SALISBURY — Five thousand miles away, students in a village in western Ghana are using a new computer lab. Patients suffering from malaria and skin infections are getting treatment. And everyone in town is grateful to the people of Sacred Heart Church and School, who reached across the miles with their hearts and their hands to help them.
Butre is a small fishing village nestled amid the sparkling white beaches of the Gulf of Guinea and the tropical rainforests that cover much of Africa’s west coast.
The Sacred Heart parish and school began serving this impoverish community several years ago and has developed a close relationship with the local pastor. According to Sacred Heart’s Principal Frank Cardelle, this “Ghana Friendship Mission Project” is all about living the Gospel.
“One of the fundamentals of our mission statement at Sacred Heart Catholic School includes teaching the importance of community service to our students,” Cardelle said. “We stress the unselfish dedication of time, talent, resources and prayer to those who are less fortunate. Class work is not all ‘talk.’ Our students participate in many community service projects throughout the school year, with our Ghana mission project lasting over 10 months.”
In June, 12 people including Cardelle made the 5,300-mile trek from Salisbury to Butre, bringing medical and school supplies collected over the past school year. The missionaries traveled in two mission trips June 4-10 and June 17-24. Father Noah Carter from Our Lady of Grace in Greensboro, the former parochial vicar of Sacred Heart Church, led the spiritual part of the mission team.
The first trip was led by Sacred Heart parent and hospitalist Dr. Matt Harrison and critical care nurse Jeffrey Motes, both from Novant Health Rowan Regional Medical Center; and Harrison’s daughter Rachel, a rising junior at Christ the King High School and 2014 Sacred Heart alumnus.
Harrison and Motes have both served in Ghana before – Harrison has made seven medical mission trips, and Motes one trip last year. The trip was conducted in partnership with Helping Hands Medical Missions.
The medical team went door to door, visiting homes built from handmade bricks and mud, searching for the sick and offering prayer and support.
They diagnosed and treated many tropical diseases such as malaria, elephantiasis, parasitic intestinal infections and skin infections. They counseled on nutrition, healthy drinking water and other community health concerns. They supplied medicines for pain, infection, allergy, hypertension and a host of other problems.
They traveled to three different villages – setting up temporary clinics in schools and even outdoors under pavilions – seeing more than 1,300 patients in five days.
“Every day was absolutely amazing and life changing,” said Harrison’s daughter Rachel. “We traveled to help serve and convert, promoting the Catholic faith through evangelization and assisting of the needy.”
The second group of Sacred Heart mission workers followed on June 17, bringing with them bookbags, school supplies, refurbished computers and iPads, and soccer uniforms and balls that had been collected by Sacred Heart students over the past school year.
The missionaries included Cardelle’s daughter Cecilia, a 2013 alumnus of Sacred Heart and a rising senior at Salisbury High School. She spent all last year raising money and collecting items for the mission trip, which she called “a privilege.”
“The experience was nothing short of life-changing,” she said.
“The people of Butre are truly like no other. To say that my father and I were welcomed with open arms is an incredible understatement. From the very first day, the townspeople, the school children, the teachers and even city officials accepted us with great hospitality and kindness.”
They worked at the Butre primary school for five days donating book bags, school supplies and setting up a computer lab composed of 10 laptops, four iPads and a projector.
“Our primary role was to set up the lab and train the teachers on how to use the interactive learning applications, Microsoft applications on the laptops, and the interactive projector. Eventually, we trained the students to do the same,” Cecilia explained.
“The gratitude that my dad and I received after completing the lab was unparalleled,” she added. “On our last day in Butre, the town held a dedication to thank us for the work we did. The celebration was full of life and rich in culture – a truly extraordinary experience.
“During our stay, the Butre people were nothing short of grateful for our work, but by the end of our trip I felt like I should be thanking them. The things that we were able to donate to those students can be measured in dollars, but the things those students gave to me was priceless.”
Cecilia has made the Ghana Friendship Mission part of her senior project at Salisbury High School. And the missionaries aim to return next year as well as establish relationships in the area to ensure ongoing medical care for the Ghanaian people they felt so privileged to serve.
— Robin Fisher, Special to the Catholic News Herald. Robin Fisher is the communications director of Sacred Heart School.
Learn more
At www.hhmm.org: Get more information on how to join or donate to these missions at the Helping Hands Medical Missions website. Contact Sacred Heart School at 704-633-2841 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to donate school supplies, book bags or computers in nice condition.
This story was published Jan. 28, 2016
CHARLOTTE — Our Lady of Victory, pray for us!
That is the appeal from Charlotte-area Catholics as the Carolina Panthers gear up for Super Bowl 50 on Sunday, Feb. 7, against the Denver Broncos.
