Nov. 20, 2020

November 20, 2020

catholicnewsherald.com charlottediocese.org S E RV I N G C H R I ST A N D C O N N EC T I N G C AT H O L I C S I N W E ST E R N N O R T H C A R O L I N A

Giving thanks INSIDE

2019-’20 Diocese of Charlotte Annual Report

From Pilgrims to priests: Two priests in the Diocese of Charlotte linked to the First Thanksgiving 14-15 Un día para dar gracias 9

Diocesan Foundation awards $69K in grants 5

‘Vamos por ti Honduras’ espera generosa ayuda de la comunidad 8 Subscribe today! Call:

704-370-3333

INDEX

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FUNDED BY THE PARISHIONERS OF THE DIOCESE OF CHARLOTTE THANK YOU!

Contact us.......................... 4 Español..............................8-11 Online Masses.................... 4 Our Faith............................. 2 Our Parishes.................. 3-7 Schools..............................16 Scripture readings............ 2 TV & Movies.......................17 U.S. news...................... 18-19 Viewpoints.................. 22-23 World news.................. 20-21

St. Benedict the Moor marks 80th anniversary 6

For Advent, why not create a Jesse Tree?

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Our faith 2

catholicnewsherald.com | November 20, 2020 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

For Advent, why not create a Jesse Tree?

Pope Francis

Mary shows how to turn fear into invitation to hear God’s call

T

here is no better way to pray than like Mary, who opened her heart to God with humility and trust, Pope Francis said.

“It is putting our life in the Lord’s hands, that he be the one who guides us.

We can all pray like this, almost without words,” the pope said Nov. 18 during his weekly general audience.

Continuing his series of audience talks about prayer, Pope Francis reflected on Mary as a model of prayer. Mary did not autonomously orchestrate her life, the pope said. “She waits for God to take the reins of her path and guide her where He wants.”

By being docile and willing to be God’s instrument, she prepares the way for “the great events in which God takes part in the world,” he said.

“There is no better way to pray than to place oneself like Mary in an attitude of openness with a heart open to God, ‘Lord, what you want, when you want and how you want,’” he said.

Those whose lives are inspired by such a prayerful attitude, he said, “do not get upset when their days are filled with problems,” but face reality knowing that if they offer themselves with humble love, “we become instruments of God’s grace.”

When the angel Gabriel told Mary of God’s plan for her, the pope said, Mary “knew how to reject fear, even while sensing that her ‘yes’ would bring her tremendously difficult trials. If in prayer we understand that each day given by God is a call, our hearts will then widen, and we will accept everything.”

People also should pray that the Lord would be present every step of the way, “that He does not leave us alone, that He does not leave us to temptation, that He does not abandon us during terrible moments,” he said.

Mary not only accompanied Jesus’s entire life in prayer, right up to His death and resurrection, she also accompanied the first steps of the Church, praying with “the men and women whom her Son had called to form His community,” Pope Francis said.

“Mary is not a priest among them. No. She is the mother of Jesus who prays with them in community, like one of the community; she prays with them and for them,” he said. Not only did she become the mother of God, she also became the mother of the Church through the work of the Holy Spirit, he said.

Her “natural feminine intuition is exalted by her most singular union with God in prayer,” the pope said. “This is why, reading the Gospel, we note that she seems to disappear at times, only to reappear for crucial moments: it was God’s voice that guided her heart and her steps where her presence was needed.”

Advent is designed to help the ornaments. Find daily us prepare for the birth of the Jesse Tree reflections and Savior, and there’s no better Scripture verses online – way to do that than with a three recommendations are Jesse Tree. listed below. Each day during A Jesse Tree is a traditional Advent, make an ornament to way of marking the days illustrate that verse and hang of Advent – like an Advent it on the Jesse Tree. calendar, but it traces the This activity is particularly family tree of Jesus from fun for families and children, Creation to the Nativity. but it’s also good for anyone Each day features a different who wants to connect the Scripture passage featuring Advent season with God’s depictions of Jesus’ ancestors faithfulness across history. or events in the Old and New — Patricia L. Guilfoyle, editor Testament that point to Him. It is so named from the More online prophecy in Isaiah 11:1: “But At holyheroes.com: This a shoot shall sprout from the Cramerton-based company stump of Jesse, and from his has a generous collection of roots a bud shall blossom.” free resources in its “Advent Adventure” Artists’ depictions of the collection, including Jesse Tree Jesse Tree usually show a ornament downloadable printables, tree rising out of a recumbent and daily emails with prayers and short Jesse of Bethlehem, the videos explaining each Scripture verse father of King David, with so kids can watch while decorating branches featuring Jesus’ their ornaments. Bonus free content ancestors as recorded in the includes printable ornaments and Gospel of Matthew and the videos explaining the “O Antiphons.”

