November 1, 2013

November 1, 2013

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

FUNDED by the parishioners of the diocese of charlotte THANK YOU!

SPECIAL EDITION

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catholicnewsherald.com | November 1, 2013 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

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ear brothers and sisters in Christ,

After His resurrection on Easter Sunday, Jesus commissioned His apostles: “Go into the whole world

and proclaim the Gospel to every creature.” (Mark 16:15) For more than 170 years the Catholic Church has

been present in the territory of what is today the Diocese of Charlotte, carrying out Jesus’ command to share with others His Gospel message of salvation.

In the 10 years since I was ordained as the fourth Bishop of Charlotte, I have had occasion to reflect on the great faith, vision, generosity, and sacrifice of those who have gone before us. As we celebrate their great work, our diocese looks to the future with plans to strengthen our Catholic faith while building on the solid foundation they started. We have been richly blessed. With those blessings comes the responsibility to pass on to future generations all that we have received.

Although we have witnessed many great accomplishments, much work remains to ensure our Church continues to grow strong. After prayer, reflection and a period of extensive inquiry, it was never more evident to me that the time is now to transform our diocese through advancing our parishes and diocesan ministries.

Over the past 40 years since the foundation of the Diocese of Charlotte, our diocese has experienced extraordinary growth. In response to the growth and the opportunities to take part in the new evangelization, the diocese has launched a diocesan-wide capital campaign, Forward in Faith, Hope, and Love, which will provide extraordinary resources that will better position the diocese to strengthen parishes and prepare for the future. The success of this special effort will help us renew, strengthen, and advance our diocese and parishes in the work of putting into action Jesus’ Gospel message of salvation.

Therefore, I write to invite you to join me – and thousands of our sisters and brothers in Christ – in an effort to invest in the future of our Catholic family. Through Forward in Faith, Hope, and Love, we will strengthen parish life and ministries as the center of the Catholic community, provide for seminarian formation and retired clergy, ensure the vitality of Catholic education for present and future generations, ensure pastoral and temporal resources, and expand the outreach of social service.

This special effort will involve all of our parishes and missions over the coming months in a coordinated effort to raise $65,000,000. Through this unprecedented effort, parishioners and friends will join together to support the most pressing needs of our diocese.

I pray and trust that you will consider being a part of this important effort. The results of our efforts and sacrifice will be a stronger community of faith better prepared to fulfill the mission of the Diocese of Charlotte, the teachings of Jesus’ Gospel, and the call to Christian stewardship. May God continue to bless our diocese.

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Most Reverend Peter J. Jugis, JCD Bishop of Charlotte

Forward in Faith, Hope, and Love Loving and Gracious God, We thank You for all the ways You have been present to your Church in Western North Carolina.

Look with Favor on our petitions And bless our endeavor

To promote the Splendor of Your Truth.

Guide us as we Progress Forward on our Pilgrim Journey, Through Faith, With Hope, In Love.

We ask this through the power of the Holy Spirit And in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

November 1, 2013 | catholicnewsherald.com catholic news heraldI

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Diocese looks ‘forward in faith, hope, and love’ with $65M campaign Over $20M pledged through early fundraising efforts

financial campaigns of this magnitude in other Catholic dioceses across the U.S. CCS as a company has organized 60 diocesan campaigns in the past 12 years.

Marshall also emphasized how unique in stewardship this campaign is compared to what other dioceses in the country with longer histories and larger Catholic populations have typically done. “What is unique here is that this diocese has been around for just 40 years, David Exum and it is taking this proactive approach,” Marshall said. “Other dioceses that have been Correspondent around for, say, 100 to 200 years are just starting to do this kind of fundraising now. This is the Charlotte diocese’s first campaign, and it’s not to fix something that is broken or to repair To keep all 92 parishes and missions in central and western North Carolina thriving for something from its past – it is to plan for growth in the future. That’s a great position to be in.” future generations, the Diocese of Charlotte is launching an unprecedented effort entitled Jim Kelley, diocesan director of development, notes that the growth of the Charlotte “Forward in Faith, Hope, and Love.” The $65 million campaign aims to secure the future diocese since its humble beginnings in 1972 is due largely to the tremendous population of the growing diocese, which marked its 40th anniversary last year. As the campaign expansion of western North Carolina. officially kicks off this week, the campaign has surpassed the $20 million pledge mark, 31 Even though Catholics remain a minority in the state, the diocese now numbers more than percent of the total goal.

180,000 registered Catholics plus approximately another 180,000 unregistered Catholics.

The Charlotte diocese has conducted more than 160 parish and school fundraising “We’ve gone from 34,000 to 360,000 Catholics since 1972,” Kelley said. “In the past five campaigns over the past 30 years – including a smaller diocesan-wide campaign to build years alone, we’ve had an additional 19,000 new (Catholic) households in the diocese.” the Catholic Conference Center in Hickory – but this Kelley noted that parishioners in the Charlotte diocese are getting involved in building diocesan-wide campaign is unparalleled in scope up the local Church, supporting their parishes and broader ministries that impact the and magnitude. All 92 parishes and missions, all 19 parishes. For example, 20,000 people are served by Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte, schools in the diocese, and some diocesan ministries and many of these people are also involved in their local Catholic parishes. And 85 will benefit from this campaign. percent of registered Catholics live within an hour’s drive of a Catholic school.

“It is a historic venture in the diocese’s 40-year The $65 million campaign goal, which was calculated based on input from parishioners, pastors, history,” noted Bishop Peter Jugis earlier this year in ministry leaders and diocesan officials, is divided into five major areas: Parish Life and Ministries, the Catholic News Herald. “Our diocese is growing so Catholic Outreach, Clergy Support, Pastoral and Temporal Needs, and Catholic Education. fast that we have to be looking ahead, we have to be “As far as the themes of the campaign, it is similar to what other dioceses have done around preparing for the future. Every person in the diocese the country in terms of priest retirement and seminarian funding,” explained Marshall. can relate to this because everyone in their own The largest component of the $65 million goal – the core of the overall campaign – is parishes is experiencing this growth. Many parishes $16.25 million to sustain parish life and ministries. in recent years have either undertaken efforts to The campaign has also earmarked $13 million for clergy support throughout the expand their church, move to a new location, or build diocese, and the campaign looks to raise $12.75 million to boost Catholic education. an activity center for social gatherings.

Other important campaign objectives include $11.5 million to Catholic Outreach, which “The annual Diocesan Support Appeal does a good hopes to expand the Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte Endowment, multicultural job taking care of current needs, but this diocesan ministries endowment and housing initiatives. An additional $11.5 million will also campaign is meant to go beyond that and be go towards parish and mission support services, as well as renovations to St. Patrick transformational, providing a solid foundation for Cathedral and the diocese’s retreat and conference facilities. the future of our diocese. It’s meant to benefit our The parts of the campaign and the funding levels for each were determined following parishes, our schools and the diocese as a whole – to a survey of each pastor and by a campaign feasibility study, which interviewed 250 meet a broad range of needs.” laypeople and surveyed an additional 500 laypeople. Campaign leaders also figured in the “This is a pro-active and visionary campaign,” rising costs of seminary education and retirement costs. added Ryan J. Marshall, the campaign’s executive Kelley said of the diocese’s 92 parishes and missions, none can be considered the same director. “A lot of times, you see church fundraising Bishop Peter J. Jugis in financial terms. Some parishes are situated in affluent communities, while others are due to an immediate need or an emergency. This is in impoverished areas. Each one’s individual needs were taken into account, and every not the case, and that is great.” one will benefit from this campaign.

Marshall, a fundraising “All of these campaign goals and objectives either directly or consultant with CCS, was commissioned by the Charlotte diocese indirectly affect each of the parishes,” Kelley said, even funds to spearhead the campaign in coordination with the diocesan More online allocated for diocese-wide needs such as seminarian education. For development office and a leadership group of laity and clergy example, he explained, “If we stabilize the funding for the priest spanning the 46-county diocese.

Learn more at www. retirement trust fund and boost funding for seminarian education, “Instead of having to come to (parishioners) in the next 10 to 15 years, forwardfaithhopelove.org. we can take care of our priests in retirement and make sure that we’ve taken and planned out the next 20 years and have envisioned the our parishes get the priests they need to serve them.” needs of the diocese,” said Marshall, who has orchestrated five other

‘We have been richly blessed. With those blessings comes the responsibility to pass on to future generations all that we have received.’

Parish Life and Ministries $16,250,000

Catholic Outreach $11,500,000

Pastoral and Temporal Needs $11,500,000

Clergy Support $13,000,000

Catholic Education $12,750,000

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catholicnewsherald.com | November 1, 2013 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Forward in Faith, Hope, and Love Background After prayer, reflection and discussion among religious and lay leaders, the Diocese of Charlotte utilized a 36-member committee to help it identify objectives seen as vital to doing God’s work and to minister effectively in the 21st Century. This committee identified five strategic objectives which will lead to long-term parish and diocesan sustainability. Those objectives were confirmed by in-depth conversations with more than 250 priests, deacons, women religious and lay persons, as well as surveys of an additional 500 laypeople: The strategic objectives of this campaign are: n Strengthening parish life and ministries as the center of the Catholic community n Ensuring the vitality of Catholic education n Supporting seminarian formation and retired clergy

n Expanding the outreach of social services n Guaranteeing the availability of pastoral and temporal resources It has become evident to both our clergy and our lay leadership that financial resources beyond regular offertory, collections and annual appeals are essential to attain these strategic objectives.

In response to the current and foreseeable needs of our Church and after careful consideration, an organized and diligent study, and much prayer, Bishop Peter J. Jugis has launched Forward in Faith, Hope, and Love: a $65 million campaign to enhance resources to advance our parishes and diocesan ministries through both capital funds and endowments.

Over the next five years, the financial gifts raised through the campaign will provide a solid basis for responding to the long-

term development of critical ministries and vital facilities as well as providing much-needed endowment security.

The campaign will be conducted in all 92 parishes and missions and will address the most important needs in the diocese. The programs, services, and facilities supported by these funds will significantly influence the scope of our mission well into the future: n GROWTH – Secure capital funds that will help us respond to the incredible growth experienced in our parishes and diocese. n FUTURE – Prepare for the future by significantly increasing endowments for key programs. n PARISHES – Strengthen parishes by securing funds for locally-identified initiatives.

What is an endowment?

The concept of campaign endowments is simple: monies are placed in a fund and invested over time to generate income on an ongoing basis. The original investment, or principal, remains untouched with only the income earned each year allocated to address the stated needs. This ensures the availability of funding long into the future. Once established, an endowment can also serve as a channel for future giving.

