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News & Herald
Volume 5 Number 26 • March
Serving Catholics in Western North Carolina in the Diocese of Charlotte
St.
Matthew Opens Doors To
Largest Sanctuary By
MIKE KROKOS
CHARLOTTE—It may
have been St. Patrick' s Day, but the atmosphere was more like Christmas.
Monsignor
Joseph Kerin was eager to unveil his parish' addition to the Diocese of Charlotte: a new sanctuary for St. Matthew Church.
"Monsignor looks
like a little
boy on
Christmas Day," Bishop William G. Curlin joked during his homily at the church dedication. '"He's so happy." "This building is a reflection of the work of so many," said Msgr. Kerin, who has served as pastor of St. Matthew since its inception in September, 1986. "I am very happy to be a part of this community." From a church family of 600 in 1986, St. Matthew has grown to a parish that serves 2,104 families and 7,435 members.
Mass of St. Matthew in Charlotte. The newly constructed facility is now
CSS
facility in
at the
bless
you
new 36,000-square-
began 16 months ago. The new sanctuary seats 1,874 people, and the
foot building
MIKE KROKOS
Spirit
you have done
God for
St.
Diocesan Schools Office Puts Catholicity To Test
Charlotte school students receive the gift
of Christ.
As 1
horizons,
English expands
of the written word and
physical education tests their endurance,
Gerri King, director of the Charlotte office of Catholic Social Services,
their faith is
said Bishop Begley and
Keber were selected because of their contributions to the CSS mission of reaching out to persons seeking wholeness in their lives, relationships and spirits. "They exemplify our goals and values. The contributions they have demonstrated in their lifetimes have made this a
deepened. Though faith
development primarily comes through religious education and liturgical celebrations, the fabric of faith
is
woven
through the entire curriculum.
better
me in the company of Bishop Michael Begley, the first shepherd of the Diocese of Charlotte and author of so much of what we celebrate here
their
command
presented this year's Beatty Award.
humility."
studies
history broaden their
in
,
community for all." "What makes it such an extraordinary honor is the company that it puts me in," Keber said to the more than 450 people in attendance. "It puts me in the company of Colonel Francis Joseph Beatty, a giant of his time; a great leader of people and causes and a man of enormous compassion and
JOANN KEANE
CHARLOTTE — On any given day
Award recognizes a special person or organization who come to Catholic Social
See Award, next page
what we
during the school year, 6,250 Diocese of
and treasure with those
"It puts
is
Associate Editor
The Colonel Francis J. Beatty Award, established in 1 99 is presented annually to an individual whose strong religious faith promotes effective church and public service in Mecklenburg County. "He (Colonel Beatty) was a gentle person who always had a twinkle in his eye. ..I learned about him in terms of what he had done for the community years before I was lucky enough to become part of the community," said John Engler, 1995
who
That
Matthew and more photos on page 3
See
Services seeking assistance.
winner,
for all
By
recognized by Catholic Social Services at the Omni Hotel March 13. Peter Keber, senior vice president of NationsBank, received the Francis J. Beatty Award and retired Bishop Michael J. Begley was honored with a
Award. The
Christ.
the Diocese of Charlotte.
Editor
that has shared talent
is
Christ today."
CHARLOTTE — Two men dedicated to Church and community were
Spirit
it
was completed.
Presents Beatty Award, Honors Bishop By
a stranger,
celebrate, the Christ in each of you.
All three of the diocese's bishops
Construction on the
the largest parish
is growing at an average rate of 60 people per month, and many predict St. Matthew will soon have the largest church family in the diocese as well. "How wonderful this place is, built by your faith and love in Jesus Christ," Bishop Curlin told parishioners. "It is like today's readiug from the Old Testament: we are dancing like David in happiness. We are here today celebrating the Jesus in all of you." "If you carry in the Sacrament of Jesus, then every day will be glorious here," he added. "Who is seated next to you today? Whether it is a loved one or
were instrumental in the building of the church, Msgr. Kerin said. Retired Bishop Michael J. Begley (who attended
addition
Altar servers carry the parish cross at the conclusion of the dedication
now the largest in the
Tower
Masses were held
there doubled as a sanctuary until this latest
JOANN KEANE
is
parish
Place Cinemas. Later that year, a parish center was dedicated and the gymnasium
Until 1989,
Photo by
The
diocese.
this festive occasion,
Diocese
In
physical facility
Editor
On
22, 1996
This entwining of faith and Photo by
Award Winners. Bishop
JOANN KEANE
William G. Curlin joins retired Bishop Michael J. Begley, recipient of Catholic Social Services Spirit Award, and Peter Keber, the 1 996 Colonel Frances J. Beatty award winner. The CSS awards banquet was held March 13 at the Omni Hotel.
curriculum is carefully orchestrated, and one way the Catholic Schools Office of the Diocese of Charlotte
works
to bring
the educational investment of diocesan
youth to
fruition.
"Our schools
are unique; they are
Catholic," says Dr. Michael Skube.
See Schools, page 6
The