Gospel of Luke. (Fun fact: Holy Heroes also offers for sale a Jesse The Jesse Tree is where Tree poster with stickers to post on our representation of a your fridge, and a Jesse Tree “History genealogical family tree of Salvation” Advent Activity Book with comes from.) coloring pages, puzzles, quizzes and The Jesse Tree connects more. our holiday traditions, like putting up a Christmas At www.loyolapress.com: Find tree or lighting an Advent a series of online reflections wreath, with the history of for each day of Advent using a salvation. On the tree we place Jesse Tree, taken from “The Stories of ornaments representing the the Old Testament: A Catholic’s Guide” people, the prophecies and IMAGES COURTESY OF CATHOLICCULTURE.COM AND ZAZZLE.COM

by Jim Campbell. Each day’s reflection events leading up to Jesus’ birth – includes links to the Bible verse along with for example, a burning bush for Moses or a ram for Isaac. There an ornament suggestion. Perfect for older children and adults who want to are many variations in the number of ornaments and subjects, take a “deeper dive” into Scripture. with simple sets suitable for very young children to elaborate At www.catholicculture.org: Find more Jesse Tree ornament ideas collections of more than two dozen ornaments. for little children, coloring activities, even cookie recipes! Search Making a Jesse Tree is easy. You can use a small Christmas “Jesse Tree” on the homepage. tree, a large branch or a poster as the base on which to hang

Don’t miss this!

Advent begins on Sunday, Nov. 29, and that date also marks the start of the Church’s liturgical year. Advent (from, “ad-venire” in Latin or “to come to”) is the season encompassing the four Sundays (and weekdays) leading up to Christmas. As you prepare for the season, check out these other stories on catholicnewsherald.com: n “10 facts about Advent”: The season of Advent developed in the Church over time. Here are 10 facts that

you may not know about the roots and meanings of the season. n Blessing for an Advent wreath and Christmas tree: Information from the USCCB on blessing your Advent wreath and Christmas tree n “The Great ‘O’ Antiphons of Advent”: The Great “O”Antiphons are brief prayers that are chanted or sung from Dec. 17 to 23.

Daily Scripture readings NOV. 22-28

Sunday (Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe): Ezekiel 34:11-12, 15-17, 1 Corinthians 15:20-26, 28, Matthew 25:3146; Monday (St. Clement I, St. Columban, BI Miguel Agustin Pro): Revelation 14:1-5, Luke 21:1-4; Tuesday (St. Andrew DungLac and Companions): Revelation 14:14-19, Luke 21:5-11; Wednesday (St. Catherine of Alexandria): Revelation 15:1-4, Luke 21:12-19; Thursday (Thanksgiving Day): Sirach 50:2224, 1 Corinthians 1:3-9, Luke 17:11-19; Friday: Revelation 20:1-4, 11-21:2, Luke 21:29-33; Saturday: Revelation 22:1-7, Luke 21:34-36

NOV. 29-DEC. 5

Sunday (First Sunday of Advent): Isaiah 63:16b-17, 19b, 64:2-7, 1 Corinthians 1:3-9, Mark 13:33-37; Monday (St. Andrew): Romans 10:9-18, Matthew 4:18-22; Tuesday: Isaiah 11:1-10, Luke 10:21-24; Wednesday: Isaiah 25:6-10a, Matthew 15:29-37; Thursday (St. Francis Xavier): Isaiah 26:1-6, Matthew 7:21, 24-27; Friday (St. John Damascene): Isaiah 29:17-24, Matthew 9:27-31; Saturday: Isaiah 30:19-21, 23-26, Matthew 9:35-10:1, 5a, 6-8

DEC. 6-12

Sunday (Second Sunday of Advent): Isaiah 40:1-5, 9-11, 2 Peter 3:8-14, Mark 1:18; Monday (St. Ambrose): Isaiah 35:1-10, Luke 5:17-26; Tuesday (The Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary): Genesis 3:9-15, 20, Ephesians 1:3-6, 11-12, Luke 1:26-38; Wednesday (St. Juan Diego Cuauhtlatoatzin): Isaiah 40:25-31, Matthew 11:28-30; Thursday: Isaiah 41:13-20, Matthew 11:11-15; Friday (St. Damasus I): Isaiah 48:1719, Matthew 11:16-19; Saturday (Our Lady of Guadalupe): Zechariah 2:14-17, Judith 13:1819, Luke 1:26-38

Our parishes

November 20, 2020 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

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Bishop Jugis calls on faithful to pledge support for college seminary SUEANN HOWELL SENIOR REPORTER

CHARLOTTE — Bishop Peter Jugis is asking each household in the Diocese of Charlotte to prayerfully consider making a three-year pledge to the St. Joseph College Seminary capital campaign by year’s end to support the formation of priests to serve the growing Church in western North Carolina.

