Building up the faithful
MOUNT HOLLY — St. Joseph College Seminary is every bit as idyllic as portrayed in its popular videos – a friendly rector of firm purpose forming cassock-donning young men to have “hearts full of charity” as they discern the priesthood, joyful Daughters of the Virgin Mother clad in long flowing habits working with the seminarians and priests, echoes of beautiful Latin chants, striking Gothic architecture, forested land beyond wide-open spaces, and two gentle, larger-than-life canines.
These qualities and others combine to create intrigue and allure among the faithful, enough to bring more than 1,000 visitors to the college seminary campus each year since it opened in 2020, including a recent tour with the Catholic News Herald. Frequent visits can be a lot to handle amid all the regular seminary activity. However, if all goes according to plan, the college seminary will be ready by spring of 2024 to break ground for a new chapel and wing to welcome many more visitors.
Plans are nearly complete for the second, final phase of the seminary, which will add a major chapel, offices, piazza, extended cloister walk, and a welcoming hall to support visits, talks and retreats for parishes around the diocese. Currently marked out as mere outlines in the grass, the new chapel will be large enough to host liturgies with the seminary community and up to 150 visitors. The project promises to add a whole new dimension to the life of the college seminary – and anyone who wants to visit.
Architectural firm Michael G. Imber Architects of San Antonio, Texas, and Creech & Associates PLLC of Charlotte worked with Father Matthew Kauth, rector, to design the new wing and chapel.
“The plans have come along beautifully,” Father Kauth says, “and I’m thrilled we’ll be able to welcome the faithful and the larger community into what we’re doing here – and the extraordinary blessings God has bestowed.”
Fundraising for the $22 million project is well under way, with about $20 million already committed by generous donors, including substantial support from the Diocese of Charlotte.
“The chapel and its surrounding buildings were part of the original plans for the college seminary,” Father Kauth adds. “I am grateful to Bishop Jugis for his support of this second phase of construction.”
In December, the seminary will hold an open house for all who are interested in seeing the seminary, learning about the construction plans and supporting its mission.
The current chapel was originally designed as a lecture and banquet hall and will be used as such once the new chapel and meeting spaces are ready.
“We will be able to have people come in large groups,” says Fredrik Akerblom, director of advancement for the college seminary. “Even individuals who want to spend time praying could come during the day anytime when the chapel is open.”
On the floor below the current chapel is a classroom where the seminarians learn Latin with Professor Nancy Llewellyn, universally known as “Magistra.” The room is also used for music, philosophy and theology classes. The second phase of development includes an additional kitchen next to the classroom where smaller groups, such as one seminarian class or a group of priests and faculty, can meet for a meal.
Akerblom says visitors to the seminary campus will also be welcome to attend the daily 7 a.m. Mass in the chapel, which will be open to the public five days a week.
“We have realized in these first eight years that the mission, apart from preparing men to be formed for the priesthood, is to also welcome visitors and to build up people in the faith,” Akerblom says.
The add-on cloister walk also aids in this endeavor, adding charm and functionality. The walkway will be double-wide to allow for more mingling space with tables and chairs.
Finishing the cloister walk creates an enclosed outdoor space perfect for a hardscape piazza.
Yet it is the chapel, of course, that is the pièce de résistance. Featuring wooden beams, stone columns and sacred art by current artists, it promises to be a sight to behold.
Behind the sanctuary will be an ambulatory and a Lady Chapel. Flanking the sanctuary will be two sacristies, one for vesting and one for work.
The sanctuary itself will feature a 12-foot-tall, five-panel polyptych by renowned Italian artist Chiara Perinetti Casoni. Paintings of St. Joseph, St. Mary Magdalene, the Blessed Virgin Mary, St. Catherine of Siena, and St. John will grace the wooden panels of the piece. Casoni uses egg tempera (paint made of egg yolk and color pigments) painted on gold leaf, a style that flourished in Siena between the 13th and 15th centuries.
Father Kauth emphasizes that the project will make the college seminary “a place for people to gather. It’s a place where priests can bring their parishioners to come and have Mass and then fold out into common areas and places for talks and lunch and things like that. There will be some other offices and supporting buildings for the seminary work here, but this project that we’re doing is going to open it up to all the faithful.”
“The people of our diocese made it possible to build the first part of the seminary,” he says. “God willing, this second phase will inspire many more to give generously. Our work with forming men to become noble fathers is one that will benefit people all around our diocese for decades to come.”
— Annie Ferguson
Get involved
Want to be a part of making the new chapel a reality? Go to the St. Joseph College Seminary’s website at www.stjcs.org, click on the “Donate” button, then select “The Seminary Chapel Campaign” in the “My Donation Is For” field.
Everyone is invited to an open house that will be held 2-5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 16. For questions, contact Fredrik Akerblom at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 704-302-6386.
AscikCHARLOTTE — People in the Diocese of Charlotte who experience same-sex attractions and want to cultivate the virtue of chastity can now seek support and spiritual guidance from a new chapter of Courage International.
Courage accompanies those who experience same-sex attractions through a ministry of faith and fellowship without being judged for how they feel.