To help get Panthers fans into the game-day spirit, the Catholic News Herald, the newspaper for the Diocese of Charlotte, is promoting a novena to Our Lady of Victory starting Jan. 29. Catholics across the Charlotte diocese, as well as Panthers fans everywhere, are encouraged to come together in prayer to cheer on the NFC champion team, which recorded a stunning 17-1 season in 2015.
The Panthers are one of only 10 teams in NFL history to complete a regular season with just one loss.
They have been to the Super Bowl only one other time in franchise history – for Super Bowl XXXVIII in Houston on Feb. 2, 2004, where they were defeated by the New England Patriots, 32-29.
The Patriots missed a rematch with the Panthers for this year's Super Bowl 50. But Denver beat New England for the AFC Championship, so the Panthers will face the Broncos (12-4) on Feb. 7 in Santa Clara, California. The Broncos are a seasoned team, one of only four teams to have made eight appearances in the Super Bowl.
On Jan. 28 as the Panthers finished practice, Catholic News Herald senior reporter SueAnn Howell caught up with All-Pro middle linebacker Luke Kuechly, just one of several Catholics on the team besides head coach Ron Rivera.
Kuechly credits his parents and his Catholic faith for having a positive impact not just on his NFL career, but on his outlook on life generally.
"I went to a Catholic grade school, Jesuit high school and a Jesuit college, and I think you just learn certain things growing up in that environment. Really, the biggest thing I learned from it is respect and to treat people correctly," he told the Catholic News Herald.
"Your background has something to do with it, but my parents I think were the biggest impact on that, as far as to be a good person. You know, it's not that hard, as long as you're nice to people, everything works out. Treat people how you want to be treated. It's pretty straightforward stuff, and I think it makes things easier."
Kuechly, a product of St. Xavier High School, a Catholic school for boys, near his hometown of Evendale, Ohio, and a graduate of Boston College, is known as a fierce competitor who does not give up, a natural and humble leader, the person everyone calls "the nicest guy on the team."
When he was in the fourth grade, Kuechly first played organized football with Cincinnati's Catholic Youth Organization.
At "St. X," Kuechly played linebacker and racked up 147 tackles, six sacks, two forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries, two interceptions and a TD in his junior year. He helped his team go 15-0, winning the Division 1 Ohio state title. As a senior in 2008, he had 130 tackles, a sack, three forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and an interception. He was a two-time All Greater Catholic League selection at St. X, gaining first-team honors in 2008.
Kuechly, a three-time All America linebacker for Boston College, was the ninth overall pick in the 2012 NFL draft.
He was named the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year in the 2012 season, and followed that up by being named the NFL Defensive Player of the Year by the Associated Press in 2013, joining Lawrence Taylor as the only players in NFL history to win the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year and NFL Defensive Player of the Year in successive years.
Kuechly said he doesn't really have a special patron saint or a special prayer he always says before a game.
"We say a couple prayers in the locker room before games, though," he said.
The team is often seen praying at each game, and players are known as much for their charitable works off the field, especially for children in need, as much as they are for their sportsmanship on the field.
Perhaps Kuechly will join in the nine-day prayer with us, as the Catholic News Herald gave him information about the prayer as well as a number of blessed items, including a prayer card from the Church of Our Lady of Victory in Paris, France, a prayer card with a religious medal of Our Lady of Victory from the Shrine Basilica of Our Lady of Our Lady of Victory in Buffalo, New York, and a Miraculous Medal.
— SueAnn Howell, senior reporter
NOVENA PRAYER TO OUR LADY OF VICTORY
This nine-day novena starts Friday, Jan. 29, leading up to the Super Bowl on Sunday, Feb. 7.
Our Lady of Victory, we have unshaken confidence in your influence with your Son, Our Lord, Jesus Christ. Humbly we ask your intercession for all of us associated under your title, Our Lady of Victory.
We beg your powerful assistance also for our own personal needs (Please mention here your special intention). In your maternal kindness please ask Jesus to forgive all our sins and failings, and to secure His blessings for us and for all the works of charity dedicated to your name.
We implore you to obtain for us the grace of sharing Christ's victory and yours forever in the life that knows no ending. May we join you there to praise forever the Father, His Son, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit, one God, for all ages to come.
Amen.
Carolina Panthers Linebacker Kuechly talks about Catholic haithCarolina Panthers linebacker Luke Kuechly talks about Catholic faith #keeppounding #PrayforPanthersJoin in a nine-day novena for Super Bowl victory starting tomorrow: bit.ly/1UtJCm3
Posted by Catholic News Herald on Thursday, January 28, 2016
HIGH POINT — Oncologist Dr. Bernard Chinnasami is a man on a mission. For more than 20 years he has been treating cancer patients, witnessing their struggles as they try to comprehend their diagnosis and treatment plan. He has made it his life's work to accompany people with cancer on their journey, helping them to become equipped with the knowledge they need to navigate their days ahead, but also to put things into a faith perspective.