“In our diocese, the Lord has given us an extraordinary gift of a large number of young men who are discerning a vocation to the priesthood,” Bishop Peter Jugis wrote in a letter to parishioners this week.

“We have gone from 16 men in formation to 41 in only five years! Twentyseven of these men are in the first four years of formation, the college seminary phase. In response, we are creating a place that will allow these young men to discern their vocations close to home, and close to you and the parishes that they will one day serve as priests,” he said.

The college seminary’s permanent home in Mount Holly opened earlier this fall, and so far $16.6 million of the $20 million to pay for its construction has been raised by 650 donors.

With Gothic architecture and brickwork inspired by nearby Belmont Abbey, where in 1876 Benedictine monks planted the roots of Catholicism in western North Carolina, the two-story, 30,000-square-foot building includes 40 dorm rooms, a chapel, classroom and library, faculty offices, a refectory and kitchen, and a picturesque cloister walk where students can meditate and pray.

The aim of the college seminary program is to nurture local vocations among the parishes and families in the diocese, close to home, before the men graduate and go on to major seminaries located elsewhere to complete their priestly formation and return for ordination to serve in the diocese’s growing parishes.

“Our diocese is growing dramatically as is our need for more priests,” Bishop Jugis said. “We need men of virtue, well formed in the diocese, for service in the diocese. Only a priest can bring us the Real Presence of our Eucharistic Lord through the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. Only a priest can restore our friendship with God in the sacrament of reconciliation. Every priest is a living witness of Christ in a world that needs God’s love and truth more than ever.

“Your participation is essential for the success of this campaign. Our future priests need your help to continue their path toward the day of their ordination.”

PHOTO PROVIDED BY ST. JOSEPH COLLEGE SEMINARY

Nine new college seminarians received their house cassocks Nov. 1 at St. Ann Church in Charlotte. Bishop Peter Jugis blessed the cassocks and participated in vespers with the St. Joseph College Seminary community. There are now 27 men discerning a vocation to the priesthood at the college seminary, located in Mount Holly near Belmont Abbey College where the seminarians are pursuing their college degrees.

Support the St. Joseph College Seminary campaign Pledge financial support for the college seminary by returning the pledge card included with the Nov. 16 letter from Bishop Jugis or go online to www.stjcs. org. Questions? Contact Fredrik Akerblom, St. Joseph

College Seminary development director, at 704-3026386 or fakerblom@stjcs.org, or Jim Kelley, diocesan development director, at 704-608-0359 or jkkelley@ charlottediocese.org.

National vendor’s data breach affected more diocesan constituents than previously thought CHARLOTTE — The Diocese of Charlotte announced this week that personal information about some of its constituents was exposed in a data breach experienced by third-party vendor Blackbaud Inc., in May. Blackbaud is an international provider of fundraising and financial software for education, charitable and nonprofit organizations – many of which were affected by the company’s data breach.

Blackbaud hosts a variety of databases for the diocese and several were exposed in the incident.

The diocese announced in August that limited personal information of donors had been exposed in Blackbaud’s data security incident. Details are outlined in an Aug. 28 letter posted on the diocesan website: www.charlottediocese.org. After further investigation, Blackbaud recently informed the diocese that information associated with additional constituents of the diocese was also affected, including that of some employees, vendors, parents and students, school alumni and supporters.

In most cases, the data exposed did not

involve sensitive personal information, the diocese said, citing information from Blackbaud. However, information involving current and former employees and vendors contained in a database the diocese stopped using by 2005 did include sensitive details such as Social Security Numbers, Tax Identification Numbers or bank account information. The individuals affected have been contacted directly by the diocese with information about the breach as well as credit monitoring and fraud assistance services being offered to them

by Blackbaud.

The diocese said it has no reason to believe the exposed information was misused or made available publicly, but encouraged constituents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to law enforcement.

“We are continuing to scrutinize what happened and what steps Blackbaud has taken to guard against such a breach in the future,” said Monsignor Patrick Winslow, the diocese’s vicar general and chancellor. “While we recognize that such incidents are becoming a hallmark

of the digital world in which we live, we have to be vigilant to stay a step ahead in cybersecurity.”

Blackbaud’s breach made headlines across the country and beyond in July and August when the company initially disclosed it had been the victim of a ransomware attack. The company said the attack went on for weeks before Blackbaud detected and stopped it in May. Before the attacker was locked out of Blackbaud’s computer systems, the individual(s) removed a copy of backup files involving thousands of clients.

Working with federal law enforcement, Blackbaud said it agreed to pay the ransom “with confirmation that the data was destroyed.”

Initially, Blackbaud assured clients that sensitive personal information had not been exposed because it had been encrypted. But after further investigation, