Mañanitas featuring representation of apparitions of the Virgin presented by members of St. Mary Church in Greensboro. 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 12, Mass, then dinner and music.

OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE CHURCH, CHARLOTTE

5 p.m. Monday, Dec. 11, celebration with folk dancing, food, depiction of the apparition to Juan Diego, and rosary, followed by 8:30 p.m. Mass. Midnight Tuesday, Dec. 12 Mañanitas and mariachi music; Masses at 6 a.m., noon, 5 and 7:30 p.m.

OUR LADY OF THE ANGELS CHURCH, MARION

10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 10, Marian procession downtown with Aztec and Old Men dancers. 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 12, Mass with mariachi band followed by a dinner.

OUR LADY OF THE ANNUNCIATION CHURCH, ALBEMARLE

7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 10, Mass with celebration afterwards in the parish hall.

OUR LADY OF THE HIGHWAYS CHURCH, THOMASVILLE

11:30 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 10, procession, 1 p.m. Mass followed by celebration, food, live music, dances and dancing horses. 7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 11, rosary followed by 8-9:30 p.m. choir performance, 9:30 p.m. Mass, 10:30 p.m. mariachi music and Mañanitas. 6 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 12 Mass followed by dancing.

OUR LADY OF MERCY CHURCH, WINSTON-SALEM

8:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 11, vigil, then celebration 9-11 p.m. with mariachi music, traditional dances and Mañanitas. 8:30 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 12, Mass in English; 7 p.m. Mass in Spanish. GUADALUPE, SEE PAGE 12

FAITH

FAMILY

FRATERNITY

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December 8, 2023 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

PHOTO BY TROY HULL | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Cathedral renovations complete CHARLOTTE — Scaffolding came down this week outside St. Patrick Cathedral, signaling the end of a year-long effort to repair and renovate the 84-year-old cathedral and give the interior a dramatic facelift. The $2.6 million project, funded by the Diocese of Charlotte’s “Forward in Faith, Hope, and Love” campaign, began in September 2022 with work to the roof and exterior to repair years of water damage to the structure. Then, workers repaired and repainted the plaster walls so that North Carolina artist Lisa Autry could begin the makeover – adding detailed artwork on the rib arches and walls, around the stained glass windows, and – most dramatically – in the sanctuary. The result of her artistry: newly painted images of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary are prominently featured on the apse wall. Other artwork features the diocesan crest, a Marian symbol, St. Joseph crest, the Alpha and Omega icons (representing the comprehensiveness of God), and the Chi Rho symbol (the Greek monogram for Christ). Vibrant hues of red, blue and gold now fill the cathedral, with the 24-karat gold leaf detailing glimmering in the candlelight. The bishop’s chair was also moved to a new position along the left wall of the sanctuary. Other work included new landscaping and new HVAC units.

catholicnewsherald.com | December 8, 2023 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Diocese of Charlotte reaches a new milestone with $2M gift from anonymous donor COURTNEY MCLAUGHLIN Correspondent

CHARLOTTE — The Diocese of Charlotte has reached a fundraising milestone – receiving its 45th gift that totals $1 million or more – thanks to a $2 million donation to the St. Joseph College Seminary Chapel Capital Campaign. Father Matthew Kauth, rector of the college seminary, said the gift completed their $22 million capital campaign goal and ultimately helps the seminary save

on future building costs. “This allows us to build structures needed to complete our vision of having St. Joseph become a place that can welcome the faithful around the diocese Kauth for visits, talks and prayer,” he said. St. Joseph College Seminary in Mount Holly was founded in 2016 and has helped spur priestly vocations in the diocese. Currently, 50 men are studying for the priesthood for the diocese: 29 at the Athenaeum in Cincinnati and 21 at St. Joseph. In total, 64 men have come through St. Joseph College Seminary in eight years, with seven men expected to be ordained next June. “We have been blessed beyond measure,” Father Kauth said. These 45 donors across the diocese have given either one-time gifts of cash or stock, pledged to capital campaigns or special projects, or left gifts in their estate plans. Such gifts have benefited parishes, Catholic schools, the diocese, the diocese’s foundation and the college seminary. “So many generous parishioners and so many gifts have changed the lives of both the donors and the recipients of the gifts,” said Jim Kelley, diocesan development

director. “We receive gifts of all amounts – and we’re grateful for them all.” “There have been some individuals with significant resources who have had so much confidence in the Church’s leadership and commitment to their faith that they have given a million dollars or more. I invite more people to be a part of our mission in this kind of significant way to help build up the Church across western North Carolina,” he said. A financial gift to the Church impacts future generations, Father Kauth noted. “I think most of us, at a certain time in our lives, begin to ask the question: What can I do with the resources I have earned and the gifts I have been given to invest in the faith, such that my children and grandchildren will have a healthy and vibrant Church?”

Fund an endowment Interested in setting up – or adding to – an endowment to benefit your parish, Catholic school or St. Joseph College Seminary? You can establish an endowment in the Diocese of Charlotte Foundation by leaving a bequest in a will, a beneficiary designation from a retirement plan, a trust, or an annuity, or a gift of real estate, life insurance, cash, or securities. For details, contact Gina Rhodes at 704370-3364 or gmrhodes@rcdoc.org.

Kneelers travel parish to parish, gather prayers for new priests CHARLOTTE — People are invited to pray on special kneelers for seven men expected to be ordained priests in 2024. The kneelers are making their way to parishes across the Diocese of Charlotte. The special kneelers, or prie-dieus, are commissioned each year for the ordinands by the Mary’s Sons apostolate. The kneelers travel to parishes across the diocese to allow the faithful to pray for vocations and for the seven men expected to be ordained priests next June: Deacons Matthew Dimock, Christian Goduti, Matthew Harrison II, Kevin Martinez, José Palma Torres, Elliott Suttle and Kevin Tran. Journals also accompany the kneelers so people can convey their well-wishes to the future priests. The kneelers will be given to the new priests at their expected ordination at St. Mark Church in Huntersville on June 15, 2024. Parishes scheduled to host some or all seven of the kneelers in the coming weeks include: n Until Dec. 11: St. John the Baptist Church, Tryon n Dec. 18-26: Immaculate Conception Church, Forest City n Dec. 23-Jan. 2: Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, Charlotte n Jan. 3-12: Holy Spirit Church, Denver n Jan. 8-13: St. Joseph Vietnamese Church, Charlotte

Learn more At www.maryssons.org: Learn more about the Mary’s Sons apostolate

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December 8, 2023 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

Nicaraguan priest celebrates ‘La Purísima’ at cathedral SPENCER K.M. BROWN skmbrown@rcdoc.org

CHARLOTTE — As the persecution of Catholics in Nicaragua continues, Father Ramiro Tijerino, an exiled Nicaraguan priest now serving in Charlotte, offered a series of special Masses in honor of the Immaculate Conception – a feast day that has special devotion in his homeland. Father Tijerino brought the special celebration of “La Purísima” from Nicaragua here – offering three consecutive nights of special Masses Dec. 4-6 at St. Patrick Cathedral to commemorate the feast. “The Masses are intended to remind us of the feast of the Immaculate Conception that blesses all peoples, both the Nicaraguan people and the people of the United States, and to ask her to intercede with our Lord for the peace, harmony and well-being of our people,” Father Tijerino said. In Nicaragua, religious liberty and other human rights have been severely eroded by the administration of President Daniel Ortega, which has closed more than 3,000 nongovernmental organizations and has expelled priests and PAGE 24: Exile: women religious. Don’t underestimate Father Tijerino and Nicaragua church’s ‘prophetic voice’ amid a fellow priest, Father Oscar Benavides, repression spent nearly seven months in prison before being exiled in February. Their bishop, Bishop Rolando Álvarez, an outspoken critic of Nicaragua’s government, remains in prison. The two priests have been welcomed to the Diocese of Charlotte and now minister in the Charlotte area. Nearly 20 people attended the first Mass Dec. 4. Father Tijerino celebrated the liturgy in Spanish, calling to mind both the love and protection of our Blessed Mother, along with reminiscences about how the feast of the Immaculate Conception is celebrated in his native land. “Remember that Jesus left Mary for us at the foot of the cross, and told the apostle John to take her home, as the Gospel recounts,” Father Tijerino said. “And it wasn’t to protect and help Mary – quite the opposite. It was for us to receive her, for us to take Mary home, for her to protect us, for her to intercede for us, to take care of us.” Father Tijerino explained that this feast has been celebrated for more than 200 years in Nicaragua and is deeply rooted in the hearts of the people who celebrate it publicly in the streets of all the cities and towns with “la gritería” (or “the shouting” – prayerful exaltations of call-and-response during celebrations). In recent years, such public celebrations in Nicaragua have been suppressed, with the Ortega regime arresting anyone who practices the faith openly. Father Tijerino described what the celebrations used to be like. “On Dec. 7, the eve of the feast of the Immaculate Conception, the bishops would go out into the atrium of their churches to give the first shout, asking the faithful: ‘Who causes so much joy?’ to which the people would respond at the top of their lungs: ‘The Conception of Mary!’” After Masses, festivities would begin in the streets with “la gritería” as hundreds of people throughout the city all joined in the prayers. Celebrations also included fireworks, special devotions and shared

More inside

PHOTOS BY TROY HULL | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Father Ramiro Tijerino, an exiled Nicaraguan priest now serving in Charlotte, brought the special celebration of “La Purísima” from Nicaragua here, offering three consecutive nights of special Masses Dec. 4-6 at St. Patrick Cathedral to commemorate the feast of the Immaculate Conception.

meals, he said. “Everyone was celebrating the feast. Even evangelicals became Catholics for a day,” Father Tijerino added, smiling. On behalf of the Nicaraguan community, Father Tijerino took a moment to thank Father Christopher Roux, pastor and rector of St. Patrick Cathedral, for his continuous support and for opening the doors of the cathedral to welcome this celebration. “I am very grateful to celebrate this feast here at the cathedral,” Father Tijerino said. “We pray for all those facing persecution, for all those who are afraid, and ask our Blessed Mother to protect and intercede for us.”

catholicnewsherald.com | December 8, 2023 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

SCREENS FROM PAGE 4

hymns to encourage participation. Still, screens during Mass can be distracting or disruptive to the liturgical celebration, the diocese’s policy says, and they lack “due sacramentality” for the Mass, the Church’s highest form of worship. Using screens to project hymn lyrics, prayers and liturgical texts may also violate licensing and copyright protections, the policy notes – a concern also raised by the U.S. bishops during their General Assembly in November. Only a handful of the diocese’s 92 churches currently use screens during Mass and other liturgies. They now will need to find other ways to transmit the same information. They must also move screens and equipment from view, so that they are not visible except on those rare occasions when they are permitted. To make Sunday readings, hymns and other information available for parishioners, churches may choose to provide hymnals, print material in bulletins or as handouts, or use QR codes to access information on personal devices – a technology popularized by restaurants and other businesses during the pandemic to share menus and other information. Electronic devices, however, may not replace missals, lectionaries or other books used by the ministers during Mass, the policy says, unless needed to accommodate people who are sight or hearing impaired. The diocese’s approach, Monsignor Winslow said, “enables each person to

decide for themselves if they want or need a personal device as a worship aid – rather than unintentionally diverting everyone’s attention toward a screen away from the sanctuary.” Monsignor Winslow noted that this local policy is a first step in the evolving landscape of leveraging and regulating technology until the broader Church determines whether or how to incorporate digital technology into the liturgy. The Church already prohibits the use of pre-recorded music during liturgies and offers guidance on televising Masses. Now, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops is revisiting technology use in worship for the first time in nearly 30 years. The U.S. bishops last issued guidelines on digital transmission of the liturgy in 1996. At their General Assembly in November, Bishop Steven J. Lopes, chairman of the USCCB’s Committee on Divine Worship, introduced the question of whether “new national guidelines might merit further consideration.” The bishops spent 20 minutes discussing the topic and providing written feedback to the committee, including input about livestream liturgies and screens in liturgies, whether those were used well or poorly, and what “opportunities and threats does this practice present?” for both. It also asked if any dioceses in the bishops’ respective regions had guidelines regarding the use of technology in the liturgy. — OSV News contributed.

GUADALUPE FROM PAGE 8

OUR LADY OF THE ROSARY CHURCH, LEXINGTON

6:30 p.m. to midnight Monday, Dec. 11, celebration.

SACRED HEART CHURCH, BREVARD 6 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 12 Mass.

SACRED HEART MISSION, BURNSVILLE 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 12 Mass.

ST. BARNABAS CHURCH, ARDEN

8 p.m. Monday, Dec. 11, Our Lady of Guadalupe celebration.

ST. ELIZABETH OF THE HILL COUNTRY CHURCH, BOONE

4 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 12, mariachi music followed by 6 a.m. Mass.

ST. GABRIEL CHURCH, CHARLOTTE

8:15 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 12, Mass.

ST. JAMES CHURCH, HAMLET

6:30 p.m. to midnight Tuesday, Dec. 11, fiesta starting with 6:40 p.m. procession from the church to the fiesta at Richmond Community College, 1042 Hamlet Ave. Bands and dancers will perform.

ST. JOHN NEUMANN CHURCH, CHARLOTTE 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 12, rosary followed by 7 p.m. Mass in Spanish and reception in the parish hall.

ST. LUKE CHURCH, MINT HILL

6-8 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 12, Mañanitas, 7-8 p.m. Mass.

ST. MARK CHURCH, HUNTERSVILLE

7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 12, Spanish Mass followed by celebration in the parish hall, including dinner, dance program and presentation of the story of appearance of Our Lady to St. Juan Diego.

ST. MARY CHURCH, GREENSBORO

9:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 11, procession followed by 10 p.m. rosary and 11 p.m. Mass. Midnight Tuesday, Dec. 12, Mañanitas and mariachi music followed by 1 a.m.-11 a.m. rosary, noon Mass, 1-4 p.m. rosary, 5 p.m. music and dancing, 5:45 p.m. representation of the Guadalupe apparitions, and 7 p.m. Mass.

SPECIAL PROGRAM IN ASHEVILLE

All are invited to a public cultural celebration of Our Lady of Guadalupe beginning at noon Sunday, Dec. 10, at the WNC Agricultural Center, 1301 Fanning Bridge Road in Fletcher. The event will begin with a procession, followed by Mass, Mañanitas, dancing, and representation of the Guadalupan apparitions. Food will be available. A $5 donation is requested. EDITOR’S NOTE: This list is compiled as of press time Wednesday, Dec. 6. For more information and updates, please go to www.catholicnewsherald.com.

ST. LAWRENCE BASILICA, ASHEVILLE

7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 11, Vigil Mass in Spanish. 7 a.m. Monday, Dec. 12, Mass in English.

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Foundation of the Diocese of Charlotte

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Our schools

December 8, 2023 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

St. Nicholas visits local Catholic schools CHARLOTTE — In honor of the Dec. 6 feast day of St. Nicholas, the famed Bishop of Myra and patron saint of children, students at Catholic schools across the diocese celebrated the saint in a variety of ways. At some schools like St. Matthew School in Charlotte, students placed their shoes in the hallway and they were filled with treats by St. Nicholas, who also visited with the children, teaching them about the true story of his life. Other schools celebrated with Living Nativities and Little Town of Bethlehem plays. At Our Lady of Grace School in Greensboro, eighth-graders led the day’s festivities reading to the younger students about the famous saint. At www.catholicnewsherald.com: See more photos from schools across the diocese as students learn about and celebrate the feast of St. Nicholas.

PHOTO PROVIDED BY JUDY MURPHY

St. Ann students read to raise funds CHARLOTTE — St. Ann School recently completed its fifth annual Read-A-Thon, raising $21,506 for the PTO. Students logged more than 50,000 minutes of reading, tracking their progress on the Read-A-Thon website. Students also took a “road trip” across the United States during their reading journey. Dance parties, snacks, character days, raffle prizes and mystery readers filled the two weeks of fun while inspiring a love for reading.

FROM TH

iiiDecember 8, 2023 | catholicnewsherald.com

Little

Churches with

WRITTEN BY

ANNIE FERGUSON arferguson@rcdoc.org

Big

Hearts

Pioneering clergy and laypeople are building up Catholic communities in 17 outlying areas of North Carolina where mission churches are thriving. Discover what life is like in these frontiers of the faith.

ather Basile Sede wakes before dawn on Sundays to start his weekly “Spiritual Olympics” – dashing to three different Masses, driving up Spencer Mountain, and navigating urban and rural landscapes, traffic and people. All before noon.

As pastor of Our Lady of Consolation in Charlotte, he celebrates the 8 a.m. Mass at his parish, then drives 25 minutes to offer the 9:30 a.m. Mass at St. Helen Mission near Gastonia, then turns right back around to his Charlotte parish to offer the 11 a.m. Mass. “It is a rush,” he says, “but it’s important.” Such is the life of a mission priest – and a mission church. Typically small congregations in remote or rural areas, missions are part of an extended parish family that usually assists them until they can stand on their own. “They’re little churches with big

hearts, grit and pioneering spirit,” says Monsignor Patrick Winslow, the Diocese of Charlotte’s vicar general and chancellor. “They start small and are devoted to the faith because they love the Lord. And most are determined to one day become a full-fledged parish when their attendance, finances and administration can sustain their operations into the future.” The Sunday “Spiritual Olympics” play out at most of the diocese’s 17 missions, with priests shuttling from parish churches to missions 30 minutes or an hour away. Many of the missions date back to the 1950s, nearly 20 years before the diocese was even established. Most began with a few families forming a faith community and finding a priest to take on the task – and blessing – of tending to their spiritual needs. A mission church echoes missionary work in the far reaches of the world. Spreading the Gospel to people across the globe is the reason the Church exists, yet there is still a need for evangelization and shepherding here in our own communities. The Diocese of Charlotte itself was considered “mission territory” until very recently, when the booming growth of Catholics across the state pushed the

diocese past the point of qualifying for Church support of missionary activities to strengthen the Catholic Church in North Carolina. Still, the high demand for priests means going to great lengths to serve the faithful – just as it did when the Church began in western North Carolina in the 1860s, when priests traveled on horseback to bring the sacraments to the sparsest reaches of the state. Father Sede of Cameroon embraces his “Olympic” assignment. It’s the second time he’s been called to serve both a parish and a mission, which he sees as the lifeblood of the Church. “My experience, be it in Cameroon or be it in the United States,” he says, “is that the closer you come to the people, the more the populations are in church.”

THRIVING MISSION LIFE

Missions in the diocese typically register between 70 and 200 families, most with a mix of cultures and ethnicities. Each is contained within the boundaries of a parish, whose established church often shares in the life of the more remote mission – administratively, financially and

spiritually. Missions celebrate at least one Sunday Mass, when the parish priest shuttles in from miles away, or in a few cases, they enjoy the luxury of having a priest exclusively dedicated to them. Having diverse populations means everything must be translated into English and Spanish, or duplicated with separate Masses in different languages. A few missions are seasonal, including Church of the Epiphany in Blowing Rock. The June-through-September staffing of the mountain mission is a response to the influx of vacationing Floridians escaping the summer heat. When in season, these missions are busy. Other missions stay that way throughout the year. On Dec. 2, more than a dozen people came out despite morning fog to Our Lady of the Angels in Marion for the 7:45 a.m. Rosary for Life and 8 a.m. Mass. They were greeted by Father Carl E. Kaltreider, aged 80. After Mass, Father Carl stood in the small church’s entrance laughing and talking with people. Off to the side, members decorated an angel tree with ornaments depicting nativity scenes,

HE COVER

December 8, 2023 | catholicnewsherald.comiii

Memories of a mission

PHOTOS PROVIDED AND BY TROY HULL | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

(Far left) Father Jose Camilo Cardenas-Bonilla of Holy Trinity Mission in Taylorsville blesses animals on the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi while riding horseback, evoking the early days of the faith in North Carolina when priests traveled on horseback to serve mission territories. (At left) Father Basile Sede and members of St. Helen Mission in Spencer Mountain enjoy fellowship after sprucing up their church for Advent. (Above) Carla Gauldin volunteers for a church fundraiser with fellow St. Frances of Rome Mission members, Greg and Marie-Claire Songhurst, at the Mountain Heritage Festival in Sparta. (Below) Members of Our Lady of the Angels Mission in Marion decorate the church for Advent.

available for donations to the McDowell Pregnancy Care Center. As they worked, others carried in wreaths, candles and greenery. Father John Putnam fondly remembers his service at Cristo Rey Mission back in the 1990s, which met in an old True Value Hardware store in Yadkinville. The mission was filled with migrant workers, who lived in trailers and apartments and were hungry to build a Catholic faith community. “It was the vitality of the community that allowed them to sustain a mission – and they were active,” says Father Putnam, a new priest then, who drove a half-hour from Clemmons to perform weddings and funerals and baptisms and Mass. “They were also very kind and patient,” he said, recalling how parishioners politely informed him that instead of calling them “parents,” he was misplacing the accent in his budding Spanish and calling them “potatoes.” Since most missions are of meager means, they build or rent whatever they can. Sacred Heart Mission had Mass at

a local theater in Wadesboro; Our Lady of Fatima in an old library in downtown Winston-Salem; and St. Frances of Rome once gathered in the cafeteria of an old Sparta shoe factory. Often, there are unsung hero families, priests and supporters who keep these missions alive. In Hayesville, the Glenmary Home Mission Sisters welcomed the small Catholic community to celebrate Mass in their chapel until it had grown strong enough in 1984 to become a standalone mission. In Robbinsville in the 1950s, the Catholic community attended Mass in an old storefront and grew over time – finally establishing Prince of Peace Mission in 1988 when its original associate pastor – Glenmary Father James Wilmes – returned after nearly 30 years to find land for a church. In Canton, where Immaculate Conception would eventually be established as a mission, Mass was celebrated in the YMCA in the early 1950s. The visiting priest brought a makeshift altar: a suitcase containing vestments and altar furnishings, which

folded out and propped up on legs. The missions have come a long way since these pioneering days, but with limited funds and access to a priest, mission life still can be difficult today. There’s an ever-present goal of becoming financially stable enough to become a parish and, in some places, tension between the desire to stay small and wanting to grow. Yet there are immense blessings, too.

MEETING THE CHALLENGES

As a member of Good Shepherd Mission in King for nearly 30 years, Deacon David Boissey knows what it takes to run a mission church. As a deacon, he is an ordained minister and able to preside at baptisms, weddings, wakes and funerals. This alleviates some of the back-and-forth for the mission’s priest, Father Melchesideck Yumo, but there are certain things only a priest can do. Running a parish and a mission is “not for the faint of heart,” Deacon Boissey says. “It’s a big drain on the MISSIONS, SEE PAGE 22

Monsignor Patrick Winslow loved serving the mountain towns of Jefferson and Sparta from 2004 to 2006. One of the largest parishes geographically, he would race 40 miles over hill and dale from St. Francis of Assisi in Jefferson to its mission in Sparta, St. Frances of Rome. “There was little that separated the two churches except for the physical distance. It was a very loving atmosphere, a wonderful opportunity Winslow to get to know people of the North Carolina mountains. And they were so grateful to have a priest, very supportive.” He recalls the time, on Easter Sunday, when he was sick but felt compelled to get to the mission – and got a speeding ticket on the way. It was a hard day, but he says, “the warmth of my parish family reminded me of my blessings…Our missions are like seeds planted in the vineyard, sprouting and growing while awaiting the Lord’s return.”

See snapshots of the diocese’s 17 missions online Immaculate Conception in Canton is a mission of St. John the Evangelist Parish in Waynesville. Did you know? During the gasoline-rationed World War II years, a school bus transported Canton Catholics through the mountains to Waynesville for Mass. The local Catholic population increased when veterans, Catholics among them, returned home after the war, and the mission was built to serve them.

More online At www.catholicnewsherald.com: See snapshots of all 17 missions across the Diocese of Charlotte.

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Cross Catholic Outreach Combats Extreme Hunger in Developing Countries by Shipping Vitafood Cross Catholic Outreach, a trusted Catholic ministry located in Florida, is mobilizing donors throughout the U.S. to help relieve extreme hunger in the developing world through a wonderful food resource it calls Vitafood. This protein-rich product, which is scientifically designed to meet the needs of the malnourished, can be packaged by Catholic groups in America, loaded into large shipping containers and cost-effectively shipped to schools, orphanages and other Catholic partners serving the poorest of the poor overseas. A single container can make a lifetransforming impact, keeping crucial feeding programs running or providing immediate relief when disasters strike. “We organize food-packing events throughout the U.S. to assemble the ingredients into food packets, but at this stage, we are looking for donors to help us ship this food to Catholic missions in Haiti (see feature story on opposite page). For that, we need cash donations to cover inland and overseas shipping costs,” explained Michele Sagarino, president of Cross Catholic Outreach. “Church leaders in that country are eager to help the poor in their communities, but they need this food to succeed. Vitafood shipments are critical to them, and in some cases, the meals have the potential to save lives.” According to Sagarino, Vitafood is an extremely flexible resource. It comes in several varieties and can be prepared with additional spices or ingredients to suit local tastes. It provides the optimal balance of vitamins, minerals, protein, fiber, fat and carbohydrates for a hungry child’s body. This tried-and-tested formula is suitable for more than just severely malnourished children. These meals are also important to the health and

physical well-being of children and adults who are healthy but at risk of becoming malnourished. What’s more, because donations and volunteers help get the Vitafood packets to Cross Catholic Outreach at little or no cost, the ministry typically only needs to cover the cost of shipping the meals to the hungry. This means that for every dollar donated, about 14 nutritious meals can be provided to families in need! “Very few donations a person can make will achieve this much bang for the buck,” Sagarino pointed out. In the last year, global inflation and the impact of the Ukraine war and other conflicts have made this outreach even more important to the poor, according to Sagarino. “Food shortages and inflation have definitely increased the risks of malnutrition, so our goal is to support Church leaders as they work to improve the health of the people,” she said. “As I see it, this is our opportunity to be a blessed instrument of mercy. It is our chance to further the work of the dedicated priests, sisters and Catholic lay missionaries who are doing everything they can to respond to that threat.” Readers interested in supporting Cross Catholic Outreach’s food programs and other outreaches can contribute through the ministry brochure inserted in this issue or send tax-deductible gifts to Cross Catholic Outreach, Dept. AC02569, PO Box 97168, Washington DC 20090-7168. The ministry needs partners willing to make gifts on a monthly basis. You can use the inserted brochure to become a Cross Mission Partner or write “Monthly Mission Partner” on mailed checks to be contacted about setting up those arrangements.