The endowment funds created through Forward in Faith, Hope, and Love offer such an opportunity.

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November 1, 2013 Volume 23 • Number 1

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

EDITOR: Patricia L. Guilfoyle 704-370-3334, plguilfoyle@charlottediocese.org ADVERTISING MANAGER: Kevin Eagan 704-370-3332, keeagan@charlottediocese.org SENIOR REPORTER: SueAnn Howell 704-370-3354, sahowell@charlottediocese.org Online reporter: Kimberly Bender 704-808-7341, kdbender@charlottediocese.org GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Tim Faragher 704-370-3331, tpfaragher@charlottediocese.org COMMUNICATIONS ASSISTANT/CIRCULATION: Erika Robinson, 704-370-3333, catholicnews@ charlottediocese.org Hispanic communications reporter: Rico De Silva, 704-370-3375, rdesilva@charlottediocese.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@charlottediocese.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@charlottediocese.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.

SUBSCRIPTIONS: $15 per year for all registered parishioners of the Diocese of Charlotte and $23 per year for all others.

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November 1, 2013 | catholicnewsherald.com catholic news heraldI

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The Campaign at a Glance PARISH LIFE AND MINISTRIES: $16.25 million

CATHOLIC EDUCATION: $12.75 million

A portion of each parish’s goal is allocated for local parish use.

Parishes may use these funds for capital projects for facilities, debt reduction, facility maintenance or endowments.

Faith formation is taught in our parishes and Catholic schools by catechetical instructors who are qualified to share their faith and the teachings of the Church with conviction and accuracy.

Funds will be distributed to assist in the professional training of catechetical leaders for the diocese, provide improved facilities

and enhanced catechetical materials, enrich programs for faith formation, create a tuition assistance endowment for diocesan schools, and support college campus ministry. n Expand Faith Formation Endowment: $1 million n Expand Tuition Assistance Endowment: $6 million n College Campus Ministry: $1.75 million n Renovate Existing Catholic Schools: $4 million

PASTORAL AND TEMPORAL RESOURCES: $11.5 million In keeping with our mission “to become ever more enthusiastically a leaven of service and a sign of peace through love in Piedmont and Western North Carolina,” this campaign seeks to strengthen pastoral and temporal needs. Funds will be used to help sustain and increase services rendered by the diocesan offices to the 92 parishes and missions, restore and preserve St. Patrick Cathedral, and make capital improvements to the Living Waters Retreat Center and Catholic Conference Center. n Parish and Mission Support Services Endowment: $6 million n St. Patrick Cathedral: $4 million n Retreat and Conference Center: $1.5 million

CLERGY SUPPORT: $13 million Currently, there are 89 active and 24 retired diocesan priests in our diocese, as well as 22 seminarians studying for the priesthood.

Through this campaign, we, the parishioners will have the opportunity to show our gratitude for the faithful service of our retired priests as

well as ensure that our seminarians receive the necessary formation to best serve the Church in the years ahead. n Expand Priest Retirement Fund: $10 million n Expand Vocation and Seminarian Support Endowment: $3 million

CATHOLIC OUTREACH: $11.5 million Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte has been the heart and hands of service to the people of western North Carolina. These hands touch the lives of nearly 20,000 refugees, immigrants, disadvantaged people, and others each year. We provide a variety of ministries that will use campaign funds to achieve initiatives above and beyond their current capabilities. These include programs that strengthen families, build communities, reduce poverty, distribute donated foods to

the needy, administer emergency assistance, and assist those seeking foster care, adoption or pregnancy services. The campaign will also support Multicultural Ministries, which assists more than 12,000 people annually, as well as the diocese’s housing projects. n Expand Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte Endowment: $6 million n Expand Multicultural Ministries Endowment: $3 million n Housing Initiatives: $2.5 million

CAMPAIGN TOTAL: $65 million Note: The campaign costs, which include educational materials, communications, stewardship, accounting and fundraising staff, are 6.5 percent of the total campaign goal. According to fundraising best practices, this return on investment is exceptional.

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catholicnewsherald.com | November 1, 2013 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

How the campaign works David Exum Correspondent

The people of the Diocese of Charlotte actively participate in their faith, from taking part in public prayer vigils such as this pro-life demonstration, to the Eucharistic Procession of the annual Eucharistic Congress, to parish ministries and community outreach efforts that benefit so many across the 46 counties of the diocese. The Forward in Faith, Hope, and Love campaign aims to provide an even stronger foundation for the local Church in western North Carolina.

File | Catholic News Herald

Every parishioner in the Diocese of Charlotte will be learning more about the Forward in Faith, Love, and Hope campaign – because every parish in the diocese will benefit from this unprecedented fundraising effort.

The campaign has already begun in seven “pilot” parishes: St. Pius X in Greensboro, St. Ann and St. John Neumann in Charlotte, Queen of the Apostles in Belmont, Sacred Heart in Salisbury, St. Elizabeth of the Hill Country in Boone, and St. William in Murphy.

As the campaign continues to roll out over the next 10 months, every parishioner across the diocese will receive information at the parish and in the mail about the campaign. Campaign literature, a video explaining the parts of the campaign, letters, and the website www.forwardfaithhopelove.org all contain information to help educate parishioners about the campaign Even though Stillwagon is involved in ministry work at St. and how they can contribute.

William Church in Murphy, serves as vice chairperson on the parish Each parish has a campaign council, and volunteers his time at the parish’s fair trade store, the goal that, together with the other 69-year-old Pennsylvania native says he is blessed to be able to give parishes’ and missions’ goals, something back to the Church that he loves so much. comprises the $65 million total goal.

“Watching the years click on by – I’m looking at the big 7-0 this “Each parish has a goal that December – we need to be thinking of payback,” Stillwagon said. “I they are asked to raise, but it is not looked at several of the campaign objectives and they all look like an assessment,” said Campaign good projects. We said, ‘Yes, we need to help.’”

Executive Director Ryan J. Stillwagon explained that he and his wife also feel very fortunate Marshall of CCS, which to have the means to help this campaign. was commissioned by “We are both on a faith journey today, the diocese to oversee the and my wife and I want to continue to More online campaign in conjunction learn. We want to give back to help others. with the diocesan We want to try to help. We don’t need our Learn more at www. development office. CCS name on anything – that kind of thing forwardfaithhopelove.org. is one of the leading doesn’t matter.” fundraising organizations Stillwagon said he would like and has conducted 60 other particularly to see the Living Waters campaigns for Catholic dioceses Catholic Retreat Center in Maggie Valley reach its renovations goal. throughout the United States over “It feels good to try to help, and we’ve got the resources and we’re the past 12 years. going to do it,” he said.

Each parish’s goal is divided into two parts: the first part, 25 percent, will be returned to the STEWARDSHIP parish to address local needs; and Thanks to generous donations from parishioners like Joseph and the second part, 75 percent, will be Carol Gigler, St. Matthew Church has experienced tremendous growth used to support broader ministries since its founding in 1986. With more than 9,200 registered families, St. such as seminarian education and Matthew Church is now one of the largest parishes in the country.

Catholic education. Furthermore, “Carol and I have always believed in being good stewards to the parishes that exceed their goal – up Church, and we want to share our gifts,” said Joseph Gigler, when to 140 percent – will keep half of asked about donating to the Forward in Faith, Hope, and Love those extra funds and the other half campaign. “We’ve done this all our lives, and it was demonstrated by will go to the broader ministries. our parents.”

Parishes that surpass 140 percent Founding members of the parish, the Giglers remember when of their goal will get to keep all of Masses were celebrated at Tower Place Cinema on Highway 51 in those additional funds. the mid-1980s, before the current campus was built on Ballantyne Each parish’s leadership gets to Commons Parkway in south Charlotte. And the Giglers have been decide how they want to use the involved in several fundraising campaigns over the years at St. money they receive. Some are using Matthew Church. it to build endowments and others Unlike in their hometown of Pittsburgh, when the Giglers moved are using it to fix up or build new to Charlotte in 1983, the diocese then was only 11 years old and the church property, Marshall noted. area wasn’t nearly as populated with Catholic churches as it is today.

Pledges are payable over five “My wife and I were dating when I first came to Charlotte, and years. For instance, a daily pledge I remember calling my mom and telling her how lonely I was for of just $6.58 amounts to $12,000 my faith at the time,” said Gigler, who is the owner of MetroTech over a five-year period. A family Automotive in Charlotte. or individual can make a daily “When I was growing up in Pittsburgh, it wasn’t a matter of being pledge of $1.64, which amounts to Catholic, it was what Catholic church did you attend,” he added. $3,000 during a five-year period.

“When we came down here it wasn’t the fastest-growing religion Parishioners are asked to consider like it is today. It’s amazing to think (St. Matthew) started in a movie gifts of equal sacrifice, not theater and has become what it is today.” necessarily equal amounts.

As a donor to the diocesan campaign, Gigler said he believes every The campaign is expected to end dollar given to the campaign will strengthen the Charlotte diocese in August 2014, while the pledges for many years to come. will continue for five years.

“The diocese is really just a church, and we as parishioners need to get behind it and support it the best we can.”

Donors say why they support the Forward in Faith, Hope, and Love campaign David Exum Correspondent

There are numerous reasons why parishioners of the Diocese of Charlotte have already been inspired to donate to the Forward in Faith, Hope, and Love campaign: THANKFULNESS

Carmen Rossitch, a longtime parishioner at Our Lady of Mercy Church in Winston-Salem, has made a pledge to the campaign in an effort to thank God for the many blessings throughout her life. “(Our Lady of Mercy Church) is like my second home and all of my children were educated at (Our Lady of Mercy Catholic School). We have met so many wonderful people and have had so many wonderful priests throughout the years,” Rossitch said. “I want to support the broader and local Church that have been so good to me and my family.”

Rossitch and her late husband, Eugene Rossitch, fled communist Cuba in 1962, just months before the Cuban Missile Crisis. Carmen and Eugene and three of her children flew to Miami and made a life for themselves with other Cuban exiles. Stripped by the Cuban government of their possessions, Eugene, a prominent banker in Cuba, worked several odd jobs in an effort to support his family.

Carmen said she and her husband realized it was time to leave their country after the failed Bay of Pigs invasion on April 17, 1961, commanded by Cuban exiles and orchestrated by the Central Intelligence Agency.