To that end, Chinnasami, a member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, created Cancer Guide Posts of Strength, an interactive website that gives "directions for the journey" for newly diagnosed cancer patients, their friends and family. Information from trusted experts, cancer guides and volunteer mentors, as well as "Intersections," a regular educational program, can all be found in one location on the Cancer GPS website, www.cancergps.org.
In addition to all of the free practical information, an integral part of the Cancer GPS mission is to address the importance that spirituality plays in a cancer patient's journey.
"I've been doing this for over 20 years now, and what has always surprised me is how much people are not in touch with their faith and God Himself, and the questions they ask," Chinnasami says. "I think doctors, especially, and other healthcare professionals are not well-trained to answer the questions. Once there is a diagnosis of cancer, somebody questions their mortality. I think this comes to the forefront very quickly for almost everybody."
Chinnasami sees this moment as special. "When these questions suddenly come up, it became evident to me that this is an opportunity to explore our faith and to realize how amazing our faith is, in terms of helping us get through tough times.
"There's nothing like a diagnosis of cancer to bring someone close to God quickly."
Oblate Father Vince Smith, pastor of Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, is featured in a video for Cancer GPS, answering some of people's typical questions about God and their faith when they are confronted with a cancer diagnosis.
"We've had many discussions and we've actually worked with many patients together," Chinnasami says of his work with Father Smith, helping patients to navigate what is often a complicated physical and spiritual journey.
People have asked Chinnasami how he keeps such a good attitude while caring for the sick and sometimes dying.
"I've always realized that it is my faith that has gotten me through," he replies. "We always say we need to do our part and place our trust in God. That is from a perspective of knowing that we are all human and this is what we can do. Also, we must have the humility to place our trust in Him. That gets us through the difficult questions when patients ask, 'Why me' or 'Why my child'?"
Beyond the necessarily personal interactions between patient and doctor, or between parishioner and priest, Chinnasami sees the Cancer GPS website as filling a need.
"Sometimes these questions come up at 2 a.m., when you don't have someone to go and talk to. So that is why we thought we would do the video, too, and place it online so it can be a friendly reminder as to how rich our faith is and how forgiving our God is," he says.
And, he adds, "I think this also opens the door for them to realize that they can go back. I think it gives the people who get through this a much better understanding and value of their faith, rather than taking it for granted. I look at cancer as an opportunity to reintroduce people to their faith. During such a difficult time, that is what gets most of us through.
"That is how I envision it. Not to tell them what to do, but to reintroduce them to their God."
Spiritual health is just as important in a person's overall well-being, Chinnasami says.
"Almost everybody feels good about talking to somebody who feels it's not just medicine alone. I look at it as part of the overall care. Cancer care is so multidisciplinary – it takes so many physicians, dieticians, psychologists. But the very prime person is also your spiritual counselor.
"We want them to know we are not trying to split their bodies and spirits into two different components completely, but to treat them as a whole."
Another goal of Cancer GPS is to help churches connect with these resources for parishioners who are facing a cancer diagnosis. Many parishes already have cancer support groups or prayer groups dedicated to praying for those effected by the disease.
"Part of the goal is to try to dial up the churches who already have outreach, and we can come help set up and link in to the parishes. Cancer GPS speaks beautifully about our faith. It ties in everything else. This is a great way for us to reintroduce people, to show this is very much part of our faith in terms of how we take care of ourselves."
Chinnasami says he has witnessed firsthand that patients who embrace their faith see a huge difference in how they approach their overall lives.
"First, it makes them realize who really is in charge. More importantly, the peace they find with the end, whether they survive or whether they don't survive, to realize it is all a part of the amazing journey for us to be able to give everything we can. I think it brings them a great sense of peace."
Chinnasami hopes to help as many people and parishes as possible to connect with Cancer GPS resources so that he can help them put all the components of cancer care under one umbrella on the local level.
"I'd love for them to contact us directly. We can be a super resource for them. I think people will feel safer to have professionals helping them, but at the same time being able to provide it in a kind, great way at a local place.
"They don't have to do things alone. There is plenty of expertise for all of us to share and help each other," he says.
Chinnasami hopes the Cancer GPS outreach will also help people of all ages grow in their faith and see just how powerful prayer is.
"I think this is a way we can help share experiences to bridge the gap between the healthy and the sick, the young and old, the rich and poor. Cancer knows no boundaries, unfortunately. I think that this is a great way to help bring people together under adversity to explore all of these things together."
His own faith journey has been impacted through his work treating cancer patients, Chinnasami notes.