Cross Catholic Outreach’s Vitafood packets are easily shipped, can be safely stored and provide a versatile food source for Catholic ministries. Some serve them as formulated, while others supplement them with local produce, meats and spices.

Children in Haiti’s Central Plateau are in great need of the nutritional support oৼered by Cross Catholic Outreach.

Unique Christmas Catalog Created To Bless Donors — and the World’s Poor If you are like most people, your mailbox has been choked with Christmas catalogs this year. In fact, their arrival has almost become a sign of the season, like the appearance of houselights and department store decorations. This Advent and Christmas season, Cross Catholic Outreach intends to offer a catalog too — but theirs is a very different offering with a very different purpose. It has been designed to bless both givers and receivers by using the holiday gift-giving tradition to help the

world’s poorest families. Rather than offering gizmos, gadgets, neckties and jewelry, the Cross Catholic Outreach Christmas Catalog is giving Catholics with a concern for the poor an opportunity to share the blessings in their lives with needy families by sponsoring practical and urgently needed items such as medicines, milk powder, seeds for farming, access to safe water or materials for roof repairs. Of course, it also offers blessings for children, including toys and sports equipment, so individuals can choose to

sponsor both practical items suitable for families and gifts to bring children joy. “Like most Christmas catalogs, ours offers lots of items so donors can choose to give something very specific. That said, they can also make a general gift to address the poor’s greatest needs,” explained Jim Cavnar, CEO of Cross Catholic Outreach, the Catholic relief and development ministry offering this program. “When donors choose to give to Greatest Need, they provide us and the Catholic missions we serve with the freedom to address any

urgent need. The priests and religious sisters we support really appreciate that flexibility. It’s the best way to empower their work among the poor.” This unique Christmas catalog is easy to access. Readers will find a link for it at the ministry’s website, CrossCatholic.org, or they can reach it directly by entering the web address: CrossCatholic.org/Christmas. “Our hope is that everyone will be blessed by the experience,” Cavnar said. “It’s a wonderful way for us to celebrate the birth of our merciful Lord!”

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Catholic Ministry Encourages Those Who Have Been Blessed To Consider the Needs of the Poor Four-year-old Nicolson Derval is fortunate to be alive. The country he was born in — Haiti — has one of the highest child mortality rates in the Western Hemisphere, and his family is among its poorest citizens. When you look into his eyes, it’s easy to think, there but for the grace of God, go I … or my child … or my grandchildren. “We hear the ‘there but for the grace of God’ phrase a lot. It’s often whispered as a recognition that our circumstances

“Knowing we are blessed people should motivate us to share...” Michele Sagarino, Cross Catholic Outreach

— including where we were born — have saved us from situations others are suffering to endure. Some also use it as a thank-you to God, recognizing they’ve been blessed with rare benefits like a prosperous homeland or a good education,” said Michele Sagarino, president of Cross Catholic Outreach, a leading Catholic ministry involved in relief efforts worldwide. “But I propose there’s a third way to look at it — as a call to action. Knowing we are blessed people should motivate us to share what we have with the poor.” In Nicolson’s case, a blessed Catholic could express his or her support in a number of ways, because the boy’s family lives in extreme poverty and

faces a multitude of daunting daily challenges. They lack adequate housing, access to education, decent medical care, safe water sources and, perhaps most troubling, regular meals. “In Haiti, people live under the constant threat of extreme hunger, especially rural families. Everyone there knows someone who lost a young child, and the pain felt by parents, grandparents and siblings is palpable,” Sagarino said. “When you visit a community where food is scarce, you can see the impact of hunger in the eyes of the people and in the physical exhaustion of the children. It’s heartbreaking.” Tragically, the hunger crisis in Haiti — which has always been an issue — recently reached extreme levels, with nearly 7 in 10 people experiencing acute food insecurity. The World Food Programme has described the situation as “famine-like conditions,” indicating that children living with these hardships may go several days without food. Their tiny bodies are weakened further by waterborne illnesses caused by bacteria teeming in the dirty rivers and streams they rely on for drinking water. Without treatment, these little ones are dying of diarrheal diseases — one of the leading causes of childhood death in Haiti. “Surely, the Lord is calling us to address this terrible problem and to ensure Nicolson and other children like him have the food they need to grow up healthy and strong. Surely, God wants the poor in Haiti to have adequate food and the other necessities of life,” Sagarino

In some of the poorest parts of Haiti, families boil a pot of water and rocks so children like Nicolson (shown here) can imagine a hot meal being prepared. said. “As people who have been blessed in life, shouldn’t we be involved in that mission of mercy? Shouldn’t we be the first to share what we have? Catholic leaders in Haiti are perfectly positioned to deliver that food relief. They just need our financial support to get the job done.” Sagarino added that she is confident U.S. Catholics will be eager to support this effort as they learn more about the extreme needs in Haiti.

“Hunger is something everyone understands, and American Catholics have always been quick to respond when they learn about specific places in the world with urgent needs,” she said. “Catholic ministries in Haiti have asked for our help with food, and with the support of U.S. donors, Cross Catholic Outreach is prepared to ship in thousands of meals. It’s time for those of us who have been blessed to share with those in need.”

How To Help To fund Cross Catholic Outreach’s effort to help the poor worldwide, use the postage-paid brochure inserted in this newspaper or mail your gift to Cross Catholic Outreach, Dept. AC02569, PO Box 97168, Washington, DC 20090-7168. The brochure also includes instructions on becoming a Mission Partner and making a regular monthly donation to this cause. A woman uses a handmade broom to sweep up outside her family’s crumbling house. Mud-and-stick homes like these are common in Haiti’s poor rural communities.

If you identify an aid project, 100% of the donation will be restricted to be used for that specific project. However, if more is raised for the project than is needed, funds will be redirected to other urgent needs in the ministry.

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catholicnewsherald.com | December 8, 2023 18

Diácono Darío García

María de Guadalupe, la “Morenita del Tepeyac”

l origen de la celebración se remonta al 12 de diciembre de 1531, cuando la Virgen María se apareció a Juan Diego por cuarta vez en el cerro del Tepeyac, actualmente un lugar representativo para los católicos. De acuerdo con las tradiciones populares, Juan Diego, nativo de Cuautitlán, iba en busca de la doctrina y la Eucaristía, y también ayuda para su tío, quien se encontraba enfermo. La Virgen de Guadalupe se apareció ante el hombre humilde junto al “Pocito” y le dijo que fuera con el obispo y, luego, que su familiar ya estaba sano. La conmemoración que se hace cada año no puede olvidar el maravilloso encuentro del indígena con la madre del cielo. Un encuentro lleno de amor, petición, envío, milagro y sanación. La celebración debe contener un reencuentro en el cerro del Tepeyac con la “Morenita”, para verla radiante, hermosa, para escuchar su voz, su pedido de construir Iglesia, su envío a la autoridad eclesiástica junto con la petición, su expresión del amor al pueblo de Dios en el trato con el indígena, su representante más original, y su protección a los pobres en la persona del tío de Juan Diego. Celebrar el 12 de diciembre es revivir el acontecimiento, el encuentro, la visita de la Madre a su pueblo. Es día para recordar sus palabras “¿no estoy yo aquí que soy tu madre?”, celebrar que ella siempre esta intercediendo por todos nosotros, cuidando de la Iglesia fundada por su Hijo. Celebrar con profunda devoción a la Madre del Hijo de Dios con una fe cierta puesta en Él, expresando en la Eucaristía nuestro amor a ella y a través de ella al Señor Dios Todopoderoso. Vivir esta sentida experiencia en familia, peregrinando cantando, llevando ofrendas. Vivirla superando la sola manifestación externa, la sola presencia porque es su día, sino conmemorarla con verdadero sentido de fe. Participar de la festividad con la intención de hacerla sentir propia de todo lugar y, especialmente de todos los corazones en los que late la verdadera fe en Dios y la especial devoción a su santísima Madre. Es celebración del pueblo de Dios en honor a la siempre virgen María, para que se extienda por todo pueblo y lugar. No podemos celebrarla con espíritu egoísta pensando que es mi fiesta y que soy muy mariano, que la virgen es todo para mí y que es la gran fiesta del año. No, debemos celebrarla como hermanos y con todos. Celebremos peregrinando, cantando, llevando presentes, compartiendo con el prójimo y poniendo en la Eucaristía las gracias que debemos al Señor por los beneficios recibidos, y las que recibimos de Él por la intercesión de la virgen, para que la verdadera devoción sea vivida por muchos en diferentes lugares. Que nuestras parroquias sean la casa de la Morenita y nuestras casas, donde vivimos en familia y somos sus devotos, sean también la casita del Tepeyac. Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe, Virgen Morena, ruega por nosotros. EL DIÁCONO DARÍO GARCÍA es coordinador del ministerio hispano del Vicariato de Hickory.

Los feligreses de la Iglesia de Nuestra Señora del Rosario llevan una estatua de San Andrés en honor a su fiesta del 2 de diciembre. FOTO POR SERGIO LÓPEZ

Michoacanos celebraron a San Andrés Apóstol SERGIO LÓPEZ selopez@rcdoc.org

LEXINGTON — La Iglesia Nuestra Señora del Rosario lució diferente el pasado sábado 2 de diciembre, cuando cientos de fieles, vistiendo coloridos trajes típicos, asistieron a Misa para celebrar la fiesta de San Andrés, patrón de San Andrés Tziróndaro, una comunidad localizada a orillas del Lago Pátzcuaro, en el corazón del estado de Michoacán, México. Y es que muchos migrantes mexicanos residentes en el área son oriundos de San Andrés y hablan el dialecto purépecha. Antes de la celebración, una comisión de fieles llevó la imagen de San Andrés hasta el interior de la Iglesia, colocándola al lado izquierdo del altar y dirigiendo la mirada del santo hacia los fieles. El párroco, Padre Sabastian Umouyo, MSP, celebró la Misa especial a la 1 de la tarde. En su homilía, el Padre Umouyo dio gracias a Dios por hacer posible la celebración en Lexington, al igual que en tierra michoacana, y resaltó el trabajo de la toda la comunidad “por mantener esa tradición todavía viva”. Recordando que Andrés, quien era de Betsaida, fue el primer apóstol de Cristo, destacó que transmitió su hallazgo del Mesías de inmediato a su hermano, Simón Pedro, que luego sería elegido por el Señor para ser su sucesor en la Tierra. “La caridad empieza en el hogar. Si realmente amamos a nuestros familiares, estos serán los primeros a quienes hablaremos de Jesús”, dijo. “Proclamamos a Dios a nuestros hermanos en su propio idioma. Eso hace sentido hoy, proclamamos a Dios en su propia lengua, para que nuestros hermanos puedan entender perfectamente la palabra de Dios. Lo más bonito de todo es que ustedes han traído a esta tierra (Estados Unidos) la riqueza de su tradición, la recuerdan, la viven, y la transmiten a sus hijos”.

Luego, el Padre Umouyo preguntó a los asistentes si el pueblo de San Andrés Tziróndaro desarrollaba actividades de pesca, a lo que los fieles respondieron afirmativamente. “San Andrés tienen una gran relación con ustedes por ser un pueblo de pesca”, les dijo. “El apóstol era pescador, al igual que su hermano Pedro, y pese a ser un excelente pescador, Dios tenía un plan diferente para él. Quería hacerlo pescador de hombres”, les recordó.

LECTURAS EN PURÉPECHA

Las lecturas del día, a excepción del evangelio, se leyeron en purépecha, que es una de las lenguas indígenas más habladas en México, donde se calcula que más de 140 mil personas la utilizan en los estados de Michoacán, Guanajuato, Jalisco, Guerrero y Estado de México. En Estados Unidos se cree que habitan alrededor de 60 mil personas que la hablan. Durante el ofertorio, un numeroso grupo de jóvenes ataviadas con coloridas largas faldas de verde con diseños dorados, y blusas blancas con bordados de flores multicolores, se acercaron al sacerdote para entregarle muchas ofrendas. Dos de ellas portaban ‘coronas’, una especie de ornamento multicolor con el que agasajaron al Padre Umouyo, colgándolas de su cuello. Las demás llevaban diferentes canastas con ofrendas que entregaron frente al altar y fueron colocadas a un lado del mismo. Antes de concluir la Misa, el celebrante pidió que la gracia del Señor descienda sobre la comunidad. “Que San Andrés derrame su bendición sobre ustedes y su cultura para que mantengan su fe a través de ella”, concluyó. Al término, los asistentes se dirigieron al centro parroquial donde disfrutaron de un compartir en el que no faltaron los tamales, tostadas, ni las carnitas de cerdo preparadas bajo la original receta de Michoacán.

December 8, 2023 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

Fieles de la diócesis celebran a Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe CHRISTINA LEE KNAUSS clknauss@rcdoc.org

MISIÓN SAGRADO CORAZÓN, BURNSVILLE Martes 12, 7 p.m., Misa.

CHARLOTTE — Una de las fiestas más grandes y queridas dedicadas a María se celebrará este 12 de diciembre. La fiesta de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe recuerda su aparición el 12 de diciembre de 1531 a San Juan Diego en el cerro Tepayac en México. A lo largo de los siglos, la fiesta se ha convertido en una de las celebraciones anuales más grandes de México, y los mexicoamericanos han traído la tradición aquí. La fiesta se celebra con Misas especiales, cantos, bailes, música, procesiones y representaciones en vivo de las apariciones de la Virgen Morena. La historia de su aparición hace casi 500 años a San Juan Diego en el cerro Tepayac en México es un testimonio de fe y devoción, según el Papa Francisco. En un discurso sobre la evangelización que pronunció el 23 de agosto, el papa calificó a Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe como un brillante ejemplo de maternidad y un modelo de fe para todas las personas. “Nuestra Señora siempre elige a los que son sencillos, tanto en la colina de Tepayac en México como en Lourdes y Fátima”, dijo. “Hablándoles a ellos, habla a todos, en un lenguaje apto para todos, comprensible como el de Jesús”. Aquí hay una mirada a las celebraciones de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe planeadas en las parroquias de la diócesis.

SAN BERNABÉ, ARDEN

Lunes 11, 8 p.m., inician festejos.

SANTA ELIZABETH, BOONE.

Martes 12, 4 a.m., Mariachi y Misa a las 6 a.m.

SAN GABRIEL, CHARLOTTE

Martes 12, 8:15 a.m., Misa.

SAN SANTIAGO, HAMLET

Lunes 11, 6:30 p.m. inician los festejos con procesión desde la iglesia hasta Richmond Commumity College, 1042 Hamlet Ave, donde se realizará la celebración.

SAN JOHN NEUMANN, CHARLOTTE

Martes 12, 6:30 p.m., rosario seguido de Misa a las 7 p.m. y recepción.

BASÍLICA SAN LORENZO, ASHEVILLE

Lunes 11, 7 p.m., Misa de vigilia. Martes 12, 7 a.m., Misa en inglés.

SAN LUCAS, MINT HILL

Martes 12, 6-8 a.m., Mañanitas; Misa a las 7 p.m.

SAN MARCOS, HUNTERSVILLE

Martes 12, 7 p.m., Misa en español seguida de festejos con cena, danzas y representación de apariciones.

DIVINO REDENTOR, BOONVILLE

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Lunes 11, 9:45 p.m., representación de las apariciones, 10:30 p.m. Misa y Mañanitas a medianoche. Martes 12, 8 p.m., Misa seguida de celebraciones con danzas tradicionales, cantos y platillos típicos.

MISIÓN DEL BUEN PASTOR, KING

Martes 12, 5 a.m., Mañanitas. Misa a las 6:30 p.m.

SANTOS ÁNGELES, MOUNT AIRY

Martes 12, 7 p.m. Mañanitas y danzas aztecas.

SAGRADA FAMILIA, CLEMMONS

Sábado 9, 7 p.m., Mariachi y Mañanitas.

INMACULADO CORAZÓN, HIGH POINT

Domingo 10, 2 p.m., Misa seguida de celebración cultural con danzas, música mariachi y platos típicos. Lunes 11,10 p.m., vigilia y Mañanitas, apariciones de la Virgen.

Feligreses de la Iglesia Santos Ángeles en Mount Airy se vistieron con trajes tradicionales y realizaron bailes en honor a María de Guadalupe, ‘La Morenita del Tepeyac’, durante las celebraciones en 2022. Martes 12, 7 p.m., Misa y compartir.

NTRA. SRA. DE GUADALUPE, CHARLOTTE

Lunes 11, 5 p.m., festejos con danzas, música, representación de las apariciones, Rosario. Misa a las 8:30 p.m y Mañanitas a la medianoche. Martes 12, Misas a las 6 a.m., mediodía, 5 y 7:30 p.m.

NTRA. SRA. DE LOS ANGELES, MARION

Domingo 10, 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., procesión mariana en la ciudad con danzas. Martes 12, 7 p.m., Misa con Mariachi y Banda, luego compartir.

NTRA. SRA. DE LA ANUNCIACIÓN, ALBEMARLE Domingo 10, 7 p.m., Misa y celebración

NTRA. SRA. DE LOS CAMINOS, THOMASVILLE

Domingo 10, 11:30 a.m., procesión, Misa a la 1 p.m. seguida de celebraciones con comida, música, bailes y caballos. Lunes 11, 7 p.m., Rosario, coros, Misa a las 9:30 seguida de Mariachi y Mañanitas. Martes 12, 6 p.m., Misa seguida de danzas.

NTRA. SRA. DE LA MERCED, WINSTON-SALEM

Lunes 11, 8:30 p.m., vigilia con Mariachi, danzas y Mañanitas. Martes 12, 8:30 a.m., Misa en inglés; 7 p.m. Misa en español.

NTRA. SRA. DEL ROSARIO, LEXINGTON

Lunes 11, 6:30 p.m. hasta la medianoche celebraciones con Mañanitas.

SAGRADO CORAZÓN, BREVARD Martes 12, 6 p.m., Misa.

SANTA MARÍA, GREENSBORO

Lunes 11, 9:30 p.m., procesión seguida de rosario y Misa. A la medianoche Mañanitas. Martes 12, 1 a.m.-11 a.m. rosario, Misa al mediodía, 1-4 p.m. rosario, 5 p.m. música y danzas, representación de apariciones, Misa a las 7 p.m.

MISIÓN SANTÍSIMA TRINIDAD, TAYLORSVILLE

Domingo 10, 8:30 a.m., Misa en inglés; 9:30 a.m. Mañanitas, rosario, Misa en español y celebración cultural.

PROGRAMA ESPECIAL EN ASHEVILLE

Domingo 10, al mediodía, WNC Agricultural Center, 1301 Fanning Bridge Road in Fletcher. Procesión, Misa, Mañanitas, danzas, representaciones. Habrá platillos típicos disponibles. Se sugiere una donación de $ 5 dólares. NOTA DEL EDITOR: Esta lista se compiló al cierre de esta edición el 6 de diciembre. Para obtener más información y actualizaciones, visite www.catholicnewsherald.com.

Sacerdote nicaragüense celebra ‘La Purísima’ en la catedral SPENCER K.M. BROWN skmbrown@rcdoc.org

CHARLOTTE — Mientras continúa la persecución a los católicos en Nicaragua, el Padre Ramiro Tijerino, un sacerdote nicaragüense exiliado que ahora sirve en Charlotte, ofreció una serie de Misas especiales en honor a la Inmaculada Concepción, un día festivo que tiene una devoción especial en su tierra natal. El Padre Tijerino trajo la celebración especial de ‘La Purísima’ de Nicaragua, ofreciendo tres noches consecutivas de Misas especiales del 4 al 6 de diciembre en la Catedral San Patricio para conmemorar la fiesta. “Las Misas tienen la intención de recordarnos la fiesta de la Inmaculada Concepción que bendice a todos los pueblos, tanto al pueblo nicaragüense como al pueblo de los Estados Unidos, y pedirle que

interceda ante nuestro Señor por la paz, la armonía y el bienestar de nuestros pueblos”, dijo el Padre Tijerino. En Nicaragua, la libertad religiosa y otros derechos humanos se han visto gravemente erosionados por el gobierno del presidente Daniel Ortega, que ha cerrado más de 3.000 organizaciones no gubernamentales y ha expulsado a sacerdotes y religiosas. El Padre Tijerino y otro sacerdote, el Padre Óscar Benavides, pasaron casi siete meses en prisión antes de ser exiliados en febrero. Su obispo, Monseñor Rolando Álvarez, un abierto crítico del gobierno de Nicaragua, sigue en prisión. Los dos sacerdotes han sido recibidos en la Diócesis de Charlotte y ahora ejercen su ministerio en el área de Charlotte. Cerca de 20 personas asistieron a la primera Misa CATEDRAL, PASA A LA PÁGINA 23

Padre Ramiro Tijerino trajo la celebración especial de ‘La Purísima’ de Nicaragua, ofreciendo tres noches consecutivas de Misas especiales del 4 al 6 de diciembre en la Catedral San Patricio para conmemorar la fiesta. FOTOS POR TROY HULL | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

catholicnewsherald.com | December 8, 2023 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Retiro para adolescentes BISCOE — La parroquia Nuestra Señora de las Américas recibió la devoción, fe, alegría y entusiasmo de 165 jóvenes adolescentes que asistieron a un retiro especialmente realizado para ellos. Otros 40 jóvenes fueron los encargados de formar parte del equipo organizador que recibió el aporte del activo grupo juvenil Adeodato de Boonville que viene brindando su asesoría a otras parroquias que están desarrollando su propia pastoral juvenil. La cita tuvo como invitado especial al Padre Fidel Melo, párroco de la Iglesia San James en Hamlet, quien les habló a los jóvenes sobre la antropología cristiana. De otra parte, Ibis Centeno, coordinadora del ministerio hispano del vicariato de Salisbury, desarrolló el tema del Examen Ignaciano.

Desfile Navideño MARION — Los Caballeros de Colón de la parroquia Nuestra Señora de los Ángeles, en Marion, llevaron un mensaje de unidad y fraternidad a todas las familias de la comunidad al participar en un hermoso y colorido desfile navideño el pasado 19 de noviembre por las calles de la ciudad. Los Caballeros, pertenecientes al Consejo 17058, acondicionaron un trailer abierto en el que llevaban por delante la banderola de la iglesia y la bandera norteamericana. Luego se ubicaban los Reyes Magos y finalmente una representación ‘en vivo’ del nacimiento del Niño Jesús. Es importante señalar que el Consejo de los Caballleros de Colón acoge a un gran número de miembros de origen hispano.

Jóvenes bilingües

CONCORD — Tuvimos un día muy bendecido el pasado domingo 19 de noviembre, mientras celebrábamos la Jornada Mundial de la Juventud en la parroquia Santiago el Mayor, en Concord, promulgada por nuestro Papa Francisco en noviembre de 2021. Durante el fin de semana pudimos ver el apoyo de nuestra Iglesia a los jóvenes de la parroquia. Tuvimos una bendición especial en las siete Misas durante todo el fin de semana y algunos testimonios de anteriores coordinadores de la pastoral juvenil demostrando el contínuo apoyo de nuestros sacerdotes a los jóvenes. Gracias a nuestro pastor, Glenn Parker, a nuestro Sacerdote, P. Luyen Dau, y al P. Oscar Rojas. Esta es una gran oportunidad para que los jóvenes se unan a nosotros en dos grupos diferentes: adolescentes de entre 13 y 17 años, y el grupo de jóvenes adultos de entre 18 y 29 años. La pastoral juvenil tiene las puertas abiertas para cualquier persona de la comunidad de Santiago Apóstol y para cualquier persona de cualquier iglesia católica que deses unirse a nosotros. Tenemos una comunidad muy diversa y la oportunidad de comunicarnos en ambos idiomas, inglés y español en un solo ministerio. — Gustavo Gallo, coordinador juvenil Santiago el Mayor

Celebraron fiesta de Cristo Rey

STATESVILLE — El domingo 26 de noviembre más de 350 fieles participaron en la celebración de Cristo Rey que se realizó por primera vez en la parroquia San Felipe Apóstol, durante la Misa en español de 12:30 del mediodía. En la homilía el párroco, Padre Bernard Oleru, MSP, explicó el origen e importancia de la celebración, invitando a los asistentes a preguntarse si están llevando a Jesucristo como rey de sus vidas. Luego, el Padre Oleru, esparció agua bendita entre todos los presentes. Al término de la Misa, se realizó una procesión en el estacionamiento de la iglesia. Un cuadro provisional de Cristo Rey fue llevado en una camioneta adornada con flores. “Lamentablemente el cuadro que encargamos directamente desde México no pudo llegar a tiempo”, dijo Dora Marcela Ramírez, activa feligresa del ministerio hispano de la parroquia. Al vehículo con la imagen de Cristo Rey se le unieron otros dos coches especialmente decorados, uno con la imagen del ministerio de la Virgen Peregrina y otro con una imagen del Señor de la Columna, advocación que recuerda uno de los misterios dolorosos del Santo Rosario. Durante el recorrido, los fieles alabaron y elevaron cánticos a Cristo Rey. Al retornar a la iglesia, se mostró el Santísimo Sacramento y permitió un momento de oración a los fieles. “Todo estuvo muy bonito en esta primera vez y esperamos seguir con esta celebración todos los años”, añadió la Sra. Ramírez.

December 8, 2023 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

Santa Lucía

Lecturas Diarias

Los guardias romanos intentaron a Iglesia celebra el 13 de llevarla a rastras hacia el prostíbulo, diciembre la fiesta de Santa Lucía pero no pudieron. Lucía parecía de Siracusa, mártir cristiana que haber sido fijada al suelo. Entonces vivió entre finales del siglo III e inicios trataron de quemarla y tampoco del s. IV. Santa Lucía es muy popular pudieron. Por último, le sacaron los y querida por ser intercesora cuando ojos y le cortaron el cuello. Aun en hay problemas de salud vinculados ese estado, en su agonía, Santa Lucía a los ojos o la visión. Desde la Edad parecía seguir viendo y, mientras Media se le conoce como protectora o se desvanecía, mostraba una fuerza patrona de la vista. inusitada para dirigirse a los que De acuerdo a las “Actas de estaban presentes y exhortarlos a que Santa Lucía”, la mártir nació en se conviertan y sean fieles a Cristo. Siracusa, Sicilia, Italia, en el seno La respuesta de Santa Lucía de de una familia noble. Sus padres Siracusa al procónsul produjo ecos eran conversos al cristianismo y se importantes en la teología moral preocuparon por educarla en la fe. siglos más tarde. Santo Tomás de Tras la muerte de su padre, Lucía Aquino reconoció la profundidad se acercó al Señor Jesús buscando y fuerza moral de la sentencia: “El consuelo y fortaleza para afrontar el cuerpo queda contaminado solamente dolor que la embargaba. si el alma consiente”. Dios se convirtió en su protector y Para Santo Tomás estas palabras ella prometió, en secreto, virginidad corresponden con el principio perpetua. Eutiquia, su madre, sin moral de que no hay pecado si no saber de la decisión de su hija, la hay consentimiento en el mal. Una ofreció en matrimonio a un joven persona puede mantenerse pura y pagano. santa si no consiente el pecado así Eutiquia padecía de hemorragias sea forzada o violentada; el alma no y Lucía, con el propósito de ganar su presenta mancha alguna ante Dios. favor, le aconsejó que fuese a orar a la tumba de Santa Ágata de Catania para pedir por su curación. Dios escuchó LOS OJOS DE LUCÍA los ruegos de la madre y le devolvió A Santa Lucía se le suele la salud. En señal de gratitud, ella le representar con una bandeja en la IMAGEN CORTESÍA MUSEO VILLA LA PIETRA, FLORENCIA, ITALIA ofreció a Lucía acceder a cualquier mano en la que yacen los ojos que ‘Santa Lucía con San Antonio Abad y otro santo mártir’, témpera en cosa que le pidiera. La joven rogó que le fueron extraídos. Y es que hay un panel de Bicci di Lorenzo (1373–1452). Puede verse que llevan un libro no la obligue a casarse, confesándole relato que difiere del anterior, en el en las manos, símbolo de sabiduría. La santa, en su mano derecha, su deseo de consagrarse a Dios y que aparece como víctima del acoso sostiene una lámpara encendida en donde se ven sus dos ojos. repartir la fortuna familiar entre los de un pretendiente a causa de la pobres. Eutiquia, segura de cuál era la belleza de sus ojos. La joven, para voluntad de Dios, le otorgó el permiso a su hija. liberarse de él, se habría sacado los ojos y se los habría enviado. Al enterarse de esto, el pretendiente de Lucía se enfureció y la Dios, en recompensa por su modestia, le devolvió la vista dándole denunció ante el procónsul Pascasio, acusándola de ser cristiana. otros ojos aún más bellos. Eran tiempos de la persecución de Diocleciano, y el procónsul llevó En la Edad Media, periodo en el que la devoción a Lucía se a la joven a su presencia; luego la amenazó de muerte a menos que fortalece, se empezó a pedir su intercesión contra las enfermedades desistiera de su postura. Lucía respondió así a la amenaza: “Es inútil de los ojos y su nombre se vinculó a la palabra “lux”, que en latín que insista. Jamás podrá apartarme del amor a mi Señor Jesucristo”. quiere decir “luz”. Esto reafirmó aquellos relatos en los que el El procónsul, para apartarla de Dios, ordenó que sea llevada a tirano mandó a los guardias que le sacaran los ojos sin que ella un prostíbulo, pero ella, sin dar un paso atrás, exclamó: “El cuerpo perdiese la visión. queda contaminado solamente si el alma consiente”. — Condensado de ACI Prensa

DICIEMBRE 10-16

Domingo (Segundo domingo de Adviento): Isaías 40:1-5, 9-11, 2 Pedro 3:8-14, Marcos 1:1-8; Lunes (San Dámaso): Isaías 35:1-10, Lucas 5:17-26; Martes (Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe): Zacarías 2:14-17, Lucas 1:26-38; Miércoles (Santa Lucía): Isaías 40:25-31, Mateo 11:28-30; Jueves (San Juan de la Cruz): Isaías 41:13-20, Mateo 11:11-15; Viernes: Isaías 48:17-19, Mateo 11:16-19; Sábado: Eclesiástico 48:1-4, 9-11, Mateo 17:10-13

DICIEMBRE 17-23

Domingo (Tercer domingo de Adviento): Isaías 61:1-2, 10-11, 1 Tesalonicenses 5:16-24, Juan 1:6-8, 19-28; Lunes: Jeremías 23:5-8, Mateo 1:18-24; Martes: Jueces 13:27, 24-25, Lucas 1:5-25; Miércoles: Isaías 7:10-14, Lucas 1:26-38; Jueves (San Pedro Canisio): Cantar de los Cantares 2:8-14, Lucas 1:39-45; Viernes: 1 Samuel 1:24-28, Lucas 1:46-56; Sábado: Malaquías 3:1-4, 23-24, Lucas 1:57-66

DICIEMBRE 24-30

Domingo (Cuarto domingo de Adviento): 2 Samuel 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16, Romanos 16:25-27, Marcos 13:33-37; Lunes (La Natividad del Señor): Isaías 52:7-10, Hebreos 1:1-6, Juan 1:1-18; Martes (San Esteban): Hechos 6:8-10, 7:54-60, Mateo 10:17-22; Miércoles (San Juan Apóstol y Evangelista): 1 Juan 1:1-4, Juan 20:2-9; Jueves (Santos Inocentes): 1 Juan 1:5–2:2, Mateo 2:13-18; Viernes (Santo Tomás Becket): 1 Juan 2:3-11, Lucas 2:22-35; Sábado: 1 Juan 2:1217, Lucas 2:36-40

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MISSIONS FROM PAGE 15

priest to have two parishes.” But they learn to juggle. Beyond the travel, Deacon Boissey says, the priest has administrative responsibility of two entities with separate budgets, expenses, personnel and often different languages. Although there are similarities, each mission in the diocese is unique. Head west from King to find Father Cory Catron, who has a 45-minute, sometimes harrowing mountain drive between St. Francis of Assisi Church in Jefferson and St. Frances of Rome Mission in Sparta. He arrives early for Mass to offer Eucharistic Adoration and stays afterward to hear confessions – which puts him on the road at all hours. “Father Cory stays really involved with Bible study groups and book discussion groups,” says Carla Gauldin, the mission’s administrative assistant. She and Father Catron note that both churches are split 50/50 between white and Hispanic populations, which sometimes makes it feel like four churches instead of

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two. “With both churches split, Father Cory gears his ministerial efforts just as much for Spanish as English,” Gauldin says. It’s more work, but necessary. Father Catron wants to minister to the needs of each group, he says, while also bringing them together to function as one. Missions also struggle to find space for burgeoning faith formation classes, a good problem to have. “We desperately need a building for our classrooms right now,” Deacon Boissey says. “When we’ve run out of classrooms, we’ve used any available space such as renting from a local daycare, using the church’s cry room and even the church itself one year. More recently, we have combined classes and used a trailer. We run out of space quickly, but to the best of my knowledge, we’ve never turned anyone away.”

ENJOYING THE BLESSINGS

Through his experience, Deacon Boissey can see the bigger picture of mission life. “Through struggles you earn blessings, and the people will rise to the occasion when God calls them,” he says. “One of the things you really see here at Good Shepherd is a lot of good people who work hard and cooperate with the priests.” He also notes that one member recently painted the interior of the church at no charge, while also juggling family and the demands of his full-time job. In Taylorsville, Father Jose Camilo Cardenas-Bonilla, pastor of Holy Trinity Mission, appreciates the involvement of the members and close-knit community. “In the beginning I was little afraid because there was no money and the mission needed a lot of repairs, but in this case you have to say, ‘Thank you, God,’ because the people are very generous, and we are keeping things in good shape,” he says. Father Carl Kaltreider in Marion serves a predominately Hispanic membership at Our Lady of the Angels. In his 13th year, it is the longest he has pastored at one church – and he is one of only two priests in the diocese assigned exclusively to a mission. “I had not intended to stay here beyond the retirement age of 70, but here I am, already 80 years of age,” he says. “I’ve really loved the ministry here and the people, because I still have the desire, health and zeal for active parish ministry.” Father Kaltreider established the first Hispanic Knights of Columbus Council in North Carolina at Our Lady of the Angels – Council 17058 – and teaches sacramental prep courses himself. He also works with young people and has enjoyed watching them grow and develop in the faith since they were infants. “I’ve taught the confirmation class every year, and I’ve had up to 60-some students,” he says. “It’s a two-year program, and I teach both years together. Of the 41 students in the class now, I’ve baptized all but two, gave First Communion to all but four, and presided at the wedding of my first confirmation student, age 23.”

PHOTOS PROVIDED (Above) Father Cory Catron finds joy in celebrating the sacraments at St. Frances of Rome Mission in Sparta and St. Francis of Assisi in Jefferson. (Below) Erika Robinson celebrates the baptism of her son, Connor, at St. Helen Mission in Spencer Mountain.

BECOMING A PARISH

Without missions in remote areas, many people may not have the chance to live the Catholic faith. Growing up in Sparta, church assistant Gauldin was raised Baptist but was always fascinated with the Catholic faith. The mother of two and grandmother of three finally joined the Church in 2014, where the St. Frances of Rome Mission faith community was waiting for her. “It’s just been the best thing in my life – ever,” she says. “I was so welcomed into this church. It was home when I walked in the door. This was where I was supposed to be. My hope is that everyone feels as welcomed as I did, and I try to make sure that they do.”

Ultimately the priests, deacons and laypeople work and pray that their mission community will grow to become a parish and have a full-time pastor. That means becoming sustainable – financially, administratively and in membership – not just now, but for the foreseeable future. Father Jason Barone has a rare perspective. In 2019, he became the parochial administrator of two mountain missions at the same time: Our Lady of the Mountains in Highlands and St. Jude in Sapphire, which was pining to become a parish. “It was a strange situation initially because I was a priest serving over two missions looked over by two parishes in two different vicariates of the diocese,” Father Barone says. Father Barone nurtured both and is grateful to have experienced the elevation of St. Jude from mission to parish on July 5, 2022. And he was installed as its first pastor. Father Cory Catron of the Sparta mission says the “ministry of presence” was emphasized in the seminary – and that’s what it takes to elevate a mission to a parish. “The way we’re going to grow to that level is starting with the presence of the priest,” he says. “It starts with an active liturgical and devotional life in the parish. We’re not a social club. We’re there primarily for the service of God, and so if we start with a priest and the worship of God being our focal point, we can’t help but grow.” — Christina Lee Knauss contributed.

URBAN AND RURAL

Father David McCanless is pastor of Our Lady of Mercy Church and Our Lady of Fatima Mission, both in WinstonSalem. Although just over a mile from the parish church, the mission was created to establish a Catholic presence downtown. “The idea was to mission to people who are in town for conventions or to visit, and there were Masses held later at night for the visitors or those who worked downtown,” Father McCanless says. About 40 families regularly attend Mass at the mission, he says, many because they like the experience of worship in a smaller, more intimate space.

What is the difference between a mission and a parish? There are few fundamental differences between a parish and a mission, as both have communities that gather together for worship and support the life of their Church. A mission church is located within the boundaries of a parish that has an established parish church, which typically shares in the life of the mission – spiritually, financially and administratively. Generally, missions are established to serve the faithful in more rural or remote locations, bringing the fullness of the Church to those who live far away from larger cities and parish churches. Missions usually do not have permanent pastors. The pastor of the parish church often serves both congregations. Together, they are considered one parish family.

December 8, 2023 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

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CATEDRAL VIENE DE LA PÁGINA 19

el 4 de diciembre. El Padre Tijerino celebró la liturgia en español, recordando tanto el amor como la protección de nuestra Santísima Madre, junto con recuerdos de cómo se celebra la fiesta de la Inmaculada Concepción en su tierra natal. “Recuerden que Jesús nos dejó a María al pie de la cruz, y le dijo al apóstol Juan que la llevara a casa, como relata el Evangelio”, dijo el Padre Tijerino. “Y no era para proteger y ayudar a María, sino todo lo contrario. Era para que la recibiéramos, para que lleváramos a María a casa, para que ella nos protegiera, para que ella intercediera por nosotros, para que nos cuidara”. El Padre Tijerino explicó que esta fiesta se celebra desde hace más de 200 años en Nicaragua y está profundamente arraigada en el corazón de las personas que la festejan públicamente en las calles de todas las ciudades y pueblos con “la gritería”. En los últimos años, este tipo de celebraciones públicas en Nicaragua han sido reprimidas, y el régimen de Ortega ha arrestado a cualquiera que practique la fe abiertamente. El Padre Tijerino describió cómo solían

ser las celebraciones. “El 7 de diciembre, víspera de la fiesta de la Inmaculada Concepción, los obispos salían al atrio de sus iglesias para dar el primer grito, preguntando a los fieles: ‘¿Quién causa tanta alegría?’, a lo que la gente respondía a todo pulmón: ‘¡La Concepción de María!’”. Después de las Misas, las festividades comenzaban en las calles con “la gritería” mientras cientos de personas en toda la ciudad se unían a las oraciones. Las celebraciones también incluían fuegos artificiales, devociones especiales y comidas compartidas, dijo. “Todo el mundo estaba celebrando la fiesta. Incluso los evangélicos se convertían al catolicismo por un día”, agregó el Padre Tijerino, sonriendo. En nombre de la comunidad nicaragüense, el Padre Tijerino se tomó un momento para agradecer al Padre Christopher Roux, párroco y rector de la Catedral San Patricio, por su continuo apoyo y por abrir las puertas de la catedral para dar la bienvenida a esta celebración. “Estoy muy agradecido de celebrar esta fiesta aquí en la catedral”, dijo el Padre Tijerino. “Rezamos por todos los que se enfrentan a la persecución, por todos los que tienen miedo, y pedimos a nuestra Santísima Madre que nos proteja e interceda por nosotros”.

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Please pray for the following priests who died during the month of December: Bishop William G. Curlin – 2017 Abbot Jude Cleary, OSB – 2005 Abbot Walter Coggin, OSB – 1999 Rev. Cuthbert Allen, OSB – 1977 Rev. Boniface Bauer, OSB – 1974 Rev. Jerome Dollard, OSB – 1985 Rev. Michael J. Hoban – 1995 Rev. George Kloster – 2019 Rev. Matthew Leonard – 2019 Rev. Thomas McAvoy – 1978 Rev. Joseph McCarthy – 2001 Rev. Francis Scheurich – 1975 Rev. Msgr. Francis M. Smith – 1983 Rev. Vincent M. Stokes – 1979 Rev. John Joseph Tuller – 2013 Rev. Philip Tierney, OSB – 1971 Rev. Aloysius Wachter, OSB – 1977 Rev. Msgr. Thomas R. Walsh - 2016

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catholicnewsherald.com | December 8, 2023 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Exile: Don’t underestimate Nicaragua church’s ‘prophetic voice’ amid repression GINA CHRISTIAN OSV News

WASHINGTON, D.C. — In the face of Nicaragua’s authoritarian regime, “the prophetic voice of the Catholic Church cannot be underestimated,” said an opposition leader recently exiled to the U.S. who joined fellow speakers at a Dec. 1 presentation on the Church’s role in preserving democratic freedom. The event’s panelists stressed the need to educate and advocate for religious liberty, free speech and other human rights in Nicaragua, which have been severely eroded by the administration of President Daniel Ortega and his wife, Vice President Rosario Murillo. The ruling couple views the Catholic Church as “an enemy that competes” for their power, said Juan Sebastián Chamorro, an economist and former Nicaraguan presidential candidate who was imprisoned and ultimately banished from his homeland in February. Chamorro spoke at “Democracy and the Catholic Church in Nicaragua,” an in-person and livestreamed Dec. 1 panel discussion presented by the Washington-based Center for Strategic and International Studies in partnership with the University of Notre Dame’s Keough School of Global Affairs and Pulte Institute for Global Development. Along with Chamorro, participants included Notre Dame president Holy Cross Father John Jenkins; Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio of the U.S. Archdiocese for the Military Services, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops; Christopher Hernandez-Roy, deputy director and senior fellow of CSIS’

OSV NEWS | MAYNOR VALENZUELA, REUTERS

Imprisoned Nicaraguan Bishop Rolando Álvarez is pictured in a May 20, 2022, photo in Managua. The House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Global Health, Global Human Rights and International Organizations held a Nov. 30 congressional hearing chaired by Rep. Chris Smith, R-N.J., calling for the release of Bishop Álvarez. Americas program; Maura Policelli, executive director of Notre Dame’s Keough School of Global Affairs; the Rev. Frederick Davie, vice chair of the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom; Thomas Hare, senior researcher and co-director of the Central America Research Alliance of Notre Dame’s Pulte Institute for Global Development; and Rosalía Miller, president of the U.S.-based nonprofit Nicaragua

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Freedom Coalition. Davie said that he and his colleagues “remain deeply concerned” about Ortega and Murillo’s “brutal crackdown on religious freedom, particularly against the Catholic Church.” Under the Ortega regime, clergy, religious and laypeople have been harassed, detained, imprisoned and expelled – most notably Bishop Rolando Álvarez of Matagalpa, stripped of his citizenship and now serving a 26-year sentence for refusing to be exiled to the U.S. Charges against the bishop, an outspoken critic of Ortega, included treason, undermining national integrity and spreading false news. The pro-Ortega congress has closed more than 3,000 nongovernmental organizations, and expelled priests and women religious, including the Missionaries of Charity. Auxiliary Bishop Silvio José Báez of Managua has lived in exile since 2019 and in Miami ministers to a growing Nicaraguan diaspora. More than half a million Nicaraguans (about 10% of the population) have fled, with a new study indicating that about half of the 6.2 million population wish to do the same. Chamorro was one of 222 jailed critics who were deported in February and had their citizenship rescinded. In August, Ortega’s government seized the Jesuit-

run University of Central America, and in October, a dozen priests who had been held as political prisoners were expelled to the Vatican as part of an agreement reached between it and Ortega’s government. In a video message for the presentation, Father Jenkins said that Ortega’s “attempt to extinguish Catholicism in Nicaragua merits global condemnation on a much larger and louder scale,” and that “his regime should be isolated as an international pariah for trying to disappear Catholic institutions, freedom of worship and freedom of expression.” The Nicaraguan Catholic bishops had tried to warn Ortega in 2014 of the nation’s descent into authoritarianism, presenting the president – now in his fourth consecutive term – with a letter calling for a transparent electoral process to ensure national stability, Chamorro said. Now, Ortega’s attacks on the Church – which have even included “desecration of the Blessed Sacrament by politically motivated mobs,” said Archbishop Broglio – continue to “impact the exiled community psychologically, physically and emotionally,” said Miller. “We worry about the people in Nicaragua, and about our relatives’ well-being,” she said. “We worry that our activism might harm them. But we don’t stop.” She said that Bishop Báez, ministering in Miami, has become the Nicaraguan diaspora’s “soul” and “heart.” “He gives us hope,” said Miller. Hare shared a warning his colleagues – many of whom had worked at the University of Central America and still faced reprisals – asked him to convey, that “the threats to democracy are spreading in the whole region, and are especially strong where religion and freedom of expression intersect,” such as the pulpit or “from the podium at Catholic and other universities across the region.” Chamorro agreed, noting that “this isn’t a matter of Nicaragua alone,” with both he and Hare pointing to El Salvador and Guatemala as examples. Equally important to an international response to Nicaragua are efforts by the global community “to prevent this contagion from continuing,” said Hare. Archbishop Broglio, who highlighted Catholic social teaching on human freedom and dignity, cited a statement he had made in February after Chamorro and his fellow exiles arrived in the U.S. “I said that even in this dark hour, courageous hope, charity and solidarity are bearing witness to the enduring vitality of the people of Nicaragua and among Catholics worldwide (who are) supporting the Nicaraguan faithful,” he said.

Our world

December 8, 2023 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

As France protests rising antisemitism, Catholic leaders encourage dialogue CAROLINE DE SURY OSV News

PARIS — The Oct. 7 killing of about 1,200 people in Israel by armed Hamas militants was the biggest killing of Jews since the Holocaust. It also started the war that has killed nearly 16,000 Palestinians, according to the Hamas-run health ministry, followed by massive pro-Palestinian protests around the globe. And it sparked unprecedented instances of antisemitism. France is home to the largest Jewish and Muslim communities in Europe and has become the center of religious discord. Little more than a month after the attack in Israel, the French Interior Ministry said 1,247 antisemitic incidents had been reported since Oct. 7, nearly three times the total for all of 2022. These incidents included the star of David, a symbol of Judaism, being marked on Jewish people’s homes – which reminded the older French generation about the horrors of German occupation, when Jewish houses were similarly marked to point out whom to later exterminate. More than 180,000 people across France, including 100,000 in Paris, marched peacefully on Nov. 12 to protest against rising antisemitism. The march in the capital was attended by Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne and representatives of several parties from left to far-right, but representatives of the Muslim faith did not

take part, according to news reports. President Emmanuel Macron also did not attend but expressed his support for the protest and called on citizens to rise up against “the unbearable resurgence of unbridled antisemitism.”

‘As Christians, we have a deep spiritual relationship and empathy with the Jewish people.’ — Jesuit Father Marc Rastoin “A France where our Jewish citizens are afraid is not France. A France where French people are afraid because of their religion or their origin is not France,” Macron wrote in a Nov. 11 letter to the daily Le Parisien. The day after the marches, Macron received religious leaders Nov. 13 at the Elysée Palace to discuss the problem. The meeting involved the president of the French bishops’ conference, Archbishop Éric de Moulins Beaufort of Reims.

Macron asked them to work to “defend universalism and republican values” by “multiplying educational actions” in favor of peace, particularly among young people. The meeting was attended by the rector of Paris’ Grand Mosque, Chems-Eddine Hafiz; Grand Rabbi of France Haim Korsia; Archbishop de Moulins Beaufort; and Christian Krieger, the president of the Protestant Federation of France. “Some antisemitism persists in France, but it must be presented with nuances,” Father Thomas Hallsten, an American priest, told OSV News. He worked for Yad Vashem – The World Holocaust Remembrance Center in Jerusalem, specializing in researching the actions taken by French Catholic religious communities in favor of the Jews during the Holocaust. “The generations whose grandparents lived through the German occupation during the Second World War know perfectly well what happened to the Jews,” the priest said. “This is a powerful safeguard against antisemitism.” “In recent years, animosity toward Jews has become more pronounced among the younger generations of Arab-Muslim immigrants,” Jesuit Father Marc Rastoin told OSV News. Father Rastoin is a researcher specializing in Judaism in Paris at the Centre Sèvres, a Jesuit institute for higher education and research. “In the Arab world, it is very difficult to

distinguish between Israeli politics and the Jewish religion,” he added. “Young French Muslims easily identify with the population of Gaza and the Palestinians as a whole.” In this context, the Catholic Church is trying to play a conciliatory role. Several of its representatives took part in the marches against antisemitism, while trying to be balanced in analysis of the conflict. “International Jewish organizations have worked for years to make people forget the difference between antisemitism and disagreement with Israel’s policies,” Father Rastoin said. “We must make the twofold effort to refuse the equation between the Palestinians of Gaza and Hamas, and the equation between Israelis and the government of Benjamin Netanyahu. Many Jews, both inside and outside Israel, opposed his policy of refusing dialogue and negotiation,” Father Rastoin said. “As Christians, we have a deep spiritual relationship and empathy with the Jewish people. But as Christians and human beings, how can we not be touched by all the civilian victims in Gaza, many of them children?” He deplored, however, the fact some people use the word “genocide” to describe Israel’s war in Gaza. “We can consider that Israel is going too far in its response and deplore war crimes,” he said. “But when we know the reality of the programmed extermination of Jews during the Holocaust in Europe, it is not decent to use this term.”

Elderly religious need your help. Like those pictured, nearly 25,000 senior sisters, brothers and religious order priests have dedicated their lives to serving others through praying for us, ministering to us, educating the young, caring for those who are sick and more—most for little or no pay, leaving a profound shortage in retirement savings. Your donation will make a real difference by providing essential care, medicine and other necessities. Please give generously.

Please give to those who have given a lifetime.

Please donate at your local parish December 9-10 or by mail at: National Religious Retirement Office/CHA 3211 Fourth Street NE Washington DC 20017-1194 Make check payable to Retirement Fund for Religious.

