KuhnCHARLOTTE — Michelle Kuhn has been named principal of St. Ann School in Charlotte effective July 1, succeeding retiring principal Kathy McKinney.
Kuhn has more than 15 years of experience as a teacher and administrator in the Mecklenburg Area Catholic Schools system, most recently serving as an assistant principal at St. Mark School in Huntersville.
“As a leader in Catholic education with almost two decades worth of experience, I am excited to work with Mrs. Kuhn to continue building up the vibrant Catholic identity and culture of St. Ann,” said Dr. Gregory Monroe, Diocese of Charlotte Catholic Schools superintendent, in a statement.
“Her commitment to her faith and mission of our schools to lead souls closer to Christ is evident in the ways she currently interacts with our Catholic school families, faculty and staff.”
A member of St. Matthew Church in Charlotte, Kuhn holds a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Belmont Abbey College and a master’s degree in educational administration from the University of Notre Dame.
During her time at Notre Dame, Kuhn was a member of the 12th cohort of the Mary Ann Remick Leadership Program, which prepares future Catholic school principals to lead with zeal.
“My educational history, coupled with my own faith journey, has led me to a place where I feel that doing this work is my passion, my mission and my professional vocation,” Kuhn said in a statement. “I eagerly look forward to becoming a part of the St. Ann family as I get to know this gem in our diocese.”
A graduate of the Catholic schools system in Charlotte herself, Kuhn is married to fellow Charlotte Catholic High School graduate Jeremy Kuhn. Two of the Kuhns’ four children are graduates of Charlotte Catholic High School, and their third daughter is currently a 10th-grader at CCHS and their son is a seventh-grader at Holy Trinity Middle School.
“Directed by the spirituality of the Sisters of St. Joseph who founded St. Ann’s School, who recognize God as a wholly inclusive, selfless and unceasing All-Embracing Love, I look forward to carrying on the school’s mission of offering an education that connects each child to the greater good of each and of all,” Kuhn said.
— Catholic News Herald
Sunday Mass obligation resumes Pentecost Sunday, May 23
CHARLOTTE — Parishes may return to near-normal operations effective immediately, the Diocese of Charlotte has announced, following state and federal officials’ moves to relax COVID-19 restrictions.
Bishop Peter Jugis is also welcoming Catholics back to Mass and encouraging them to bring a friend.
The obligation to attend Sunday Mass is being reinstated effective Pentecost Sunday, May 23, although some important exceptions remain.
Read Bishop Peter Jugis’ complete Letter to the Faithful
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control announced May 13 that people who have been vaccinated against COVID-19 no longer need to wear face coverings or follow social distancing norms under most circumstances.
North Carolina’s requirements for masks and social distancing were similarly dropped May 14.
In response to the state and federal actions, the Diocese of Charlotte’s vicar general and chancellor, Monsignor Patrick Winslow, issued a decree May 14 announcing that mask and social distancing requirements at all religious services are lifted “effective immediately.” The general obligation to attend Mass on Sundays and holy days resumes this weekend, except for people who are sick or vulnerable.
Diocese, state and federal health officials urge people who are vulnerable or unvaccinated to continue wearing masks and following social distancing norms.
“God is indeed with us – always present in the Eucharist and eager to welcome us back into His Love. Let us make a special effort to do the same by inviting those who do not yet know the love of God to join us.” — Bishop Peter J. Jugis
Looking ahead to Pentecost and the return to Mass, Bishop Jugis shared a special message with the people of the diocese, saying, “I would like to take this opportunity to personally welcome you back to Mass and to a renewal of your spiritual life.”
The bishop acknowledged “it will take time to heal from the pandemic’s toll on people’s health, welfare and economic well-being,” even as “our communities are beginning to emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic.”
“I especially remember in my prayers the more than 7,000 people across the 46 counties of our diocese who have died from COVID-19, and the families and friends who grieve their loss,” he said.
He expressed gratitude for the perseverance and creativity of many people across the diocese who have worked for over a year to keep people connected to their faith after public health restrictions were imposed in March 2020. “Livestreamed Masses, online classes and messages, and video conferencing brought blessings to us all,” he said.
Yet the bishop also emphasized the central importance of the Eucharist in the spiritual life of the faithful.
“Without the Mass, as we have witnessed over this past year, it has been challenging to stay focused on our spiritual lives,” he said. “We know the Eucharist is the source and summit of our Catholic faith, our North Star, enabling us to keep our gaze fixed on Jesus and stay on the path toward eternal life in heaven.”