"I have always grown up like this. I have always felt that I will do my part and do everything to the best of my ability and put all my trust in Him. Things have an amazing way of working out. Not always the way I want it to work out. But I can see how He meant it to work out as things unfolded. We always want everyone to be cured, obviously, but unfortunately this is not a disease where we have reached that stage yet. I can see the beauty of families coming together. I can see the transformation in people – how amazing that is!"
"What I have learned very nicely is that humility is learning that in healing, God has His own plans for each one of us. We have to have the humility to be able to accept it."
— SueAnn Howell, Senior reporter
HUNTERSVILLE — The Diocese of Charlotte has two new priests, ordained during this Extraordinary Jubilee Year of Mercy for the Church. Father Cory Catron and Father David McCanless were ordained by Bishop Peter J. Jugis during a two-hour Mass June 18 at St. Mark Church that drew hundreds of people, including dozens of priests and deacons, women religious, Knights of Columbus and lay faithful.
Seated before the sanctuary at the start of Mass, both men were presented for ordination to the bishop by Father Christopher Gober, director of vocations for the diocese.
"Most Reverend Father, Holy Mother Church asks you to ordain these, our brothers, for the responsibility of the priesthood," Father Gober said. Upon Bishop Jugis' inquiry as to their worthiness, Father Gober affirmed it and Bishop Jugis accepted them for the order of the priesthood. A loud round of applause then arose from the faithful gathered for the celebration.
During his homily, Bishop Jugis noted that Jesus the High Priest established the priesthood in the Church. "Today, with a brother's kindness, He chooses these two men to share in His sacred ministry through the laying on of hands," he said. "By the special grace of the Holy Spirit, they now conceive the indelible spiritual character which consecrates them and configures them to Christ."
He asked those gathered to consider the power of the Holy Spirit who is capable of transforming the men into an 'alter Christus,' another Christ. "Such a power in that Holy Spirit, so that now these two men have the power to act as Christ the Head... It's a divine power, the power of the Holy Spirit."
Bishop Jugis directed his comments to both of the men being ordained, reminding them of their priestly responsibilities upon receiving the power of the Holy Spirit. He explained that through the power of the Holy Spirit they will offer the Eucharist, to make the Real Presence present. They will also have the power to absolve penitents of their sins, power to bring the healing power of Christ to the sick, and power to extend Christ's salvific work in the world, he said.
"You are being ordained priests during the Extraordinary Holy Year, the Jubilee of Mercy," he then told them. "You are priests of the Holy Year of Mercy. Shepherd the faithful with the mercy of Jesus."
He enumerated the ways that Jesus showed mercy to the People of God. He showed mercy to the sick, to the dying, to sinners in need of forgiveness, and to those who needed instruction in the ways of the kingdom of God.
"Jesus showed mercy to the whole human race by suffering, dying and rising to destroy sin and death. Bring the mercy of Jesus to the people of God through the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass and the Eucharist, which make the merciful event of the sacrifice of Calvary really present to us," he said.
After the homily, Bishop Jugis asked both men a series of questions to express their desire and willingness to be ordained priests and to fulfill the responsibilities that come with ordination. Then, one at a time, the men approached the bishop, placing their hands in his to signify obedience to him and to the Church.
The Litany of Supplication followed, during which the men laid prostrate before the altar as Bishop Jugis and everyone gathered at the Mass knelt in prayer and chanted the Litany of the Saints. Then they arose and approached the bishop, who laid his hands on their heads. During this most solemn moment of the ordination rite, Bishop Jugis prayed silently over them for the gift of the Holy Spirit to descend upon them.
Dozens of priests then took their turn laying hands on the newly ordained priests, joining the bishop in invoking the Holy Spirit to come upon the two men.
Father Cory Catron was then vested by Father Thaddeus Zuber of the Archdiocese of Newark, N.J., his great-uncle and mentor. Father David McCanless was vested by Father Joseph Farrell, a friend and priest of the Diocese of Arlington, Va.
During Communion each of the newly ordained priests was able to offer the Eucharist, which they consecrated along with Bishop Jugis and the other priests present, to their parents and families.
"God has looked with mercy on us in His Son Jesus, and wants you to be ministers of His mercy to extend His work of salvation in the world," Bishop Jugis told Father Catron and Father McCanless. "You are priests of the Holy Year of Mercy. May the mercy of God show forth in your priestly ministry as you serve the Lord with joyful hearts."
Father Cory Catron will be assigned to St. Mark Church in Huntersville. Father David McCanless will be assigned to St. Patrick Cathedral in Charlotte. Both assignments are effective Tuesday, July 5.
— SueAnn Howell, senior reporter
Father Catron offers first Mass at Belmont Abbey
BELMONT — Father Cory Catron celebrated his first Mass June 19 at Belmont Abbey's Mary Help of Christians Basilica.
