HENDERSONVILLE — Capuchin Franciscan Father Martin Schratz, pastor, announced June 1 that the order will be departing Immaculate Conception Parish next month after 28 years of pastoral ministry there. The parish will be served by Diocese of Charlotte clergy effective July 9.
“Over these years we have seen this parish grow in so many ways – physically and spiritually. St. Francis called us friars to be pilgrims and strangers in this world. We came here 28 years ago as pilgrims and strangers and now it is time for us to continue that journey elsewhere,” Father Schratz wrote in a newsletter to parishioners.
The order is withdrawing from other parishes in the province, he noted, as a result of declining vocations and the advancing ages of its friars.
Immaculate Conception is the only remaining parish served by the Capuchin Franciscans in the Charlotte diocese. Seven years ago, the friars also withdrew from pastoral ministry at St. Thomas Aquinas and Our Lady of Consolation parishes in Charlotte.
Father Schratz asked for everyone’s prayers during this time of transition.
— Catholic News Herald