Pentecost is an opportune time for non-vulnerable Catholics to come back to Mass, he said, “renewed and emboldened to live our faith just as the disciples, filled with the Holy Spirit, shed their fear and went out with courage to preach the Gospel message ‘to the ends of the earth’ (Acts 1:8). Pentecost commemorates the birth of the Church and Her mission to the world, and for us marks a rebirth of our own mission as Christ’s disciples.”
“As we celebrate the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, take heart and remember the words of Our Lord: ‘I am with you always, until the end of the age’ (Mt 28:20). God is indeed with us – always present in the Eucharist and eager to welcome us back into His Love,” he said.
And he encouraged the faithful, “Let us make a special effort to do the same by inviting those who do not yet know the love of God to join us.”
— Patricia L. Guilfoyle, editor
Diocese of Charlotte’s reopening instructions
In accordance with the latest guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC), which no longer recommends social distancing or face coverings for those who are fully vaccinated, and North Carolina Executive Order 215 that lifts mask and social distancing requirements in most circumstances, effective immediately parishes and the faithful in the Diocese of Charlotte are to observe the following norms.
Liturgical Services:
- Religious services no longer require social distancing or face coverings.
- Those who remain vulnerable are advised to continue wearing face coverings or attend Mass virtually.
- Masses and confessions are to return to their pre-COVID schedules beginning Pentecost Sunday (May 23, 2021).
- The options of receiving Communion from the chalice and extending the Sign of Peace are to remain omitted until further notice.
- The faithful retain the right to receive Communion on the tongue or in the hand.
Mass Obligation:
Beginning Pentecost Sunday, May 23, 2021, the general dispensation from attending Mass on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation will be narrowed to include only those who remain vulnerable to the coronavirus. (See FAQ below for details.)
Other:
• Charities and outreach efforts remain operational.
FAQs about Returning to Mass
1. When will the obligation to attend Mass be reinstated?
The general obligation to attend Mass on Sundays and holy days of obligation in the Diocese of Charlotte will be reinstated effective Sunday, May 23, 2021. However, some exemptions will continue (see #4 below).
2. Why is the exemption from Mass ending now?
It is important that we begin returning to Mass, when and where possible, in recognition of the essential and central nature of the Eucharist in our lives.
In the challenging year since the COVID-19 pandemic emerged, we all have adapted to protect the health and well-being of everyone in our communities. Safety precautions in place at our churches, such as capacity limits and rigorous cleaning protocols, have proven effective at making in-person worship possible without undue risk of spreading the virus. And while livestreamed Masses have been a means to help us nourish our souls when we could not be physically present in church, we must remember that “virtual” worship is not the norm. God did not come to us virtually. He came to us – and continues to come to us –in the flesh. For us Catholics, unmediated contact with the Real Presence of the Body and Blood of Our Lord in offering this sacrifice to God the Father is irreplaceable and essential.
3. Does this mean everyone is now obligated to go to Mass again?
No. We know there remains concern about the spread of infection and we must remain vigilant to limit its spread, particularly among those most vulnerable. With this in mind, there are particular exceptions (called “dispensations”) granted to people in certain circumstances – including those who are ill and those who care for anyone who is at risk of serious complications from COVID-19.
In reinstating the Sunday obligation, we must welcome back to Mass all Catholics who are now engaging in other activities that would present a similar or greater risk of exposure, such as eating out at restaurants, traveling, partaking in non-essential shopping, and widening one’s circle of contacts. Returning to Mass is an acknowledgement of our need and desire for the Eucharist to nourish and strengthen us.
4. Who is still exempted from attending Mass?
People who are ill or vulnerable to infection are still encouraged to stay at home and attend Mass virtually, on TV or online. If you live in the diocese (or are visiting within the diocese), you are not required to attend Mass on Sundays or holy days of obligation if:
- You are ill or your health would be significantly compromised if you were to contract a communicable illness (i.e., you have underlying conditions or are in a high-risk category).
- You exhibit flu-like symptoms.
- You have good reason to think you might be asymptomatic of a contagious illness (such as being in recent contact with someone who tested positive for a contagious illness such as COVID-19 or influenza).
- You care for the sick, homebound or infirm.
- You are pregnant, or caring for small children.
- You are 65 years of age or older (per the CDC’s recommendation of high-risk individuals).