Father Catron's family and friends, as well as seminarians from the Diocese of Charlotte and monks from Belmont Abbey, attended the priest's Mass of Thanksgiving. Benedictine Abbot Placid Solari served as homilist.
His chasuble featured an image of the Blessed Virgin Mother holding the Child Jesus.
In an interview before his ordination, Father Catron noted, "The alb I will be wearing is constructed from lace that was on an alb which belonged to my great-uncle, a priest for 66 years, which his mother crocheted for him by hand. We've had it altered by attaching it to a new top piece; the linen part of the old alb was showing its age, plus there's a significant size difference between myself and my uncle!"
The chalice he used was a gift from his friend and mentor, Father Thaddeus Zuber from the Archdiocese of Newark, N.J. It had been given to him by his parents in 1950, when he was ordained.
"Father Zuber celebrates 66 years of priesthood this summer, and he has been a constant source of support and encouragement (and books and wonderful articles to read, that he mails me occasionally) throughout the years," Father Catron noted.
After Mass, new priest offered blessings to people on the new prie-dieu he received from the Mary's Sons apostolate.
— Catholic News Herald. Photos by John Cosmas, Catholic News Herald.
Father McCanless celebrates first Mass at his home parish
SALISBURY — Surrounded by his family and friends, Father David McCanless offered his first Mass June 19 at his home parish of Sacred Heart Church.
Father John Putnam, former pastor, served as homilist.
Other priests at the celebration included Father Jason Barone, Father Santiago Mariani, Father Mark Lawler, Father Noah Carter, Father John Eckert and Father Lucas Rossi. Deacon Jim Mazur assisted at the Mass.
In an earlier interview, Father McCanless described the vestment he selected for his first Mass: "My vestment comes from Italy and is ivory, embroidered with images of the Four Evangelists. Because the Gospels are the source of both the Christian life and the priesthood, I thought it was appropriate imagery."
The chalice he used came from Poland and featured medallions of Jesus, Mary and the Four Evangelists on its base.
After Mass, parishioners and Father McCanless went over to Brincefield Hall to enjoy barbecue sandwiches and dessert. The new priest also offered blessings to people on the new prie-dieu he received from the Mary's Sons apostolate.
— Catholic News Herald. Photos by Bill Washington, Catholic News Herald.
Parents of new priests share their reflections
CHARLOTTE — On June 18, two families' lives were forever changed as their sons received the sacrament of holy orders. The joyful moment was the culmination of years of prayer and study and marked a new chapter in the lives of the families of Father Cory Catron and Father David McCanless.
Father Catron, the son of Jerry and Mia Catron, has one brother, Micah. His parents recently reflected on Father Catron's vocation.
"We were, at first, a little surprised that Cory was considering a vocation," Mia Catron said. "Through high school, he had shown an interest in law and possibly journalism. He started showing a real interest in his faith in high school.
"Cory did not have an intense Catholic upbringing. We attended Mass, but he had little strong, religious development during his early years other than that. As Cory began to show an interest in the faith, he sought counseling from his grandfather and great-uncle. Both had strong Catholic upbringings. 'Uncle Padre' (his great-uncle, Father Ted Zuber) has been a priest for over 66 years. Both were very influential in Cory's development.
When it was time for her son to choose a college, she continued, he chose the Benedictine-run Belmont Abbey College. "Cory considered other colleges, but decided on the Abbey. We strongly believe that God guided him to this decision. The outstanding faculty and the overall religious experience were very beneficial in his continued growth in the Catholic faith. During his final two years at Belmont Abbey, he began to feel the call to pursue a priestly vocation. After much reflection, he chose to enter formation."
The Catrons feel that for them, it has been an amazing journey through college and seminary.
"Watching Cory grow through the process and his love of God and knowledge has been a growing process for us, also," said Mia Catron. "We are extremely excited as the many years of development and education culminates in his ordination and his continued journey in God's service. We feel very honored and blessed that God has chosen Cory."
Father David McCanless, the son of Bill and Ann McCanless, has one brother, William, and a sister, Kate. His parents also reflected on their son's vocation.
"Bill and I feel very blessed that David is being ordained a priest this weekend," Ann McCanless shared June 17.
"We are proud of his hard work and are grateful for all the prayers and encouragement he has received from the people of the diocese."
— SueAnn Howell, senior reporter
Meet our new priests
Father Cory Catron
Cory Catron at the 2015 Eucharistic Congress (Photo by SueAnn Howell, Catholic News Herald)Home parish: St. Frances of Rome Church, Sparta; originally St. Mary, Mother of God Church in Wytheville, Va.
Raised in: Rural Retreat, Va.
Birthday: April 22, 1988
Family: Parents, Jerry and Mia Catron; brother, Micah Catron
College: Belmont Abbey College, Class of 2010
Degree: B.A. in Theology and Philosophy
Pre-Theology: Pontifical College Josephinum
Theology: Pontifical College Josephinum
Summer assignments in the diocese: Previously at St. John the Evangelist Church, Waynesville, and Immaculate Conception Mission, Canton, in 2011; St. Francis of Assisi Church, Jefferson, and St. Frances of Rome Mission, Sparta, in 2012; St. Vincent de Paul Church, Charlotte, in 2014
CNH: What are some of your interests/hobbies?
Catron: I was raised by a librarian so reading is always a big one for me. Since high school I have enjoyed reading theology and philosophy, which is largely why I chose to study those subjects in college. I also like modern American literature, particularly Southern literature like Flannery O'Connor; I also enjoy C.S. Lewis. I enjoy writing from time to time, usually short fiction or various contrarian essays about what's going on in the world. I have always been fascinated by languages and so make studying and practicing them an occasional diversion. This also contributed to my studies in seminary, as I pursued a degree in Scripture. I also like the outdoors, having been involved in Scouting for many years, and so enjoy fishing, camping and hiking.
CNH: When did you first realize you had a vocation to the priesthood?
Catron: I think I had a sort of vague attraction to the priesthood while I was in high school. It was at that time I began to read my grandfather's collection of books about Catholicism to try to learn more about my faith in response to challenges I met to it among my peers and even my teachers in school. It was when I got to Belmont Abbey, though, that that vague attraction started to take shape in an even bigger way, and then going to the Eucharistic Congress in Charlotte that fall was perhaps the greatest catalyst. That procession had an effect on me that to this day is a reminder of the great peace that I have found in following the Lord and seeking His will for my life.
CNH: Who has helped you or given you a good example to follow during these years of discernment and seminary?
Catron: I would say that there have been a number of good people along the way these past 10 or so years that I have been discerning and in formation. I first think of my great-uncle, Father Ted Zuber, from the Archdiocese of Newark. He celebrates 66 years of priesthood this summer, and he has been a constant source of support and encouragement (and books and wonderful articles to read, that he mails me occasionally) throughout the years. I am especially blessed that he will be attending the ordination to vest me, as well as concelebrating my first Mass the next day. The chalice with which I am celebrating my first Mass was actually given to him by his parents in 1950 when he was ordained, and he handed it on to me a year ago.
I think also of the monks at Belmont Abbey, to whom I became close during my time in college. Their prayers, friendship, hospitality and guidance throughout the years have been of inestimable value to me. I would be remiss if I did not mention the many priests of the Diocese of Charlotte who have walked the way with me these last several years, particularly my pastor, Father James Stuhrenberg, who has been a great friend and mentor to me. It really was coming to the Diocese of Charlotte that made my vocation come into focus in a big way, as I really saw for the first time priests who were united in their love of the Lord and in service to His Church, and who found such great joy in their work.
CNH: What would you like to say to young men who may have a call to the priesthood?
Catron: The biggest thing to keep in mind about discerning your vocation – no matter what it is that God calls you to – is that it will rarely just be laid out for you, made completely clear all in one go. This is because life with God is an adventure! We have to be ready to prayerfully and virtuously test things out, venture into areas that may seem difficult, explore things about ourselves that we might not have thought of, be challenged and become better for having accepted the challenge. If you feel God might be calling you to the priesthood, don't be afraid to test that out! Even if only for a year or two, give yourself over to exploring what He might be calling you to, and realize that no matter where the road leads you, you'll have become a better man for having tried it out, and you'll learn things you couldn't possibly have otherwise. And if He does invite you to serve the Church as a priest, then you'll see just how tremendous a blessing it is.
CNH: Is there any comment you would like to share with our readers about becoming a priest here in the Diocese of Charlotte?
Catron: Words do not express my excitement at finally coming home to the Diocese of Charlotte. A few years ago, I was flying into Charlotte after having been in Ohio at the seminary for several months and then taking a brief vacation to visit some friends in California. When the pilot said that we were making our approach into Charlotte, I recall becoming somewhat emotional – it hit me then that I was coming home. I still feel that way every time I cross the state line out of Virginia or Tennessee when I've gone there to visit family. This place has given me so much these past few years, and now I am ready and eager to begin to give back in whatever small way I can by serving as a priest here.
Father David McCanless
Home parish: Sacred Heart Church, Salisbury
Raised in: Salisbury
Birthday: Sept. 22, 1985
Family: Parents, Bill and Ann McCanless; siblings, William and Kate McCanless
College: Wake Forest University
Degree: B.A. in Classical Studies
Pre-Theology: St. Charles Borromeo Seminary, Philadelphia
Theology: Pontifical North American College
Summer assignments in the diocese: St Vincent de Paul Church, Charlotte; Sacred Heart Church, Salisbury; St. Mark Church, Huntersville; St. John the Baptist Church, Tryon
CNH: What are some of your interests/hobbies?