“We didn’t want our children to grow up in a communist country, and here our children have a choice,” Rossitch said. “I did not see my parents for 10 years and communicating with them (via letters) was very difficult, because we didn’t know who was reading their letters.

My husband and I didn’t want to write something and get them into trouble with the government. It was very, very difficult.”

The Rossitches moved to Winston-Salem in 1963 after Carmen Rossitch accepted a teaching position at Winston-Salem State University. Her command of the English language was greater than Eugene’s at the time, but it didn’t take long for Eugene to get established in the Winston-Salem area. Before his death in 2011, following a lengthy battle with cancer, he became a top-ranking officer at Wachovia Bank and a leading foreign exchange expert in the Southeast.

Her Catholic faith and her parish have also helped Rossitch to carry on after the loss of her beloved husband and the loss of her eldest son, Eugene Jr., who died tragically in Florida while saving his son from drowning. Eugene Jr. was a prominent neurosurgeon at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston at the time of his death.

“We have gone through some very difficult times, but our faith has kept us going,” Rossitch said. “Now we want to give back so others may benefit in the future like we have.”

Giving BACK

Retired engineer Don Stillwagon gives a simple answer to why he is donating to the diocesan campaign: “It’s payback time.”

After a successful career in electrical engineering for many years in Florida, Stillwagon and his wife Rosie retired to the Murphy area in 2002.

November 1, 2013 | catholicnewsherald.com catholic news heraldI

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Diocese officially launches campaign with 3 kickoff events

Bishop Jugis speaks of moving ‘forward in faith, hope and love’

Bishop Peter Jugis discusses the diocesan campaign Forward in Faith, Hope, and Love with parishioners and supporters at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in High Point.

Officially launches five-year campaign at St. John Neumann Church Oct. 23 SueAnn Howell Senior reporter

Kathy Roach | Catholic News Herald

IHM parishioners aim to ‘fulfill the dream’ in fundraising effort Kathy Roach Correspondent

HIGH POINT — Bishop Peter J. Jugis spoke to a group of parishioners Oct. 24 at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in High Point as part of the official kickoff for the Diocese of Charlotte’s unprecedented fundraising campaign “Forward in Faith, Hope, and Love.” It was the second of three such kickoffs for the $65 million campaign across the diocese over the past several days; the first was at St. John Neumann Church in Charlotte (see right) and the third was at St. John the Baptist Church in Tryon (see below).

Bishop Jugis explained the meaning behind each of the words used in the campaign’s title, both in describing the people of faith in western North Carolina as well as how the campaign aims to benefit the diocese well into the future. The Charlotte native also spoke of his gratitude of serving the diocese over the past 10 years as bishop, and he observed how rapidly the Church has grown in western North Carolina.

After viewing a short video explaining the campaign and needs of parishes, ministries and schools across the diocese, IHM’s pastor, Father Vince Smith, OSFS, spoke about the combined campaign specifically for High Point parishioners. IHM set a challenge goal to benefit the parish in addition to its diocesan campaign goal that will benefit broader ministries, for a combined goal of $4.5 million.

The parish-specific “Fulfilling the Dream” campaign will raise funds to continue the expansion of the Johnson Street campus that began with the building of the Parish Life and Education Center dedicated in August.

The parish aims to complete the second floor of the Parish Life and Education Center, enabling the school population to grow from 250 to 400 students, as well as accommodate use of the facilities by more than 85 parish

ministries; and to build athletic fields that will help grow and strengthen parish life.

The goal is made up of: $1.25 million for debt reduction over five years, $1 million to complete the second floor of the Parish Life and Education Center, $500,000 to construct athletic fields, and $1.845 million for the broader diocesan ministries.

The campaign has just begun at IHM, yet parishioners have already pledged more than $260,000, campaign officials noted Oct. 30.

Matt Thiel, chairman of the parish’s campaign executive committee, spoke about the continued growth at IHM. The High Point parish now has more than 1,800 families, the school’s enrollment is the highest in 67 years, and there is a 20 percent increase in faith formation participants, Thiel noted.

He went on to say, “At IHM, we choose to pray; we choose to dream; we choose to believe.”

It is not often parishioners are invited to participate in a diocesan-wide campaign such as this, he added, and he stressed how important it is for IHM to strengthen its ministries and share its resources. He noted that “this is a critical time in our (diocese’s) history, and we can make a lasting contribution that represents our faith and future.”

Jeanne McCulloch, a parishioner of Our Lady of Mercy Church in Winston-Salem, also spoke.

In addition to Thiel, the Campaign Executive Committee includes diocesan liaison Caitlin Sullivan, Father Smith, Judy Graven, Peter Sojka, Elisabeth Stambaugh, Rick Boedicker, Anne Carr, Matthew and Christina Evans, Joe and Carrie Vest, Brian Dilloway and Paulette Cushing. These committee members will reach out to IHM parishioners with in-home visits to explain the campaign and garner support. This will be followed

by Commitment Sundays, phone-a-thons and mailings.

In Tryon, campaign is way to say thank you David Hains Director of Communication

TRYON — St. John the Baptist Parish embraced the Forward in Faith, Hope, and Love campaign with a gathering of parishioners and Bishop Peter Jugis on Oct. 29.

Father John Eckert, who describes his parish of 370 families as a tightly knit group, opened and closed the evening meeting with the campaign prayer.

Parishioner David Skellie, a sales executive with an area printing firm, talked to the gathering about his experience as a campaign ambassador. Skellie has been meeting with families for several weeks and describes parishioners as “positive, receptive and curious.”

Skellie said members of the parish are especially supportive of the campaign because of its connection to seminary education. “This community has seen many of the dividends, specifically through the seminarians and

the quality of priests that we have had,” he noted.

As an example, he cited a recent Eucharistic procession through the small downtown area of Tryon that was led by Father Eckert. “I think it was very well received and I think the (parish) community really enjoys spreading our Catholic message,” Skellie said.

The campaign at St. John the Baptist Parish has been under way for several weeks. So far, the parish has raised 58 percent of its $550,000 goal.

David Hains | Catholic News Herald

Parishioner David Skellie talks during the campaign kickoff event in Tryon.

CHARLOTTE — On the eve of his 10th anniversary as shepherd of the Diocese of Charlotte, Bishop Peter J. Jugis spoke to parishioners gathered at St. John Neumann Church about an historic initiative: the Forward in Faith, Hope, and Love diocesan-wide campaign. The parish was selected as one of seven “pilot parishes” for the campaign, which began educating their communities and soliciting donations over the summer.

The kickoff event Oct. 23 gave parishioners an opportunity to hear from Bishop Jugis the reasons behind the $65 million campaign and how he hopes it will impact the Church in western North Carolina.

“This campaign is meant to be transformational, to provide a solid foundation,” he said. “It will allow (the diocese) to really be positioned for the extraordinary growth that we’re now experiencing, and is going to continue. This extraordinary effort of the diocesan campaign is necessary, and it is something that we can do.

The progress we’ve had to-date demonstrates it is doable, and it is being accomplished already.”

They also heard from St. John Neumann’s pastor, Father Pat Hoare, and fellow parishioner, Dymphna Pereira, who has taken a leading role in contacting St. John Neumann parishioners to ask for their support.

St. Matthew Church member Joe Gigler spoke as well.

“I recognized that asking for money was way out of my comfort zone, but I agreed to help because I wanted to be a part of moving our church community forward in faith and life,” Pereira said.

“Three months later, I can tell you today that this was one of the more rewarding experiences of my life. I got to meet new people and talk to them like they were old friends. I was able to listen when that is all the people wanted me to do. I recognized when people were truly ‘stretching’ to help, and along the way I was excited to bring in pledges and commitments to this campaign.

“Every contribution, big or small, helped us to move toward our goal,” Pereira said, “and I am grateful to all our parishioners who reached out to help.”

To date, St. John Neumann Parish has collected $1,205,971 in pledges from 386 parishioners. Some of the monies collected from the campaign will go towards renovating the parish offices, parish hall and kitchen, and towards expanding the food pantry.

Following the kickoff event, Father Hoare led those gathered in a round of applause for Bishop Jugis’ 10-year anniversary as they presented a cake to him inscribed with the words, “Thank you for moving forward in faith, hope and love.”

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iiiNovember 1, 2013 | catholicnewsherald.com

T The first 7 parishes of the campaign n St. Pius X in Greensboro has set a challenge goal of $7.5 million for its combined Forward in Faith/ Making a Place to Gather and Grow effort. (Some parishes have set a “challenge goal,” choosing to conduct their Forward in Faith, Hope, and Love effort along with their own local campaign.)

Committed monies will be used to build a new a new parish life center, office complex and primary education wing, local projects totaling a little under $6 million.

Their total pledged as of press time on Oct. 28 was $1,960,670. n St. Ann Church in Charlotte will use monies committed to the Forward in Faith effort, and returned to the parish to pay off parish debt, and beautify its church by painting a mural for the apse wall. Their challenge goal is $2 million, and their total pledged as of press time was $1,921,445. n Queen of Apostles in Belmont has set a challenge goal of $4 million in order to build a new church which will accommodate its growing parish community.

Their total pledged as of press time was $1,790,440. n Sacred Heart in Salisbury has a $2.25 million challenge goal to reduce the parish debt following the construction of a new church and school. Their total pledged as of press time was $2,162,511. n St. Elizabeth of the Hill Country in Boone will use committed monies to renovate the parish hall, focusing on updates to the kitchen area (new stoves, dishwashers, etc.) and to expand the entire space for its growing parish community and ministry.

They will also consider new flooring for the gathering area, re-pavement and/or expansion of the parking lot, an elevator, and a new set of sacred vessels for Communion. Their total pledged as of press time was $586,255. n St. John Neumann in Charlotte will use its funds to expand the local food pantry.

Funds will also provide additional classroom space and will be used to renovate the parish hall, kitchen and social gathering area. Their total pledged as of press time was $1,205,971. n St. William in Murphy looks forward to enhancing the liturgical life of its parish, providing technological upgrades to the faith formation center, and improving the parish kitchen with the share of the campaign monies that come back to the parish. Their total pledged as of press time was $282,775.

CATHOLIC N

Forward in Faith,

he wide-ranging campaign to raise $65 million for the Diocese of Charlotte’s 92 parishes and missions along with

Here are stories about three of the seven “pilot parishes” who have already launched their campaigns and led th

‘At Queen of the Apostles we have been blessed to grow to more than 1,000 families and that’s why we need a new church.’