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catholicnewsherald.com | December 8, 2023 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

What the faithful are saying about the diocese’s new screen policy David Mills

Should you speak when you don’t know who you are?

ne of the most important rules for living in the world is: You are probably not who you think you are, and many others know you better than you know yourself. This is an old-guy lesson, I’m afraid, one of those lessons one learns from long and painful, often embarrassing experiences. We charge into life full of certainties – among them the certainty that we know exactly who we are – and then we find out we don’t. That usually happens in stages over time, and it’s rarely fun. We can easily see this in other people, because sometimes it’s obvious: The man who thinks he’s God’s gift to women and hits on women half his age, then doesn’t understand why they don’t respond. The woman who thinks she’s a ray of sunshine and never notices that people hide when they see her coming. The man who thinks he’s a bold truth-teller who doesn’t know he’s usually wrong and blames his not having any friends on everyone else’s unwillingness to hear the truth.

ARE THE SHEEP REALLY GOATS?

In one of the most terrifying passages in Scripture, Jesus speaks of the unexpected hour when the Son of Man returns and separates the sheep from the goats. The goats see themselves as sheep and protest Jesus’s judgment. They thought they were good religious people – they’d have done anything for Jesus – and find the angels herding them to the down escalator. It turns out Jesus sees them differently, and he’s the only one who sees clearly. St. Augustine knew that we’re all a mess, and such a mess we don’t know how much of a mess we are. As a theologian said to me, in his Confessions the saint teaches that “We are unavailable to ourselves.” We hear Augustine’s famous line “Our hearts are restless till they find their rest in Thee” as a truism, but for the saint it was a hard-won discovery. He’d gone wrong in all sorts of ways following his restless heart, because he didn’t know who he was and therefore couldn’t see who was the answer to all his questions and desires. It’s not a small thing, this ignorance. It hurts our relation to our Creator and Redeemer and our relation to the world, especially the people who know us.

DO YOU HAVE THE CHARACTER?

Here’s a practical example that affects almost all our lives, thanks to both the media and social media: the belief that you must speak out, hard and loud, against the enemy. That you must go after them the way General Sherman went through Georgia. That you are 2023’s Elijah facing the prophets of Baal. We feel zeal for the good, and that feeling makes sense. We see error as a fire set by arsonists that will sweep through the building unless we stop the arsonists. We must warn everyone about the arsonists as loudly and forcefully as we can. But if something must be said, must it be said by you? A lot of social media anger (and division in the Church) would be avoided if everyone tempted to speak out first asked themselves, “Am I the person to do this?” Are you a prophet like Elijah, with his role and his duties? Is that who you are and who God wants you to be? Maybe, but it seems unlikely. You’re probably not articulate enough, clever enough or holy enough. Few of us are, even among those of us who speak out for a living. In any case, it is obvious that many people who think of themselves that way don’t have the gifts for it, and more importantly, don’t have the character for it. They may become the person to speak out. They’re not that person now.

WHICH KIND OF ZEALOT ARE YOU?

The Greek St. Nectarios of Aegina, a holy man who seemed to other Orthodox a kind of fanatic because he took holiness so seriously, knew something about this. He distinguishes two kinds of zeal. “The zealot according to knowledge,” he said, “motivated by the love of God and his neighbor, does all things with love and self-effacement. He does nothing that might bring sorrow to his neighbor.” But the zealot “not according to knowledge is a ruinous man who turns the Gospel of Grace and love upside down. His zeal is a seductive fire, a consuming fire. Destruction comes forth from him and desolation follows in his wake.” Who are we really? Which kind of zealot would we be if we tried speaking out? There’s no easy answer, except to listen to those good people who know you and love you enough to tell you the truth. And to watch your language until you know. DAVID MILLS writes from Pennsylvania for OSV.

Editor’s note: The Diocese of Charlotte’s new policy prohibiting the use of digital projection screens during Mass comes at a time when dioceses are seeing an increasing use of screens during the liturgy. The U.S. bishops’ conference is considering whether to develop national guidelines for technology use during Mass. Locally, discussions are taking place on the Catholic News Herald’s Facebook page. “It’s always hard to make decisions when there are good arguments on both sides, but we believe this is best for the Church and the faithful at this time,” says Monsignor Patrick Winslow, vicar general and chancellor of the diocese. Here’s a sample of what people are saying (edited for brevity): “To this day I still remember the first time I was at a Catholic church with a big screen used during Mass…I was shocked! … I never dreamed that a Catholic pastor would permit such a thing. … I find the most disheartening thing for me is knowing that a rule like this was even necessary. Nonetheless, I’m grateful for it.” — Tricia Kent “I completely disagree with these actions. If done properly, they are not a distraction. Now the church will have to spend a lot of money on hymnals that spread germs, become disheveled and need to be replaced….The church is ‘dated’ in many ways and progressing in a digital format is one way we can keep up with the times…” — Colleen Fipps “(Screens) allow me access to the word of the song and to sing, a huge piece of the connection and lifting my heart to God. That’s the thing. Faith is deeply personal. We connect in varying ways.”

to find the right songs or prayers….What I saw was that people were too lazy to look into books or paper sheets, so from my perspective, I saw less participation with books than on-screen projection.” — Bao N Do “The focus at Mass should be the holy sacrifice. Removing screens doesn’t take away from this. I am very happy to not have screens in my face for an hour.” — Kristina Villella “For those worried about folks using personal devices for matters other than the Mass during the Mass, here’s my thought: where widespread irreverence already exists, it may indeed amplify. Where reverence and love for the liturgy already exists, however, few if any will break out personal devices. This indeed will be a great experiment to see which parishes have truly cultivated a rich understanding of – and love for – Holy Mass and Our Eucharistic Lord …”

— Heather Harris

— Brian Williams

“Screens remind me of large mega churches, not traditional Catholic Churches. I prefer to take my own missal to Mass and follow along to keep my focus. When I want to sing along then I’ll open the hymnal that is in the pew…Times do change but that doesn’t mean how we view the Mass has to change.” — Kathryn Hoffman

“Super sad. Not just about the ‘screens,’ but the expected sole focus on the altar 100% of the time. That’s not the church I’ve been part of for 50 years. I believe God wants Mass to be about the Eucharist, the word, the worship, the music, the community of people.” — Tim Trautman

“This is a huge disservice to many and a step back for accessibility. If done correctly (like they are at St. Luke), these features create a more welcoming church for all.”

“In the absence of screens, my eyes go to the crucifix, or statues, or art, or the adornments of the sanctuary and they all provide something to meditate on or inspire me one way or another.” — Sarah Wood

— Lauren Rearick Schultz “Perfect! Great policy. Now let’s get all the tabernacles back in the center behind the altar!” — Julie Wirtel “We need to use all the resources we can to keep the people engaged (especially the young) and growing in faith. I would much rather see people with their heads up rather than fumbling with a missalette. Missalettes that are wasting paper, which the pope has spoken against. Children have a much easier time following the words on the screen than looking in a book.” — Susan Brandenburg “I find it abhorrent that folks these days can’t use a hymnal. It’s not difficult and folks can challenge themselves, especially when it comes to the faith. Learn some basic Latin. And … learn how to read a hymn as it is written in notation. Using a hymnal is how I learned how to read music. We don’t have to dumb everything down for everyone.” — Monica Bailey “My parish projects hymns and prayers during Mass and I find it helping my participation and focus during Mass. Back when we were dependent on books and prayer sheets, it was time-consuming

“I have seen what technology has done to enhance worship by our children, now that is gone.” — Joe Brandenburg “I raised 2 children with needs in a Church without technology while living in Charlotte and did just fine. Church is about reverence, not convenience.” — Bill Goodwin “Usually the only items projected on the screens are prayers and hymns, which are not a distraction from the Mass. I don’t understand why the screens are suddenly a problem…?” — Audrey Alexander Hood “Listening to the wants of the people? I converted to Catholicism for the One. Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church which is eternal and timeless. It transcends culture, trends and the will of “the people” – thanks be to God! A religion that changes for the will of the people is a man-made religion that does not give God His due but serves self.” — Tracy Wattleworth O’Halloran

December 8, 2023 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

Scott P. Richert

Mom’s cookies taught powerful Advent lesson on delayed gratification

hen my sisters and I were young, my mother would spend all of Advent baking cookies and making candy. That may hardly seem remarkable; after all, countless millions of Christmas cookies are baked and consumed every year between Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. But my mother didn’t eat any of the cookies she baked, and neither did we – not before Christmas, that is. Every sugar cookie, Polish wedding cake, fruit cookie, square of fudge, and chunk of peanut brittle was packed away in vintage green Tupperware or metal tins (depending on whether they were intended for us or for relatives and friends), to be brought out only once Christmas Day had dawned.

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GRATIFICATION NO LONGER DELAYED

Four or five decades later, that seems remarkable, because what economists call “delayed gratification” is simply not part of American life anymore – and that’s as true of Catholics and other Christians as it is of the average American. Fifty years ago, the question “What do you want for Christmas?” meant something different than it does today, when a couple of clicks on Amazon can satisfy the desire of a child of any age with next-day (or even same-day) delivery. When I was a child, I thought as a child, which meant that, of course, I wanted to eat just one sugar cookie hot out of the oven or sneak one piece of fudge. But Mom never let me do so, because satisfying my desire wasn’t the point of her baking. If anything, the purpose of all of her preparations throughout Advent was the opposite: to increase my desire, and to direct it toward its proper end. If you eat it before Christmas, a Christmas cookie is just a cookie.

A MOTHER’S LEGACY AND LESSONS

My mother entered into eternal life in the early morning hours of Nov. 1, All Saints Day. Through the days and nights before she quietly passed from us, my father and my sister Monica and I held those hands that had mixed and shaped and baked all of those cookies. We were just a few feet away from where the hospital bed was set up in the living room of the house that had been our family home for all but a handful of months of my parents’ 56 years of marriage. Polish wedding cakes and peanut brittle were the last things on our minds as we prepared ourselves and one another for a life without her. But a few days later, when Father Charles Hall, the priest who had anointed Mom

‘If anything, the purpose of all of her preparations throughout Advent was the opposite: to increase my desire, and to direct it toward its proper end.’ seven weeks earlier and who would celebrate her funeral Mass, asked us for a particular memory of Mom that would help him to understand who she really was, the first thing that came to mind was her Advent baking. Everything we do reveals something about where our heart lies. Too often, by necessity as much as by choice, we are caught up in the here and now. There’s work to be done, bills to be paid, clothes to be washed, children to be fed. But as much as necessity may seem to force our hand, there’s an element of choice in our actions as well. And that choice involves not simply what we do but why we choose to do it. I do not know – and of course, I cannot ask her now – whether Mom intended to teach us a lesson with her Advent baking. But as we talked with Father Charles, we realized that she had done just that.

LONGING AND JOYFUL EXPECTATION

To be a Christian means to live always with a sense of longing, of that joyful expectation tinged with sorrow that comes from knowing that the greatest desire of our heart will never be fulfilled in this earthly life. That, perhaps more than any other part of the Christian experience, is a reality that the modern world rejects. A few hours after our mother passed from this life, my sister and I stood beside our father in the church where we had first received the gift of faith, and we sang with all the saints in glory of the life yet to come. And as we prayed for the repose of my mother’s soul, we gave thanks for the years we had spent with her, and for the cookies and candy through which Mom had prepared us all for living that day and the rest of our lives in the deep longing for and joyful expectation of our reunion before the throne of God. SCOTT P. RICHERT is publisher of Our Sunday Visitor.

‘A truth does not become more credible because one raises one’s voice in speaking it, but because it is witnessed with one’s life.’ Pope Francis

From online story: “Pope urges prayers for peace at audience” The Catholic News Herald reached the Facebook and Instagram feeds of more than 95,000 people in English and Spanish last month. The most talked about post? Coverage of Monsignor Richard Bellow’s passing. Join the conversation: www.facebook.com/CatholicNewsHerald. On YouTube over the past month, videos produced by the Catholic News Herald have been viewed more than 9,200 times. The most popular video? “What is a Catholic Deacon.” Last month and this month so far, 46,500 visitors to www.catholicnewsherald.com have viewed a total of 69,500 pages. The top trending headlines are: n Churches to end use of digital projection screens during Mass..................................................8,105 n 10 facts about Advent ............................................................................................................................6,709 n Former St. Mark pastor Msgr. Bellow dies aged 80 ......................................................................3,679 n Retired St. Leo pastor, Father Brian Cook, passes away .............................................................. 1,760 n Catholic funeral guide..............................................................................................................................1,620 n View the current print edition of the Catholic News Herald ........................................................ 1,071 n Retired drug/alcohol counselor Sister Eileen McLoughlin, MSBT, dies aged 94 .....................638 n Three clergy in the Charlotte diocese linked to the First Thanksgiving ....................................603 n Nine Charlotte seminarians instituted as acolytes ............................................................................551 n Young Catholic Professionals launches new Charlotte chapter ...................................................498

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catholicnewsherald.com | December 8, 2023 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

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2022-2023

Annual Report

‘I Am With You Always’ MATTHEW 28:20

O D C DIOCESE OF CHARLOTTE

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D I OCE SE OF CHA RLOTTE

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Queridos hermanos y hermanas en Cristo:

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Gracia a vosotros y paz de Dios nuestro Padre y del Señor Jesucristo.

The theme of this Fiscal 2023 annual report, “I Am With You Always,” reflects the theme of our 19th annual Eucharistic Congress and reminds us of Christ’s presence constantly at work in the Diocese of Charlotte. In gratitude, we are called to share the love of Christ with others in everything we do as a diocese – in our parishes and schools, in our communities, and through our many ministries.

El tema de este informe anual del año fiscal 2023, “Yo estoy con ustedes siempre”, refleja el tema de nuestro 19º Congreso Eucarístico anual y nos recuerda la presencia de Cristo obrando constantemente en la Diócesis de Charlotte. En gratitud, estamos llamados a compartir el amor de Cristo con los demás en todo lo que hacemos como diócesis: en nuestras parroquias y escuelas, en nuestras comunidades y a través de nuestros muchos ministerios.

This annual report presents information about the finances of the diocese and, through text and photos, describes the pastoral, catechetical and charitable work of our diocese from July 1, 2022, through June of this year. I am pleased to report that the overall financial health of the diocese is good, and I am grateful for your support of the Church through your prayers, involvement and financial contributions. In this report, you will see the continuing story of our diocese’s remarkable growth: as a diverse family of faith, in vocations to the priesthood, in our 92 parishes and 20 schools, in works of charity, and in stewardship of our financial resources. God continues to bless our diocese in so many ways, and we are thankful to Him because without Him nothing is possible. We could see God’s hand at work this year in calling people to serve Him in our diocese. In June 2023, we were blessed to have three men – Father Christopher Brock, Father Chinonso Nnebe-Agumadu and Father Peter Rusciolelli – ordained priests, and seven seminarians ordained deacons on the path to ordination as priests next year. I am grateful to all of our priests, deacons and consecrated religious men and women who joyfully serve in our diocese. Please pray for them and for our record number of 51 seminarians who are discerning God’s will for their lives.

Este informe anual presenta información sobre las finanzas de la diócesis y, a través de texto y fotos, describe el trabajo pastoral, catequético y caritativo de nuestra diócesis desde el 1 de julio de 2022 hasta junio de este año. Me complace informar que la salud financiera general de la diócesis es buena, y estoy agradecido por su apoyo a la Iglesia a través de sus oraciones, participación y contribuciones financieras. En este informe, verán la historia continua del notable crecimiento de nuestra diócesis: como una familia diversa de fe, en vocaciones al sacerdocio, en nuestras parroquias y escuelas, en obras de caridad y en la administración de nuestros recursos financieros. Dios continúa bendiciendo nuestra diócesis de muchas maneras, y estamos agradecidos con Él porque sin Él nada es posible. Pudimos ver la mano de Dios obrando este año al llamar a las personas a servirle en nuestra diócesis. En junio de 2023, tuvimos la bendición de tener a tres hombres, el Padre Christopher Brock, el Padre Chinonso Nnebe-Agumadu y el Padre Peter Rusciolelli, ordenados sacerdotes, y siete seminaristas ordenados diáconos en el camino hacia la ordenación como sacerdotes el próximo año. Agradezco a todos nuestros sacerdotes, diáconos y religiosos consagrados que sirven con alegría en nuestra diócesis. Por favor, oren por ellos y por nuestro número récord de 51 seminaristas que están discerniendo la voluntad de Dios para sus vidas. También me complace informar que la matrícula total en nuestras 20 escuelas católicas alcanzó un número récord de 7,968 estudiantes en 2022-23. Cientos de jóvenes, estudiantes universitarios y adultos también participaron en varios programas de formación en la fe durante el año pasado para aumentar su amor por Dios y el conocimiento de la fe católica.

BISHOP PETER J. JUGIS

I am also pleased to report that total enrollment at our Catholic schools reached a record number of 7,968 students in 2022-23. Hundreds of young people, college students and adults also took part in various faith formation programs over the past year to increase their love for God and knowledge of the Catholic faith. Ongoing economic challenges, including the end of pandemic-related relief funding, spurred higher demand for food, housing and financial assistance, and Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte responded. Its staff and volunteers were a daily reminder of Christ’s presence as they served nearly 19,000 people over the past year – stocking and distributing food to hungry families across our diocese, setting up apartments and welcoming refugees, arranging burials for impoverished families, counseling people in need, providing holiday meals and gifts at Christmas, and so much more. Our 19th annual Eucharistic Congress was another reason to give thanks to God this year. More than 10,000 people from across our diocese came together in September to deepen their love for Christ and His gift of the Eucharist. This year’s event tied in with the National Eucharistic Revival, a multi-year effort by the U.S. bishops to increase devotion to the Blessed Sacrament. Assured by Jesus’ promise to remain with us always, let us give thanks and praise to God for all He has done and continues to do in our diocese. Please be assured of my prayers for you and your families as we all strive to share His love with others.

Los desafíos económicos en curso, incluido el fin de los fondos de ayuda relacionados con la pandemia, estimularon una mayor demanda de alimentos, vivienda y asistencia financiera, y Caridades Católicas de la Diócesis de Charlotte respondió. Su personal y voluntarios fueron un recordatorio diario de la presencia de Cristo mientras servían a casi 19,000 personas durante el año pasado, almacenando y distribuyendo alimentos a familias con necesidades de alimentos en toda nuestra diócesis, estableciendo apartamentos y dando la bienvenida a refugiados, organizando entierros para familias empobrecidas, aconsejando a personas necesitadas, proporcionando comidas y regalos navideños en Navidad, y mucho más. Nuestro 19º Congreso Eucarístico anual fue otra razón para dar gracias a Dios este año. Más de 10,000 personas de toda nuestra diócesis se reunieron en septiembre para profundizar su amor por Cristo y su don de la Eucaristía. El evento de este año coincidió con el Avivamiento Eucarístico Nacional, un esfuerzo de varios años por parte de los obispos de los Estados Unidos para aumentar la devoción al Santísimo Sacramento. Seguros por la promesa de Jesús de permanecer siempre con nosotros, demos gracias y alabemos a Dios por todo lo que ha hecho y sigue haciendo en nuestra diócesis. Por favor, tenga la seguridad de mis oraciones por usted y su familias mientras todos nos esforzamos por compartir Su amor con los demás.

Sincerely Yours in Christ Jesus,

Atentamente suyo en Cristo Jesús,

The Most Reverend Peter J. Jugis Bishop of Charlotte

El Obispo Peter J. Jugis Obispo de Charlotte

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‘I Am With You Always’ The Diocese of Charlotte enjoyed a blessed year in FY2022-23 as the faithful witnessed to God’s abiding presence in North Carolina – rejoicing over the calling of 10 men to holy orders, welcoming a record number of students at our Catholic schools, celebrating Bishop Peter Jugis’ 20th anniversary, and witnessing attendance at the Eucharistic Congress return to pre-pandemic levels.

he theme of the congress, “I Am With You Always” (Matthew 28:20), was fitting for a year of continued growth and change – as people from around the world continued to move into the diocese, and people streamed back into our churches, schools and ministries. In January 2023, the diocese concluded its celebration of our 50th anniversary – capping a year that featured special events, a Marian pilgrimage, and a 50 Acts of Charity initiative. Then, we turned our attention – and gratitude – to Bishop Peter Jugis, who marked his 20th anniversary as Bishop of Charlotte in October 2023. Bishop Jugis also completed a multi-year dialogue with the faithful throughout the diocese as part of the worldwide Church’s Synod on Synodality, announcing six new pastoral priorities as we look forward and respond to our continued growth. Among other highlights, St. Luke Parish celebrated the opening of its new church in Mint Hill, and St. Jude was elevated from mission to parish status in Sapphire. St. Joseph College

Seminary began preparing for construction of a new chapel that will accommodate some 150 visitors, broadening accessibility of the seminary to the larger community. The diocese also embraced a request from the Sisters of the Poor Servants of the Mother of God to assume pastoral sponsorship of the Pennybyrn retirement community in High Point, which the Sisters founded 75 years ago. The diocese’s charitable efforts also reflected the impacts of growth in our communities, as Catholic Charities served 23 percent more people in need, compared to the previous year – providing food, shelter, counseling and other services. The agency also opened a seventh outreach location, this one in North Wilkesboro, and saw a return to pre-pandemic levels of refugees for resettlement in Charlotte and Asheville. Following are more noteworthy efforts that demonstrate God’s abiding presence in our diocese, as well as a detailed financial report for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023.

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Pastoral Ministry A

nnounced in April 2023, Bishop Jugis’ six new pastoral priorities set expectations for clergy and faithful across the diocese. The bishop called for increased unity, outreach and focus on the Holy Eucharist – especially important in an ever-growing diocese that now has more than a half-million Catholics. First and foremost, he said, we must renew and anchor our lives in the Holy Eucharist, the source and summit of our Catholic faith. As we strengthen our communion with Christ, we must allow Him to strengthen the communion within our families and the Church. This witness to unity is especially needed in today’s fractured world, he emphasized. Third, we must inspire young people to find their home in the Church. Fourth, we must encourage lives of personal holiness and highlight the beauty of chaste love. Fifth, we must proclaim the faith in a digital age, to share the Good News with a world that is in need of God. Finally, the bishop urged, we must meet the challenges of our evergrowing diocese, which has grown from 34,000 people at our founding in 1972 to more than 530,000 today.

The diocese was also blessed this past year with 123 permanent deacons. They are active in a broad range of ministries – from liturgical services and presiding over weddings, baptisms and funerals, to serving the poor and needy, to coordinating the prison ministry and airport chaplaincy programs. More help for these ministries and others is on its way, as another 17 men are in the introductory phase of formation as deacons, known as aspirancy. In January 2024, their next stage of formation as candidates begins, and ordination is scheduled for 2027. Women religious serving in our diocese, representing 17 different religious communities, continued their vital work of ministering to the poorest and most vulnerable among us: the sick and homebound, seniors, homeless pregnant women, women escaping domestic violence, people suffering with AIDS, disabled children and adults, and migrants and refugees. In response to a request from the Sisters of the Poor Servants of the Mother of God, the diocese began work to assume pastoral sponsorship of Pennybyrn, a continuing care community in High Point that the Sisters founded 75 years ago.

To help serve our growing family of faith and the needs of our diverse communities, GOD CONTINUES God continues to bless us with laborers The work of sharing God’s love TO BLESS US WITH for His vineyard: men and women whose throughout our increasingly diverse diocese LABORERS FOR HIS vocation of service to God and the Church also was evident in the African American provide daily examples of His love and Affairs Ministry, Hispanic Ministry and VINEYARD. faithfulness. The diocese now has 180 priests, Vietnamese Ministry. 123 permanent deacons, 82 women religious, The African American Affairs Ministry 2,600 employees and countless volunteers – continued to evangelize and educate people constant reminders of God’s presence among His People. of the diocese and beyond, with the goal of nurturing a vibrant Thanks to God and to the prayers and support of the faithful, the diocese’s vocations program is flourishing: increasing dramatically from 16 seminarians in 2016 to a record number of 51 seminarians this year, including 21 in formation at St. Joseph College Seminary in Mount Holly. Three seminarians – Christopher Brock, Chinonso NnebeAgumadu and Peter Rusciolelli – were ordained priests for the diocese in June 2023. Seven seminarians – five of whom are graduates of St. Joseph College Seminary – were ordained deacons as they continue their formation for expected ordination to the priesthood in 2024. In early 2023, the diocese also welcomed two priests fleeing persecution in Nicaragua: Father Ramiro Tijerino and Father Óscar Benavides are now serving the Hispanic community in the Charlotte area.

