HICKORY — St. Aloysius Parish in Hickory and St. Dorothy Parish in Lincolnton took a significant step toward nurturing virtue and brotherhood within their communities with the inauguration of a Fraternus chapter for both parish communities.
The inaugural 46 members gathered to celebrate the new endeavor, aimed at fostering character development in Catholic men and boys.
Fraternus, a nationwide organization rooted in Catholic principles, focuses on cultivating virtue and authentic masculinity through mentorship and fraternal bonds. The establishment of a local chapter underscores the commitment of St. Aloysius and St. Dorothy parishes to instill values of faith, integrity and service among its male members. During the ceremony, Father David Miller, St. Dorothy’s pastor, emphasized the role Fraternus can play in guiding men and boys on their journey toward holiness.
“Today, we embark on a sacred mission to grow in virtue and brotherhood,” Father Miller said. “Fraternus offers us a path to deepen our faith and become true disciples of Christ.”
St. Aloysius Parish hosts the weekly Fraternus gatherings on Mondays at 6:30 p.m. All Catholic men and boys in the sixth grade and older from surrounding parishes are invited to attend.
Meetings include a group meal, competitive activities, prayer, reflection, and small group discussions centered on Catholic teachings and virtues.
— Catholic News Herald
CLEMMONS — Long-time Holy Family parishioner Dick Foley has been awarded the second annual St. Teresa of Calcutta Award in recognition of his charitable work, dedication to meeting the needs of the parish and its members, his faith, and his heart of a servant.
The award is named in honor of the charitable service of St. Teresa and awarded to those parishioners who give of their time and energy with selfless dedication.
Foley, along with his wife Mary Ellen and their family, joined Holy Family Parish in 1992 and have continuously served the needs of the community.
For many years he has served Holy Family and St. Leo parishes as a Tribunal Advocate, assisting people with applications for marriage annulments. He meets two or three times per week with parishioners leading them through the process that requires attention to detail, a strong faith, and much patience.
In his earlier years, Foley was a leader of Holy Family’s Charismatic Prayer Group. Five years ago, he initiated the Flame of Love Cenacle program in which parishioners meet to pray for people in the parish and in the world. With his persistence and faith, the group has continued to grow and now has 45 members who meet each Monday night.
An attendee of daily Mass, Eucharistic Adoration, and First Saturday morning Mass, Foley is also a lector, extraordinary minister of Holy Communion, and a member of the Knights of Columbus.
— Catholic News Herald