Father Frank Cancro

Pastor, Queen of the Apostles Church

Ty Reamer | Catholic News Herald

Parishioners crowd into Queen of the Apostles Church in Belmont during a recent Sunday Mass.

Belmont church plans expansion to make ‘a home for all’ growing economy in the Charlotte metropolitan area. Belmont, once a textile-driven community, is growing with affluent suburbanites looking for small-town living just a few short miles down the interstate from Charlotte. “(In the Northeast) they are not opening too many new parishes – BELMONT — Father Frank Cancro, pastor of Queen of the Apostles they are closing them down,” said Father Cancro. “But here in the Church, uses four simple words when it comes to the importance of South that has never been our experience. We continue to grow.” building a new church for his parish: “A Home for All.” Besides twice the seating capacity, the new church will encompass “My hope and my vision is that it will really allow us to serve more than 20,000 square feet of gathering, worship and meeting space. a broader community,” said Father Cancro. “It will also allow us There will be improved handicapped access, and the placement of the additional spaces for the other parts of our parish life and our church’s main entrance away from the street outreach, as we are connected to some 20 will allow for additional parking. different non-profit agencies in Gaston County.”

Cancro added that the new church’s Parishioners at Queen of the Apostles have More online architecture will provide a striking beacon in already pledged nearly $1 million towards their the downtown Belmont area. $4 million goal, which represents a “challenge Learn more at www.

“It’s going to give us a prominence in the goal.” (Some parishes have set a “challenge forwardfaithhopelove.org. skyline of Belmont. Our current building goal,” choosing to conduct their Forward in used to be an old gymnasium from when the Faith, Hope, and Love effort along with their (neighboring Sisters of Mercy) ran a military own local campaign.) school here on this property,” said Father Cancro. “There’s nothing The parish has plans to build a larger church on its present Main distinctive about it and it doesn’t even look like a church. The new Street property, designed to serve a booming Catholic community. design, of course, is to create a building that is more structured in the From 2007 to 2013, Queen of the Apostles has added a total of 420 new way people would conceive a church, with a pointed roof and a cross and families and has more than 1,000 currently. Since Father Cancro came hopefully and eventually a bell tower. (The new church) will add to the to the parish in 2006, additional Sunday Masses have been added. The skyline the kind of prominence we have never had. Although we are very church also uses a closed-circuit television feed and an additional prominent in the community in terms of our outreach and work with building to accommodate additional parishioners during Mass inside different organizations, this too would provide a more physical presence the 48-year-old church that currently seats only about 500. The new as well.” church will have twice that capacity.

Fundraising for the campaign has gone well despite kicking off “Seating is going to be one of the major features of our new church,” noted Father Cancro. “Queen of the Apostles has felt the need for a new during the sleepy summer months, when so many parishioners go on vacation. facility for some years now. We’ve experienced tremendous growth, “Those (parishioners) that we have visited over the summer, it seems especially in the last six years. The parish, overall, is quite committed to have worked out fairly well,” he said. More than 250 families have to building a new church here.” raised close to $1.8 million to date.

Originally from Philadelphia and in the priesthood for 32 years, “My hope is that as we reach the other 800 families of the parish now Cancro ascribes the growing number of parishioners to the mass influx that the summer is over, that we will be equally as successful.” of northerners, like him, coming southward to the warmer climate and David Exum Correspondent

NEWS HERALD

November 1, 2013 | catholicnewsherald.comiii

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, Hope, and Love

h various diocese-wide needs has already raised more than $20 million, as of press time Oct. 30.

he way for the rest of the faithful in the diocese:

Sacred Heart Parish aims to pay off current debt through diocesan campaign David Exum Correspondent

SALISBURY — By reducing its debt with the ongoing Forward in Faith, Hope, and Love campaign, Father John T. Putnam Jr. says Sacred Heart Church and School will be able to continue the parish’s work in the community for many years to come.

The parish is comprised of 830 households – making it one of the larger parishes in the diocese. It still carries debt from construction of a new 14,500-square-foot church, activity center and school in 2009. That debt burden is proving to be a drag on the parish’s day-to-day operations and needs.

The parish has a challenge goal of $2.2 million, which includes a goal to pay off the parish debt. (Some parishes have set a “challenge goal,” choosing to conduct their Forward in Faith, Hope, and Love effort along Father John Putnam with their own local campaign.)

Pastor, Sacred Heart More than 330 parishioners have Church

‘Obviously, outstanding debt has an impact on the life of the parish.’

already pledged $2,162,000 towards that goal.

“Obviously, outstanding debt has an impact on the life of the parish,” said Father Putnam, who has served as pastor of Sacred Heart for 13 years. “Large projects and ministerial work are limited by funding. We already need more space for the school (and) this need cannot be addressed as long as the debt remains.”

The school has more than 400 students enrolled in prekindergarten to eighth grade. It could use more space to serve the growing student population, he said.

According to diocesan Development Director Jim Kelley, a third of the Charlotte diocese’s 92 parishes and missions carry debt because of recent capital projects. Twenty-five percent of funds raised from the Forward in Faith, Hope, and Love campaign will go directly to parishes like Sacred Heart to eliminate their debt burdens.

“Some parishes have more debt than others, but we’re expecting to eliminate (Sacred Heart’s) with donations from our parishioners,” said Father Putnam. Sacred Heart does expect to find funding in the future to build a rectory closer to the property and is looking for additional space for parish functions, he added.

Eliminating its debt will also allow the parish to do some necessary renovations and repairs, Kelley said.

“The only uses of the monies raised from the campaign will go directly to reducing the parish debt as well as to broader ministries. The present campaign allows this to happen,” Father Putnam noted.

SUEANN HOWELL | Catholic News Herald

Bishop Peter J. Jugis (center) celebrates the dedication Mass of the new Sacred Heart Church in Salisbury, in this 2009 file photo.

St. Elizabeth parishioners want to repair church roof, update other facilities and more – thanks to diocesan campaign David Exum Correspondent

BOONE — The Diocese of Charlotte’s ongoing Forward in Faith, Hope, and Love campaign couldn’t have come at a more opportune time for St. Elizabeth of the Hill Country Church.

As the parish celebrates its 25th anniversary this year in its current facility, parishioner and campaign committee member Sheryl Kane told the Catholic News Herald that she and numerous other parishioners agree that their beloved parish is in need of roof repairs and other critical renovations.

“The time has come to invest some money in the building to make necessary repairs and to meet the demands of our growing parish,” Kane said.

Under the pastoral guidance of Father Dave Brzoska, Kane said, the parish has received a tremendous amount of support for the renovation project. Their campaign goal is $515,000, and parishioners have already exceeded that goal: raising $586,255 from 153 gifts towards renovating the 25-year-old church and towards the broader ministries of the diocese.

According to how the campaign is structured, parishes that exceed their goal amount get to keep a certain percentage of the excess funds to use on additional projects. In Boone’s case, Kane said, parishioners knew exactly how they wanted to spend that extra money.

Besides getting a new roof, the parish will update its kitchen area with new appliances,

expand and repave its parking lot, install an elevator, and purchase a new set of sacred vessels for Holy Communion.

“In my meetings with fellow parishioners, people were supportive of the overall campaign and the proposed plans for the percentage coming back to our parish,” Kane said. “They seemed proud of (St. Elizabeth’s) and happy for the opportunity to provide a financial boost to take care of our facility.”

“It’s really so much more than raising funds.

It’s being a part of kingdom-building. We’re just assisting the Lord and doing the work,” added Father Brzoska.

Surrounded by the picturesque Blue Ridge Mountains, St. Elizabeth’s parish continues to be one of the most thriving parishes in the area, both spiritually and financially. St. Elizabeth’s parishioners are also involved in campus ministry at Appalachian State University through its Catholic Campus Ministry program.

The parish also has a vibrant youth ministry and faith formation program.

“Our parish is full of spiritually strong members who not only act out their faith through ministry to the parish but also take their great works out to the community at large,” Kane said. “Members of St. Elizabeth are very giving people, in terms of time, talent and treasure – in and out of the parish – and reached deeper into their pockets to help make the campaign a success. I am pleased and honored to belong to St. Elizabeth’s of the Hill Country, and constantly inspired by the parishioners here.”

‘Our parish is full of spiritually strong members who not only act out their faith through ministry to the parish but also take their great works out to the community at large.’

Sheryl Kane

Photos by Amber Mellon | Catholic News Herald

St. Elizabeth of the Hill Country Parish hopes to upgrade its kitchen (pictured at top) and replace the carpeting (pictured above) as part of the diocesan campaign.

St. Elizabeth of the Hill Country parishioner

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catholicnewsherald.com | November 1, 2013 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Vibrant parishes The parish is where the Church lives. The Eucharist is the center of that home and central to our campaign.

Forward in Faith, Hope, and Love will strengthen our life in the Eucharist by supporting our parishes.

Every parish has extraordinary needs. Every parish has dreams.

For every dollar raised in a parish campaign, 25 cents will be returned to the parish to fund its locally determined priorities, less a proportionate share of campaign expenses. When a parish surpasses its goal up to 140 percent of the goal, it will receive 50 cents of every dollar raised over that amount. Any monies raised above 140 percent of the campaign target will be returned to the parish in full.

Every parish will benefit indirectly from this campaign in such areas as educating seminarians, caring for our retired priests, and training catechists.

In fact, a much greater percentage of all funds raised in this campaign will benefit our parishes.

Already parishes are receiving distributions from funds committed by parishioners to Forward in Faith, Hope, and Love. As of Sept. 30, $250,985 has been returned to parishes, with the next distribution occurring in late January 2014, according to campaign policies that dictate distributions go out once every quarter.

Projects that parishes hope to fund include: n Our Lady of the Rosary Church, Lexington: To improve the air conditioning in the parish hall and upgrade the church’s sound system n St. Francis of Assisi Church, Lenoir: To renovate and expand the space currently used for faith formation classes, enabling more students to attend n St. Ann Church, Charlotte: To install a mural in the apse n Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, High Point: To complete the new school’s second floor, making room for another 200 students at the growing parish n St. Mary, Help of Christians Church, Shelby: To expand the church’s parking lot and install stainedglass windows in the church n Our Lady of the Highways Church, Thomasville: To help fund expansion of the parish hall and renovate the church’s parking lot n Our Lady of Mercy Church, Winston-Salem: To retire the parish debt n Immaculate Conception Church, Hendersonville: To improve the parish campus, upgrade parish technology, provide transportation services for elderly and homebound parishioners, and increase tuition assistance for children enrolled at Immaculata School n St. Barnabas Church, Arden: To build a multipurpose center for the parish’s growing ministries n St. James the Greater Suzanne Konopka | Catholic News Herald Church, Father Adrian Porras leads a Church Concord: history class recently at St. Barnabas To expand Church in Arden. the parish’s classroom space n St. John the Evangelist Church, Waynesville: To build a bell tower n St. James the Greater Church, Hamlet: To help expand Paul Viau | Catholic News Herald the parking St. John the Evangelist Parish in lot and Waynesville wants to add a bell tower to replace the its church building. roof

Doreen Sugierski | Catholic News Herald

St. Matthew Church in south Charlotte currently has more than 9,200 registered families, making it the largest parish in the Diocese of Charlotte and one of the largest in the country. Pictured, parishioners gather for Mass Oct. 27.

