CHARLOTTE — The theme for the 2017 Diocese of Charlotte Eucharist Congress will be “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord,” which comes from the first chapter of the Gospel book of Luke.
The Marian theme will set the tone for the annual gathering of thousands of Catholics at the Charlotte Convention Center on Friday and Saturday, Sept. 8-9.
The theme is placed in the familiar logo that consists of an altar cross and gold disc symbolizing the Eucharist.
The Eucharistic Congress has grown in popularity since it was first celebrated in 2006. More than 15,000 people attended last year’s event.
— David Hains, diocesan director of communication
More online
At www.goeucharist.com: Check out the official website for the Eucharistic Congress, where updates on keynote speakers and registration information will be posted as details are announced
CHARLOTTE — Parishioners at St. Thomas Aquinas and St. Ann churches in Charlotte gathered to welcome the dawn with a “Rorate Mass,” a votive Mass in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary, that is celebrated during the Advent season.
For this special liturgy held traditionally before sunrise, the church is lit with only candlelight. The name for the Mass comes from the first word of the Introit: “Rorate, caeli, desuper, et nubes pluant iustum,” or “Drop down dew, O heavens, from above, and let the clouds rain down righteousness.”
The celebrant at St. Thomas Aquinas Church was Father Matthew Kauth, assisted by Father Patrick Winslow and Father Jason Christian. At St. Ann Church, the Mass was offered by Father Jason Barone, assisted by Father Tim Reid and Father Joseph Matlak.
— Photos by John Cosmas | Catholic News Herald
