March 22, 1996

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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


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March 22, 1996 by Catholic News Herald - Issuu