Waxhaw campus will expand St. Matthew Parish ’s already large reach David Exum Correspondent

CHARLOTTE — With groundbreaking set for sometime in 2014, St. Matthew Church will have a sprawling, 34acre satellite facility in neighboring Waxhaw to alleviate overcrowding and expand the parish’s outreach efforts.

Monsignor John J. McSweeney, who has served as St. Matthew’s pastor since 1999, stressed that the satellite facility will be an extension of St. Matthew Church, not a new parish.

The site is about 10 miles from the present church’s campus in Ballantyne.

With more than 9,200 registered families, St. Matthew is the largest parish in the Charlotte diocese and estimated to be one of the largest parishes in the United States. St. Matthew has become a staple for Catholic families who have moved to the growing south Charlotte suburbs over the past 20 years.

According to Monsignor McSweeney, the Waxhaw project will be developed in stages with the first phase being completed in three to five years. All phases are expected to be completed within 10 years, he said.

St. Matthew’s 2,000-seat church is consistently packed for Masses, with additional Masses held in the parish gymnasium and at a nearby Episcopal church to accommodate all the parishioners.

“It is not a new parish. It is not a mission. It is a facility that will enable the parish of St. Matthew to continue serving (parishioners) from our parish and the surrounding areas,” Monsignor McSweeney said.

Of the $65 million proposed to be raised by the Diocese of Charlotte’s ongoing Forward in Faith, Hope, and Love campaign, $10 million is the goal for St. Matthew Church – and of that $7.5 million will be used for broader ministries and $2.5 million will go towards St. Matthew’s Waxhaw facility.

Monsignor McSweeney is hopeful for the campaign’s success based on his parishioners’ long-standing commitment to stewardship.

St. Matthew Church was recently named one of seven certified “stewardship parishes” in the U.S. by the International Catholic Stewardship Council. Over the past year, generous donations from St. Matthew parishioners have build the 100th home for Habitat for Humanity in nearby Matthews, and the parish collected more than 200,000 pounds of food and supplies in disaster relief and aid for Africa, Haiti and Jamaica. The parish also allotted $150,000 to the emergency needs of homeless women and children in

Mecklenburg and Union counties.

The Waxhaw campus will be located at the corner of Waxhaw-Marvin Road and Kensington Drive. The Charlotte diocese purchased the property from Food Lion in 2012 for an undisclosed price. Food Lion had acquired the property in 2009 for $3 million.

Monsignor McSweeney also said that funds raised by the campaign will allow his parish to build the facility in Waxhaw without going into debt.

The Waxhaw campus will be a “spiritual oasis,” Monsignor McSweeney noted, adding that the Waxhaw campus will be dedicated to the Divine Mercy.

“We have a large devotion to the Divine Mercy,” he said. “That is the devotion: ‘Jesus I trust in You,’ and our parish has a strong faith in the idea of ‘Jesus I trust in You.’” Besides the ability to hold additional Mass services, parish council member Bob Bowles said, the Waxhaw campus will also be used for faith formation programs and other youth programs that St. Matthew’s offers, especially for families who live in the Waxhaw area.

“The building will be more convenient for many of our current parish families,” Bowles said.

“The proximity of this new campus alone will make it much Bob Bowles easier and less time consuming for St. Matthew Parish parents to transport their children council member to and from faith formation classes as well as our many vibrant youth programs.”

In an effort to avoid any types of obstacles along the way, Monsignor McSweeney said his parish mapped out a master plan to follow, and things have been progressing smoothly according to that plan. Parish leaders also met with parishioners and neighbors of the area around the Waxhaw property after finalizing the contract. Monsignor McSweeney also said a land-use planner has presented different options for developing the property.

“We want to tie in as many dreams as we can,” he said.

‘The building will be more convenient for many of our current parish families.’

November 1, 2013 | catholicnewsherald.com catholic news heraldI

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Diocesan campaign seeks to boost aid to growing Latino, other communities David Exum Correspondent

Photo provided by Kathleen Durkin, Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte

Catholic Charities relies on the work of volunteers to support community outreach programs across the Diocese of Charlotte. The Forward in Faith, Hope, and Love campaign will also provide a stable source of funding for the charitable work of the agency for years to come.

Campaign will provide funding for Catholic Charities to continue its work long into the future David Exum Correspondent

Whether it’s feeding needy families through food pantries, orchestrating clothing drives or helping expecting mothers with pregnancy support, the needs of the Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte are constantly changing, says its executive director, Dr. Gerard A. Carter.

For example, according to Carter, the need for food pantry assistance in the area that the Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte serves has tripled since 2008.

According to a study conducted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture in 2011, 1,673,627 (16.6 percent) of North Carolina’s residents lives in poverty. North Carolina also ranks 10th highest in poverty, according to U.S. Census data.

“North Carolina has one of the highest poverty rates in the nation and with the help of the Catholic community, (Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte) has been and will continue to be an intricate part of responding to that critically human need,” Carter said. “Our fellow parishioners have been exceptionally generous in providing food for literally thousands of people who would have (otherwise) had to go to bed hungry.”

Other services that Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte offers include refugee resettlement, individual counseling, adoption, pregnancy support, marriage preparation, natural family planning, youth crisis and teen parenting support, elderly ministry, immigrant services and disaster relief.

Funds raised from the Forward in Faith, Hope, and Love campaign would be used to establish an endowment to meet future needs, he said.

“We didn’t start off with a list of what we wanted to do,” he explained. “Instead, we are looking at the marginalized and economically poor over a margin of time, and that money will go to our poorest neighbors in need. The particular group might change for the kinds of services we do, but the money from the endowment will be a significant benefit to provide these kinds of services.”

For example, before the economic downturn that began in 2008, the numerous food pantries that Catholic Charities

Diocese of Charlotte supports were not nearly as busy as they are today, Carter noted.

“Things can change so dramatically in five years. Five years ago, we weren’t talking about food pantries being the number-one priority in terms of the amount of clients we serve. But with the economy falling apart, five years can radically change (what you’re doing). If comprehensive immigration reform happens, it might be that five years from now, we’re providing tremendous different types of services.”

Carter emphasized that whatever money is raised and allocated to the Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte endowment, it will be used according to the most critical needs of that time.

“We must be responsive to what the changing needs are of the poor. Our goal is to strengthen families, build communities and reduce poverty. We are constantly looking at using the resources that generous people have entrusted in us to do just that: strengthen families, build communities and reduce poverty.”

Gifts to the Forward in Faith, Hope, and Love campaign will provide a stable source of future income for Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte, he also noted – an important aspect for the non-profit organization, which relies on 70 to 75 percent of its funding from outside grants, individual and parish donations, and other sources, and 25 to 30 percent from the annual Diocesan Support Appeal.

“The campaign will provide a stable funding source to allow us to continue to provide the level of services to the poor and the marginalized that we do now,” Carter said.

“It is a gift that will go on forever. We serve over 20,000 people a year, and you have to have resources to carry out that kind of work. The campaign will be a real valuable source.”

“It costs money to offer these programs – we offer food pantries, we offer pregnancy support, we offer disaster relief – and this is what the campaign will permit us to continue to do. By donating to the campaign, it is a gift that will pay out over time. It’s not something that is consumed in one year. It will be used throughout the life of the agency.”

GREENSBORO — As general coordinator of Hispanic ministries for the Greensboro vicariate, Deacon Enedino Aquino knows firsthand the importance of the Diocese of Charlotte’s Forward in Faith, Hope, and Love campaign.

“We need more financial support,” said Aquino, in reference to the financial needs of stabilizing and providing growth to Hispanic ministries – not just in Greensboro, but throughout the diocese.

Latinos comprise approximately half of the Charlotte diocese’s Catholic population of 360,000.

As more and more Latinos settle into the area, churches throughout the diocese have welcomed them. More than 65 percent of the churches in the diocese now offer Sunday Masses in Spanish, and nearly every parish has some level of Hispanic ministry or outreach services to serve the growing communities.

The diocesan campaign goal for the multicultural ministries endowment of $3 million will invest in this growing ministry, providing an endowment that could be used in many different ways depending on the various needs of the parishes. It will also provide support for other diocesan ministries serving AfricanAmericans, as well as the Vietnamese, Korean and Hmong communities, among others.

Besides providing worship in Spanish, there is a critical need to provide catechesis to Latino parishioners – Doreen Sugierski | Catholic News Herald young and old.

As more and more Latinos settle into Of the diocese’s the area, parishes throughout the approximately diocese have welcomed them. More than 7,600 catechists, 65 percent of the churches now offer about half serve Sunday Masses in Spanish, and nearly the Hispanic every parish has some level of Hispanic community. ministry or outreach services to serve the Aquino said he growing community. The Forward in Faith, would like to see Hope, and Love campaign aims to bolster faith formation multicultural ministries’ work. classes conducted

by Hispanic teachers to students who are learning English. He also said donations could be used towards inviting Hispanic speakers to churches within the diocese.

In terms of other areas of needs of the growth of Hispanic ministry, Aquino stated he would like to see the use of funds raised by the campaign to go towards some sort of transportation assistance.

“Transportation for the community, in general, when it is required for (parishioners) to travel to other places,” said Aquino. “Our churches have no means of transportation.”

Despite the obstacles in his path, Aquino remains ever confident that Hispanic ministry work will continue to grow and flourish, especially through generous donations from parishioners throughout the diocese.

“It’s impacted in the service to others, in helping others to find God in their lives,” he said. “It is our job to be the bridge for the (Hispanic) community, which searches for a place in our churches.”

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catholicnewsherald.com | November 1, 2013 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Photo provided by Karen L. Hornfeck

Our Lady of Grace School fifth-graders Emma Myers, Anna Claire Tysinger, Emma Moore, Farrah Wilde and Madison Aye greet each other on the first day of the 2013-’14 school year in Greensboro.