It illuminates the value of chaste friendships and dedicating one’s life to Christ through service to others, spiritual reading, and prayer – and provides a community so participants are not alone as they seek to align their lives with Church teaching.
“Temptations are all around us – lust, pride, greed, envy – and everyone must navigate these temptations, no matter what your orientation,” said Monsignor Patrick Winslow, vicar general and chancellor of the diocese. “It’s important to provide support for everyone striving to live holy lives, and Courage reaches out to people who may feel particularly marginalized because of who they feel attracted to. This ministry lets them know the Church is here for them.”
The idea for Courage dates back to 1978, when Cardinal Terence Cooke of New York saw the need to serve the spiritual and pastoral needs of his same-sex-attracted flock. In recent years, Courage has seen a rapid expansion of chapters worldwide: in the U.S. alone, Courage sponsors 340 chapters, up from 247 chapters just six years ago.
Father Peter Ascik said the diocese initiated the local chapter earlier this year after watching the success of a related ministry called EnCourage, which began here in 2022 to support family members and friends of those who identify as LGBTQ.
“As Pope Francis said, the Church is called to be a field hospital, so we’re called to accompany people in all kinds of life situations,” said Father Ascik, director of the diocese’s Office of Family Life.
“Because of increasing attention to this issue,” he said, “there is also an increased need for a ministry that models a truly Catholic response to our brothers and sisters who experience same-sex attraction. Courage provides accompaniment and addresses people’s questions and experiences in light of the fullness of truth revealed by Jesus Christ.”
The Church teaches that sexual activity is reserved between a man and woman in marriage, with openness to children, Father Ascik said. The Church also teaches that people who experience same-sex attraction should be treated with “respect, compassion, and sensitivity” and that they, like all Christians, are called to live chaste lives.
CarlsonFather Michael Carlson, parochial vicar at St. Mark Parish in Huntersville, agreed to serve as chaplain for the local chapter after recognizing the positive impact Courage can have on people’s lives.
He said he attended a conference in Rome, called “Living the Truth in Love,” where participants shared that “Courage was helpful in their lives because it helped them to embrace the Church’s teachings.”
Courage is open to men and women 18 and over. It holds monthly meetings at discreet locations to provide privacy.
Father Carlson provides pastoral care, the sacrament of confession, teaching and guidance. He encourages members to “foster and live out” the five goals of Courage, which call for members to strive for chastity, to live “Christ-like lives” through frequent prayer and Mass attendance, and to develop strong, chaste friendships.
“I find that often there is confusion regarding both what the Church teaches as well as the place within the Church for those who experience same-sex attractions,” Father Carlson said. “Courage boldly proclaims the authentic teaching of the Church while pastorally accompanying these sons and daughters of hers.”
Courage doesn’t seek to change an individual’s sexual orientation or gender expression, Father Carlson stressed. Rather, Father Ascik added, participants are asked to strive to conform their lives and their actions to the call of Christ – as all Christians are.
“The deepest level of Christian friendship,” Father Carlson said, “would be two individuals trying to assist each other in their growth and walk with Christ.”
EnCourage provides similar support and resources for Catholic family members and friends of those who identify as LGBTQ. Deacon Peter Tonon founded the local chapter after hearing requests from parishioners.
Tonon“The purpose is to provide a faithful community and a ministry of presence for people who are often going through a deep element of suffering in dealing with their loved one’s experiences,” said Deacon Tonon, who serves as chaplain for EnCourage.
The ministry, he says, helps participants understand and cope spiritually with their loved ones who identify as LGBTQ – and respond to them with compassion and tools to preserve strong relationships without forsaking their own faith.
Both ministries seek to foster hope and provide spiritual uplift.
“When sexual temptations are involved, people tend to be embarrassed and ashamed, whether they are same-sex-attracted or not,” Monsignor Winslow said. “They are often left feeling isolated, alone, and afraid to talk about these very real challenges of their Christian journey. Through the Church, Courage reaches out to some of those who are facing such challenges, because no one is meant to walk alone.”
— Christina Lee Knauss
Get involved
To learn more about Courage and EnCourage in the Diocese of Charlotte, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Chart your path through God’s Country:
An interactive map
As the annual fall pilgrimage to western North Carolina begins, our churches along some of the state’s most scenic routes serve to amplify the beauty of God’s Country. With striking interiors, stained glass windows and sacred art – these churches invite visitors to stop in and experience the spiritual uplift a moment of reflection can bring.
From our newest parish, St. Jude near Gorges State Park in Sapphire, to one of our oldest, St. Lawrence Basilica in Asheville, these churches will elevate your visit – and your faith.
Many also offer historical and architectural significance within proximity of such natural treasures as Mount Mitchell, Grandfather Mountain, Linville Gorge and Sliding Rock.
This year, peak color is expected from the early October through early November, depending on elevations. Come see God’s grandeur – inside and out.
Chart your path through the mountains of western North Carolina, and explore some of our churches while you're visiting! Use our interactive map to guide your journey – simply click on each leaf to browse a profile of each church: