The anniversary year opened with a Holy Hour and Mass on Jan. 12, the exact date of our founding 50 years ago, at St. Patrick Cathedral in Charlotte.
Other celebrations included Catholic Family Day at Carowinds, a celebration at the Whitewater Center, a Charlotte Knights baseball game and more. Take a look at the celebrations in photos.

Opening Mass for 50th anniversary year

Opening Mass for 50th anniversary year

Opening Mass for 50th anniversary year

Opening Mass for 50th anniversary year

St. Patrick Cathedral in Charlotte lit up.

St. Mark Church in Huntersville lit up

Carolina Catholic Day at Carowinds

Carolina Catholic Day at Carowinds

Carolina Catholic Day at Carowinds

Carolina Catholic Day at Carowinds

Carolina Catholic Day at Carowinds

Catholic night at the Charlotte Knights

Catholic night at the Charlotte Knights

Catholic night at the Charlotte Knights

Catholic night at the Charlotte Knights

Catholic night at the Charlotte Knights

Catholic night at the Charlotte Knights

Catholic night at the Charlotte Knights

Catholic night at the Charlotte Knights

Catholic night at the Charlotte Knights

Catholic night at the Charlotte Knights

Catholic night at the Charlotte Knights

Whitewater Center celebration

Whitewater Center celebration

Whitewater Center celebration

Whitewater Center celebration

Whitewater Center celebration

Whitewater Center celebration

Whitewater Center celebration

Whitewater Center celebration

Whitewater Center celebration

Closing Mass for the 50th anniversary

Closing Mass for the 50th anniversary

Closing Mass for the 50th anniversary

Closing Mass for the 50th anniversary

Closing Mass for the 50th anniversary

Closing Mass for the 50th anniversary