Doreen Sugierski | Catholic News Herald

Catechist Kristen Casey-Lewis of Holy Spirit Parish in Denver teaches her third-grade students about our prayers. Connor Lewis enthusiastically adds his thoughts to the discussion.

Diocesan campaign will help parishes provide faith formation to growing numbers of Catholics David Exum Correspondent

CHARLOTTE — Longtime Diocese of Charlotte Faith Formation Director Dr. Cris V. Villapando doesn’t mince words when it comes to how important the Forward in Faith, Hope, and Love campaign is to his beloved faith.

“Without those funds, we would not be able to move from point A to point B in the faith formation program,” Villapando said. “We are at a very critical time financially, and we need additional resources that this vital campaign and the endowment it funds can provide.”

Villapando said the expected $1 million campaign endowment will be used to support the diocese’s faith formation programs and catechist training.

Villapando praised the volunteer work that numerous parish catechists already do throughout the diocese as incredibly important.

“They are they backbone of the transformation of their faith,” he said. “Without them and the work they do, our faith would be poorly transmitted.”

Villapando also said it is important for parishioners considering pledging funds with the campaign to realize that many, many volunteers throughout the diocese are in what he called “the trenches” of passing on the Catholic faith to children and adults.

“The homily that the priests speak of each week only goes so far,” said Villapando, who has worked in faith formation for 42 years and lectured widely across the U.S. Villapando is the founding director of the diocesan RCIA program (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults) for adults who want to join the Catholic Church.

Villapando has served the diocese for the past 17 years.

“By creating an RCIA program, we have been able to magnify our ministry,” Villapando said. “We were able to bring a large amount of enthusiasm into the Catholic faith here. The funding from the endowment also goes to the RCIA ministries, the ministries that Dr. Cris V. Villapando Diocesan faith formation director helps convert people into the Catholic faith.”

According to Villapando, the number of catechists in the diocese has grown to 7,613, an increase of 603 from 2011. More than 58 percent are involved in faith formation in a non-traditional setting, while about 42 percent teach pre-kindergarten to 12th grade. Faith formation enrollment is also on the rise as 38,805 students from pre-K to 12th grade participated in fiscal year 2011-’12 and 13,938 adults participated, for a total of 46,418 people served.

‘Without those funds, we would not be able to move from point A to point B in the faith formation program.’

Catholic school education The mission to teach as Jesus did is carried out through a variety of programs, including parish and diocesan schools, college campus ministry, as well as parish religious education programs. Forward in Faith, Hope, and Love will provide support to families who would like a Catholic school education for their children.

The Catholic schools within the Diocese of Charlotte educate more than 7,700 children. The average tuition for high schools is $7,900 and for elementary schools is $5,200, which creates a challenge for some parents to send their children to Catholic schools.

Looking to the future of Catholic education, the Forward in Faith, Hope, and Love campaign aims to provide additional tuition assistance through an endowment to those wishing to attend Catholic schools and to empower these schools to attract students and stay competitive. This will also provide seed money for future capital projects.

Through Forward in Faith, Hope, and Love, the Catholic Education Tuition Assistance Endowment will receive $6 million. Additional funds of $4 million will be allocated to provide grants for Catholic schools’ renovations or new construction.

Together, these objectives will allow our schools to provide students with a vibrant and faith-filled learning experience.

With your help, more children will be able to go to Catholic school David Exum Correspondent

CHARLOTTE — The Diocese of Charlotte has earmarked $6 million of the Forward in Faith, Hope, and Love campaign to help more children be able to attend Catholic school through a tuition assistance endowment.

The campaign will fund tuition assistance programs for parents seeking to defray the costs of sending their children to Catholic school.

The cost of tuition – which ranges from $3,100 to $8,900 for registered Catholics in the Charlotte diocese – can be a major obstacle for many parents who want to send their children to Catholic school.

“Our goal is to make a Catholic education available to any Catholic family who wants to offer this gift to their child,” said Michael J. Ford, director of marketing for Mecklenburg Area Catholic Schools. “In today’s economy, this can be very difficult.”

He and Dr. Janice Ritter, superintendent of diocesan schools, are grateful that the campaign will be there for families who need financial assistance the most.

Ford and Ritter said that without the generosity of parishioners, it would be impossible for many families to send their children to Catholic schools.

The diocese has 19 Catholic schools, which offer Catholic education from pre-kindergarten to high school. All of the schools offer some sort of tuition discount for registered Catholic families, up to 30 percent in some cases. For example, Asheville Catholic School’s tuition is $7,620 for non-parishioners, and $5,508 for parishioners. At Bishop McGuinness High School, the tuition for non-parishioners is $11,700 per year, but $8,350 for parishioners.

And as the Catholic population in western North Carolina continues to grow, so does the demand for Catholic education, they noted. Enrollment for the 2013-’14 school year is 7,577, a 5 increase over enrollment 10 years ago.

“Without additional assistance through the endowment, it will be impossible to meet the needs that are out there and a Catholic education will not be available to many who would truly desire it,” Ritter said.

The diocese’s schools have a 100 percent graduation rate, and they consistently exceed local and national averages on achievement testing, Ritter and Ford also noted.

“Catholic education is not only important, but it is actually a responsibility,” Ritter emphasized.

“It is our responsibility to pass on our faith to our children, whether it is through parish religious education or through our Catholic schools.”

November 1, 2013 | catholicnewsherald.com catholic news heraldI

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Campus Ministry will get aid to serve more Catholic college students David Exum Correspondent

CULLOWHEE — As more students become interested in following their Catholic faith at Western Carolina University, so does the need for larger accommodations.

Matthew Newsome, campus ministry leader at WCU, says a home owned by the Diocese of Charlotte on the campus at WCU serves the dual purpose as student chapel and fellowship center.

“I’m already having to start to think ahead about what am I going to do if I get more students coming,” Newsome told the Catholic News Herald.

Newsome, who has been at the helm of the ministry program since 2008 and is an WCU alumnus, prays that a portion of the $1.75 million raised through the diocesan Forward in Faith, Hope, and Love campaign could go towards building a new chapel and student center there.

The current campus chapel is small, accommodating about 50 people at most, and the campus student house, which the diocese purchased in the 1960s, lacks central air conditioning and heating and suffers from leaks during heavy rains.

“Of course, campus ministry is more than having Mass each Sunday evening,” noted the 36-year-old Newsome. “We have a variety of activities for the students each week.”

One of those activities is a weekly dinner, held each Wednesday evening. At the first dinner of the fall semester this year, Newsome said, he was already running out of dining space.

students usually attend Sunday evening “I had students at the dinner Mass, Newsome said he understands there table, sitting around three are approximately 300 Catholic students on folding tables, sitting on chairs campus who do not attend Mass. and couches in the living room.

“How do I reach out to those students I kept scratching my head and in our Catholic faith? How do I reach out thinking, ‘what am I going to do to those students who don’t know Christ if I get more students coming?’” at all, but who might be on that path and “Don’t get me wrong, this is might be open to having the Holy Spirit a great problem to have, and I working in their lives?” Newsome said. would love to be able to handle Despite the challenges, though, he gives that problem,” he added. credit to this year’s freshmen students for Newsome said he sees an increase in Catholic campus ministry more and more students each Photo provided by Matthew Newsome participation. “The freshmen I have coming year become involved and WCU students participated during the fall Diocesan in this year, in particular, seem very interested in learning about College Discipleship retreat last year, held in Black interested in learning more about their faith their Catholic faith. They Mountain. This year’s retreat is coming up Nov. 8-10 and remaining Catholic and growing in want to build or restore their and more than 50 students have already signed up to their faith during their four years here. I’m relationship with Jesus Christ participate. particularly excited about that.” during their formative college “I’m hearing from a lot of new students that they are years, when they are leaving the structure of their families concerned about not finding a home on campus and a lot of at home and setting out on their own paths as adults. them are concerned about the party atmosphere (and the To serve these students, the Charlotte diocese operates 18 temptation of it) because that is not what they are after,” campus ministry offices with eight campus ministers, located he added. “They’ve come to school to learn and they are on large campuses such as the University of North Carolina worried that they will feel pressure. They are happy to at Charlotte and small ones such as Davidson College. The ministry serves approximately 500 students each year, according find a home at Catholic Campus Ministry because they can find peers who share the same values as they do and peers to Mary Wright, diocesan director of campus ministry. that they can learn with, hang out with and have fun with.

Newsome, who converted to Catholicism as a student at They are just so happy to find a good collection of Catholic WCU, said he also looks for ways to attract more Catholic college students they can connect with.” students on campus to the ministry. While some 30 to 40

Catholic mountain retreat center will get much-needed renovation David Exum Correspondent

MAGGIE VALLEY — Nestled in the picturesque mountains of the Blue Ridge Parkway, Living Waters Catholic Reflection Center is in need of renovations since it was converted from a motel by the late Father Michael W. Murphy.

While the XX-year-old center continues to attract more than 1,100 people for Catholic retreats and spiritual groups every year, director Sister Fran Grady, a Sister of Charity of Leavenworth, prays that the diocesan Forward in Faith, Hope, and Love campaign can keep the center prospering for many years to come.

“This is a very, very old building and what has really needed attention is the plumbing,” said Sister Grady. “We’re also going to have to have a new roof here. We’ve made repairs on it, but it is really in need of a new roof.”

Sister Grady, who also works as spiritual and retreat director and sabbatical advisor, said the center is in need of painting and new furniture for the common areas and the private rooms in the main complex. She and her staff of religious women replaced Augustinian friars in 2012.

“It would be great to find the ways and means of keeping the spirit of Father Murphy alive,” said Sister Grady, who has been on staff for 10 years and director since 2010.

She was first introduced to the center in the 1990s, when she began attending several retreats here a year.

Arguably one of the most beautiful and unique retreat centers in western North Carolina, the center includes seven suites for extended stays, a hospitality room, a 72-person conference room, a second conference room/library, a spacious dining room, suites for retreat directors, a 15-person chapel, swimming pool, and an art room for creative reflection. It is also handicapped accessible and includes a chair lift to the second floor.

The center is adjacent to St. Margaret Church, which Father Murphy also led in building. It is located on a hill above the retreat center. A businessman from Detroit, he was ordained to the priesthood in 1971 when he was 80 and made building up the local Catholic community his primary mission.

He was working to build a retreat center on the 33-acre property, but the project was destroyed in a fire in 1977. Instead, a nearby hotel was converted into the existing retreat center.

