CHARLOTTE — Seven mission churches in the Diocese of Charlotte will receive grant awards from the Diocese of Charlotte Foundation in 2019. The annual awards are given out based on need and the impact the funds are expected to have on their local communities.
This year $46,575 will be awarded. The grants range from $3,165 to $5,000.
One of the award recipients is Immaculate Conception Mission in Canton. Two programs at the mission will receive grant awards: minority teen scholarships and an evangelization initiative. Each program will receive a $5,000 award.
The money provided through the Diocese of Charlotte Foundation will enable the Canton mission to continue developing its youth ministry and outreach efforts – funding a bilingual youth evangelization director, Jessica Martin, and providing scholarships to needy students to attend pilgrimages and retreats such as Duc In Altum.
Martin, 21, has already made an impact with organizing popular youth events at the church on Wednesday nights that culminate with Eucharistic Adoration and Mass. Her personal outreach to youth in the community has already made a difference, noted Father Richard Sutter, parochial administrator.
“She is the bridge between middle school and high school, and she is the primary leader for coordinating the college age ministry,” he said. “She’s extremely gifted and talented in her organizational skills for her age, and she’s extremely thoughtful.”
One youth group participant agreed, saying, “She does so much. She keeps us all on track.”
Other missions in the diocese receiving grant awards include: Immaculate Heart of Mary Mission in Hayesville, $5,000 for the St. Vincent de Paul Society; Our Lady of Fatima Mission in Winston-Salem, $3,410 for roof repairs and $5,000 for interior painting of the church; Our Lady of the Mountains Mission in Highlands, $5,000 for interior painting of the church; St. Bernadette Mission in Linville, $3,165 for the Ave Maria Food Pantry; St. Frances of Rome Mission in Sparta, $5,000 for faith formation support; and St. Jude Mission in Sapphire, $5,000 for the Smoky Mountain Pregnancy Care Center and $5,000 for the Circle of Hope Program.
Since 2001, the Diocese of Charlotte Foundation has awarded 359 grants totaling $939,560.
“Each of those grants has allowed a parish, school or agency to more effectively serve people,” said Jim Kelley, diocesan director of development. “These dollars have had an impact.”
These grants are distributed from one of the foundation’s 260-plus endowments. For more information about these grants, contact Gina Rhodes at 704-370-3364 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
—SueAnn Howell, senior reporter