CHARLOTTE — The Kitson family suffered a terrible loss when their son Michael died on April 27, 2014, at the age of 20. Kitson was a seminarian for the Diocese of Charlotte, and his unexpected death on Divine Mercy Sunday shocked fellow seminarians, parishioners at St. Ann Church and everyone else who knew the outgoing young man.
His parents, Michael Sr. and Nancy, and his sisters Kelly and Courtney lost their beloved son and brother. The diocese lost a seminarian for the first time in its history.
Now, the Seminarian Michael G. Kitson Memorial Endowment Fund is being established to benefit other college-aged seminarians in the diocese. The endowment will be used to fund seminarians' education.
On average, it costs $30,000 to house and educate each seminarian annually. This year, the diocese has 16 seminarians studying for the priesthood.
"To have that title (for the endowment) ties in to what and who Michael was," said his father.
Kitson had been studying for the priesthood at the Pontifical College Josephinum in Columbus, Ohio, and priests who mentored him said after his death that Kitson "had a priestly heart" after only two years of formation.
His death on Divine Mercy Sunday was "providential," his family and friends say, as he had a devotion to the Divine Mercy even before he entered seminary. His gravesite at Belmont Abbey's cemetery features an image of the Divine Mercy, and a Divine Mercy statue was also recently dedicated at his home parish of St. Ann.
As the Church prepares for Pope Francis' call for a Jubilee Year of Mercy starting on Dec. 8, mother Nancy Kitson noted the beautiful connection of her son's life and death to the Divine Mercy – a "local thread in the tapestry" of God's plan, she called it.
"Michael also brought back to the forefront the devotion to the Divine Mercy Chaplet and Our Lord's promises of His Divine Mercy. He brought it to the forefront during a time of great need given today's reality," she said.
"People had forgotten, I think. We just need reminders sometimes that God's mercy is always present and there is no sin or anything we can do that is bigger than His mercy."
She added, "To have somebody like that in your midst – who could play and enjoy all sports, play tuba and piano, watch TV, have a good time and yet study hard and pray harder and die on this special day – God's fingerprints are all over this. I think the guys (at the seminary) are all witnesses to that."
As a community, the seminarians at the Pontifical College Josephinum are now praying the Chaplet together, and Kitson's influence is credited. An assistant dean at the seminary told Kitson's parents, "There have been changes in the student body itself, in the young men. The changes that I have seen in the young men in the spiritual direction I am giving to them, it is not human. It is divine."
KitsonThe Pontifical College Josephinum has also installed a seven-foot image of the Divine Mercy in the stairwell leading to the pub dedicated in Kitson's name. Another image of the Divine Mercy was added to the Pope Pius X Chapel there.
Father Timothy Reid, pastor of St. Ann Church, knew Kitson since early childhood and served as one of his mentors.
"I am so pleased that an endowment for our seminarians has been established under Michael's name," Father Reid said. "Michael loved being a seminarian for our diocese, and he embodied so many of the qualities we want our future priests to have. Having an endowment named for Michael Kitson is a wonderful and fitting way for us to remember him."
Jim Kelley, director of development for the Diocese of Charlotte, is thankful that the endowment fund has been established.
"Having this endowment fund will accomplish two things: Michael will be remembered in a special way for many generations, and the distributions from the endowment over time will literally impact dozens of future seminarians by helping to pay for their education. Those future priests will impact thousands of our parishioners."
Michael Sr. recalled, "Father (Matthew) Kauth, in his eulogy at Michael's wake, called him 'the complete package,' saying, 'That's the kind of young man we need.'"
— SueAnn Howell, senior reporter. Photo provided by the Kitson family and the Diocese of Charlotte
Learn more
For details about the Seminarian Michael G. Kitson Memorial Endowment Fund and to make a tax-deductible donation, contact Judy Smith, diocesan director of gift planning, at 704-370-3320 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
CHARLOTTE — The former principal of Charlotte Catholic High School has pleaded guilty to one felony count of misappropriating more than $160,000 from accounts associated with the school.
Gerald Healy appeared Sept. 4 before U.S. District Magistrate Judge David Cayer. During a hearing at the federal courthouse in Charlotte that lasted less than 20 minutes, Healy admitted to mishandling $161,399 from the non-profit Charlotte Catholic High School Foundation, using checks drawn out of a Bank of America account from April 2007 to February 2014 to pay for personal expenses.
He was sentenced April 19.
According to the U.S. attorney's charges, Healy "misappropriated both the School's and the Foundation's money for his personal use ... by writing or having his assistant write checks to him. On at least four occasions, Healy forged the name of his assistant on Foundation checks made payable to himself." (Read the U.S. Attorney's full bill of information against Healy.)
Healy resigned as principal on May 20, 2014, following a separate audit of school finances by the Diocese of Charlotte that uncovered unspecified "questionable disbursements" from high school accounts.
Specifics were not disclosed at the time, but a June 17, 2014, letter from the Charlotte Catholic High School Foundation, an independent fundraising organization that provides scholarships and supplies for the high school, said Healy had been "making personal use of funds held by the foundation."
Healy's attorneys had insisted that the foundation had no written procedures for use of the funds in the account, and that the money had been used to help members of the Charlotte Catholic High School community.
In the plea hearing, Assistant U.S. Attorney Kevin Zolot said Healy "has been completely cooperative" throughout the federal investigation that followed the audit of the funds.
Zolot said he is recommending probation, but a specific sentence has yet to be determined. Healy could have faced up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine if convicted. He remains free on a $25,000 unsecured bond until his sentencing hearing.
Outside the courtroom before the hearing, Healy hugged a small group of supporters and wiped away tears as he signed documents. In the courtroom he gave no statement, but Healy's attorneys issued the following written statement after the hearing: "Jerry Healy is deeply sorry for his actions and the hurt and disappointment he caused. His mishandling of funds resulted in the end of a remarkable 44 years in the Charlotte Catholic school system, during which time he transformed the lives of countless students and families with his guidance, generosity, and compassion. He expresses his deep gratitude for the love and support provided by so many within the ... Charlotte Catholic High School family."
In a statement issued Sept. 4, diocesan officials said the case "is an unfortunate incident that will not impact the instruction, tuition or fees of Charlotte Catholic High School students or any Mecklenburg Area Catholic School."
The Charlotte Catholic High School Foundation is an independent organization which is not managed, administered or controlled by the diocese, the statement said. The investigation of the foundation's finances had no impact on the school's education program or tuition accounts, noted David Hains, diocesan director of communication.
"As we approach the Year of Mercy, as designated by Pope Francis, we as Catholics ask for prayers for all who were hurt by this unfortunate situation," the diocese's statement also said.
The investigation began in 2013 after the foundation lost its 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status after failing to report its finances to the Internal Revenue Service in 2008, 2009 and 2010.
The IRS notice led the foundation to investigate its internal financial practices, a review which it said found "a significant number of irregular and unauthorized transactions" by Healy and another former school employee who also worked with the foundation, according to the June 17, 2014, letter to donors.
"Those transactions included disbursement of Foundation funds to each other and to family members," the letter stated, as well as "payments of expenses unrelated to the Foundation" that included "personal travel abroad, monies re-directed from Foundation accounts to a personal checking account, unexplained cash disbursements from Foundation accounts and checks payable to families who did not have students at CCHS."
The foundation reported to the IRS that the amount lost, misappropriated or unauthorized totaled more than $88,000, but it acknowledged that "the ultimate dollar amount is not known at this time."
The foundation regained its tax-exempt status from the IRS in June 2014.
Foundation officials alerted diocesan leaders in March 2014 to the financial discrepancies. Deloitte & Touche then conducted an independent audit of the high school's finances, at the request of diocesan officials, in an "abundance of caution," diocesan officials said at the time.
"In addition to reviewing all CCHS accounts, their work included interviewing personnel and reviewing electronic files," diocesan schools superintendent Dr. Janice Ritter said in a letter to Charlotte Catholic High School parents following Healy's resignation. "Key staff at the diocese, along with the hired consultants, took the time to carefully review the information so that we would be certain that follow-up steps taken would be prudent, fair, and fact-based.
"The auditors did uncover instances of questionable disbursements from accounts belonging to CCHS; these transactions are separate and apart from Charlotte Catholic High School Foundation accounts."
Charlotte Catholic was founded in 1955. The school is continuing its strong tradition of faith and academic excellence under the leadership of new Principal Kurt Telford.
— Patricia L. Guilfoyle, editor
Bishop Jugis dedicates new apartment home in Charlotte Aug. 25
CHARLOTTE — Mother Teresa Villa, a new housing complex for adults with developmental disabilities in Charlotte, was ceremonially opened and dedicated by Bishop Peter Jugis this week. The 11,752-square-foot facility is an answer to prayer for the families whose loved ones have moved in.
Mother Teresa Villa is a combined effort of the Catholic Diocese of Charlotte Housing Corp., and InReach, a Charlotte non-profit that provides residential support for people with developmental disabilities.
Funding for the $2 million project came from a grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, along with the Charlotte Housing Trust Fund and the N.C. Housing Finance Agency. The Diocese of Charlotte also helped fund the infrastructure on the 20-acre site which will support future housing initiatives.
Monsignor Mauricio West, vicar general and chancellor of the Diocese of Charlotte, welcomed more than 100 people to the dedication Aug. 25.
"Thank you all for being here as we celebrate the opening of Mother Teresa Villa affordable apartments. We are really grateful for your presence here," he said. "As you all know, a project of this scope does not happen by itself. It requires the collaboration and the working together of so many people, many of whom are here this morning."
He acknowledged the agencies who partnered with the diocese on the project.
Margrit Bergholz, of North Carolina Finance Agency, which provided a supportive housing program loan of $250,000, addressed those gathered: "This is a beautiful project that is providing much-needed housing for 12 residents."
Patsy Kinsey and LaWana Mayfield of the Charlotte City Council also spoke, expressing their support of the diverse housing option Mother Teresa Villa provides.
Kinsey shared a quote from Blessed Teresa: "I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the water to create many ripples."
David Dougherty, chair of the InReach board of directors, then spoke about his agency's involvement in the project: "I really can't tell you how exciting it is to be a part of this project. The groundwork was laid five years ago. We are very excited to partner with the Charlotte Catholic diocese to put this project together.
"This is a different model than what we've done before. We have 40 years of experience in managing housing for people with disabilities...We've never done a 12-plex before, and it is fantastic how it's all turned out."
During his prayer of dedication, Bishop Jugis said, "When Christ took flesh through the Blessed Virgin Mary, He made His home with us. Let us now pray that He will enter into this residence and bless it with His presence. May He always be here among us. May He nurture the love of the residents for each other, share in their joys, comfort them in their sorrows. Inspired by His teachings and example, may they seek to make their new home before all else a dwelling place of love, diffusing far and wide the goodness of Christ."
After walking through the building blessing the rooms and hallways, Bishop Jugis was then joined by housing leaders from the Diocese of Charlotte and local and federal governments, non-profit representatives and Charlotte City Council members to cut the ribbon on the project, situated on "Guardian Angel Lane" next to Good Shepherd Methodist Church on South Tryon Street.
"It's a really exciting opening on multiple fronts," says Jeanne Pritt, assistant director of InReach. "You have people who have had challenges affording housing, which may have kept them strapped for cash. You also have folks who will be living independently for the first time – which is a wonderful and exciting thing but it is also a transition for that individual and their family members."
Mother Teresa Villa will feature 13 units: 10 one-bedroom apartments, two two-bedroom apartments, and one apartment for an on-site property manager provided by InReach. Disabled residents will pay 30 percent of their adjusted income for rent, and the federal government will subsidize the rest as part of HUD's Section 811 program.
Susan Summer, a new resident, was in the process of bringing in more of her belongings just before the dedication. Her mother Pat said that they had been "praying for this day for so long." She had a song called "A Mother's Prayer," by Celine Dion, that she said reflected how she felt today, knowing her daughter would be safe at Mother Teresa Villa.
Jamie Snyder, whose family are parishioners at St. Matthew Church in south Charlotte, recently moved in. He said he's "getting acquainted with it." His mother Cathy shared that he had been in a group home previously and this was his first time living in his own apartment.
Kenji Kellen, another resident, is still settling in and getting used to his new apartment. He is thankful for the large walk-in shower, as he has had two strokes, and that makes his life a bit easier.
"I'm still trying to get my brain wrapped around the fact that I am in a new place," he said.
The housing complex is named for Blessed Teresa of Calcutta, a nun who dedicated her life to serving the poor and disabled. The 1979 Nobel Peace Prize winner was a great friend of Bishop Emeritus William G. Curlin. He had hoped to be present for the dedication but because of health issues was unable to attend.
There was also a tribute during the ceremony for Mary Kennedy, who devoted herself to the RespectAbility Ministry at St. Gabriel Church and in the local community. It honored and cherished the gifts of children and adults with special needs. She passed away in 2012. Father Frank O'Rourke, pastor of St. Gabriel Parish, and Maggie Baucom spoke on behalf of her family that was gathered for the dedication.
