FOREST CITY — Deacon Andrew Cilone, who has served at Immaculate Conception Church in Forest City as a Deacon for over 40 years, was awarded the Old North State Award.
This honor is given by the governor to recognize “dedication and service beyond expectation and excellence to the Great State of North Carolina.”
A member of the Diocese of Charlotte’s first class of permanent deacons, Cilone was ordained on May 29, 1983.
He cantors at Mass, serves as director of religious education, works in prison ministry, makes visits to the hospitalized and to the homebound and has taught and mentored deacons in Western North Carolina.
In 2017, Andy was named Forest City's Citizen of the Year for his outstanding contributions to the community.
He is an active leader in the Knights of Columbus, helping support the community through coats and gifts for children at Christmas, cans for the Kid Backpack lunch program, food for the Rutherford food pantry and other initiatives.
— Photo courtesy of Chris Garcia Images
Stations of the Cross, Greensboro
Eagle Scout projects are a vital part of earning the prestigious Eagle rank, showcasing each Scout’s leadership, creativity, and commitment to service. These projects often involve improving a religious space, school, or local community – a lasting contribution that reflects a Scout’s values and vision.
Each year, nearly 30,000 Scouts nationwide pursue the Eagle rank, a respected achievement that can open doors to scholarships, college admissions, and even future career opportunities. Completing the Eagle journey typically takes three to six years, a testament to the perseverance and dedication required.
Marian Grotto, Greensboro
Stations and Marian Grotto
A brother and sister from Our Lady of Grace Parish in Greensboro were quite busy over the past few months.
Caroline Braden, with the assistance of her all-girls Scout troop, decided to devote her Eagle Scout project to help her parish, Our Lady of Grace. She built outdoor Stations of the Cross that feature solid bronze castings from Italy. Her younger brother Julian, from Pack 149, built the Marian grotto. The area right outside the church was chosen because it is easily accessible from the sidewalk.
When Father Casey Coleman saw them, he said they turned out better than he could have ever imagined.
“Everybody said they look absolutely fantastic,” he said.
Commemoration of the unborn, Lenoir
Pro-life commemoration
Eagle Scout Isaac Nolten decided to focus his project on a pro-life commemoration of the unborn. Now, along the side of St. Francis of Assisi Church in Lenior, there is a fountain and black granite gravestone dedicated to remembering the 66 million lives taken by abortion. Nolten teamed up with volunteers from the local Knights of Columbus and his project took about nine months from planning to completion.