- You cannot attend Mass through no fault of your own (such as no Mass is offered, you are infirm, or you are prevented for some reason you cannot control).
If you have questions about whether these exemptions apply to you, or if you have significant anxiety about returning to Mass, please contact your pastor or your parish office.
These categories will be reviewed and revised as needed.
5. Was this decision made in consultation with healthcare experts?
Yes. We have monitored the guidelines and requirements from the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services, local health officials, and recommendations from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control. All decisions regarding our practices during the pandemic have been informed and guided by experts in the medical community.
6. Are some safety precautions still in place?
Yes. The health and safety of our communities has been and remains paramount as we continue to monitor local conditions. While the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services no longer recommend social distancing or face coverings for those who are fully vaccinated, anyone who is vulnerable or not vaccinated is encouraged to continue wearing a face covering and to follow social distancing norms. In addition, congregants’ reception of Holy Communion from the chalice and the Sign of Peace are to remain omitted. Each church has specific protocols adapted for its own particular circumstances, so please contact your parish office if you have questions.
7. Are there still capacity restrictions at churches in the Diocese of Charlotte?
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services no longer recommend social distancing for those who are fully vaccinated. Religious services in the diocese no longer require social distancing for people who are not vulnerable to the coronavirus. Churches may maintain a section of seating with social distancing/masking protocols depending upon pastoral needs.
8. Will parishes still livestream Masses?
Parishes are encouraged to continue offering the option of a livestreamed Mass to help nourish the souls of Catholics who cannot be physically present for Mass.
Please see our list of livestreamed Masses.
9. Will the general dispensation be reinstated if the pandemic worsens locally?
The diocese continues to monitor the incidence of coronavirus in North Carolina and the effectiveness of our safety protocols. We will make any adjustments necessary in order to preserve the health and wellness of everyone in our community.
10. Why are Catholics normally obligated to attend Sunday Mass?
The command to “Remember the sabbath day – keep it holy” comes to us from God’s 10 Commandments to Moses (Ex 20:8-11). The Lord’s Day was moved from Saturday in the Old Testament to Sunday by virtue of Jesus’ Resurrection on this day.
We have a moral obligation to set Sunday apart from every other day of the week to worship God in gratitude and thanksgiving. In fact, the word “Eucharist” comes from the Greek word for “thanksgiving.”
The most salutary way we do this is by participating at Sunday Mass. The Mass – particularly the Holy Eucharist – is the very heart and foundation of our Catholic faith. It is during the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass that the saving death and resurrection of Jesus are made present to us, our covenant with Our Lord is renewed, and God, in the person of Jesus Christ, comes to us and makes Himself truly present for us in His Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity. It is an irreplaceable gift, a foretaste of heaven itself.
We know the challenges of the Christian life are great and we need nourishment and community to successfully “run the race” (2 Tim 4:7). Gathering at Mass on Sunday to hear God’s Word and to offer our lives as spiritual worship (Rom 12:1) along with the Body and Blood of the Lord present on the altar are indispensable tools God gives us for our salvation.
Even if you meet the circumstances for being exempted (“dispensed”) from attending Sunday Mass, you can still observe the Lord’s Day. Refrain from unnecessary work and spend time in prayer on Sunday, perhaps reading the Scriptures and meditating on the Lord’s passion, death and resurrection. Daily and Sunday Mass readings are online. You can also participate in a broadcast of the Sunday Mass on television or via livestream (list of livestreamed Masses), and make an Act of Spiritual Communion.
Faith depicted in ‘living stones’
Show GalleryHUNTERSVILLE — The nave of St. Mark Church has undergone a colorful transformation, thanks to a years-long effort that culminated in March.
The church’s previous clear windows have been replaced with 22 custom stained-glass windows depicting the 20 mysteries of the rosary, along with two other windows representing the Old Testament (Moses and The 10 Commandments) and the New Testament (St. Peter with the Keys of the Kingdom).
Scenes from the rosary, an ancient prayer of the Church which focuses on the life of Christ, now visually envelope congregants with colorful rays of light as they enter the 1,500-seat church.
“When I arrived at the parish, (former pastor) Monsignor Richard Bellow mentioned that he always wanted to have windows depicting the mysteries of the rosary,” recalls Father John Putnam, pastor. “During the building of the church, there were no funds for this project. I thought it was a great idea and would be a fitting project to honor the pastor-emeritus.”