"We're here today to honor Mary Kennedy for her being the advocate for special housing," Father O'Rourke said. "From the first day I arrived at St. Gabriel, Mary was asking me to go to talk to Father Mo (Monsignor West) to advocate for housing. We're here today to see this beautiful tribute to her, giving her voice, and (witnessing to her) really giving her full self to advocating for Beth (her daughter) and all of Beth's friends."
The project is the first phase on the 20-acre site approved for affordable senior housing, a future adult day care center and a chapel. The site could accommodate up to 240 units of affordable senior housing when it is eventually completed. The project will also feature gardens, open space and an outdoor activity area.
Kim Johnson, the residential services manager who oversees the applications and the waiting list for the facility, was glad to see the dedication. "I think it's a wonderful thing for the people. It gives them a sense of dignity and respect and independence. They're so happy with how they're decorating their apartments. It's wonderful!"
Jerry Widelski, director of the Diocese of Charlotte Housing Corp., in remarks after the dedication, said of what this day and this project means to him: "It's hard to put into words. It's a joy. I really believe with the partners that we have and the extra funding that we got, it's the best looking building of its type in the U.S."
This is the third housing project for the diocesan housing corporation and the first in Charlotte. The other two are located in Mooresville and Salisbury.
— SueAnn Howell, senior reporter
CHARLOTTE — Think all your parish priest does is say Mass on Sundays and holy days? Think again.
Appointed by the bishop, pastors are ultimately responsible for every aspect of parish life – from celebrating the sacraments and teaching the faith to managing the finances and repairing the roof. While each molds his role as servant leader or shepherd to best serve the needs of his particular flock, some parts of the job are universal, laid out in Church law. Primarily, his mission is "exercising the pastoral care of the community committed to him under the authority of the diocesan bishop in whose ministry of Christ he has been called to share, so that for that same community he carries out the functions of teaching, sanctifying, and governing, also with the cooperation of other presbyters or deacons and with the assistance of lay members of the Christian faithful..." (Canon 519)
In fact, Church law is pretty specific when it comes to the personal qualities of a pastor. For one, "he is to be outstanding in sound doctrine and integrity of morals and endowed with zeal for souls and other virtues..." (521 §2)
And his duties are explicitly described as follows:
"A pastor is obliged to make provision so that the word of God is proclaimed in its entirety to those living in the parish; for this reason, he is to take care that the lay members of the Christian faithful are instructed in the truths of the faith, especially by giving a homily on Sundays and holy days of obligation and by offering catechetical instruction. He is to foster works through which the spirit of the gospel is promoted, even in what pertains to social justice. He is to have particular care for the Catholic education of children and youth. He is to make every effort, even with the collaboration of the Christian faithful, so that the message of the gospel comes also to those who have ceased the practice of their religion or do not profess the true faith." (528 §1)
"The pastor is to see to it that the Most Holy Eucharist is the center of the parish assembly of the faithful. He is to work so that the Christian faithful are nourished through the devout celebration of the sacraments and, in a special way, that they frequently approach the sacraments of the Most Holy Eucharist and penance. He is also to endeavor that they are led to practice prayer even as families and take part consciously and actively in the sacred liturgy..." (528 §2)
And, Church law states, "In order to fulfill his office diligently, a pastor is to strive to know the faithful entrusted to his care. Therefore he is to visit families, sharing especially in the cares, anxieties, and griefs of the faithful, strengthening them in the Lord, and prudently correcting them if they are failing in certain areas. With generous love he is to help the sick, particularly those close to death, by refreshing them solicitously with the sacraments and commending their souls to God; with particular diligence he is to seek out the poor, the afflicted, the lonely, those exiled from their country, and similarly those weighed down by special difficulties. He is to work so that spouses and parents are supported in fulfilling their proper duties and is to foster growth of Christian life in the family." (529 §1)
"A pastor is to recognize and promote the proper part which the lay members of the Christian faithful have in the mission of the Church, by fostering their associations for the purposes of religion. He is to cooperate with his own bishop and the presbyterium of the diocese, also working so that the faithful have concern for parochial communion, consider themselves members of the diocese and of the universal Church, and participate in and sustain efforts to promote this same communion." (529 §2)
The list goes on, but we don't have the space here to include all of a pastor's myriad duties.
So how does all this work in reality?