Catholic community committed to actively combating racism and promoting social justice and harmony. This year, the ministry increased outreach through virtual seminars and a successful multi-parish Day of Reflection held in advance of the National Black Catholic Congress XIII, which took place in July 2023 in Maryland. The diocese’s Hispanic Ministry work continues to grow more important than ever, as half the diocese’s population is now of Hispanic origin. Echoing the call from the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, the ministry promoted Eucharistic Revival throughout the diocese through Father Julio Dominguez’s digital evangelization efforts with a “Capsulas de Fe” videos series explaining the elements and meaning of the Mass. In the spring, the diocese also hosted the National Catholic Hispanic

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VOCATIONS, CLERGY AND RELIGIOUS LIFE FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS FOR THE YEARS ENDING JUNE 30

2023

2022

REVENUE & OTHER SUPPORT

2023

2022

EXPENSES

Priests’ retirement collection FFHL Contributions Priests’ Continuing Education & Seminarian collection Friends of Seminarian program St. Joseph Seminary building projects Other contributions Parish assessments Grants & Endowment Distributions DSA funding Supplemental DSA funding Other income Administration funding

1,129,592 13,249

TOTAL REVENUE & OTHER SUPPORT

$ 13,398,258

1,205,542 28,641

508,235 1,240,283 7,529,635 728,159 609,130

414,085 1,135,273 2,124,664 842,262 378,866

795,602 230,829 127,671 485,873

718,468 271,463 71,820 450,387 $

7,641,471

Seminarian formation Duc in Altum Quo Vadis Diaconate formation Care for priests not in ministry St. Joseph Seminary administration St. Joseph Seminary fundraising Priests’ retirement benefits Other TOTAL EXPENSES Surplus – St Joseph Seminary earmarked for building project

2,993,915 36,118 38,025 22,573 423,181 504,180 374,389 1,727,769 383,539

2,582,586 31,125 37,462 48,130 661,716 390,301 319,838 1,249,393 410,186

6,503,689

5,730,737

$ 6,894,569

$ 1,910,734

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Charismatic Renewal Encuentro with more than 500 bishops, priests, deacons and laity in attendance. Father Dominguez also launched pastoral visits to parishes throughout the diocese to present Bishop Jugis’ new pastoral priorities. A new ministry for people experiencing same-sex attraction and their families was also inaugurated this past year. A local chapter of Courage International, headed up by Father Michael Carlson, and EnCourage, led by Deacon Peter Tonon, will provide pastoral care and accompaniment to participants, with support from the diocese’s Office of Family Life. Visible signs of the diocese’s growth were celebrated on July 5, 2022, when St. Jude in Sapphire was elevated from its status as a mission to a parish, and on Feb. 19, 2023, when a new St. Luke Church was dedicated in Mint Hill. Successful capital campaigns to build a larger chapel and expand St. Joseph College Seminary and a new church for Our Lady of the Mountains in Highlands were also held, and St. Patrick Cathedral in Charlotte received much-needed repairs and an interior makeover that added stunning artwork and ornamentation in the sanctuary and nave.

Corporal Works of Mercy W

e are called to show God’s love for others in part by serving the poor and caring for the most vulnerable among us – and the faithful across the diocese took that to heart this past year.

More than $6.4 million was allocated for Catholic Charities’ social service programs, which served 22,994 people living on the margins, a 23% increase over the prior year.

CATHOLIC CHARITIES’ SOCIAL SERVICE PROGRAMS SERVED 22,994 PEOPLE LAST FISCAL YEAR.

In FY2022-23, Catholic Charities Provided the Following: n

Food for 16,229 people – 20% more than the prior year.

Opened a seventh outreach location to serve people in need in North Wilkesboro, particularly mothers and infants. n

Provided support services to 77 veterans in need.

Provided 2,426 counseling sessions to 255 people.

Hosted events and educational programs for 839 senior citizens.

Resettled or served more than 600 refugees fleeing war, persecution

or poverty – 7% more than the prior year and marking a return to prepandemic levels. n

Assisted 255 people with immigration assistance.

Arranged burials for a record number of 130 grieving families in financial need – a 28% increase over the past four years. n

Welcomed a 21% increase in the ranks of volunteers, to 225 people who gave a total of 14,547 hours of service. n

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CATHOLIC CHARITIES DIOCESE OF CHARLOTTE FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS FOR THE YEARS ENDING JUNE 30

2023

2022

2023

2022

REVENUE & OTHER SUPPORT Federal and state agency awards Other grants, contracts & awards Contributions - Diocese of Charlotte: DSA funding Contributions - Other Fees Contributions - Non-Financial Contributions - Non-Financial Federal Food Assistance Investment gain (loss) and other revenue

TOTAL REVENUE

2,254,161 235,754

2,217,585 457,637

1,911,236 2,032,165 424,033 712,963

1,942,277 2,425,735 402,946 475,282

140,271 696,813

245,700 (1,195,170)

$ 8,407,396

$ 6,971,992

Counseling Program $ Direct Assistance Family Life Services Office of Economic Opportunity Pregnancy Support & Adoption Refugee & Immigration Services Social Concerns & Advocacy Stay the Course/Teen Parenting Program Translation & Interpretation US Bishops’ Collections (CCHD & CRS) Veterans Services Youth Counseling Program Administrative expenses Fundraising expenses and direct benefits to donors TOTAL EXPENSES

511,597 2,501,971 109,191 21,313 25,451 2,391,921 169,109 208,134 2,234 50,681 525,334 21,472 1,305,313

484,947 2,617,470 141,881 21,682 44,113 2,241,231 139,705 163,181 4,300 56,767 472,361 19,679 1,127,344

286,836

391,900

$ 8,130,557

$ 7,926,561

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Education and Catechesis C

atechesis aims to foster an ever-increasing desire to be holy – to become missionary disciples of Jesus and to share His Presence with others. Last year, the Education and Catholic Schools Office continued this fundamental mission by encouraging people of all ages to engage more deeply with our faith and to share that gift of faith with others. Enrollment in the diocese’s 20 Catholic schools hit a record of 7,968 students across the diocese in FY2022-23. A reflection of that growth, three large building initiatives were completed: the MACS Fine Arts Center at Charlotte Catholic High School, the new gymnasium addition to Christ the King Catholic High School in Huntersville, and a new STEM Lab and expansion at Immaculate Catholic School in Hendersonville. And with the number of enrollment applications continuing to rise, the diocese is planning to expand and build new schools to accommodate demand. In April 2023, the Catholic Schools Office received the prestigious Catholic Institution of the Year Award from

the Catholic Educational Foundation. This national honor celebrated the school system’s strong Catholic identity and focus on excellence. Another highlight was the 19th annual Diocese of Charlotte Eucharistic Congress, directed by the Education Vicariate. The Sept. 8-9, 2023, celebration saw a tremendous turnout: Approximately 10,000 people processed through uptown streets and gathered at the Charlotte Convention Center for Mass, Eucharistic Adoration, prayer, educational talks, music and fellowship. The theme of the Congress was “I Am With You Always,” and aimed not only to bring people together from across our diocese but also to deepen devotion to the Eucharist. Approximately 900 young people took part in the 2023 Bishop’s Youth Pilgrimage at Belmont Abbey College in March. Attendance at the annual Diocesan Youth Conference and Faithful Servant Leadership Institute events also increased. In further signs of a return to pre-pandemic activity, Campus Ministry served nearly 2,000 Catholic students at 19 colleges and

EDUCATION FORMATION OFFICES OF THE DIOCESE OF CHARLOTTE FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS FOR THE YEARS ENDING JUNE 30

2023

2022

REVENUE & OTHER SUPPORT

(Includes DSA funding of: $2,130,619 in 2023 and $1,896,943 in 2022) EXPENSES

2,615,043 $

2,447,283

2,615,043 $

2,447,283

DIOCESAN AND REGIONAL SCHOOLS

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS FOR THE YEARS ENDING JUNE 30

2023

2022

Tuition and fees Parish support Campaign Contributions Other Contributions and gifts School activity revenue Income from rental property Other

$ 63,098,654 $ 57,048,586 4,789,354 4,564,742 172,452 515,068 2,914,169 3,512,618 898,127 1,007,619 1,118,748 1,039,973 2,739,785 1,246,620

TOTAL REVENUE & OTHER SUPPORT

$ 75,731,289 $ 68,935,226

Instructional personnel $ 34,400,432 $ 31,880,429 Other instructional costs 3,456,519 3,030,081 Facilities 12,677,441 10,882,937 Administrative personnel 5,113,496 4,459,769 Supplementary programs and activities 5,491,843 4,514,623 Other 5,774,051 4,834,838 TOTAL EXPENSES

$ 66,913,782 $ 59,602,677

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universities, thanks to the dedicated service of seven full-time campus ministers who provided spiritual guidance, emotional support, fellowship, faith formation, retreat opportunities and more. Catholic School teachers, faith formation catechists, and parents benefited from Basic and Advanced Catechetical Certification programs offered through the diocese’s Catechetical Formation Office. Nearly 300 catechists completed the certification process last fiscal year. In November 2023, the office held the 7th Annual Diocesan Catechetical Conference, providing ongoing formation for a record number of approximately 500 catechists in our parishes’ English and Spanish faith formation programs. And to broaden faith education opportunities among the faithful, the office established a partnership with the Catechetical Institute by Franciscan University. This program will be provided free to all parishes and schools, thanks to funding from the “Forward in Faith, Hope, and Love” Faith Formation Endowment.

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Stewardship of Treasure D

espite a flagging economy, the people of the diocese continued to provide generous financial support to ensure that the work of our 92 parishes, 20 schools and more than 50 ministries continues. The diocese added 14 new endowments – bringing the total to 342 this past fiscal year, with more than $85 million in assets – that perpetually support our parishes, schools, Catholic Charities, priest retirement, seminarian education, and outreach programs. Principal additions to new and existing endowments for the year totaled $12,737,187. Distributions by the diocese’s charitable foundation funded a variety of good works, totaling $845,533 for the year – making the total distributions almost $15 million since the foundation was established in 1994. Since 2001, the foundation has given 412 grants totaling over $1.1 million from four of the foundation’s general-purpose or special restricted endowments.

THE FOUNDATION OF THE ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF CHARLOTTE FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS FOR THE YEARS ENDING JUNE 30

2023

2022

ASSETS Cash 1,292,084 $ Other receivables and assets 436,561 Beneficial Interest in Advancement Corporation 51,110 Investments 85,841,765 TOTAL ASSETS

$ 87,621,520

11,280,439 221,499 87,503 66,862,094

$ 78,451,535

2023 LIABILITIES Payables and unearned income Custodial and annuity obligations

33,024 24,197,995

2022 33,927 20,831,867

TOTAL LIABILITIES

24,231,019

20,865,794

NET ASSETS Net assets without donor restrictions Net Assets with donor restrictions

20,687,215 42,703,286

18,821,545 38,764,196

TOTAL NET ASSETS

63,390,501

57,585,741

$ 87,621,520

$ 78,451,535

2023

2022

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS

DIOCESAN MINISTRY FUNDING FOR THE YEARS ENDING JUNE 30

GRANTS TO CATHOLIC CHARITIES

2023

2022

$ 1,910,986

$ 1,942,277

EDUCATIONAL MINISTRIES Adult Education/Evangelization Campus/Young Adult Ministry Faith Formation Office Youth Ministry Office of Family Life Catholic Schools Offices Office of the Vicar of Education TOTAL EDUCATIONAL MINISTRIES

697,472 555,556 136,176 184,053 429,753 127,610

7,211 832,130 458,219 129,846 77,018 259,159 133,360

$ 2,130,620

$ 1,896,943

MULTICULTURAL MINISTRIES

855,712

844,201

VOCATIONS Seminarian Education Permanent Diaconate

731,499 64,103

626,930 91,537

TOTAL VOCATIONS

795,602

718,467

EUCHARISTIC CONGRESS

257,835

179,050

DSA CAMPAIGN COSTS

429,640

373,461

$ 6,380,395

$ 5,954,399

TOTALS

In addition to this long-term support, the annual Diocesan Support Appeal (DSA) enabled the diocese to provide comfort and assistance to those in need throughout our diocese. Gifts to the 2022 appeal totaled $6.3 million from 13,363 donors and supported over 50 ministries and programs, including seminarian education, Catholic Charities, educational programs, the permanent diaconate, multicultural ministries, and the Eucharistic Congress. The average gift among contributing households was $476 – up from SPECIAL COLLECTIONS $455 in 2021. Sixty-six percent of parishes and missions reached AMOUNTS COLLECTED FOR THE YEARS ENDING JUNE 30 or exceeded their goal for supporting the appeal. International/National Combined Collection Catholic Campaign for Human Development Religious Retirement Collection Combined Mission Collection World Mission Sunday Archdiocese for Military Services Ukrainian Refugee Relief TOTAL

2023

2022

267,498 120,338 278,867 243,791 178,645 151,244 -

218,941 107,415 232,453 191,505 155,839 164,916

1,240,383

1,071,069

The diocese’s “Forward in Faith, Hope, and Love” campaign, launched a decade ago, continues to thrive. Seven endowments formed with the campaign reached a market value of $20.8 million and have distributed a total of $1.2 million to benefit Campus Ministry, Catholic Charities, faith formation, multicultural ministries, parish/mission support, tuition assistance and vocations/seminarians.

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Human Capital T

his spirit of service – demonstrating love for others in our daily actions – continued to characterize the efforts of the approximately 2,600 full- and part-time employees in our parishes, schools, offices and ministries who provide services and support wherever it is needed in the diocese. Employees and volunteers continued to find innovative ways to use their God-given talents to serve and build up the Church across western North Carolina. The diocese maintained its focus on efforts to attract and retain diverse talent to help carry out our mission, with new training and human resources support, and enhanced recruiting, onboarding and technology. We also continued to elevate efforts to tell the stories of the Church, enhancing communications tools and resources – all with the goal of more broadly proclaiming and sharing the Gospel.

THE COST OF EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PROGRAMS FOR ALL DIOCESAN ENTITIES FOR THE YEARS ENDING JUNE 30

2023

2022

REVENUE & OTHER SUPPORT Long Term Disability Health and Life Insurance Lay Pension Plan 403(b) Plan Contributions FSA/HSA Administration Fees

TOTAL REVENUE

$ 16,088,383

188,748 10,162,930 1,266,773 4,448,728 21,204

176,798 11,075,963 213,420 3,987,779 21,229

$ 15,475,189

Looking Forward A

s we reflect on the past fiscal year, we do so in thanksgiving to God. We are also grateful for the prayers, sacrifices and charitable work of all the members of our thriving diocesan family – and for the steadfast leadership of our bishop who, along with our priests, brings, by the power of the Holy Spirit, the Real Presence of Jesus into our midst. As one year ends and another begins, we can be assured of Our Lord’s continued presence as we remember what He asks of us and His promise: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, to the close of the age” (Matthew 28:19-20). The following pages detail the diocese’s finances for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023.

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REPORT FROM THE CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, Through the continued generosity of the faithful, the Diocese of Charlotte remains in sound financial health. To continue our commitment to accountability and transparency, I present to you the Annual Financial Report for the Diocese of Charlotte. In support of these efforts, I wish to thank the Diocesan Finance Council, which serves in an advisory capacity to Bishop Peter Jugis, and all of you for the support you provide to our parishes, schools and ministries across the diocese. Net operating income for the year ended June 30, 2023 (before considering capital campaign activity), was $6.1 million. Financial resources (donor-restricted and general-purpose funds) spent during the past fiscal year went toward the following diocesan priorities: Capital additions and improvements at our regional and diocesan schools, $7.6 million; n

The diocese recorded a net decrease in donor-restricted operating funds (excluding capital campaign activities) of approximately $4 million for the year ended June 30, 2023. This represents the net of $6 million in donorrestricted donations/grants received and $10 million in donor-restricted gifts whose restrictions were fulfilled during the fiscal year. The pie charts below depict the major sources of revenue and summarize expenditures for the fiscal year just ended. Additional detail about revenue and a breakout of expenses by functional area, along with a comparison to fiscal 2022, are presented within the Statement of Activities on page 15. Capital campaign activity for the year ended June 30, 2023

SOURCES OF REVENUE 47% School tuition and fees

Social service programs for our neighbors in need, $6.5 million;

17% Parish assessments and support

13% Other sources, net of investment loss

Our retired priests, seminarians and other clergy serving the faithful, approximately $5.4 million; n

8% Donations and gifts

Parish faith formation and support for our 20 schools by the Catholic Schools Office, $2.6 million; and n

Pastoral programs for our Catholic immigrant brothers and sisters, approximately $1.1 million. n

6% Capital campaigns 5% Diocesan Support Appeal 2% Fees and rent

2% Grants, contracts and awards

There were four capital campaigns with activity during fiscal 2023. The Forward in Faith, Hope, and Love Campaign recorded a loss of approximately $24,000 as a result of distribution of previously recognized contributions to parishes. The campaign for development of the St. Joseph College Seminary chapel recorded revenue, net of campaign costs, totaling $7.4 million during the fiscal year. Mecklenburg Area Catholic Schools (MACS) had two campaigns in the collection phase: (1) for the Fine Arts Center at Charlotte Catholic High School and (2) for the expansion of the gymnasium and athletic facilities at Christ the King Catholic High School. The MACS campaigns recorded total revenue, net of campaign costs, of approximately $163,000 during fiscal 2023.

All of our initiatives are dependent on the good work of our many dedicated clergy and lay people. During the fiscal year just ended, Results of nonoperating activities for the year ended June 30, 2023 employee salaries and benefits totaled approximately $63.1 million, Nonoperating activities consist of the return earned on diocesan up from $59.9 million in fiscal 2022. This increase was primarily driven investments. The diocese reported a gain on investments this past by support of our regional and diocesan schools. Employee benefits year of approximately $14.2 million, of which $4.8 million represents include three health insurance programs from which employees may donor restrictions. During the prior fiscal year ended June 30, 2022, the select, term life insurance, numerous employee-paid optional benefits, diocese reported a loss on investments of approximately $17.9 million, a generous schedule of paid time off and a 403(b) defined contribution of which $8.7 million represented donor restrictions. pension plan. Non-temporary employees working at least 1,000 hours in a calendar year receive a contribution Net Asset Credit for the year ended to their 403(b) account totaling 5% of June 30, 2023 their annual salary. In addition, they USES OF OUR RESOURCES receive a match equal to 50% of the The diocese recorded an $8 million first 4% of pay they contribute to their 39% Education 20% Schools Administration credit (or increase) to net assets in fiscal pension account. 2023 due to our pension and postretirement benefit plans’ most recent Of course, the heart of the diocese is actuarial valuations. The primary driver our parishes and schools. And, while 8% Pastoral of this credit is better than expected net this report covers the financial activities asset performance during the fiscal year, of many diocesan ministries and offset by an increase in the discount rate. entities, it does not include those of our 7% Depreciation parishes (and parish and inter-parochial The cumulative charge against net schools), which are independent assets related to our pension and 7% Other program expenses entities and report separately to their post-retirement benefit plans through 2% Fundraising parishioners. The diocesan financial 6% Social Services June 30, 2023, totals approximately 5% Benefit programs statements for the years ended June $8.7 million, leaving a balance in for parish employees 6% Administrative services and support 30, 2023, and 2022 are presented on net assets without donor restrictions the following pages for your review. of approximately $203.7 million, of which approximately $114.7 million is Results of operating activities for the year ended June 30, 2023 designated for certain diocesan activities. Additionally, the accrued liability for the pension and post-retirement benefit plans was Expenses in support of our various program (ministry) services totaled approximately $38.6 million at June 30, 2023. Due to the significant $67.5 million, while all other operating expenses (excluding capital liability and charge to net assets related to the Lay Employee Pension campaign expenses) totaled approximately $39.2 million, for a total of Plan, this plan was amended in 2018 to eliminate future accruals for all $106.7 million. participants by January 1, 2022. Although the plan is frozen, employees We were blessed to receive $106.8 million in financial support without who were participants in the plan will retain benefits, based on credited donor restrictions (excluding capital campaign income), and reclassified service and eligible earnings, in accordance with the terms of the plan. donor-restricted revenue totaling $10 million to unrestricted operating revenue as a result of fulfilling donor restrictions, for a total of $116.8 Cash flows for the year ended June 30, 2023 million in revenue without donor restrictions (excluding capital Cash generated from operating activities totaled approximately $20.3 campaign revenue). million (including $1.3 million of pledge receivables collected), which

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assisted in providing the funds needed for the acquisition of property and equipment, which totaled $8.4 million. The remaining resources were allocated to investments as part of our strategic approach in support of our long-term diocesan goals and initiatives.

controls are in place and operating so as to safeguard diocesan assets and ensure that all financial activity is accounted for properly. Financial oversight is provided through routine financial audits and the diocesan Finance Council, which is directly responsible to the bishop. The diocesan Finance Council fulfills its audit oversight responsibilities by meeting annually with the diocese’s outside auditors and exercising oversight as it relates to the following specific matters:

Liquidity as of June 30, 2023 Although the pension and post-retirement benefit liabilities have a significant impact on our unrestricted net assets, they are long term in nature and do not affect our liquidity in the short term. As the Statement of Financial Position shows, cash and investments totaled $269.3 million at June 30, 2023, of which $85.8 million is invested in donor-restricted endowments, leaving a balance of $183.5 million. Receivables and other assets totaling $11.8 million are due within the coming year, resulting in liquid assets of $195.3 million. Of this amount, $103.9 million is either restricted as to use by donor stipulations or management designations or is required for FFHL and endowment distributions and grant commitments, further reducing funds available to $91.4 million. Of this amount, $58 million represents parish deposits held by DL Catholic, leaving a balance of $33 million for general operations, including payment of liabilities reported on the Statement of Financial Position at June 30, 2023.

Systems of internal accounting control;

Compliance with laws and regulations;

Compliance with the diocesan code of ethics;

Financial reporting; and the

External auditors.

The integrity of the financial statements that follow and the integrity of the underlying financial systems are the responsibility of the diocese. The public accounting firm of Deloitte and Touche LLC was engaged to perform an independent audit of these financial statements. Their audit report is included in the financial report that follows.

Financial governance and oversight The diocesan Finance Office remains committed to the highest standards of fiscal integrity, accountability and transparency. To this end, the diocese follows guidelines it has developed for strong financial governance, which can be found on the diocesan website. The complete compendium of financial policies of the Diocese of Charlotte is also published on the diocesan website. These policies are updated regularly. It is the responsibility of the diocesan Finance Office to ensure that accounting policies and procedures are being adhered to, and internal

Matthew P. Ferrante Chief Financial Officer

DIOCESAN REVENUES EXCLUDING SCHOOLS: 2023-2021

REGIONAL AND DIOCESAN SCHOOLS’ REVENUES: 2023-2021

$40,000,000

$80,000,000

2023

30,000,000

2021

2022

20,000,000

2023

2022

Donations and gifts

Other sources

2021

60,000,000

10,000,000 40,000,000

0 -10,000,000

20,000,000

-20,000,000 -30,000,000 -$40,000,000

Diocesan Support Appeal

Parish assessments and support

Donations and gifts

Grants contracts and awards

Fees and Rent

Capital Campaigns

Investment income

Other sources

DIOCESAN EXPENSES EXCLUDING SCHOOLS: 2023-2021

School tuition and fees

Parish support

Capital campaigns

REGIONAL AND DIOCESAN SCHOOLS’ EXPENSES: 2023-2021

$10,000,000

$40,000,000

9,000,000

2023

8,000,000

35,000,000

2021

2022

2023

2022

Administration

Depreciation

2021

30,000,000

7,000,000 6,000,000

25,000,000

5,000,000

20,000,000

4,000,000

15,000,000

3,000,000

10,000,000

2,000,000

5,000,000

1,000,000

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D OC

A N N UAL RE P O RT 2 0 2 2 - 2 0 2 3

D I OCE SE OF CHA RLOTTE

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS’ REPORT To the Most Reverend Peter J. Jugis, Bishop of Charlotte: We have audited the accompanying combined financial statements of The Roman Catholic Diocese of Charlotte (the “Diocese”), which comprise the combined statements of financial position as of June 30, 2023 and 2022, and the related combined statements of activities, cash flows, and functional expenses for the years then ended, and the related notes to the combined financial statements (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the accompanying combined financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the combined financial position of the Diocese as of June 30, 2023 and 2022, and the combined results of its activities, its cash flows and its functional expenses for the years then ended in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Basis for Opinion

as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor’s report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance but is not absolute assurance and therefore is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with GAAS will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. The risk of not detecting a material misstatement resulting from fraud is higher than for one resulting from error, as fraud may involve collusion, forgery, intentional omissions, misrepresentations, or the override of internal control. Misstatements are considered material if there is a substantial likelihood that, individually or in the aggregate, they would influence the judgment made by a reasonable user based on the combined financial statements. In performing an audit in accordance with GAAS, we: n

Exercise professional judgment and maintain professional skepticism throughout the audit.

Identify and assess the risks of material misstatement of the combined financial statements, whether due to fraud or error, and design and perform audit procedures responsive to those risks. Such procedures include examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the combined financial statements. n

We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAS). Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditor’s Responsibilities for the Audit of the Financial Statements section of our report. We are required to be independent of the Diocese and to meet our other ethical responsibilities, in accordance with the relevant ethical requirements relating to our audits. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our audit opinion.

Obtain an understanding of internal control relevant to the audit in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Diocese’s internal control. Accordingly, no such opinion is expressed. n

Responsibilities of Management for the Financial Statements

Management is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of these combined financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, and for the design, implementation, and maintenance of internal control relevant to the preparation and fair presentation of combined financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.

In preparing the combined financial statements, management is required to evaluate whether there are conditions or events, considered in the aggregate, that raise substantial doubt about the Diocese’s ability to continue as a going concern for one year after the date that the combined financial statements are available to be issued.

Evaluate the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of significant accounting estimates made by management, as well as evaluate the overall presentation of the combined financial statements. Conclude whether, in our judgment, there are conditions or events, considered in the aggregate, that raise substantial doubt about the Diocese’s ability to continue as a going concern for a reasonable period of time. We are required to communicate with those charged with governance regarding, among other matters, the planned scope and timing of the audit, significant audit findings, and certain internal control-related matters that we identified during the audit.

