CHARLOTTE — “We’re all in this together” is the motto that guides the Our Lady of Consolation Church family.
Parishioners are finding new meaning in this phrase in response to the impact of COVID-19 on the parish and surrounding community.
Since the outbreak of the pandemic, OLC has expanded efforts to provide support to those in need by forming new and building upon existing partnerships with local community organizations.
OLC is a Catholic community celebrating the rich heritage of both Roman Catholicism and African-American traditions. The mission of this parish northeast of downtown Charlotte is to become a beacon of hope and strength in the community, through outreach and sharing of the gifts of time, talent and treasure.
The parish’s St. Martin de Porres Pantry serves parishioners and others in the surrounding community seeking assistance, particularly with food. Volunteers provide food to people in neighborhoods where there is food insecurity, either due to lack of access to healthy foods or the lack of accessible grocery stores nearby. OLC expanded these efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic by establishing new partnerships with CMS Family Engagement and Community Partnership and Project L.I.F.T.
OLC served more than 300 people and provided over 200 bags of food in 60 days during April and May to neighbors in west Charlotte, Lincoln Heights, Statesville Avenue and surrounding areas.
A major food donation from Lauren Kane, a student at Charlotte Catholic High School, helped fill the gap and replenished many food items that were quickly being depleted.
On May 29, volunteers from the food pantry, equipped with masks and open hearts, served 75 families in the pouring rain.
Community Coordinator Carlenia Ivory said, “I want to thank you and Our Lady of Consolation for the meals for the families at the Project L.I.F.T. office at LaSalle. The recipients were so appreciative and grateful.”
The parish’s Health Care Ministry also expanded its existing partnership with Atrium Health by offering free COVID-19 mobile testing on April 29. OLC advertised the testing opportunity on its website, through public service announcements, emails and phone calls.
A total of 170 people were tested for COVID-19 that day, and Atrium Health reported the site was one of its largest attended to date.
Another outreach effort at the parish has been a new parishioner prayer line. It offers another way for OLC ministries to be engaged and minister to those who request prayer.
OLC is also exploring ways to improve outreach efforts to seniors in the community. As the parish embarks upon a capital campaign, it has prompted serious thought and consideration to seek support to restore its facilities and education building for use in offering programs and other outlets.
In these ways, OLC parishioners renew their commitment and continue to find meaningful ways to respond during these challenging times.
— Bartina L. Edwards and Chevonna Nimmons, Special to the Catholic News Herald. Photos provided by Gary and Deborah Wadsworth
Learn more
To find out more about Our Lady of Consolation Church, its COVID-19 outreach efforts, or to donate, go online to www.ourladyofconsolation.org.