Church buildings, in the rich tradition of Catholicism, are visual teachers of the faith, the faith expressed in “living stones,” he says. “It is important that we recover this aspect of church architecture so as to engage the whole person in the important work of worship and formation.”
Besides Father Putnam, former parochial vicars Father Noah Carter and Father Brian Becker also had a hand in selecting the images for the stained-glass windows with an eye for Biblical accuracy in the scenes.
The 22 stained-glass windows were created by artist Ronald Dixon of Dixon Studio in Staunton, Va. Todd Hinkle, a craftsman of Dixon Studio, welded and installed the windows over the course of nearly two and a half years.
“The mysteries are grounded in the life of Christ on Earth, as viewed through the eyes of His apostles and followers,” explains Dixon’s wife, Annie. “Ron has portrayed them as scenes with activity and drama so viewers can meditate on the experience of the people portrayed. He used a rich color palette that includes a blue border and lots of physical background: green foliage, colored flowers, gray stone, brown wood, etc.
“The angels above the Gothic arch in each scene are portrayed in amber and act as an intermediary for Christ and for us, between heaven and earth, watching over the scenes, and occasionally participating,” she notes.
The 22 windows were funded by individual families, parishioners who came together as a group, parish organizations and ministries like the Knights of Columbus, and clergy. Sponsorships were available for $22,000 per window.
Dixon Studio installed the first window, “The Ascension of Jesus,” on Oct. 17, 2018. The final window “Epilogue: St. Peter with the Keys to the Kingdom,” was installed March 18.
The window depicting the fourth glorious mystery, “The Assumption of Mary,” was donated by the parish’s Knights of Columbus Council 12654. The council’s late Grand Knight, Steve Romeo, had a great love of the Blessed Virgin Mary – promoting devotion to her at the Huntersville parish, especially on Marian feast days, and organizing the parish’s first Marian procession in 2009.
“As a Knight we don’t carry a sword instead we carry rosary beads as our weapon of choice. However for Steve it was much more personal. He was devoted to Mary! He prayed the rosary every day,” says current Grand Knight Vince Famularo. He and former Grand Knight Earle Markey were present to help with the installation of the “Assumption of Mary” window on July 20, 2020.
“The window is beautiful,” Famularo observes. “The artist captured her lovely face. When we go to Mass we attempt to sit by the window and offer prayers to our Blessed Mother and for Steve’s soul.”
Parishioners funded the fifth glorious mystery window, “The Coronation.” It is the heaviest of all 22 windows at approximately 150 pounds, with the most individual pieces of glass and the most lead came to hold them together.
Amy Burger, parish public relations coordinator, has painstakingly photographed the stained glass windows as each has been installed.
“I’m fascinated by how different the windows look from the outside, compared to looking at them from the inside,” Burger says. She is really amazed by the “Assumption of Mary” window donated by the Knights of Columbus.
“This image of Mary is fascinating in this window. It is as if she is looking at you one way and then another as you get closer,” she observes. “It has been an absolute joy to witness and help with the installation of every window.”
— SueAnn Howell, Senior reporter Amy Burger contributed. Photos by Paul E. Johnson, Amy Burger and Dixon Studio
‘Keep the faith’
UPDATE: Father Michael Kottar passed away on the Vigil of Pentecost, May 22, 2021. Funeral arrangements have been announced. Read the full obituary.
MOUNT HOLLY — As dusk fell late last week, nurses rolled Father Michael Kottar outside Atrium Health’s Carolinas Rehabilitation in a wheelchair where 27 young men studying to become priests stood preparing to say goodbye.
At 53, Father Kottar has been diagnosed with Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease, an extremely rare and aggressive brain disease for which there is no effective treatment or cure. The next day, the priest of 27 years would board a medical flight bound for Ohio, where he will be with his family and get the end-of-life care he needs.
But on this evening, Father Kottar felt unsettled about leaving the diverse flock of 300 families he has pastored at St. Mary Help of Christians Parish in Shelby and Christ the King Mission in Kings Mountain. He was pleased, though, to spend a moment with these future priests of the Diocese of Charlotte, since becoming a priest is his most treasured achievement.
The students from St. Joseph College Seminary had come to sing and pray and provide comfort to Father Kottar. Nobody knew Father Kottar also had a gift for them.
Beloved priest
Born and raised in Youngstown, Ohio, Michael Kottar is the oldest of three children, the big brother of twin girls he simply called “sista” because he couldn’t tell them apart.