Auditor’s Responsibilities for the Audit of the Financial Statements Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the combined financial statements

November 1, 2023

THE ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF CHARLOTTE COMBINED STATEMENTS FINANCIAL POSITION

THE ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF CHARLOTTE COMBINED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

AS OF JUNE 30, 2023 AND 2022

FOR THE YEARS ENDED JUNE 30, 2023 AND 2022

ASSETS

2023

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

$ 35,245,097

2022

2023

2022

$ 69,256,967

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES: Change in net assets $ 35,855,930 $ 44,038,249 PLEDGES RECEIVABLE—Net 10,705,413 6,114,131 Adjustments to reconcile change in net assets to net cash flows from operating activities: OTHER ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE—Net 4,869,029 3,757,638 Contributions from donor restrictions—property purchases (8,417,222) (1,953,250) Contributions from donor restrictions—endowments (1,137,942) (1,207,691) NOTES RECEIVABLE—Net 13,198,790 11,817,293 Depreciation and amortization 7,309,906 6,295,278 Contribution of property - (350,000) ADVANCES TO PARISHES—Net 3,687,503 3,334,030 Investment realized and unrealized (gains)/losses (6,677,622) 20,214,523 Gain on disposition of property 255,418 (36,298,784) INVESTMENTS 234,023,906 165,063,124 Net asset credit—Lay and Priest Retirement Plans and Retired Clergy Health Plan (7,974,593) (12,276,506) PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT—Net 110,895,269 112,197,504 Decrease in discounts and allowances on advances, notes, and pledges receivable (387,123) (595,012) BENEFICIAL INTERESTS IN PERPETUAL TRUSTS 10,074,342 9,666,350 Changes in operating assets and liabilities: Other accounts receivable (1,107,907) (415,274) DEFERRED RENT AND RIGHT-OF-USE ASSETS—Operating leases 1,192,013 1,394,117 Deferred rent (50,364) (45,317) Pledges receivable 1,308,034 147,142 OTHER ASSETS 1,455,114 1,080,186 Other assets (64,124) 275,043 Accounts payable and accrued expenses 411,125 124,066 TOTAL $ 425,346,476 $ 383,681,340 Accrued salaries, wages, and benefits 1,449,808 (952,433) Accrued pension and postretirement benefits (874,801) (569,964) LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS Unearned revenue 387,380 1,606,050 Lease liability—financed lease - 162,467 LIABILITIES: Accounts payable and accrued expenses $ 4,361,523 $ 5,830,623 Net cash provided by operating activities 20,285,903 18,198,587 Accrued salaries, wages, and benefits 6,472,304 5,022,496 Accrued pension and postretirement benefits 38,622,370 47,471,764 CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES: Unearned revenue 15,083,466 14,696,086 Purchase of property and equipment (8,437,356) (19,935,451) Lease liabilities 1,667,922 3,323,636 Proceeds from the sale of property 323,769 37,922,143 Custodial, annuity, and other obligations 78,016,945 62,070,719 Purchase of investments (187,595,934) (64,143,761) Proceeds from maturity and sales of investments 128,066,608 52,010,648 Total liabilities 144,224,530 138,415,324 Issuance of advances and notes (5,075,279) (7,108,280) Payments received on advances and notes 3,244,114 4,856,719 CONTINGENCIES (Note 12) Decrease (Increase) in other assets (340,531) 8,393 Increase in custodial obligations 12,574,646 4,314,234 NET ASSETS: Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities (57,239,963) 7,924,645 Net assets without donor restrictions: Undesignated 97,780,867 89,427,279 CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES: Net asset charge—Lay and Priest Retirement Plans and Distribution of corpus from perpetual trust 209,754 121,995 Retired Clergy Health Plan (8,741,166) (16,715,759) Contributions with donor restrictions—property purchases 2,952,807 3,245,361 Contributions with donor restrictions—endowments 1,182,875 1,266,406 Total undesignated net assets without donor restrictions 89,039,701 72,711,520 Principal payment of finance lease obligations (1,403,246) (793,911) Designated 114,652,176 102,784,563 Total net assets without donor restrictions 203,691,877 175,496,083 Net assets with donor restrictions 77,430,069 69,769,933 Total net assets 281,121,946 245,266,016

Net cash flows provided by financing activities 2,942,190 3,839,851 NET (DECREASE) INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS (34,011,870) 29,963,083 CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS: Beginning of year 69,256,967 39,293,884 End of year SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:

Interest paid TOTAL $ 425,346,476 $ 383,681,340 Non–cash acquisition of property

See notes to combined financial statements.

$ 35,245,097

$ 69,256,967

11,735

3,913

117,038

2,024,912

Property financed through finance lease

2,254,266

Contribution of property

350,000

D OC

A NNUAL R E PORT 2022- 2023

D I OCE SE OF CHA RLOTTE

THE ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF CHARLOTTE COMBINED STATEMENTS OF ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEARS ENDED JUNE 30 2023 Without Donor Restrictions

2022

With Donor Restrictions

REVENUES AND OTHER SUPPORT: School tuition and fees—net $ 62,721,004 $ $ Contributions—Diocesan Support Appeal (DSA) 6,611,212 - Contributions—Non-Financial 853,234 - Other support—DSA programs 621,244 - Other donations and gifts 4,489,201 5,443,818 Parish assessments: Employee benefit programs 10,532,060 - Property liability insurance 1,948,737 - Catholic News Herald 1,143,617 - Central office 4,680,755 - Parish support of schools 4,789,354 - Federal and state agency awards 2,568,272 302,027 Other grants and awards 59,335 178,794 Fees for services rendered 1,209,859 - Rental income 1,788,513 - Interest income—parish loans 633,817 - Other income 2,206,887 9,453 Net assets released from restriction 9,971,696 (9,971,696) Total revenues and other support

$ 116,828,797

$ (4,037,604)

EXPENSES: Program expenses: Pastoral: Clergy, vocations, and support for retired priests 5,420,818 Multicultural ministries 1,090,041 Contributions, grants, and subsidies 1,979,178 Other 512,280 Education: Regional and diocesan schools 38,923,353 Other education and faith formation 2,615,043 Social service programs 6,538,408 Benefit programs for lay parish employees 5,109,982 Risk management services/claims 2,114,921 Publication of Catholic News Herald 1,425,429 Conference/retreat centers 1,060,263 Tribunal 682,633 Total program expenses

67,472,349

Without Donor Restrictions

Total 62,721,004 6,611,212 853,234 621,244 9,933,019 10,532,060 1,948,737 1,143,617 4,680,755 4,789,354 2,870,299 238,129 1,209,859 1,788,513 633,817 2,216,340 -

$ 112,791,193

CAPITAL CAMPAIGN ACTIVITIES: Forward in Faith, Hope, and Love (FFHL): FFHL—recovery of losses on uncollectible contributions FFHL—net assets released from restriction FFHL—distributions to parishes FFHL—fundraising and other expenses Net FFHL campaign activity

10,176,118

41,570 (41,570) (5,664) (5,664)

38,923,353 2,615,043 6,538,408 5,109,982 2,114,921 1,425,429 1,060,263 682,633 67,472,349

$ 61,321,437

6,138,514

23,532 (41,570) (5,664) (23,702)

172,452 (9,588) 162,864

Mecklenburg Area Catholic Schools (MACS): MACS—contributions 9,588 MACS—fundraising expenses (9,588) Net MACS campaign activity $ $

23,532 (41,570) (18,038) 162,864 162,864

St. Joseph College Seminary: St. Joseph College Seminary—contributions 211,122 7,426,314 St. Joseph College Seminary—fundraising expenses (211,122) St. Joseph College Seminary—net assets released from restriction 716,015 (716,015) Net St. Joseph College Seminary campaign activity

$ (4,684,649)

5,495,729 963,130 1,061,230 322,881 35,480,449 2,447,283 6,410,611 5,638,697 711,789 1,272,290 950,745 566,603

$ (4,037,604)

$146,570,745

5,420,818 1,090,041 1,979,178 512,280

7,637,436 (211,122)

Total

$ 56,696,035 $ $ 56,696,035 6,269,221 - 6,269,221 1,189,982 1,189,982 367,877 367,877 5,066,415 5,615,735 10,682,150 9,681,644 9,681,644 1,825,537 1,825,537 984,330 984,330 3,229,276 3,229,276 4,564,742 4,564,742 2,853,255 488,906 3,342,161 183,673 296,324 479,997 1,180,941 1,180,941 1,649,602 1,649,602 384,409 384,409 39,409,392 (51,200) 39,358,192 11,034,414 (11,034,414) -

Administrative: Central office administration 4,234,673 4,234,673 Regional and diocesan schools administration 21,853,392 21,853,392 Social services administration 1,233,648 1,233,648 Interest—parish savings and investments 1,974,485 1,974,485 Interest—lease obligations 23,523 23,523 Depreciation and amortization 7,309,906 7,309,906 Other 685,765 685,765 Total administrative expenses $ 37,315,392 $ $ 37,315,392 Fundraising 1,864,938 - 1,864,938 Total expenses $ 106,652,679 $ $ 106,652,679 CHANGE IN NET ASSETS BEFORE CAPITAL CAMPAIGN AND NONOPERATING ACTIVITIES AND NET ASSET CHARGE

With Donor Restrictions

4,060,256 19,059,912 958,734 330,581 5,227 6,295,278 824,906 $ 31,534,894 $ 1,658,653 $ 94,514,984 $

$ 141,886,096

5,495,729 963,130 1,061,230 322,881

35,480,449 2,447,283 6,410,611 5,638,697 711,789 1,272,290 950,745 566,603

- $

61,321,437

- 4,060,256 - 19,059,912 - 958,734 330,581 - 5,227 - 6,295,278 - 824,906 $ 31,534,894 1,658,653 $ 94,514,984

$ 52,055,761

(4,684,649)

47,371,112

211,225 (100,450) 110,775

211,225 (100,450) (5,602) 105,173

499,287 499,287

515,068 (15,781) 499,287

100,450 (100,450) (5,602) (5,602)

15,781 (15,781) -

$ 319,838 $ 1,712,504 (319,838) -

1,358,538

(1,358,538)

2,032,342 (319,838) -

716,015

6,710,299

7,426,314

353,966

1,712,504

CHANGE IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES

10,886,469

2,817,521

13,703,990

$ 53,408,697

$ (3,720,621)

49,688,076

NONOPERATING—Net investment return

9,334,732

4,842,615

14,177,347

$ (9,252,791)

$ (8,673,542)

$ (17,926,333)

CHANGE IN NET ASSETS FROM NONOPERATING ACTIVITIES

9,334,732

4,842,615

14,177,347

$ (9,252,791)

$ (8,673,542)

$ (17,926,333)

CHANGE IN NET ASSETS BEFORE NET ASSET CREDIT

20,221,201

7,660,136

27,881,337

$ 44,155,906

$ (12,394,163)

7,974,593

12,276,506

35,855,930

$ 56,432,412

$ (12,394,163)

NET ASSET CREDIT—Lay and Priest Retirement Plans and Retired Clergy Health Plan CHANGE IN NET ASSETS

7,974,593 $

28,195,794

7,660,136

1,358,538

31,761,743

12,276,506 44,038,249

NET ASSETS: Beginning of year

$ 175,496,083

$ 69,769,933

$ 245,266,016

$ 119,063,671

$ 82,164,096

$ 201,227,767

End of year

$ 203,691,877

$ 77,430,069

$ 281,121,946

$ 175,496,083

$ 69,769,933

$ 245,266,016

See notes to combined financial statements.

D OC

A N N UAL RE P O RT 2 0 2 2 - 2 0 2 3

D I OCE SE OF CHA RLOTTE

THE ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF CHARLOTTE COMBINED STATEMENT OF FUNCTIONAL EXPENSES FOR THE YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 2023 Personnel Costs PROGRAMS: Pastoral: Clergy, vocations and support for retired priests Multicultural ministries Contributions, grants and subsidies Other Education: Regional and diocesan schools Other education and faith formation Social service programs Benefit program for lay parish employees Risk management services/claims Publication of Catholic News Herald Conference/retreat centers Tribunal

$ 3,460,800 735,425 13,975

Total program expenses

210,781 18,883 92,226

99,235 7,355 253,365

$ 1,096,266 136,046 100 41,182

Other

2,905 2,270 1,978,647 -

Total

115,472 8,314 -

5,420,818 1,090,041 1,979,178 512,280

4,522,919 177,453 177,511 537,161 126,600 43,583

26,001 198,009 372,717 135,894 2,334 51,945

166,023 167,832 4,743 3,472 53,876

2,200,269 5,400 -

3,654 486 989 9,680 858

38,923,353 2,615,043 6,538,408 5,109,982 2,114,921 1,425,429 1,060,263 682,633

50,489,318

3,930,575

5,907,117

1,146,855

1,669,540

4,189,491

139,453

67,472,349

3,451,914 8,204,939 439,784 65,448

(199,800) 7,580,430 91,168 7,309,906 -

453,449 3,390,718 32,345 122,852

352,130 1,993,141 573,578 454,314

178,387 354,230 45,690 35,449

(13,867) 106

12,460 329,934 51,083 1,974,485 23,523 7,596

4,234,673 21,853,392 1,233,648 1,974,485 23,523 7,309,906 685,765

12,162,085

14,781,704

3,999,364

3,373,163

613,756

(13,761)

2,399,081

37,315,392

317,596

26,257

886,967

600,477

18,131

15,510

1,864,938

62,968,999

18,738,536

10,793,448

5,120,495

2,301,427

4,175,730

2,554,044

106,652,679

5,664

41,570 -

41,570 5,664

5,664

41,570-

47,234

91,956

17,511

9,588 77,708

14,098

9,849

9,588 211,122

CAPITAL CAMPAIGN ACTIVITIES: Distributions to parishes—FFHL Fundraising and other expenses—FFHL Total FFHL expenses MACS campaigns’ expenses St Joseph College Seminary campaign expenses Total capital campaign expenses TOTAL EXPENSES PER THE STATEMENT OF ACTIVITIES

435,359 181,748 431 111,532

Grants and Other Assistance

407,258 654,474 1,736,804 58,200 279,106 65,663

FUNDRAISING TOTAL EXPENSES BEFORE CAPITAL CAMPAIGN ACTIVITIES IN THE STATEMENT OF ACTIVITIES

Travel and Professional Development

34,400,434 1,834,654 3,139,827 5,109,982 688,442 639,071 466,708

ADMINISTRATIVE: Central office administration Regional and diocesan schools administration Social services administration Interest—parish savings and investments Interest—lease obligations Depreciation and amortization Other Total administrative expenses

Office/ Program Professional Expenses Services

Occupancy Costs

91,956

23,175

87,296

14,098

41,570

$ 63,060,955

$ 18,738,536

$ 10,816,623

$ 5,207,791

$ 2,315,525

$ 4,217,300

9,849

267,944

2,563,893

$ 106,920,623

See notes to combined financial statements.

THE ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF CHARLOTTE COMBINED STATEMENT OF FUNCTIONAL EXPENSES FOR THE YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 2022 Personnel Costs PROGRAMS: Pastoral: Clergy, vocations and support for retired priests Multicultural ministries Contributions, grants and subsidies Other Education: Regional and diocesan schools Other education and faith formation Social service programs Benefit program for lay parish employees Risk management services/claims Publication of Catholic News Herald Conference/retreat centers Tribunal Total program expenses

Office/ Program Expenses

Occupancy Costs

$ 4,059,713 724,329 65,520

327,117 111,511 424 34,233

109,571 31,171 124,977

Professional Services

224,095 6,981 87,906

Travel and Professional Development

681,421 82,992 100 10,245

Grants and Other Assistance

7,150 486 1,060,706 -

Other

Total

86,662 5,660 -

$ 5,495,729 963,130 1,061,230 322,881

31,880,428 1,876,156 3,029,710 5,638,697 617,441 557,909 387,563

353,143 593,338 390,171 54,045 243,730 59,125

3,600,021 111,957 178,399 469,210 133,193 23,074

13,947 149,781 110,264 126,819 1,877 30,359

89,021 106,640 4,775 2,939 65,575

2,352,419 25,763 51

3,059 324 185,591 11,097 856

35,480,449 2,447,283 6,410,611 5,638,697 711,789 1,272,290 950,745 566,603

48,837,466

2,166,837

4,781,573

752,029

1,043,708

3,446,575

293,249

61,321,437

2,640,771 7,241,771 409,896 102,350

322,495 6,728,132 74,154 6,295,278 7,934

421,235 3,034,343 9,051 105,632

411,746 1,776,487 358,572 321,639

181,335 269,271 39,462 14,535

62,000 400

20,674 9,908 67,599 330,581 5,227 272,416

4,060,256 19,059,912 958,734 330,581 5,227 6,295,278 824,906

Total administrative expenses

10,394,788

13,427,993

3,570,261

2,868,444

504,603

62,400

706,405

31,534,894

434,242

13,206

587,316

594,701

13,136

16,052

1,658,653

TOTAL EXPENSES BEFORE CAPITAL CAMPAIGN ACTIVITIES IN THE STATEMENT OF ACTIVITIES 59,666,496

15,608,036

8,939,150

4,215,174

1,561,447

3,508,975

1,015,706

94,514,984

FUNDRAISING

CAPITAL CAMPAIGN ACTIVITIES: Distributions to parishes—FFHL Fundraising and other expenses—FFHL

5,602

100,450 -

100,450 5,602

Total FFHL expenses

5,602

100,450

106,052

216,580

3,130

25,145

15,781 58,040

15,274

1,669

15,781 319,838

MACS campaigns’ expenses St Joseph College Seminary campaign expenses Total capital campaign expenses TOTAL EXPENSES PER THE STATEMENT OF ACTIVITIES

See notes to combined financial statements.

216,580

3,130

30,747

73,821

15,274

100,450

1,669

441,671

$ 59,883,076

$ 15,611,166

$ 8,969,897

$ 4,288,995

$ 1,576,721

$ 3,609,425

$ 1,017,375

$ 94,956,655

D OC

A NNUAL R E PORT 2022- 2023

D I OCE SE OF CHA RLOTTE

THE ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF CHARLOTTE NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AS OF AND FOR THE YEARS ENDED JUNE 30, 2023 AND 2022

1. ORGANIZATION The Roman Catholic Diocese of Charlotte (the “Diocese”) serves the Roman Catholic Church in western North Carolina. The Diocese comprises a geographic area of 20,470 square miles covering 46 counties ranging from the North Carolina piedmont region to the North Carolina mountain region. The accompanying combined financial statements do not include the assets, liabilities, or activities of individual parishes and interparochial schools as the financial operations of such entities are not under the auspices of the Diocese. These excluded activities are operating entities distinct from the offices and organizations included herein, maintain separate accounts, and carry on their own programs. The accompanying combined financial statements include the accounts of the following organizations, which operate under the auspices of the Diocese: The Central Administration, which provides administrative and other services to parishes, schools, and agencies of the Diocese. Services include coordination and support of educational programs and multicultural ministries; family enrichment services; the vocations program; continuing formation of priests and support of retired priests; employee benefit program; property/casualty insurance program; diocesan tribunal; operation of the Catholic Conference Center, Living Waters Reflection Center, and Cathedral Publishing, Inc., the publisher of the Catholic News Herald. n

The Catholic Diocese of Charlotte Housing Corporation (the “Housing Corporation”), whose mission is to create, maintain, promote, and operate housing facilities and provide accompanying services for seniors, individuals, and families with low incomes, and other vulnerable populations. For the fiscal year ended June 30, 2023 the continuing activities of the Housing Corporation were merged into the Central Administration. n

Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School (“BMCHS”), which provides Catholic secondary education for the Winston-Salem, Greensboro, and High Point areas. n

Mecklenburg Area Catholic Schools (“MACS”), which operates nine schools throughout Mecklenburg County as of June 30, 2023 and 2022. n

Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte (“CCDOC”), a professional human services agency that provides counseling, adoption support, pregnancy support, foster care, crisis intervention, material assistance, burial assistance, immigration services, refugee resettlement, justice and peace advocacy, and education. n

The Foundation of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Charlotte, Inc. (the “Foundation”), which receives, administers, and disburses funds through the creation of endowments for educational, religious, and charitable purposes for the benefit of the Diocese and its various parishes, schools, and agencies. n

DL Catholic, Inc. (“DL Catholic”), which holds funds on deposit from the Central Administration, parishes, schools, and other Catholic institutions in the Diocese. These amounts generally represent funds in excess of current operating needs that have been set aside to fund future programs and/or facility needs. Interest on deposits is paid based on rates established for the terms of the deposits selected by the depositors. DL Catholic also provides loans to the Central Administration, parishes, schools, and other Catholic institutions in the Diocese, which are primarily for funding the purchase of property and acquisition or construction of facilities. n

The Catholic Diocese of Charlotte Advancement Corporation (the “Advancement Corporation”), which conducts diocesan-wide fundraising campaigns and the annual Diocesan Support Appeal (DSA) to support operating, capital, and endowment activities of the Central Administration and other entities of the Diocese of Charlotte. n

Saint Joseph College Seminary which is a house of formation whose primary mission is to form undergraduate men for the Catholic priesthood while attending Belmont Abbey College. n

The activities of the above organizations have been combined by functional area in the accompanying combined statements of activities. Intra-diocesan transactions have been eliminated in combination. 2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING AND REPORTING POLICIES Basis of Presentation—The combined financial statements have been prepared under the accrual basis of accounting in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America as set forth in the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”), including FASB ASC 958, Not-for-Profit Entities. FASB ASC 958 requires the reporting of total assets, liabilities, and net assets in a statement of financial position; reporting the change in net assets in a statement of activities; and reporting the sources and uses of cash in a statement of cash flows. Use of Estimates in the Preparation of Financial Statements—The preparation of financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Significant estimates and assumptions are used for, but not limited to, valuation of pledges receivable, other accounts receivable, notes receivable, advances to parishes, valuation of beneficial interests in perpetual trusts, investments, accrued pension benefits, and accrued health benefits for retired priests. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Operating Activities—Transactions that are part of the ongoing major or central activities of the combined entities are reported as operating in the accompanying combined statements of activities. All other transactions are reported as non-operating. Functional Expenses—The costs of program and supporting services activities have been summarized on a functional basis in the combined statements of activities. The combined statement of functional expenses presents the natural classification detail of expenses by function. Certain costs are attributed to more than one program or supporting function and, therefore, require allocation among the programs and supporting services benefited.

We believe our allocations are done on a reasonable and consistent basis. Occupancy costs are allocated on a square footage basis. Most personnel costs, office expenses, professional services, travel and professional development costs, and grants and other assistance are identified with a specific program or supporting function at the time they are incurred and are reported accordingly. However, some of these expenses require allocation, which is done on the basis of estimates of time and effort. Cash and Cash Equivalents—The Diocese considers all highly liquid instruments with an original maturity of three months or less at the time of purchase to be cash equivalents. Cash equivalents are stated at cost, which approximates fair value. At various times throughout the year, the Diocese may maintain bank accounts in excess of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation-insured limit. Allowance for Doubtful Accounts—The Diocese recognizes an allowance when information available prior to the issuance of the combined financial statements indicates that it is probable that a receivable has been impaired as of the date of the combined financial statements and the amount of loss can be reasonably estimated. Beneficial Interests in Perpetual Trusts—Beneficial interests in perpetual trusts represent irrevocable interests in assets held by third parties under split-interest agreements and are measured at fair value, with the change in fair value reported within net investment return in the accompanying combined statements of activities. Investments—Investments consist primarily of marketable debt and equity securities and funds and are measured at fair value in the accompanying combined statements of financial position. Net investment return is reported within non-operating activities in the combined statements of activities and consists of interest and dividend income, realized and unrealized capital gains and losses, less external investment expenses. The Diocese utilizes financial institutions to provide custodial and recordkeeping services, in addition to investment managers with full discretionary authority, subject to the Diocese’s investment policies, to provide investment management services. Property and Equipment—net—Upon acquisition, property and equipment is recorded at cost when purchased and at estimated fair value when donated. Depreciation expense is determined by using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Equipment held under finance leases and leasehold improvements is amortized over the shorter of the lease term or the estimated useful life of the related asset. Property and equipment is reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset group to future net undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated by the asset group. If such assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment recognized is measured by the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the fair value of the assets. No impairment charges related to property and equipment were recognized during fiscal years 2023 and 2022. The major classes of property and equipment represented as of June 30, 2023 and 2022, are as follows: Life 2023 2022 (In Years) Land* Land improvements Buildings and improvements** Furniture and equipment Vehicles Right-of-use assets (finance leases) Interest in St. Matthew Education Center Construction in progress Property held for sale

16,562,503 23,839,461 125,124,512 15,384,910 3,139,231 2,755,427 5,437,478 1,103,446 17,500 193,364,468

Less accumulated depreciation Total

16,562,503 23,160,604 117,916,424 16,310,249 2,930,011 2,840,705 5,550,590 3,989,112 17,500

N/A 5–15 10–40 3–10 3–5 3–4 Varies N/A N/A

189,277,698

(82,469,199)

(77,080,194)

$ 110,895,269

$ 112,197,504

* The Diocese is the lessor in operating leases of various parcels of land, which are included in the land classification above. The cost basis for land leased totaled $875,132 as of June 30, 2023 and 2022. ** The Diocese is the lessor in an operating lease associated with the former All Saints School (see Note 11), which is included in the buildings major class above. The cost basis for the property lease totaled $3,415,520 as of June 30, 2023 and 2022, and the accumulated depreciation totaled $2,764,101 and $2,676,910 as of June 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Accumulated depreciation related to right-of-use assets (finance leases) totaled $955,353 and $2,062,646 at June 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The decrease in construction in progress as of June 30, 2023 is attributable to prior years’ projects being placed in service. The construction in progress as of June 30, 2022 consists primarily of amounts expended for Christ the King Catholic High School’s gymnasium. As of June 30, 2023, contractual obligations for architectural services related to the planned construction of the chapel at St. Joseph College Seminary total $1,076,594 of which $764,375 is unexpended at June 30,2023. There were no unexpended contractual commitments as of June 30, 2022. The interest in St. Matthew’s Education Center shown above represents the total amount paid by MACS for the acquisition and construction of property and equipment in accordance with a joint-usage agreement with St. Matthew Catholic Church. It is being depreciated over the useful lives of the assets in which MACS has an interest. The depreciation is included in accumulated depreciation shown above.

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Gains and losses from the disposal of property are recognized in other income in the accompanying combined statements of activities. As of June 30, 2023 and 2022, net losses of $255,418 and net gains of $36,298,784, respectively, were recognized related to disposal of property.

