CHARLOTTE — From a young age, Father Noah Carter has been deeply impacted by the beauty of Catholic liturgy.
Father Carter
“My experience of the liturgy was always of something that obviously was not manmade – that we were just custodians and guardians of something that is much bigger than us and that can be traced all the way back to the apostles,” he said.
It’s fitting then that in his new role as the diocese’s director of liturgy he is overseeing changes in the Office of Divine Worship designed to support parishes and educate parishioners to participate more actively at Mass.
“One of the first things that the bishop asked me to do when I took on the office was to organize it in such a way that it would be an even greater resource to our parishes and to the liturgical life that is the ordinary means by which most parishioners interact with their churches,” Father Carter said.
The first change was to rename it the Office for Divine Worship. The more active word “for” reflects the bishop’s aim to be more engaged in parish liturgical efforts, Father Carter said, and to proactively tackle questions. He said it also reflects the vital role the office already plays in ensuring that plans for major renovation or construction of sacred spaces – churches, chapels or cemeteries – follow Church norms.
More than 10 parishes are currently working on major projects that involve sacred spaces, Father Carter said. “A large part of what the office is doing now is reviewing each stage of the plans.”
Because of that growing workload, the diocese will be hiring a full-time associate director of liturgy to manage day-to-day tasks, as well as form two commissions: one for Sacred Art and Architecture and one for Sacred Music, he said.
Envisioned by the Second Vatican Council, these commissions comprised of lay people and clergy will serve pastors, parishes and music programs by offering resources, answering questions and considering their respective liturgical elements.
Also new is the role of consultors, “priests and lay people with expertise in specified areas who would be a sounding board for those who work in this office and also serve as liaisons from the Office for Divine Worship to those different commissions,” Father Carter said.
In addition, he explained, “The hope is for the office to take some of the burden off of priests when it comes to training lectors and extraordinary ministers and that, in the future, we’ll be able to provide ongoing education by leveraging technology – not only for parish staff but also for the liturgical volunteers throughout the diocese.”
— Trish Stukbauer
BURNSVILLE — Some confusion has arisen regarding a group of men in western North Carolina who, despite their claims, are not an officially recognized Catholic religious community and are not affiliated with the Diocese of Charlotte. Bishop Michael T. Martin, OFM Conv., issued the following statement Jan. 13 regarding the group:
“Recently, a small group of men referring to themselves as the ‘Marian Friars Minor’ have taken up residence in the Diocese of Charlotte, in particular in the Burnsville area. This group, having difficulties with officials of the Diocese of Covington, Kentucky, have moved to our diocese and are functioning without tl1e permission of the Diocese of Charlotte. Their website declares them to be a religious community that is seeking vocations as well as donations, in particular to open a retreat center in the area.
“Please be advised that this group is not an officially recognized religious community neither in the Latin nor Eastern code and in no way represents the Roman Catholic Church (regardless of what they may claim). Its members are not to be offered the ability to speak publicly or serve in any of the ministry sites of the Diocese of Charlotte.”
— Catholic News Herald
CHARLOTTE — The Diocese of Charlotte announced today that experienced civil lawyer and prosecutor Regina Mahoney of Mooresville will join the diocese to serve as its new general counsel effective Jan. 29.
A lifelong Catholic and New York native, Mahoney brings 25 years of diverse legal experience, most recently serving as an assistant district attorney in Iredell and Alexander counties. She previously ran an estate planning practice in Mooresville and worked for several law firms in New York, representing a variety of clients including manufacturers, health care providers and commercial property owners.
“We are delighted to have Regina join the diocese and will benefit from the broad experience she brings as we navigate growth across 46 counties of western North Carolina,” said Monsignor Patrick Winslow, the diocese’s vicar general and chancellor. “She is an experienced litigator, and as a prosecutor handled major felony cases and managed extraordinary caseloads that required her to set priorities yet remain focused on her mission – all skills that will be an asset for the diocese.”
As counsel for the diocese, Mahoney will review and manage contracts and real estate transactions, guide employment matters, help assess risk and liability, advocate for religious freedom and oversee the diocese’s approach to litigation. She previously worked as staff counsel for Zurich North America, a commercial insurance and risk management company.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to put my professional skills to work for my faith, which has given me inspiration and guidance throughout my life,” Mahoney said. “I look forward to working with so many talented people across the diocese’s parishes, schools and ministries – with a goal of providing legal advice and guidance that will help us become even more effective in achieving our mission.”
Mahoney has been an active member of St. Therese Parish in Mooresville since 2013, serving as a lector and confirmation catechist. She also served on the board of Pharos Parenting of Iredell County, a nonprofit that supports low-income families with their parenting needs.
Mahoney earned a bachelor’s degree in philosophy, politics and law from Binghamton University and a law degree from St. John’s University School of Law, both in New York.
She lives in Mooresville with her husband of 17 years and her two sons and spends her free time cheering them on from the sidelines of the football field and basketball court.
— Catholic News Herald