The Catholic News Herald recently took its cameras to St. Vincent de Paul Church in Charlotte to capture "a day in the life" of its pastor, Father Mark Lawlor. Ordained to the priesthood in 1995, Father Lawlor has served as pastor at St. Vincent de Paul Church since 2003. He graciously allowed us to film him all day on Aug. 4 – the feast of St. John Vianney, patron of priests – to help illuminate a portion of what all of our priests do for us each day, and how much they love serving Christ and His Body, the Church.
— Catholic News Herald
CHARLOTTE — St. Ann Church marked its 60th anniversary Aug. 15 with a Solemn High Mass for the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The Mass in the Extraordinary Form is an annual parish tradition but took on special meaning this year.
Established on Aug. 15, 1955, St. Ann Parish was the fourth Catholic parish erected in Charlotte.
Father Timothy Reid, pastor, delivered the homily to the hundreds of faithful gathered to mark the parish’s anniversary and the Feast of the Assumption. He thanked Bishop Peter J. Jugis – who was baptized at St. Ann Church in 1957 and who was in choir for the Latin Mass – for his special love for St. Ann Church, known as the “little parish with a big heart.”
“I think we can all agree that he is the son of which our parish is most proud,” Father Reid said.
Pictured at top: Father Timothy Reid, pastor, distributes Communion to parishioners at St. Ann Church's 60th anniversary Mass. (Photos by SueAnn Howell, Catholic News Herald)
After also welcoming other longtime parishioners, Father Reid remembered the late Bishop Michael F. Begley.
“As we celebrate our anniversary today, I think it is good for us to recall Bishop (Michael) Begley, who was the first pastor of this parish as well as the first bishop of the Diocese of Charlotte. I pray that he is pleased with what he sees today.”
Father Reid noted that it is God’s Divine Providence that St. Ann Church was founded on the Feast of the Assumption.
Bishop Peter Jugis, who was baptized at St. Ann Church in 1957, was in choir for the anniversary Mass Aug. 15.“This feast day points us toward heaven. Today we celebrate that most glorious moment in the life of Our Lady, when after the course of her earthly life she was assumed body and soul into the glory of heaven to be united with her Son and to be crowned Queen of Heaven and Earth.
“Immaculately conceived and persevering and perfect and sinless innocence throughout the entire course of her earthly life, at her death, Mary was accorded this one final favor from Our Lord ‒ that of being preserved free from the corruption of the grave so that she might triumph over death. With this favor, we see the magnificent heights to which our human nature, persevering in virtue and steadfast in the pursuit of holiness, can be raised. In Our Lady’s Assumption we can see the true beauty and dignity of our human nature.”
A large mural depicting heaven, Jesus Christ and the saints that is planned for the sanctuary wall was supposed to be dedicated in time for the anniversary Mass, Father Reid said, but it needs more time to be completed. The mural, he said, is designed to help worshippers focus on the hope of heaven – following the path of Mary.
“The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary reminds us we are all called to heavenly glory, we are all called to be saints. In her Assumption, Our Lady shows us the way to heaven. From her place in heaven she so capably aids each of us in our own journey there. She helps to form us into the saints we are called to be.”
“We should entrust ourselves completely and entirely to her motherly care,” he continued.
“Jesus knows that when we do, she always leads us back to Him, so that we might take our part in His great work of redemption. Mary always leads us back to the pierced heart of her Son, so that we can drink deeply of the love, mercy and forgiveness that He offers to all that are repentant.”
“We can hope for heaven because Jesus suffered, died and rose again. For the past 60 years, we as a parish family have shared in this hope for heaven. As we go forward as a parish family, I hope that we will live our common life together in a manner that might make us worthy of heaven. I hope we can always love, honor and trust Our Lord as we should.”
Many parishioners at St. Ann Church spent the 33 days leading up to the anniversary celebration preparing to consecrate or re-consecrate themselves to Jesus through Mary using the book “33 Days to Morning Glory” by Father Michael Gaitley, MIC, a popular abbreviated version of the consecration originally written by St. Louis de Montfort.
“As your pastor, I promise you that if you are faithful to your consecration promises throughout the course of your life, you will go to heaven at the end of your life. Our Lady will never fail anyone who is truly her child,” Father Reid told them.
“My brothers and sisters, as we celebrate this magnificent feast in honor of Our Lady and as we celebrate our 60th anniversary as a parish family, let us give thanks to Our Lord for His many gifts. Let us thank Him for His Paschal Mystery, for His willingness to suffer, die and rise again for us and for the mercy and forgiveness He so freely bestows upon the contrite of heart.