Without Donor Restrictions—Net assets without donor restrictions consist of all resources that have no donor-imposed restrictions. The Diocese has designated unrestricted net assets/(deficit) as of June 30, 2023 and 2022, as follows:

Interest expense incurred that relates to the acquisition or construction of property and equipment is capitalized. No interest expense was capitalized in fiscal year 2023 or 2022 in the accompanying combined statements of financial position.

Future expenditures for: Bishop McGuinness High School programs $ 1,156,824 Mecklenburg Area Catholic Schools capital projects 27,874,298 Mecklenburg Area Catholic Schools programs 3,886,209 Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte programs 313,263 Capital Campaign and DSA fundraising and administrative costs 1,386,255 Diocesan Support Appeal funded programs 8,641,594 Self insurance (property and employee health) and lay employee pension 22,408,168 Facility maintenance 1,300,103 Land acquisition/improvements 3,511,011 St. Joseph the Worker Fund—future capital endeavors 21,793,034 Seminary College programs 337,607 Other Diocesan programs 1,713,383 Reserve for potential investment/loan losses by DL Catholic (1,264,615) Funds held for future Vocations endowment 39,197 Management designated endowments established with the Diocesan Foundation 21,555,845

Custodial Obligations—Custodial funds are managed by the Diocese, as agent, on behalf of the originating organization. These funds are not recorded as contributions or net assets of the Diocese but rather are included as assets and corresponding custodial obligations in the accompanying combined statements of financial position. Pension and Other Retirement Benefit Plans—The Diocese accounts for its defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit plans by recording an asset (liability) for the excess (deficit) of plan assets over the actuarially determined projected benefit obligation, with the net periodic benefit cost allocated to program and administrative expenses based on related salaries and wages. Changes in the funded status of the plans, other than net periodic benefit costs, are reported as a net asset credit in the accompanying combined statements of activities. The net asset credit of $7,974,593 for the year ended June 30, 2023 is attributable to better than expected net asset performance during the fiscal year offset by the increase in the discount rate. The net asset credit of $12,276,506 for the year ended June 30, 2022 is attributable to the decrease in the discount rate and improvement of the mortality rate used to determine benefit obligation offset by net asset performance with all plans experiencing significant asset losses during the fiscal year. Employee Retirement Plans—The Diocese sponsors a noncontributory defined benefit pension plan (the “Lay Plan”) for all eligible diocesan lay employees. The Lay Plan provides for benefits based on an employee’s years of service and compensation. In fiscal year 2017, the Lay Plan was frozen for all participants except for those who were age 62 with 12 years of service. Effective January 1, 2022, the plan was frozen for all. Although the plan has been frozen, employees who are participants in the plan will retain benefits accumulated up to freeze date based on credited service and eligible earnings, in accordance with the terms of the plan. During fiscal years 2023 and 2022, each diocesan entity was assessed a percentage of lay employees’ salaries to fund the contribution to the Lay Plan and certain other employee benefits. The assessment rate was 5.6% during fiscal years 2023 and 2022. It is the intent of the Diocese for the minimum funding to be the actuarially recommended contribution amount. In addition to contributing the actuarially recommended contribution amount to the Lay Plan for fiscal years 2023 and 2022 of $914,013 and $1,353,924, respectively, the Diocese contributed $1,765,897 and $635,360 in additional contributions to the Lay Plan during fiscal years 2023 and 2022, respectively. Priest Retirement Plan—The Diocese sponsors the Diocese of Charlotte Priest Retirement Plan (the “Priest Plan”) to provide pension benefits for diocesan priests. The Priest Plan provides benefits for priests who are fully vested, in a uniform monthly amount that is increased annually based on the change in the Consumer Price Index. The Diocese contributed the actuarially recommended contribution amount to the Priest Plan for fiscal years 2023 and 2022 of $437,228 and $416,408, respectively, and $783,746 and $489,944 in additional contributions during fiscal years 2023 and 2022, respectively. The Priest Plan received contributions directly from the Advancement Corporation of $13,249 and $28,641 during the years ended June 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Retired Clergy Health Plan—In addition to providing the Priest Plan discussed above, the Diocese sponsors the Diocese of Charlotte Retired Clergy Health Plan, which provides retired diocesan priests certain health and long-term care benefits. The Diocese contributed the actuarially recommended contribution amount to the Retired Clergy Health Plan of $38,649 and $36,847 for fiscal years 2023 and 2022, respectively, and also contributed $69,327 and $43,353 in additional contributions to the Plan during fiscal years 2023 and 2022, respectively. An annual collection is held at each parish to raise funds for the Priest Retirement Plan, the Retired Clergy Health Plan, and other priest benefits. Each parish was assigned 3.0% of annual offertory as their goal for this collection for fiscal years 2023 and 2022. Any shortfall from goal in the amount collected is paid by the parish. Annual collections from the parishes for this purpose are reported as collections in the accompanying combined statements of activities. The Diocese also sponsors a tax-deferred defined contribution plan under Section 403(b) of the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) for all eligible diocesan employees. Employermatching contributions to the plan are based on a percentage of employee contributions. Each diocesan entity is responsible for funding the matching contribution remitted to the tax-deferred defined contribution plan. Matching contributions to this plan totaled $712,025 and $665,234 in fiscal years 2023 and 2022, respectively, and are reported within expenses in the accompanying combined statements of activities. In addition, all diocesan entities contribute 5% of eligible salaries (basic contribution) to the tax-deferred defined contribution plan on behalf of each eligible employee. The basic contribution expense totaled $1,886,552 and $1,706,929 in fiscal years 2023 and 2022, respectively and are reported within expenses in the accompanying statements of activities. The basic contribution for all diocesan entities is held by the Diocese until the end of the calendar year, at which time, participant eligibility for the basic contribution will be determined based on an employee’s hours worked in the calendar year. As of June 30, 2023 and 2022, funds held on behalf of parishes and combined entities totaled $1,773,233 and $1,631,396, respectively, which are included in accrued salaries, wages, and benefits in the accompanying combined statements of financial position. Net Assets—Net assets and revenues, expenses, gains and losses are classified based on the existence or absence of donor-imposed restrictions. Accordingly, net assets consist of the following:

2023

$ 114,652,176

2022 $

893,771 22,534,660 3,036,407 379,609 959,353 8,982,150 17,387,533 1,319,190 3,501,011 21,079,035 306,601 1,773,798 987,733 10,000,000 9,643,712

$ 102,784,563

With Donor Restrictions—Net assets subject to donor-imposed restrictions stipulating how, when and/or if the net assets are available for expenditure. Some donor-imposed restrictions are perpetual in nature, whereby the donor stipulates that resources be maintained into perpetuity. Others are temporary in nature, such as those that will be met by the passage of time or other events specified by the donor. Net assets are released from restriction and reclassified to net assets without donor restrictions when the stipulated time has elapsed, when the stipulated purpose for which the resource was restricted has been fulfilled, or both. Gifts of long-lived assets and gifts of cash restricted for the acquisition of long-lived assets are released from restriction when the (long-lived) assets are placed in service. The composition of net assets with donor restrictions as of June 30, 2023 and 2022 is presented in Note 15. School Tuition and Fees and Parish Support—Tuition and related fees represent amounts paid by students’ families, net of applied tuition assistance, and are recognized over the school year to which they apply. Parish support of schools represents contributions made by the participating parishes of the Diocese. Tuition and fees received in the current year for the following school year’s tuition are recorded as unearned revenue in the accompanying combined statements of financial position. Parish Assessments and Fees for Services Rendered—Parish Assessments represent annual assessments made to parishes. Fees for Services Rendered represent fees charged for programs, parish accounting services, investment management of parish endowments, advertising, and various services rendered by Catholic Charities. Contribution Revenue, Pledges Receivable and Other Donations and Gifts— Contribution revenue and other donations and gift revenue is recognized upon receipt of assets (financial or nonfinancial) or an unconditional promise to give from a donor, and is measured at fair value. The classification of revenue as without donor restrictions or with donor restrictions is determined by the donor’s stipulations, or absence thereof, that limit the use of the donated assets. Fair value for unconditional promises to give is measured at net realizable value for pledges due within one year and at net present value for pledges to be collected in future years. The discounts on those amounts are computed using risk-adjusted interest rates applicable to the periods in which the promises are received. Management evaluates the value of pledges receivable on an ongoing basis for changes in the estimated timing or amounts of cash flows. Decreases in the value of restricted pledges receivable after initial recognition are recognized as losses on uncollectible contributions. Recoveries of previously recognized decreases in value of restricted pledges receivable (up to the amount of decreases previously recognized) would be recognized as a reduction of losses on uncollectible contributions. The amortization of discounts on pledges receivable are included in contributions in the accompanying combined statements of activities. Capital Campaign Contributions—Capital campaign contributions are limited in their use to the specific purposes outlined in the fund-raising materials. Contributions are classified as with donor restrictions, except for contributions allocated and classified as without donor restrictions designated for fundraising and administrative costs. Proceeds from capital campaigns are released as donor stipulations are satisfied or upon completion of the related donor-specified activities. Contributed Nonfinancial Assets—The Diocese records certain nonfinancial contributions, which primarily includes in-kind contributions of food, clothing, household and other goods. The contributed food, clothing, household and other goods are utilized for the Diocese’s standard business operations. In valuing the food, clothing, household and other goods, the Diocese estimated the fair value based on estimates of wholesale values that would be received for selling similar products in the United States. As of June 30, 2023 and June 30, 2022, Contributions—Non-Financial revenue were $853,234 and $1,189,982, respectively. Income Taxes—The Diocese and the entities comprising the combined financials are exempt from federal income tax under Section 501(c)(3) of the IRC and are generally exempt from federal and state income taxes. Accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America prescribe a minimum recognition threshold that a tax position is required to meet before being recognized in the financial statements. Although these principles are primarily applicable to taxable business enterprises, an uncertain tax position may also include the characterization of income, such as a characterization of income as passive, a decision to exclude reporting taxable income in a tax return, or a decision to classify a transaction, entity, or other position in a tax return as exempt. The tax benefit from uncertain tax positions is recognized when it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained upon examination, including resolutions of any related appeals or litigation processes, based on the technical merits. The Diocese and the entities comprising the combined financial statements had no unrecognized tax positions as of and during the years ended June 30, 2023 and 2022. Fiscal year 2020 and thereafter are subject to examination by the federal and state taxing authorities. There are no income tax examinations currently in process.

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Risks and Uncertainties—The Diocese’s investments consist of various equity securities, fixed income securities, money market funds, and other investment securities. Investment securities are exposed to various risks, such as interest rate, market, and credit. Due to the level of risk associated with certain investment securities and the level of uncertainty related to changes in the value of investment securities, it is at least reasonably possible that changes in risks in the near term could materially affect the Diocese’s investment balances reported in the combined statements of financial position. Subsequent Events—The Diocese has evaluated subsequent events from the end of the most recent fiscal year through November 1, 2023, the date the combined financial statements were available to be issued.

The change in the allowance for uncollectible pledges for the year ended June 30, 2023, related to the FFHL campaign reflects recoveries of prior year allowances of $9,450 on unconditional promises to give received in previous years and outstanding at June 30, 2023, plus actual write-offs of $1,179,296. The change in the allowance for uncollectible pledges for the year ended June 30, 2022, related to the FFHL campaign reflects recoveries of prior year allowances of $141,536 on unconditional promises to give received in previous years and outstanding at June 30, 2022, plus actual write-offs of $67,030. Pledges receivable due within one year as of June 30, 2023 and June 30, 2022, related to the FFHL campaign include past due accounts totaling approximately $264,000 and $1,500,000, respectively. Past due accounts include the portion of pledge receivables not paid when due under the pledge agreements.

3. LIQUIDITY AND AVAILABILITY

5. NOTES RECEIVABLE—NET

Financial assets available within one year of the statement of financial position date, without donor or other restrictions limiting their use, comprise the following:

Notes receivable consists primarily of term loans and lines of credit from DL Catholic to parishes and schools. Loans structured as lines of credit typically finance construction and facility improvement projects and do not have specific maturity dates, rather are converted to term loans upon completion of the related project. Term loans are typically structured to have terms up to 15 years. Line of credit loans generally bear interest at the prime rate minus 0.5%. The interest rate for term loans is generally based on the market swap rate for the applicable term of the borrowing at loan initiation, plus an additional percentage, which varies depending on the term of the borrowing. These notes bear interest at rates ranging from 1.75% to 6.13% at June 30, 2023 and from 1.75% to 4.90% at June 30, 2022, respectively.

2023

2022

Cash and cash equivalents $ 35,245,097 Investments, other than endowments 148,182,141 Endowment investments available for general purposes and for distribution in accordance with the Foundation spending rate policy 3,818,767 Total cash, cash equivalents and investments

$ 69,256,967 98,201,030 2,642,951

187,246,005

170,100,948

Pledges receivable—net, due within one year 1,000,647 Accounts receivable and other assets, due within one year 4,869,029 Notes receivable—net, due within one year 1,809,207 Advances to parishes, due within one year 332,477 Other assets 10,000

1,105,235

195,267,365

177,381,568

Less amounts unavailable for general expenditures: Required to satisfy donor restrictions (9,483,368) Required to satisfy management designations (94,003,087) Required for distributions, endowments, and grants (451,390)

(11,511,083) (81,773,510) (10,395,683)

3,757,638 2,137,094 280,653 -

Financial assets available to meet cash needs for general expenditures and withdrawals of parish funds on deposit 91,329,520 Parish funds on deposit (58,510,356) Financial assets available to meet cash needs for general expenditures within one year, excluding parish funds on deposit $ 32,819,164

73,701,292 (44,874,244) $ 28,827,048

The Diocese’s endowment funds consist of donor-restricted endowments and funds designated by management as endowments. Income from donor-restricted endowments is restricted for specific purposes, with the exception of amounts available for general use. Donor-restricted endowment funds are not available for general expenditures and, thus, are not included above. All endowments, where funds have been held for a minimum of 12 months, are eligible for distributions of up to 5% annually of the most recent 12-quarter trend, as prescribed by the Foundation. Only the funds available for distribution in accordance with the Foundation spending rate policy are included above. The Diocese manages its liquidity by developing and adopting annual operating and capital budgets that provide sufficient funds for general expenditures in meeting its liabilities and other obligations as they come due. Actual performance is reported and monitored monthly in comparison to the budgets. As part of the liquidity management plan, cash and savings program balances are invested in short-term investments. Adjustments are made to the plan as needed to ensure adequate liquidity. 4. PLEDGES RECEIVABLE—NET The following unconditional promises to give are included in pledges receivable in the accompanying combined statement of financial position as of June 30, 2023 and 2022: Saint Joseph Seminary 2023 FFHL MACS College

Other

Total

Unconditional promises at face value $ 327,680 $ 1,326,051 $ 9,836,250 $ 1,139,142 $ 12,629,123 Less allowance for uncollectible pledges 268,546 226,937 491,813 14,125 1,001,421 Less unamortized discount 2,504 94,182 817,020 8,583 922,289 Net unconditional promises to give

56,630 $ 1,004,932 $

8,527,417$ 1,116,434 $ 10,705,413

Amounts due in: Less than one year $ 279,125 $ 312,066 $ 6,013,288 $ 1,068,742 $ 7,673,221 One to five years 44,798 913,985 2,877,651 70,400 3,906,834 More than five years 3,757 100,000 945,311 1,049,068 Total

$ 327,680 $ 1,326,051 $ 9,836,250 $ 1,139,142 $ 12,629,123

Saint Joseph Seminary 2022 FFHL MACS College Unconditional promises at face value Less allowance for uncollectible pledges Less unamortized discount

309,463 138,405

234,257 366,068

TERM LOANS Amounts due in: Less than one year One to five years More than five years Less allowances

$ 1,903,792 5,414,522 6,727,419 (846,943)

Notes receivable—net

$ 13,198,790

6. ADVANCES TO PARISHES The Diocese maintains a revolving loan fund that was established primarily from resources provided by bequests stipulated for advances to small or needy parishes at no interest. Advances outstanding at June 30, 2023 and 2022, totaled $4,825,721 and $4,434,071, respectively. These advances are long- term in nature and are reflected, net of allowances, at their estimated present value of $3,687,503 and $3,334,030 in the accompanying combined statements of financial position as of June 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively. 7. INVESTMENTS The cost and fair value of investments as of June 30, 2023 and 2022, are summarized below: The Diocese had no unfunded commitments to purchase investments as of June 30, 2023 or 2022. 2023 Cost

Other

Total

Fair Value

2022 Cost

Fair Value

Foundation: Endowment and custodial funds: Cash and cash equivalents $ 846,988 $ 846,988 $ 4,875,682 $ 4,875,682 Equity funds and securities 35,351,851 44,525,895 37,554,233 42,983,584 Bond mutual funds 25,923,566 23,001,173 19,992,652 17,449,036 Balanced mutual funds 1,778,000 1,785,629 Commodity funds 2,250,879 1,525,585 1,484,189 1,280,079 Hedge funds 6,594,000 6,705,599 Alternatives - private funds 7,072,773 7,174,699 Annuity funds: Money market funds 4,227 4,227 10,830 10,830 Equity funds and securities 137,150 140,389 121,870 141,391 Bond mutual funds 133,491 131,581 134,905 121,492 Total Foundation investments Other: Cash and money market funds Certificates of deposit Equity funds and securities Balanced mutual fund Commodity funds Alternatives Bonds and fixed income funds Total other investments

$ 1,605,992 $ 1,799,704 $ 4,027,543 $ 1,218,470 1,457,292 5,583

As of June 30, 2023, the future repayment requirements of the loans, assuming the loans mature over their scheduled repayment terms, are as follows:

Total investments

80,092,925

85,841,765

64,174,361

66,862,094

8,668,637 686,828 23,978,653 284,110 298,389 1,740,421 111,352,118

8,668,637 686,828 29,530,384 287,373 268,956 1,747,492 106,992,471

7,508,542 681,934 16,202,740 75,439,759

7,508,542 681,934 18,807,476 71,203,078

147,009,156

148,182,141

99,832,975

98,201,030

$ 227,102,081

$ 234,023,906

$ 164,007,336 $ 165,063,124

$ 8,651,709

13,330 13,180

2,014,342 523,236

Net unconditional promises to give

143,117 $ 1,351,836 $ 3,427,218 $ 1,191,960

$ 6,114,131

Amounts due in: Less than one year One to five years More than five years

$ 1,460,810 $ 188,875 $ 1,198,522 $ 1,097,620 138,925 1,410,829 1,735,028 110,850 6,257 200,000 1,093,993 10,000

$ 3,945,827 3,395,632 1,310,250

Total

$ 1,605,992 $ 1,799,704 $ 4,027,543 $ 1,218,470

$ 8,651,709

8. SAVINGS PROGRAMS DL Catholic administers savings and investment programs for the benefit of Central Administration, parishes, schools, and other Catholic institutions in the Diocese. These amounts generally represent funds in excess of current operating needs that have been set aside to fund future programs and/or facility needs. Demand funds on deposit earned interest at the prime rate minus 3.5%, with a minimum of 0.5%, during fiscal years 2023 and 2022. Funds on deposit with an 18-month minimum investment period earned interest at the prime rate minus 2.5%, with a minimum of 1.0%, during fiscal years 2023 and 2022.

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The prime rate was 8.25% and 4.75% at June 30 2023 and 2022, respectively. Funds on deposit from non-combined entities along with accrued interest totaled $58,510,356 and $44,874,244 at June 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively, and are reflected as investments and custodial obligations in the accompanying combined statements of financial position. 9. PENSION AND RETIREMENT PLANS The funded status and other information of the Lay and Priest plans as of June 30, 2023 and 2022 is set forth in the following tables (in thousands): 2023 2022 Lay Priest Lay Priest Funded status and amounts recognized in the combined statements of financial position: Projected benefit obligation $ (79,583) $ (33,735) $ (83,115) $ (33,058) Fair value of plan assets—end of year 56,662 19,619 52,729 17,776 Funded status

$ (22,921) $ (14,116) $ (30,386) $ (15,282)

Accrued pension expense liability—end of year

$ (22,921) $ (14,116) $ (30,386) $ (15,282)

Amounts recognized in net assets without donor restrictions (net asset charge) not yet recognized as net periodic benefit cost consist of the following: Unrecognized transition obligation $ - $ - $ - $ Unrecognized prior service cost - - - Cumulative unrecognized net loss 7,669 2,847 13,721 Net asset charge—end of year $ 7,669 $ 2,847 $ 13,721 $

4,234 4,234

Amounts recognized in the combined statements of activities—net periodic benefit cost

1,831

1,267 $

1,455 $

213 $

Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in net assets without donor restrictions: Net gain (5,211) (1,337) (4,213) (5,382) Amortization of transition obligation Amortization of prior service cost (106) Amortization of net loss (841) (50) (1,383) (309) Total net asset credit (6,052) (1,387) (5,596) (5,797) Total net asset (credit) charge and net periodic benefit cost recognized in net assets without donor restrictions $ (4,785) $ 68 $ (5,383) $ (3,966) Amounts included in net assets without donor restrictions (net asset charge) that are expected to be recognized as net periodic benefit cost during the next year are as follows: Amortization of transition obligation $ - $ - $ - $ Amortization of prior service cost - - - Amortization of unrecognized net loss - - 841 50 $ - $ - $ 841 $ 50 Other information: Actuarially recommended annual contribution $ 914 $ 437 $ 1,354 $ 416 Additional employer contributions 1,766 784 635 490 Contributions from Advancement Corporation 13 29 Benefits paid 4,543 1,382 4,455 1,228 Accumulated benefit obligation 79,583 28,836 83,115 27,193 Assumptions used to determine benefit obligations as of June 30: Discount rate 5.15% 5.22% 4.78% 4.89% Expected return on plan assets 6.75% 6.75% 6.75% 6.75% Rate of compensation increase N/A N/A -% -% Assumptions used to determine net benefit cost for the years ended June 30: Discount rate 4.78% 4.89% 2.98% 3.31% Expected return on plan assets 6.75% 4.75% 6.75% 6.70% Rate of compensation increase N/A N/A 2.50% -%

The funded status and other information for the Retired Clergy Health Plan as of June 30, 2023 and 2022, is as follows: 2023

2022

Funded status and amounts recognized in the combined statements of financial position: Projected benefit obligation $ (14,185,776) $ (13,571,442) Fair value of plan asset—end of year 12,600,086 11,767,948 Funded status (1,585,690) (1,803,494) Accrued pension expense liability—end of year $ (1,585,690) $ (1,803,494) Amounts recognized in the combined statements of activities—net periodic benefit cost $ 425,763 $ 390,374 Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in net assets without donor restrictions (net asset credit) (535,551) (883,841) Total net asset credit and net periodic benefit cost recognized in net assets without donor restrictions $ (109,788) $ (493,467) Amounts recognized in net assets without donor restrictions (net asset credit) not yet recognized as net periodic benefit cost $ (1,774,935) $ (1,239,384) Other information: Benefits paid $ 487,997 $ 586,849 Actuarially recommended annual contribution 38,689 36,847 Additional employer contributions 69,327 43,353 Assumptions used to determine benefit obligations as of June 30: Discount rate 5.24% 4.90% Expected return on plan assets 6.75% 6.75% Assumptions used to determine net benefit cost for the years ended June 30—discount rate 4.90% 3.36%

The assumed health care cost trend rates used to measure the expected cost of benefits covered by the plan, the ultimate trend rate, and the fiscal year when that rate is expected to be achieved for the years ended June 30, 2023 and 2022, are as follows: 2023 2022 Long-Term Long-Term Care Health Care Health Health care cost trend rate The ultimate trend rate to which the cost trend rate is assumed to decline Fiscal year that the rate reaches the ultimate trend rate

5% 2033

5% 2028

The assumed long-term rate of return for the Lay, Priest, and Retired Clergy Health plans are based on the respective target asset allocation and is determined using forward-looking assumptions in the context of historical returns for each asset class. The Plans’ investments are maintained in trust accounts that have been managed by Principal Custody Solutions (the “Trustee”) since February 2022. Prior to February, the plans were managed by Wells Fargo Bank N.A. The Trustee has full discretionary authority, subject to the plans’ investment policies. The percentage of total investments by asset class for each plan as of June 30, 2023 and 2022, is as follows: 2023 2022 Retired Retired Lay Priest Clergy Lay Priest Clergy Pension Pension Health Pension Pension Health Domestic large cap equity securities and funds Domestic small and mid cap equity funds International equity funds Domestic fixed income International fixed income Domestic high-yield fixed income Hedged equities Cash and cash equivalents

36% 6 18 23 1 3 10 3

34% 6 19 23 1 3 9 5

37% 6 17 22 2 3 10 3

33% 6 20 24 1 3 10 3

32% 6 20 25 1 3 10 3

32% 6 20 24 2 3 10 3

Total

100%

The Lay, Priest, and Retired Clergy Health plan investment policies stipulate allowable asset classes for inclusion in the portfolio and minimum and maximum allowable ranges. The following asset classes and corresponding ranges were allowable at June 30, 2023 and 2022:

Domestic large cap equity securities and funds Domestic small and mid cap equity funds International equity funds Domestic fixed income International fixed income Domestic high-yield fixed income Alternative investments (including hedged equities) Cash and cash equivalents

Lay Priest Pension Pension

Retired Clergy Health

20–60% 0–20 0–30 20–60 0–10 0–10 0–15 0–20

The investment policies stipulate socially responsible investment guidelines, investment return objectives, both in the aggregate and relative to applicable investment benchmarks, minimum standards for investment holdings, and other guidelines for the investment of plan assets. The estimated contribution to the Lay, Priest, and Retired Clergy Health plans for fiscal year 2024 is $1,264,355; $715,524; and $169,918, respectively. Benefits expected to be paid over the next 10 fiscal years as of June 30, 2023, are as follows: Retired Years Ended Lay Priest Clergy June 30 Pension Pension Health 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029–2033