“The mountains are our calling card. There is also a quietness and peacefulness that people come away with from visiting here.

People say that is a very calm and peaceful place, and it is easy to pray here.”

Priest retirement an important part of campaign David Exum Correspondent

CHARLOTTE — The Forward in Faith, Hope, and Love campaign allocates $10 million for the Diocese of Charlotte’s Priest Retirement Fund, which currently supports 24 retired priests.

According to diocesan Development Director Jim Kelley, the retirement fund is currently underfunded due to three issues: an increase to the Priests’ Retirement and Benefits Program in the early 2000s; the fund’s investment portfolio also saw poor performance as a result of the recession of 2008; and rising life expectancy of retirees.

The retirement fund needs attention if the diocese is to maintain its commitment to the priests who dedicate their lives to serving the people of western North Carolina, Kelley explained.

The retirement fund currently gets revenue each year from each of the diocese’s 92 parishes and missions, who are assessed 3.5 percent of their annual offertory collection (which amounts to slightly less than two times the regular weekend offertory). The total assessment for the 2013-’14 fiscal year is $2,187,000.

The Forward in Faith, Hope, and Love campaign will help secure the retirement fund and help limit future increases in the priest retirement assessment.

“If we’re short $10 million and we don’t do something

like this campaign, we would have to increase that 3.5 percent to a higher assessment percentage – and that would be problematic,” he said.

It’s important to keep in mind that each priest provides upwards of 40 years of service to the people of the diocese – and that goes well beyond saying Mass on Sundays. They spend hours hearing confessions, leading parishioners in prayer, making hospital and sick calls, ministering to prisoners, administering baptisms, preparing children for the sacraments, counseling couples preparing to marry, conducting funerals, and ministering to parishioners in need of spiritual guidance.

“I don’t think most people have any real clear picture of all the things a priest does, whether the parish is 300 households or 3,000 households,” Kelley said. “There are so many things priests do every day that so many people are not aware of.”

“What these priests do is life changing.”

And their service does not stop at retirement at age 70. Retired priests continue to serve in a limited capacity as their health allows.

“Some may give up the administrative work as a pastor, but they’ll still visit the sick, say Mass on weekends and be there to support (parishioners) that they’ve known for years,” Kelley said. “There are also 10 or 12 of our pastors who are working past age 70 and they are still committed to their parishes and their people, even past 70.”

Priest retirement

Clergy formation

Catholic faithful have always given their loyal support to the priests who have baptized and taught their children, preached the Gospel, presided at their weddings, comforted them in their sufferings and celebrated the Eucharist. The Diocese of Charlotte currently supports 24 retired priests and in the next decade we anticipate 30 more will reach retirement age. Providing for those who have spent a lifetime in service is a priority of the diocese and the parishioners of western North Carolina. The Diocese of Charlotte Priest Retirement Plan provides pension benefits for our retired priests.

The Forward in Faith, Hope, and Love campaign includes $10 million for the Priests Retirement Trust Fund, which will fully address the current deficiency.

As the funded status of the plan improves, there is less pressure on the Priests Retirement Benefits assessment that parishes pay annually.

Today’s seminarians come from a wide variety of backgrounds and life experiences. Each is enrolled in the seminary best suited to foster his unique gifts.

The seminarian program includes graduate course work in philosophy, theology, Sacred Scripture, preaching and pastoral care. The program also includes summer internships in parishes, hospitals, and diocesan ministries. These internships provide opportunities for our seminarians to serve with an experienced pastor and thus deepen their understanding of the priesthood.

Currently, 22 young men attend the seminary in either Columbus, Ohio, or Rome to prepare for a life of service. The Diocese of Charlotte assists students at the graduate-level with the entire cost of their formation, which totals more than $35,000 per year.

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catholicnewsherald.com | November 1, 2013 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Endowment will strengthen parish support programs and ministries David Exum Correspondent

sueann howell | catholic news herald

Above: Bishop Peter J. Jugis and Bishop Emeritus William G. Curlin cut the ribbon during the opening ceremony for Good Shepherd Gardens in Salisbury.

Diocesan campaign will help Housing Corp. provide more homes for senior citizens, handicapped adults David Exum Correspondent

CHARLOTTE — The Diocese of Charlotte’s Housing Corp. hopes to raise $2.5 million through the diocese’s Forward in Faith, Hope, and Love campaign.

“We definitely need it,” said diocesan housing director Jerry Widelski when asked about the importance of the campaign funding to this ministry, which was founded in 2001 by Bishop Emeritus William G. Curlin.

The CDCHC aims to provide affordable housing to low-income families, senior citizens and handicapped people. It has built two apartment complexes for seniors, Curlin Commons in Mooresville and Good Shepherd Gardens in Salisbury, and construction is expected to start soon on Mother Teresa Villa in Charlotte, a home for handicapped adults.

Curlin Commons in Mooresville, named in honor of Bishop Curlin, has 40 apartments for seniors with incomes between $15,000 and $28,000 per year. Good Shepherd Gardens in Salisbury was built thanks to a $3 million grant from the U.S. Housing and Urban Development. The 19 one-bedroom apartments are on property adjacent to Sacred Heart Parish and opened in December 2012.

The campaign will enable the housing corporation to help respond to the needs of low-income families, senior citizens and handicapped people in our diocese.

Widelski, who has been director of CDCHC for the past five years, sees an incredible demand in affordable housing for seniors and independent handicapped individuals. Before coming to the diocese, Widelski was a director at a non-profit housing organization for the disabled in Charlotte.

“When we built Good Shepherd Gardens, we had 50 people on the interest list and then when it came time to accept applications, we contacted all 50 people and 33 of them submitted applications for 19 units,” said Widelski.

“That’s just a sampling of the demand that we have.”

Currently, the CDCHC is in the initial stages of planning Mother Teresa Villa in the Steele Creek area of south Charlotte. The 13-unit apartment complex is expected to be completed in September 2014.

“Wherever we build – and we’ve done it already – we want to (ensure) we have a terrific liaison and support from our local parish,” said Widelski. “Whatever it might be – spiritual, social, recreation – we want to make sure our seniors and disabled residents receive assistance. Our mission is to maintain our folks in our apartments as long as possible. This is independent living, not assisted living.”

CHARLOTTE — Funds raised by the Forward in Faith, Hope, and Love campaign will ensure that the programs and ministries that touch every parish and mission in the Diocese of Charlotte will be more financially solid for many years to come.

Unlike other dioceses across the country such as the Archdiocese of Boston, the Diocese of Charlotte has been in existence for just 40 years and has not had a lot of time to build up a strong financial base of endowments and investments to rely upon well into the future. This campaign will provide such a solid foundation.

“We have never had a campaign like this,” said William G. Weldon, diocesan chief financial officer. “We are a relatively new diocese and we do not have the financial base that other more established dioceses have.”

Weldon, a certified public accountant with 20 years’ experience serving the Charlotte diocese, explained that a portion of the $65 million projected to be raised by the campaign will go towards funding endowments that

will generate income to support various activities and programs of the diocese.

One such endowment to be funded by the capital campaign will be the Parish and Mission Support Services endowment totaling $6 million. Income from this endowment will be used to provide support services to parishes and missions, such as assistance with stewardship efforts, guidance and assistance regarding personnel policies and financial matters, and pastoral planning.

Parishes and missions have already benefited from diocesan support through implementation of a diocesewide, web-based accounting system called ParishSoft, diocese-wide financial auditing and accounting standards, human resources assistance, and more.

“It means a stronger financial base so that we can do our work, our ministries, and assist our parishes more completely,” said Weldon, when asked about the importance of the campaign. “There are always financial limitations, yet there is more to do and we want to do more.

But we have to live within our financial constraints. This will obviously help in that regard.”

Cathedral renovations part of diocesan campaign Perpetual Adoration Chapel, episcopal crypt among ideas planned David Exum Correspondent

CHARLOTTE — St. Patrick Cathedral may be the “Mother Church” of the Diocese of Charlotte, but it wasn’t originally planned that way.

Built in 1939, St. Patrick’s began as a church to serve a Catholic school in the Dilworth neighborhood that the Sisters of Mercy had been operating since 1930. As the number of Catholics continued to rise in Charlotte and the O’Donoghue School expanded, St. Patrick’s officially became a parish church in 1942.

When the Charlotte diocese was carved out of the Diocese of Raleigh, St. Patrick’s was designated as the cathedral, and on Jan. 12, 1972, Bishop Michael Begley was ordained there as the first bishop of the new diocese.

Over the past 40 years, the building has undergone a few renovations – most recently in 2012 to center the tabernacle in the sanctuary, and last month to enlarge and improve the front entrance – but more extensive work on the 74-year-old structure is long past due.

The cathedral is both a parish and the seat of the bishop, so some costs are borne by parishioners while others are subsidized by the diocese. That’s where the Forward in Faith, Hope, and Love campaign fits in.

The campaign has earmarked $4 million for renovations to make the cathedral more suitable for current diocesan use – renovations that include enlarging the sanctuary area to better accommodate special liturgies, building a Perpetual Adoration chapel and an episcopal crypt, adding a sacristy for the bishop’s use, and moving the baptismal font.

“Most of the regular maintenance and renovations falls upon the burden of the parish, as most parishes would be responsible for,” explained Father Christopher Roux, rector and pastor of the cathedral since 2008. “But because it is the bishop’s church, the life of the diocese centers around the cathedral church.”

“The cathedral is spiritually important to the diocese because it is the visible center of the Church’s worship.

It is the center of the diocesan life,” he said, noting that St. Patrick Cathedral is where the bishop ordains priests, celebrates the Chrism Mass each Holy Week, and hosts similar diocese-wide liturgies.

The cathedral’s liturgies can involve literally dozens of clergy at the altar, and it is usually standing-room-only for special celebrations such as midnight Mass at Christmas, the Chrism Mass during Holy Week, and the ordination Masses of priests and deacons.

The cathedral is estimated to be among the smallest in the U.S., with a seating capacity of 400 people.

“The sanctuary of the cathedral is actually very, very

SueAnn Howell | Catholic News Herald

The Forward in Faith, Hope, and Love campaign has earmarked $4 million for renovations to make the cathedral more suitable for current diocesan use – renovations that include enlarging the sanctuary area to better accommodate special liturgies such as the Chrism Mass, pictured above. small,” Father Roux said. “And there is not the ability to actually enlarge the size of the church itself. We really can’t add more seats. We do have the ability to enlarge or open up the sanctuary area to facilitate better movement of the liturgy, and that is the primary driver of the renovations and restorations at the cathedral.”