McCanless: Golf, Wake Forest sports, reading history (and the Catholic News Herald!), traveling.
CNH: When did you first realize you had a vocation to the priesthood?
McCanless: I began to discern a vocation to the priesthood when I was in college.
CNH: Who has helped you or given you a good example to follow during these years of discernment and seminary?
McCanless: My pastor, Father John Putnam, and our vocations director, Father Christopher Gober, have been very supportive and helpful during these years. Many other priests in the diocese, such as Father Mark Lawlor and Father Roger Arnsparger – who hosted me at their parishes during the summer – have also been important mentors.
CNH: What would you like to say to young men who may have a call to the priesthood?
McCanless: If I may borrow a phrase from St. John Paul II, "Be not afraid!" Pray and talk with your pastor about the decision, and trust that God will lead you along the right path.
CNH: Is there any comment you would like to share with our readers about becoming a priest here in the Diocese of Charlotte?
McCanless: I am grateful to so many people for their prayers and support over these years, and I look forward to getting to know many more in my future assignments as a priest of the diocese.
CHARLOTTE — St. Matthew Church hit a new milestone this month in its 30-year history, reaching 10,020 registered families. The church in south Charlotte is one of the largest Catholic parishes in the U.S., now comprising 34,497 registered members, according to this month's parish rolls.
Many of these newcomers have been part of a wave of people moving to the South in recent years, swelling the Diocese of Charlotte from just over 34,000 Catholics in 1972 to an estimated 456,000 Catholics last year.
St. Matthew Church has been a leading indicator of this growth since the parish was formed in 1986, when a fledgling congregation of 600 Catholics in the Ballantyne area began meeting at a local movie theater. Ballantyne and the Interstate 485 loop around Charlotte have boomed in the intervening three decades – and so has the parish.
The late Monsignor Joseph Kerin, former chancellor of the diocese and St. Matthew's first pastor, helped build the parish activity center in 1989 and the present church in 1996. Over the years a daily chapel, education building, ministry building and columbarium have been added to the 25-acre campus on Ballantyne Commons Parkway.
A satellite location in Waxhaw, dubbed St. Matthew South, was completed in October 2014. The multi-purpose building, which is dedicated to the Divine Mercy, serves more than 2,000 families in that area for weekend Masses and faith formation classes.
The parish offers eight Masses every weekend on its main campus, plus Maronite and Syro-Malabar Divine Liturgies each month. St. Matthew South offers three additional Masses every weekend. More than 50 trained volunteers assist in various roles at each Mass celebrated in the main church.
Maureen Regele is one of St. Matthew's original parishioners. Regele recalls attending Mass in the theater with her husband Steve and their three daughters.
St. Matthew Church in south Charlotte currently has more than 10,000 registered families, making it the largest parish in the Diocese of Charlotte and one of the largest in the country. Pictured in this file photo, parishioners gather for Mass. (Doreen Sugierski | Catholic News Herald)"It was very cozy in the beginning – and surprisingly it's still cozy with so many people," she says. "Just being there, it's like a family."
Regele now serves with the parish's newcomers ministry, which welcomes people to the parish and encourages them to join a parish group or ministry to meet others and get involved.
"We really encourage people to join something so they can get to know people in that large community on a more intimate basis," she says. "So to me, it's always felt like my extended family, because like so many others at the parish we're all from somewhere else. We didn't have our real family around. It has been so great to have everyone so willing to help everyone else. I know if anything ever happened, I could pick up the phone and someone would be right there."
Newcomer Frank Monteleone is one of the newest of St. Matthew's parishioners. Monteleone, his wife and their two young children relocated to Ballantyne at the end of last year from Long Island, N.Y., for his wife to begin a new job at Levine's Children's Hospital in Charlotte.
"After we relocated, we went looking for parishes. We went over to the parish, went to our first Mass and were very pleased," Monteleone says.
Monteleone says he plans to lend his talents to the parish's Catholics in Career Transition ministry.
And he will be in good company. In all, St. Matthew Church counts 7,000 volunteers in its 103 ministries.
"This is something that is great about St. Matthew – the number of ministries you can contribute to and participate in and be part of the parish life is very compelling," he says.
Pat Tomlinson, the parish's faith formation director, reports that there are currently 3,670 students and 613 catechists in the faith formation program. There are also 130 people involved in the SPRED and Bridge ministries, which provide programs for children and adults with special needs.