$ 5,378,805 5,486,321 5,575,320 5,634,816 5,671,680 28,090,783

$ 1,495,586 1,486,980 1,543,514 1,510,017 1,564,921 9,076,538

676,096 709,426 763,021 796,663 851,549 5,243,901

Total

$ 55,837,725

$ 16,677,556

$ 9,040,656

10. EMPLOYEE HEALTH BENEFITS The Diocese administers medical insurance coverage for eligible employees of the Diocese. The Diocese charges each organization premiums for the coverage of its employees on a monthly basis. The individual organizations have no liability for claims in excess of the premiums to be paid. The Diocese has an arrangement with a third party to administer the medical plan. During fiscal years 2023 and 2022, approximately 12.8% and 12.4%, respectively, of the premiums submitted by diocesan entities were paid to the third-party administrator for administrative services and the premiums for specific and aggregate stoploss coverages. The remaining portion of the premiums is designated by the Diocese to pay claims, which are processed by the third-party administrator. The Diocese has specific stop-loss coverage at $200,000 per claimant in fiscal years 2023 and 2022, and aggregate coverage beginning at 125% of the actuarially projected total individual claims under $200,000 for fiscal years 2023 and 2022. Total expenditures incurred for employee medical benefits were approximately $13,192,000 and $13,497,000 during fiscal years 2023 and 2022, respectively. 11. LEASES AND FACILITIES USAGE AGREEMENTS Operating Leases in which the Diocese is the Lessee—The Diocese is the lessee in various operating leases for office equipment and for office space. These leases have fixed lease payments and do not contain options to extend or terminate early. Operating lease costs for the Diocese totaled $157,896 and $162,875 for the years ended June 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Right-of-use assets related to these leases is $464,222 and $716,690 as of June 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively, and is recorded in deferred rent and right-ofuse-assets–operating leases in the accompanying statements of financial position. Operating Leases in which the Diocese is the Lessor—The Diocese is the lessor in a ground lease agreement and the lessee in a space lease agreement with the same third party. In fiscal year 2003, the third party paid to the Diocese the net amount due for the entire terms of these lease agreements of $290,128. The Diocese is also responsible for monthly payments relating to the operating costs associated with the space lease

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agreement which are adjusted annually based on changes to the Consumer Price Index. Prepaid rent relating to the space lease of $463,427 and $498,194 as of June 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively, is reflected in deferred rent and right-of-use assets—operating leases in the accompanying combined statements of financial position. Unearned revenue relating to the ground lease of $541,370 and $581,973 as of June 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively, is reflected in unearned revenue in the accompanying combined statements of financial position. The prepaid rent expense on the space lease and the unearned revenue related to the ground lease are both being amortized on a straight-line basis over the lives of the respective leases. Rental expense related to the space lease, net of income related to the ground lease, totaled $49,860 and $47,378 for the years ended June 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The Diocese is a lessor in a ground lease with Guardian Angel Villa, LLC. CDCHC Manager, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of the Housing Corporation, had a 51% ownership interest in GAV MM LLC, the managing member of Guardian Angel Villa, LLC through January 2022 when the Housing Corporation divested itself of its interest in GAV MM LLC. During fiscal year 2020, a payment of $450,000 representing the entire lease term was received. Unearned revenue related to the ground lease of $426,630 and $432,597 as of June 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively, is reflected in unearned revenue in the accompanying combined statements of financial position. The unearned revenue related to the ground lease is being amortized on a straight-line basis over the life of the lease. Rental income related to the ground lease totaled $5,967 for the each of the years ended June 30, 2023 and 2022. The Diocese is also the lessor in various property leases with various third parties, some of which have variable lease payments linked to the Consumer Price Index to which the lease payments are adjusted at specified intervals throughout the lease term. Rental revenue pertaining to these leases totaled $543,982 and $477,276 for the years ended June 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Undiscounted cash flows to be received on an annual basis for the remainder of these leases are $544,056 for fiscal year 2024, $434,671 each year for fiscal years 2025, 2026, 2027, and 2028, and $1,861,174 thereafter. The Diocese entered into an agreement to lease the former All Saints School to a third party for a 10-year period. The initial lease commenced on September 1, 2011 and expired on August 31, 2021. The lease term was automatically extended for a 5-year period, through August 31, 2026. Rental revenue is recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease agreement which totaled $1,118,748 and $1,039,973 for fiscal years 2023 and 2022, respectively. As revenue recognized since inception has exceeded rental payments received since inception, a deferred rent asset of $240,768 and $139,240 is recorded in the accompanying combined statements of financial position as of June 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Undiscounted cash flows to be received on an annual basis for the remainder of this lease are $1,084,342 for fiscal year 2024, $1,152,554 for fiscal year 2025, $1,225,056 for fiscal year 2026, and $206,210 for fiscal year 2027. Finance Leases—The Diocese is the lessee in finance leases for computer equipment used in MACS and BMCHS. The corresponding right-of-use assets of $2,755,427 and $2,840,705 as of June 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively, is reported within property and equipment— net in the accompanying combined statements of financial position. The lease obligation was $1,203,700 and $2,606,946 as of June 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Total lease costs related to these leases was $1,411,828 and $781,182 for the years ended June 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively, of which $1,388,664 and $779,856 is amortization of the rightof-use assets and $23,164 and $1,276 is interest expense on lease liabilities for the years ended June 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Short-Term Leases—The Diocese is the lessee in a number of short-term leases (defined as 12 months or less) primarily for housing various Religious Order priests and Religious Order sisters involved in diocesan ministry. The Diocese has elected the permitted option to adopt the short-term lease exception for all asset classes and, therefore, does not record a right-of-use asset or lease liability for any of its short-term leases. The total short-term lease costs incurred were $104,074 and $90,875 for the years ended June 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively, and is reflected in other administrative expenses in the accompanying combined statement of activities. The Diocese is also the lessor in a number of short-term leases primarily of residential facilities that are not currently needed to house clergy or Religious Order sisters. The short-term rental revenue totaled $85,324 and $91,737 for the years ended June 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively, and is reflected in rental income in the accompanying combined statements of activities. Future Minimum Lease Payments—Future minimum rental commitments under noncancelable operating and finance leases as of June 30, 2023, are as follows: Years Ended June 30 2024 2025 2026 2027 Total

Operating Leases $

140,183 135,396 132,816 78,388 486,783

Finance Leases $

618,525 608,967 1,227,492

The Diocese has guaranteed various contingent payment obligations of its equity method investee, Curlin Commons Housing of Mooresville, Inc. (CCHM), related to an affordable housing project located in Mooresville, North Carolina. The maximum amount of the Diocese’s guarantee obligation was approximately $4,000,000 as of June 30, 2023; however, management believes the likelihood that the Diocese will have to make any such payments is remote. The Diocese has committed to providing funding of $8.2 million in connection with the construction of the chapel building to be located at the St. Joseph College Seminary. As of June 30, 2023, no funding has occurred. 13. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS In accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, certain assets and liabilities are required to be measured at fair value on a recurring basis. For the Diocese, the assets and liabilities that are adjusted to fair value on a recurring basis are investments in money market funds, debt and equity securities, investments in commodity and bond funds, and beneficial interests in perpetual trusts. Other than Custodial Obligations held by the Foundation, the Diocese has no liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis. Fair value is defined as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. Additionally, the inputs used to measure fair value are prioritized based on a three-level hierarchy. This hierarchy requires entities to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. The three levels of inputs used to measure fair value are as follows: Level 1—Valuations based on unadjusted quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets that are available as of the measurement date Level 2—Valuations based on quoted prices in markets that are not active or for which all significant inputs are observable, either directly or indirectly Level 3—Valuations based on inputs that are unobservable and significant to the overall fair value measurement The assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis (excluding cash) as of June 30, 2023 and 2022, based on the three levels of inputs within the fair value hierarchy, are summarized as follows: Fair Value Measurement as of June 30, 2023

Total

Total investments Beneficial interest in perpetual trust Total

Total Leases $

758,708 744,363 132,816 78,388 1,714,275

Less amount representing interest on lease liabilities Lease liability as of June 30, 2023

(22,561) 464,222

(23,792) $ 1,203,700

(46,353) $ 1,667,922

Lease liability as of June 30, 2022

716,690

$ 2,606,946

$ 3,323,636

Joint Facility Usage Agreements—MACS has agreements with participating parishes for their joint use, but not control, of various facilities with varying terms. These agreements provide for contingent rentals based on usage and may be amended or modified at any time. Expenses totaled $610,591 and $649,730 for fiscal years 2023 and 2022, respectively, and are reported within regional and diocesan schools administration expense in the accompanying combined statements of activities. 12. CONTINGENCIES From time to time, the Diocese is subject to various disputes and legal proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business. The Diocese is a defendant in a number of asserted claims alleging personal injury damages arising out of alleged sexual misconduct by former employees of the Diocese. The Plaintiffs are seeking compensatory remuneration from the Diocese in connection with these asserted claims. Management is of the opinion, based upon information presently available, that it is not probable that any liability to the extent not provided for through insurance or otherwise, would be material in relation to the Diocese’s combined financial position, results of operations, and cash flows.

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Unclassified

Investments: Money market funds $ 9,421,933 $ - $ 9,421,933 $ $ Investments in certificates of deposit 686,828 686,828 Domestic bonds 47,321,696 47,321,696 International bonds 5,086,105 5,086,105 Mutual funds: Domestic small and mid cap equities 7,527,193 7,527,193 Domestic large cap equities 41,636,289 41,636,289 Domestic balanced fund 2,073,002 2,073,002 Hedged equities 10,954,543 5,849,021 5,105,522 International equities 20,413,300 20,413,300 Preferred stock 370,941 370,941 Domestic bonds 26,499,516 26,499,516 International bonds 1,625,641 1,625,641 Domestic high-yield bonds 3,713,884 3,713,884 Commodity funds 1,794,541 1,794,541 Alternatives: Private equity 1,967,114 1,967,114 Private real estate 2,822,744 2,822,744 Private debt 2,082,333 2,082,333 Infrastructure 2,050,000 2,050,000 United States treasury notes 37,957,599 37,957,599 Agency securities 1,407,595 1,407,595 Mortgage backed securities 384,100 384,100 Municipal bonds 6,129,089 6,129,089 233,925,986

111,503,328

108,394,945

10,074,342

$ 244,000,328 $ 111,503,328

$ 118,469,287

$ $ 14,027,713

Fair Value Measurement as of June 30, 2022

Total

Level 1

Level 2

Investments: Money market funds $ 5,260,865 $ - $ 5,260,865 Investments in certificates of deposit 681,934 681,934 Domestic large cap equity securities 4,662,767 4,662,767 Domestic bonds 35,054,652 35,054,652 International bonds 2,336,665 2,336,665 Mutual funds: Domestic small and mid cap equities 5,469,197 5,469,197 Domestic large cap equities 24,057,529 24,057,529 Hedged equities 9,295,993 9,295,993 International equities 18,446,965 18,446,965 Domestic bonds 21,582,416 21,582,416 International bonds 1,385,634 1,385,634 Domestic high-yield bonds 2,707,575 2,707,575 Commodity funds 1,280,079 1,280,079 United States treasury notes 18,389,403 18,389,403 Agency securities 550,784 550,784 Mortgage backed securities 487,660 487,660 Municipal bonds 6,278,817 6,278,817 Total investments 157,928,935 88,888,155 69,040,780 Beneficial interest in perpetual trust Total

14,027,713

9,666,350

$ 167,595,285 $ 88,888,155

$ 78,707,130

Level 3

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Fair Value Measurement as of June 30, 2022 for the Priest Plan

The Diocese is responsible for determining the fair value of its investments. Fair values are determined using pricing and inputs that are current as of the measurement date and obtained through a third-party custodian using independent pricing services.

Total

The fair value of the investments classified within Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy are based on unadjusted quoted market prices for identical securities available as of the measurement date. The fair value of the money market funds, certificates of deposit, and other investments classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy are measured using standard valuation techniques, such as the income or market approach, based on inputs that are observable for the assets, including the stated interest rate, maturity, and credit risk. At June 30, 2023, certain investments that were measured at net asset value per share (or its equivalent) (“NAV”) have not been classified in the fair value hierarchy. These investments are measured on the fair value of the underlying investments but may not be redeemable at that fair value. These investments are subject to customary monthly/ quarterly/semi-annually redemption with notice periods of up to 90 days. When appropriate, the Diocese adjusts these net asset values for contributions and distributions, if any, made during the period beginning on the latest NAV valuation date and ending on the measurement date. There were no unfunded commitments related to unclassified investments as of June 30, 2023. Accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America also require that certain assets and liabilities be measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis, generally as the result of impairment charges. The Diocese had no assets or liabilities adjusted to fair value on a nonrecurring basis as of June 30, 2023 and 2022. A summary of the levels within the fair value hierarchy used to determine the fair value of the pension and postretirement plan assets, excluding cash deposits measured at cost, as of June 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively, is summarized as follows:

Level 1

Level 2

Total

$ 56,676,966

$ 55,007,724

$ 1,669,242

$ 17,254,852

Level 3 $

- - - - - - -

Fair Value Measurement as of June 30, 2023 for the Retired Clergy Health Plan Total

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Money market funds $ 387,185 $ $ 387,185 Mutual funds: Domestic small and mid cap equities 789,472 789,472 Domestic large cap equities 4,643,115 4,643,115 Hedged equities 1,228,887 1,228,887 International equities 2,134,857 2,134,857 Domestic bonds 2,826,331 2,826,331 International bonds 192,069 192,069 Domestic high-yield bonds 396,566 396,566 -

Total

$ 12,598,482

$ 12,211,297

$ 387,185

Fair Value Measurement as of June 30, 2022 for the Retired Clergy Health Plan

Level 3

Money market funds $ 1,669,242 $ - $ 1,669,242 Mutual funds: Domestic small and mid cap equities 3,594,131 3,594,131 Domestic large cap equities 20,545,347 20,545,347 Hedged equities 5,567,404 5,567,404 International equities 9,994,613 9,994,613 Domestic bonds 12,854,115 12,854,115 International bonds 868,298 868,298 Domestic high-yield bonds 1,583,816 1,583,816 -

Level 2 -

Fair Value Measurement as of June 30, 2023 for the Lay Plan Total

Level 1

Domestic large cap equity securities $ 1,009,465 $ 1,009,465 $ Mutual funds: Domestic small and mid cap equities 1,054,630 1,054,630 Domestic large cap equities 4,777,831 4,777,831 Hedged equities 1,701,541 1,701,541 International equities 3,588,738 3,588,738 Domestic bonds 4,375,235 4,375,235 International bonds 262,927 262,927 Domestic high-yield bonds 484,485 484,485

Total

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Money market funds $ 376,049 $ $ 376,049 Domestic large cap equity securities 666,820 666,820 Mutual funds: Domestic small and mid cap equities 698,259 698,259 Domestic large cap equities 3,139,447 3,139,447 Hedged equities 1,130,967 1,130,967 International equities 2,410,049 2,410,049 Domestic bonds 2,800,888 2,800,888 International bonds 174,806 174,806 Domestic high-yield bonds 370,663 370,663 -

Total

$ 11,767,948

$ 11,391,899

$ 376,049

Fair Value Measurement as of June 30, 2022 for the Lay Plan Total

Level 1

Level 2

Domestic large cap equity securities $ 3,033,744 $ 3,033,744 $ Mutual funds: Domestic small and mid cap equities 3,175,808 3,175,808 Domestic large cap equities 14,488,196 14,488,196 Hedged equities 5,123,786 5,123,786 International equities 10,541,026 10,541,026 Domestic bonds 12,737,524 12,737,524 International bonds 790,253 790,253 Domestic high-yield bonds 1,480,363 1,480,363 Total $ 51,370,700 $ 51,370,700 $ -

Level 3 $

Fair Value Measurement as of June 30, 2023 for the Priest Plan Total

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Money market funds $ 954,760 $ - $ 954,760 Mutual funds: Domestic small and mid cap equities 1,192,674 1,192,674 Domestic large cap equities 6,743,597 6,743,597 Hedged equities 1,848,860 1,848,860 International equities 3,652,051 3,652,051 Domestic bonds 4,416,741 4,416,741 International bonds 288,893 288,893 Domestic high-yield bonds 518,342 518,342 -

Total

$ 19,615,918

$ 18,661,158 $

954,760

14. ENDOWMENT FUNDS The Diocese’s endowment funds are managed by the Foundation and consist of donorrestricted funds and management designated funds established for the purposes as shown in Note 15, as well as custodial endowments established by organizations affiliated with the Diocese. Custodial endowments are not recorded as contributions and, therefore, are not reflected as net assets of the Foundation. Management has interpreted the state of North Carolina’s enacted version of the Uniform Prudent Management of Institutional Funds Act (UPMIFA) as allowing the Foundation to appropriate for expenditure or accumulate so much of an endowment fund as the Foundation determines is prudent for the uses, benefits, purposes, and duration for which the endowment fund is established, subject to the intent of the donor as expressed in the gift instrument. As a result, the Foundation classifies as net assets with donor restrictions (a) the original value of gifts donated to the permanent endowment, (b) the original value of subsequent contributions to the permanent endowment, and (c) other accumulations to the permanent endowment as required by donor gift instruments. Gains (losses) on the investments of donor-restricted endowment funds are recorded as additions to (reductions of) net assets with donor restrictions, until those amounts are appropriated for expenditure by the Foundation consistent with the donor’s wishes, at which time they are reclassified to net assets without donor restrictions.

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There were 35 and 71 endowments with donor restrictions in which cumulative investment losses exceed cumulative investment gains (“underwater” endowments) as of June 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The aggregate original gift amount of the “underwater” endowment funds totals $2,325,389 and $4,021,906 as of June 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The aggregate fair value of the “underwater” endowment funds totals $2,229,743 and $3,721,892 as of June 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively, resulting in aggregate losses of “underwater” funds totaling $95,646 and $300,014 as of June 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Although UPMIFA allows appropriations for expenditure from “underwater” endowments in an amount determined to be prudent given the specific circumstances, the Foundation’s policy precludes spending from “underwater” endowments, unless specifically approved by the donor, the donor’s representative or the Foundation’s Board of Directors. During each of the fiscal years ended June 30, 2023 and 2022, a distribution of $5,000 was made from an endowment with a fair value that was less than the cumulative original gift amount at the time of the distribution that was specifically approved. The Foundation has developed an investment policy for all its investable assets whose general purpose is to preserve the capital and purchasing power of the endowments and to produce sufficient investment earnings for current and future spending needs. The Foundation has adopted a total return strategy whose asset allocation is designed to give balance to the overall structure of the Foundation’s investment program over a long-term period. The Foundation has adopted a spending policy that limits the amount of funds available for distribution each year to 5% of the endowment funds’ average fair value over the prior 12 quarters, determined on a quarterly basis. In establishing this policy, the Foundation considered the long-term expected return on its investments and the objective to preserve purchasing power. The endowment net asset composition by fund type as of June 30, 2023 and 2022, is as follows:

2023

Without Donor Restrictions

With Donor Restrictions

Designated $ 23,207,596 $ Donor restricted: Purpose restrictions 43,284,354 No purpose restriction— time restriction only 140,798 Total funds $ 23,207,596 $ 43,425,152

Total $ 23,207,596 43,284,354 140,798 $ 66,632,748

2022 Designated $ 10,516,371 $ Donor restricted: Purpose restrictions 39,156,696 No purpose restriction—time restriction only 113,156

$ 10,516,371

Total funds

$ 49,786,223

$ 10,516,371

$ 39,269,852

39,156,696 113,156

Changes in endowment assets for the year ended June 30, 2023, consisted of the following: Without Donor Restrictions

With Donor Restrictions

Total

Endowment net assets—beginning of year $ 10,516,371 $ 39,269,852 Investment gains 2,198,522 3,899,482 Additions 10,686,415 1,235,923 Distributions (22,248) (578,198) Other changes: Grants awarded (11,300) Administrative fees (125,071) (319,955) Management fees (46,393) (70,652)

$ 49,786,223 6,098,004 11,922,338 (600,446)

Endowment net assets—end of year

$ 66,632,748

$ 23,207,596

$ 43,425,152

(11,300) (445,026) (117,045)

Changes in endowment assets for the year ended June 30, 2022, consisted of the following: Without Donor Restrictions

With Donor Restrictions

Total

Endowment net assets—beginning of year $ 5,973,116 $ 46,406,632 Investment losses (1,257,591) (6,859,981) Additions 6,013,800 1,246,577 Distributions (25,333) (946,659) Other changes: Grants awarded (116,860) (96,349) Administrative fees (56,607) (385,721) Management fees (14,154) (94,647)

$ 52,379,748 (8,117,572) 7,260,377 (971,992)

Endowment net assets—end of year

$ 49,786,223

$ 10,516,371

$ 39,269,852

(213,209) (442,328) (108,801)

15. NET ASSETS WITH DONOR RESTRICTIONS Net assets with donor restrictions consist of contributions received from donors whose use by the Diocese is limited by donor-imposed stipulations. The restricted amounts as of June 30, 2023 and 2022, and the corresponding purposes for which the income is expendable are as follows: 2023 Bishop McGuinness High School programs $ 390,611 Meckleburg Area Catholic Schools capital projects 1,491,645 Mecklenburg Area Catholic Schools programs 401,500 Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte programs 534,044 Elderly Outreach 487,331 FFHL gifts for parishes 36,480 FFHL gifts for Priest Retirement Plan 63,379 FFHL gifts for facility construction and improvements 2,916,223 St. Joseph Seminary construction 10,498,162 Other programs 607,501 Amounts in excess of endowment corpus and annuities subject to expenditure for donor specified purposes: Parishes 1,437,514 Education 1,945,040 Clergy/vocations 1,889,615 Outreach programs and services 3,890,804 Diocesan programs 655,485 Nondiocesan programs 158,234 27,403,568 To be held in perpetuity to generate income for donor specified purposes: Endowments (including endowment cash, pledges and other receivables for future investment): Parishes 11,658,913 Education 9,520,498 Clergy/vocations 3,952,783 Outreach programs and services 7,086,465 Other diocesan purposes 928,395 Nondiocesan 465,334

2022 $

315,411 3,775,003 897,847 648,411 487,331 45,024 74,305 4,093,652 3,691,119 539,835 990,047 1,156,730 1,418,317 2,873,585 492,511 110,731 21,609,859

11,044,437 9,120,459 3,876,110 7,067,381 903,525 437,535

33,612,388 FFHL gifts restricted for endowments: Education 15,726 Clergy/vocations 5,897 Outreach programs and services 17,692 Other diocesan purposes 11,795

32,449,447

51,110

87,503

Beneficial interest in perpetual trust—parishes

$4,449,429

$4,375,836

Beneficial interest in perpetual trust—education

5,624,913

5,290,514

Permanent loan fund—parishes

6,245,195

5,915,359

Annuity funds—parishes Total net assets with donor restrictions

26,924 10,097 30,289 20,193

43,466

41,415

$ 77,430,069

$ 69,769,933

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Protecting God’s Children 2022-’23 In 2002 the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB)

an on-site review in November 2023. Results will be published

issued the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young

on charlottediocese.org and in the diocesan newspaper, the

People. The Charter addressed the issue of child sexual abuse by

Catholic News Herald.

Church personnel and established steps that every diocese must

In addition, the diocese maintains a list of historical

take to ensure that children are protected from the dangers of

abuse allegations against diocesan clergy since the diocese was

abuse.

established in 1972. That information is publicly available at

The Diocese of Charlotte takes the Charter’s mandate seriously and continues its efforts to protect all children and the

accountability.charlottediocese.org. The diocese also funds an independent hotline for the

vulnerable. The cornerstones of

reporting of sexual abuse and

our Safe Environment program

misconduct. Reports can be

are our comprehensive policies,

made anonymously anytime

continuing education programs

by phone or online through a

and mandatory background

web portal, in many different

screening processes. The

languages, at accountability.

diocese has promulgated its

charlottediocese.org/report-

own Safe Environment policies

abuse.

that conform to the Charter’s

These activities represent

standards, including Protocols

a significant financial

for Ministry With All Minors,

commitment on the part of the

and Policy Concerning MinistryRelated Sexual Misconduct by Church Personnel. All clergy,

THE DIOCESE HAS PROMULGATED ITS OWN SAFE ENVIRONMENT POLICIES THAT CONFORM TO THE CHARTER’S STANDARDS.

diocese. The cost of the various programs and measures outlined herein totaled $158,569 during

religious, lay employees and

the fiscal year ended June 30,

volunteers must adhere to the

2023. During the past year, the

provisions in these policies. During FY2022-23, 3,028 employees

diocese also provided $9,835 in financial assistance to historical

and volunteers completed the Protecting God’s Children

abuse victims and their families, for medical and counseling

educational awareness program. The diocese conducted a total of

services. Additionally, the diocese incurred costs in connection

5,270 criminal background checks, which the diocese requires on

with sexual misconduct lawsuits totaling $353,879 during

an ongoing basis for all clergy, employees and volunteers.

FY2022-23. As in the past, none of these funds came from the

To determine compliance with the Charter, the diocese

Diocesan Support Appeal or from parish funds.

participates in an independent external audit each year.

In the 21 years since the Charter was issued, the diocese has

Stonebridge Business Partners of Rochester, N.Y., has been

continuously increased its efforts to engage everyone in providing

contracted by the USCCB to conduct these assessments. Their

a safe environment for all, and we will never waver from that

audit for the period of July 2022 through June 2023 began with

commitment.