Their mother worked as a Catholic school secretary and library tech, and their father coordinated an assembly line for General Motors. He was a bookworm who graduated top of his high school class, and “shocked” his sisters when he announced he wanted to become a priest.
He dove into studies – first at the Pontifical College Josephinum in Ohio, then earning a philosophy degree from St. Alphonsus Redemptorist Seminary in Connecticut, and finally attaining a Master of Divinity from Mount St. Mary’s Seminary in Maryland, in 1994. He was ordained a priest that year for the Diocese of Metuchen, N.J., where he served five years before joining the Charlotte diocese in 1999.
Father Kottar has served from Charlotte to North Wilkesboro to Andrews in the Nantahala National Forest, to St. Mary in Shelby. A fitness buff, he loves to hike and cruise the Caribbean with his compatriot Father Herbert Burke, who leads the neighboring Immaculate Conception Parish in Forest City. He also is known for his slapstick, British-style sense of humor, and for his way with words: He delivers moving homilies, which made pilgrimages he led particularly meaningful.
Father Kottar became pastor of St. Mary in 2007. His longest-running assignment, he loves the mix of people and cultures there, and is widely appreciated for his counseling, Great Adventure Bible study, and for overseeing an expansion of the narthex – and getting the parking lot paved.
But last December, Father Kottar began feeling dizzy, and at times had to cancel Mass. After what seemed like endless testing, in April he received the terminal diagnosis.
“It was hard to hear. I thought I’d have a few more years. But if God wants me now, then that’s what will be. I just can’t understand how anyone could get through something like this without faith,” Father Kottar said, just before meeting the college seminarians.
‘It’s about having faith’
Gathering around Father Michael Kottar before he left for Ohio were Monsignor Patrick Winslow, the diocese’s vicar general and chancellor, and from St. Joseph College Seminary: Father Matthew Kauth, rector, Father Jason Christian, Father Matthew Buettner, the 27 college seminarians, and members of the Daughters of the Virgin Mother. (Liz Chandler, Catholic News Herald)In his wheelchair, his demeanor calm, Father Kottar sat and listened as fellow priests blessed him, gave him Holy Communion, and sprinkled holy water. He smiled as the seminarians – harmonizing with the Daughters of the Virgin Mother – chanted “Regina Caeli” in melodic tenor, bass and baritones.
Then Father Kottar, who had been incapacitated with infection for days, perked up to speak.
“It’s wonderful to see such a growing Diocese of Charlotte,” he said. “In case I die, I have a few words for the future: It’s a good future.”
“There have been some bad times in the Church,” he noted, citing the clergy sex abuse crisis and political divisions within the Church. “So, you’ve got your jobs ahead of you.
"You might not know what they are yet, but God has a plan for each one of you.”
He encouraged them to teach using the rosary, to revere the Eucharist – and to rise above division.Struggling to find the words, he continued, “I wish I could stay a little longer, and maybe I will, but you are going to be the future – and I think liberal, conservative, it’s not that so much. It’s about having faith. Having faith in God.
“So keep the faith.”
Through tears, his sister Renee Selby said she hopes his words and example inspire any young person who is exploring their purpose in life.
On May 2, Bishop Peter Jugis joined St. Mary’s parishioners to share the news of their pastor’s departure and announce that Father Fidel Melo will serve as parish administrator until a permanent pastor can be appointed.“Father Kottar has previously said he saw bringing Christ to the world as one of the most important roles of a priest, and he became a priest in order to share the love of Christ with everyone,” Bishop Jugis noted. “Now it is important for us to carry on doing the same,” he said, quoting the parish’s motto: “that in all things God may be glorified.”
Then Monsignor Patrick Winslow said Mass, and in his homily he drew a parallel between Father Kottar’s deeds and his words that “I’m taking one day at a time.”
“ ‘As I have lived, so will I die – one day at a time.’ That is his message,” Monsignor Winslow said.
Asked directly, Father Kottar said if he could, he would tell his parish simply: “Adios.” A farewell that translates “To God.”
Father Kottar will return to his parish family, his sister said, when he is buried at nearby Belmont Abbey. He said he’s looking forward to what comes after that: “It will be good to see God, the Lord.”
— Liz Chandler, Diocese of Charlotte communications director
Send condolences
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Video highlight
Watch a video highlight of the St. Joseph College seminarians singing to Father Kottar, and his parting words of advice: https://youtu.be/OjHjm6zT0gI
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