"I feel very blessed to have had the opportunity to spend the last 18 years watching St. Matthew Parish become the beautiful, holy, caring community it is today," says Tomlinson. "Under the loving direction of Monsignor McSweeney, we have always had a vision statement ("Connected in Christ! Moved by the Spirit!") and a mission that we were working towards.
"And with the efforts of a very passionate staff and an amazing group of ministry leaders and volunteers, we have become the welcoming, spirit-filled, sharing parish we are today."
Michael Burck, the parish's adult faith formation director, shares that last year the parish offered 72 adult faith formation programs that attracted more than 3,235 people. Another 2,000 people also participated in Fall and Lenten small group programs, he says.
"My first full year (at the parish) was the 2010-'11 school year," Burck says. "Our total that year was just over 2,000 participants. Since then, we have increased our participation by 160 percent.
Terry DeMao has been a parishioner at St. Matthew since 2001 when she relocated from London, England. She serves the parish as an extraordinary minister of Holy Communion and as a member of the Word Ministry.
"There are many advantages of being here at this 'mega church'," DeMao explains. "There are hundreds of activities going on here! Everyone can find something to do every day of the week for three months and not repeat the same one. If someone is overwhelmed easily by crowds, it can be unnerving on weekend Masses. However, the key is to join the small groups and get involved. There are so many incredible people here with so many gifts and talents. There is also an amazing spirit of generosity at St. Matthew, a real giving mentality."
DeMao adds, "I brought Catholic Scripture Study International to St. Matthew about seven years ago. We have a year-long CSS Bible study each year. This year we are doing the Book of the Prophet Isaiah and we have 65 registered students. Not bad for a Tuesday morning! My study is only one of many, many Bible studies going on. It's like a mini college."
Mary Pat Arostegui and her husband Vince have been active St. Matthew parishioners for the past 15 years. As a couple they helped to bring Teams of Our Lady to St. Matthew Church shortly after they moved to Charlotte.
Arostegui says the Teams are "a great opportunity for married couples to grow in their love for Our Lord and His Church and to nourish our faith along with four to five other couples and (ideally) a spiritual counselor on a monthly basis."
"One advantage of membership (at St. Matthew) is the variety of ministries that are offered. The only disadvantage might be in not finding one's niche, simply because looking at the whole picture is so overwhelming," she says.
Like many of St. Matthew's parishioners, Arostegui is involved with multiple ministries – including the Welcome Ministry, Nursing Home Visits, Mel's Diner, Catholic Scripture Study, Rosary Prayer Group and Pro-Life Ministry.
"There is, indeed, something for everyone, even in a 'mega-church'!" she says.
St. Matthew is now emphasizing greater outreach and opportunities for spiritual growth among its members, even as the parish family gets super-sized.
The parish's new long-range plan for 2016-'18 has an emphasis on mercy, in keeping with the Extraordinary Jubilee Year of Mercy inaugurated by Pope Francis on Dec. 8.
Burck shares that he has worked for over 30 years in ministry in five different parishes and that St. Matthew Church is the first parish he has worked in "that has a truly working parish council that develops a pastoral plan every three years and works to implement it."
"St. Matthew's pastoral plans always seek to increase engagement, meaning they are always working to make sure their parishioners are growing in their relationship with God, deepening their sense of community and actively serving in the ministries of the parish," Burck explains. "I think St. Matthew Church realizes that providing good, meaningful adult faith formation programs is very important in making that a reality."
Mark Schuler, chairman of St. Matthew's pastoral council, explains the successful level of engagement with parishioners: "We have developed a welcoming culture and invite parishioners to get engaged in at least one thing. We believe this leads to a deeper spirituality and overall life satisfaction. When you combine this with over 100 ministries, numerous faith formation activities and the frequency of Mass, you create something for everyone.
"Our size, scale, talent and diversity is a gift and opportunity. Pope Francis' Jubilee Year of Mercy is providing the direction for the 2016-2018 pastoral plan. We hope to inspire parishioners to a higher level of engagement and an increase in both corporal and spiritual acts of mercy."
"I'm blessed to be a part of it," says Monsignor John McSweeney, who has served as St. Matthew's pastor since 1999. "The emphasis on my part on the baptismal responsibility of each person and a respect for each person is part of our philosophy. St. Matthew has a responsibility to communicate the message of Jesus to His Church locally, nationally and internationally through our unique efforts. That is done through our prayer ministries and the different outreach ministries.
"The key to St. Matthew, from my viewpoint, is the active involvement of lay leaders – women and men – the role of deacons, the role of women religious and the four priests connected to St. Matthew."
Long Islander Monteleone knows his family may be the one of the newest families at St. Matthew Church, but he's already promoting the benefits of his new parish home.
"You feel like you're walking into a large church, but at the same time you still feel like you're part of the family of that parish. It feels big, but it doesn't feel that big!"
— SueAnn Howell, Senior reporter