“Let us always stay close to His Most Sacred Heart. But let us also thank Our Lord for the gift of His mother, and let each of us entrust ourselves wholeheartedly to her maternal care. With the help of her mother and our patroness, St. Ann, may Our Lady always lead us to the Heart of her Son,” he concluded.
Father Casey Coleman, parochial vicar of St. Vincent de Paul Church in Charlotte, served as deacon for the Mass and chanted the Gospel. Father Noah Carter, parochial vicar of Our Lady of Grace Church in Greensboro, served as subdeacon. Father Jason Christian, parochial vicar of St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Charlotte, and Father Matthew Kauth, priest-in-residence at St. Thomas Aquinas Church and chaplain at Charlotte Catholic High School, assisted. Father Jason Barone, parochial vicar of St. Patrick Cathedral, was also present.
The St. Ann Schola Choir, under the direction of Terese Rowe, provided the music for the liturgy.
A reception was held in the Monsignor Allen Center after Mass to celebrate the parish’s 60th anniversary.
— SueAnn Howell, senior reporter
More online
Check out the parish's new website at http://www.stanncharlotte.org
New apse mural to be installed
CHARLOTTE — Later this year, the sanctuary of St. Ann Church will feature a hand-painted mural inspired by Jan van Eyck's "Adoration of the Mystic Lamb," famously known as the Ghent Altarpiece
Five separate canvases, crafted by sacred artwork firm Murals by Jericho in Peoria, Ill., over the past year and a half, will fill the five arched sections of the apse wall. Together, they will depict a single image of heaven: God the Father and the Holy Spirit looking down upon Jesus, the Paschal Lamb, who stands triumphantly upon an altar surrounded by angels holding the instruments of His suffering and death.
To the right and left of the Paschal Lamb will be images of numerous saints, including St. Ann and St. Joachim. The archangels Michael, Gabriel and Raphael will also be prominently featured.
— SueAnn Howell, senior reporter
Pastors of St. Ann Parish
1955-1966 Bishop Michael J. Begley
1966-1971 Father D. Edward Sullivan
1971-1972 Monsignor Eugene Livelsberger
1972-1979 Monsignor Anthony Kovacic
1979-1983 Monsignor Francis Smith
1983-1986 Monsignor John McSweeney
1986-1988 Father Charles Reese
1988-2000 Monsignor Richard Allen
2000-2006 Father Conrad Hoover
2006-2007 Father Frank O'Rourke
2007-present Father Timothy S. Reid
History of St. Ann Parish
Aug. 15, 1955
St. Ann Parish was established with the purchase of the northeast corner property at Park Road and Hillside Avenue. It was the fourth Catholic parish erected in Charlotte. During its first year, Sunday Masses were offered in the nearby Park Road School auditorium.
1956
St. Ann School was completed and dedicated. Originally it housed kindergarten through eighth-grade classes, and now it is has pre-kindergarten through fifth grades. The Sisters of St. Joseph of Chestnut Hill, Pa., staffed the school until the retirement of principal Sister Helene Nagle in 2008. Masses were offered at the school until the parish's first church was built.
Dec. 18, 1960
Bishop Vincent Waters dedicated the first St. Ann Church. The original structure consisted of a crypt church and a façade which faced Park Road, and a plan was made to finish the structure by building an upper church later. By 1961 money was raised by parishioners for this purpose, but St. Ann's first pastor, Monsignor Michael Begley (who would become the first bishop of the Diocese of Charlotte), determined that the money would be better spent by opening a mission parish three miles south on Park Road to serve Charlotte's growing population. St. Vincent de Paul Church was thus founded in 1961. While it was occasionally renovated, the original church structure did not grow beyond the "basement" church for the next 50 years.
1970s
Adjacent property on Park Road was purchased that included a house that was used for many years for various parish group meetings and religious education offices. That house was eventually demolished to make room for the parish's current parking lot.
1981
The parish acquired another house and property facing Willow Oak Road, which has served as a residence for both priests and nuns.
1993
A parish activity center was opened, and in 2000 it was named in honor of St. Ann's eighth pastor, Monsignor Richard Allen. It now houses the school cafeteria and gym, as well as meeting rooms and the parish offices.
2008
Ground was broken for a dramatic renovation of the church, under the direction of architect James McCrery and pastor Father Timothy Reid.
Dec. 5, 2009
Bishop Peter Jugis (who was baptized at St. Ann's in 1957) dedicated the new church.