Fr. Roger Arnsparger at St. Mark in Huntersville welcomed two new gifts totaling $80,000. All parish families have noticed the substantial growth experienced each Sunday at Mass. Since its establishment in 1997, St. Mark parish has increased from 250 households to more than 4,000 parishioners. St. Mark is a representation of the growth experienced throughout the diocese.
Bishop Peter Jugis hosted a special reception at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Charlotte. At the reception, Bishop reflected on the growth of the diocese over the past 10 years and shared his vision for the future. Bishop noted that since his ordination, there have been 18 new churches blessed. The Cathedral, as the Mother Church of the Diocese, hosts many important Masses including seminarian ordination and Chrism Mass.
Fr. Andrew Nowak shared Forward in Faith, Hope, and Love with families at a reception at Sacred Heart in Brevard. Parishioners were especially interested in hearing about the Priest Retirement and Catholic Education portions. One parishioner stated, “Me and my eight brothers and sisters were able to go to Catholic primary and high school because of tuition assistance in our town. I’m really glad the diocese is working to make sure that more children will have the opportunity to get a catholic education.”
Fr. Carmen Malacari and the Ambassadors at Holy Spirit in Denver received more than $60,000 in pledged commitments from parish families. At a recent Ambassador meeting, one volunteer shared her thoughts on visiting with families, “We form a little bond, and we get to know people a little bit better. It’s been a really positive experience to talk with families and find out what we have in common.”
The Ambassador Team at St. Matthew in Charlotte welcomed more than $50,000 in commitments. The Ambassador team continues to grow and they are excited to educate their fellow parishioners. Reflecting upon a recent visit, one Ambassador described her enjoyment in, “Getting to meet new people. I made a new friend with a woman I celebrate Mass with every week – we just didn’t know each other. Representing St. Matthew as an Ambassador presented “an incredible opportunity to make a new friend at the parish.”
Fr. Christopher Gober and the Ambassador Team at St. Lucien in Spruce Pine welcomed a $30,000 pledge commitment this week. In only two weeks, the parish has raised more than 50% of their overall parish goal. The Ambassador team continues to go out and share the message of Forward in Faith, Hope, and Love.
Fr. Wilbur Thomas and the Leadership Team at the Basilica of St. Lawrence in Asheville welcomed more than $189,000 in gifts this week, including a pledge of $150,000. Over the next several months, the Leadership Team looks forward to educating each parishioner about Forward in Faith, Hope and Love and inviting their participation. The campaign will help the Basilica build a new Parish Life Center.
Congratulations to Fr. David Miller and the team of ambassadors at St. Dorothy in Lincolnton for surpassing their campaign target of $395,000. St. Dorothy parishioners generously pledged $418,645 and is the leader in the diocese for overall parish participation with 52% of the community contributing with a gift.