“Conceptually, we will be able to have more flow and people will be able to move through and around the sanctuary without distracting the priests or distracting parishioners who are praying,” he said.

Notably, the renovation plan will add a Perpetual Adoration chapel and an episcopal crypt in the cathedral – two other priorities that have been discussed for the cathedral for a number of years.

The renovation plan will also add a sacristy for the bishop’s use. Currently, the cathedral has a priest sacristy and a workroom. The bishop usually vests in the rectory next door before Mass.

Father Roux said he would also like to see the baptismal font relocated. It currently sits in the middle of the central aisle, impeding processions as well as public access into the nave from the narthex.

November 1, 2013 | catholicnewsherald.com catholic news heraldI

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Frequently asked questions about the Diocese of Charlotte’s Forward in Faith, Hope, and Love campaign BACKGROUND

Over the past 40 years, our diocese has experienced extraordinary growth.

In response to the growth and the opportunities to prepare for the new evangelization, the Diocese of Charlotte has launched a diocesan-wide campaign – Forward in Faith, Hope, and Love – which will provide extraordinary resources that will better position the diocese to strengthen parishes and prepare for the future.

The people of our diocese have always responded generously to the needs of our brothers and sisters in Christ. Parishes will work together as a community united by a common goal.

Through your generosity, we will be better able to achieve our vision to renew, strengthen and advance diocesan efforts.

CAMPAIGN TOPICS Who will be asked to support Forward in Faith, Hope, and Love?

Every Catholic household in the Diocese of Charlotte will be asked to consider making a gift to the campaign.

Will every parish participate in the campaign?

Every parish in the diocese will participate in the campaign and should provide every registered family the opportunity to support the campaign.

Why emphasize personal visits?

Personal, face-to-face contact remains the single best way to inform families about the parts of the campaign and ask for their support. It emphasizes the personal nature of giving, allows for a thorough presentation of the campaign, gives potential donors the opportunity to ask questions, and enables campaign ambassadors to express their own enthusiasm.

PARISH INTERESTS Why shouldn’t I give to my parish instead?

Parish stewardship and diocesan stewardship should not be either/ or choices. No parish on its own can accomplish all of its goals and no diocese can succeed independent of its parishes.

This collaboration allows the Church as a whole to accomplish the most it possibly can in educational, charitable and pastoral programs from each dollar contributed to both parish and diocesan appeals.

How will the campaign affect parish offertory collection?

In the short term, offertory giving is expected to remain constant. Throughout the campaign, ambassadors will ask parishioners to make commitments above and beyond their regular giving.

Parishioners are asked not to diminish giving to the offertory collection, but rather to consider an increased commitment to the Church. In the longterm, similar diocesan campaigns have actually led to increases in parish offertory collections. This is because parishioners are encouraged to continue to embrace stewardship as a way of life and strengthen their vision of what it is to be a member of the Church.

Will monies raised be available to the parishes?

Yes. Twenty-five percent the funds raised up to the parish goal will be returned to the parish to address local needs, while the remaining 75 percent will be used to support broader ministries.

Monies committed between 100 percent and 140 percent of the parish goal will be divided: 50 percent to the parish and 50 percent to the broader ministries. Once a parish raises 140 percent of its goal, all additional monies will be allocated 100 percent to the parish.

Parishes will also benefit directly and/ or indirectly from the funding of the diocesan-wide campaign components such as parish and mission support services, Catholic education, faith formation, priest retirement, Catholic Charities, Multicultural Ministries, and vocation and seminarian support.

How will the parish campaign targets be determined?

All parish targets will be determined using the formula of 175% of a parish’s 2010, 2011, and 2012 average offertory.

Parish goals are considered objectives, not assessments.

GIVING TO THE CAMPAIGN Why ask parishioners for different amounts?

Wouldn’t dividing the parish goal by the number of households be easier and fairer?

It would certainly be easier. However, it would definitely not be fairer, and would probably mean that a parish would not reach its goal. We all give to our parishes in varying degrees, and some parishes have more members than others. Therefore, asking for equal amounts from everyone would not be fair. However, if parishes are allowed to raise different amounts based on their past giving and current commitments, all are challenged to give as they are able, according to their blessings.

GIFT LOGISTICS Why emphasize pledges over five years?

Pledges allow donors to consider giving more than is possible through “one-time” gifts. This is important in a campaign of the magnitude of Forward in Faith, Hope, and Love.

How will individual financial commitments be collected?

Individual pledges and initial payments will be made at the parish level. All subsequent payments will be mailed to the Diocese of Charlotte’s Finance Office and be distributed to the proper areas described in the case for support. Reminders will be issued monthly, quarterly, semi-annually or annually – depending upon the donor’s preferred schedule – with return envelopes for convenience. Electronic Fund Transfers and credit card payments are also accepted.

Do I have to make an initial payment?

Initial payments when a pledge is made are appreciated, but not required. We ask that donors consider making payments as soon as possible. As pledges are collected, money will begin to be distributed as described in our case for support.

To whom should initial payment check be made payable to?

All payments should be made payable to “Forward in Faith, Hope, and Love.”

Are checks the only type of gifts accepted?

No. While checks over five years are the most common, it may be advantageous to a donor to make a gift of stock. Such gifts may give the benefit of a tax deduction for the full value of the stock without paying capital gains tax.

Can trust and estate-type gifts be made to Forward in Faith, Hope, and Love?

Offers of trust or estate-type gifts will be considered on an individual basis. Because the campaign can benefit best from immediate funding, gifts of cash, securities or other easily liquidated property are generally sought. If a donor offers a planned gift, he or she should contact the Development Office directly at 704-370-3301.

Campaign ambassadors are not trained to discuss the details of planned gifts.

Can I make a matching gift with my employer?

Many corporations endeavor to match the charitable contributions of employees.

Please contact your company’s Human Resources professional to determine if your company participates in a matching gift program.

More online Learn more at www. forwardfaithhopelove.org.

adults.

This funding effort will enable us to meet the challenges we face and provide a stronger financial foundation to better serve our brothers and sisters throughout western North Carolina.

Will the Diocesan Support Appeal be conducted during the campaign?

Yes. Forward in Faith, Hope, and Love is an extraordinary fundraising effort, whereas the DSA is an ordinary annual fund, much like the weekly parish offertory collections. To ensure the continued success of the Diocesan Support Appeal, and the offices and ministries it supports, the appeal will be conducted during the campaign. It will be conducted in the standard manner with an adjusted timeline based on when your parish is active in the Forward in Faith, Hope, and Love campaign.

ACCOUNTABILITY AND TRANSPARENCY

What if a donor is unable to fulfill a commitment made to the campaign?

Your pledge is not a legally binding agreement. If your situation changes and you need to adjust your pledge amount or payment options, we ask that you contact the Development Office at 704-370-3347.

Options are available to modify your pledge to your new circumstances.

How do I know that my pledge to this Campaign will go to the components outlined in the Campaign Case Statement?

Bishop Jugis and the Diocese of Charlotte Advancement Corp. have gone to great lengths to ensure that the funds raised will be used exclusively for the components outlined in the campaign case statement. Additionally, an annual audit will be completed by an independent accounting firm.

Why are donors asked to sign pledge cards?

Donors are asked to sign pledge cards to indicate that they have agreed to the terms of the gift. Pledges to Forward in Faith, Hope, and Love are not legally binding.

Will there be full reporting of the Campaign receipts and expenditures?

Yes. The Diocese of Charlotte Advancement Corp. will issue an audited annual financial report.

What if parishioners move to another parish?

If parishioners move to another parish, they are asked to provide the campaign office with a new address so that they may continue to receive pledge payment reminders and other campaign-related materials.

THIS CAMPAIGN AND THE DIOCESAN SUPPORT APPEAL How is Forward in Faith, Hope, and Love different from the annual Diocesan Support Appeal (DSA)?

Forward in Faith, Hope, and Love seeks to address long-range, extraordinary needs. The Diocesan Support Appeal funds only annual operating expenses for ongoing diocesan ministries and programs. Parishioners have been very generous in supporting the Diocesan Support Appeal; however, the people of the Church have additional needs such as providing resources for essential charitable ministries and pastoral outreach, enhancing educational opportunities for our youth and young adults, strengthening programs for seminarians and families, and supporting retired priests and senior

MORE QUESTIONS?

If we have not answered your questions in this guide, please contact the Campaign Office: Forward in Faith, Hope, and Love 1123 South Church St. Charlotte, N.C. 28203-4003 Phone: 704-370-6299, ext. 2200 Fax: 704-370-3398

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catholicnewsherald.com | November 1, 2013 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

‘When the diocese was formed there was great excitement because this was something new.’

Father James Solari, retired

‘Seminary education is an investment in the men who are going to be the pastors of our parishes.’

Father John Eckert, pastor

‘Tuition assistance has provided me with a stellar education.’

Priscilla del Aguila-Vinrich, high school student

‘At Queen of the Apostles we have been blessed to grow to more than 1,000 families and that’s why we need a new church.’

Father Frank Cancro, pastor

‘At St. Ann, we want to beautify our church by creating a mural for the apse wall. We hope that this mural will be one of the most significant pieces of religious art in the Diocese of Charlotte.’

Father Timothy Reid, pastor

‘At Pius X we will be using the funds we raise to build a new parish center and office complex and a new primary education wing.’

Monsignor Anthony Marcaccio, pastor

‘The acoustics in our athletic center are terrific for basketball, but not so good for performing arts. We need additional facilities that will allow us to nurture and develop the talents of the whole student.’

George Repass, principal

‘At Our Lady of the Assumption, the gym doubles as our cafeteria.

We need to expand.’

Allana-Rae Ramkissoon, principal

‘At St. John Neumann, our faith formation program has grown from 350 to 600 children. We need to convert offices into classrooms.’

Father Pat Hoare, pastor

‘I really like that I can always come downstairs where our little chapel is and just kind of talk to God.’ Alex Cassell, college student

‘I live independently and am very proud of it. I can cook what I like, eat when I want and share with others.’

Peg Brandt, Good Shepherd Gardens resident

‘There is so much temptation in college: people are partying, people are doing a whole bunch of things transitioning to being an adult.’

Joe Cruz, college student

Watch the video online At www.forwardfaithhopelove.org: See the video launching the Forward in Faith, Hope, and Love campaign and hear more from the people featured here and others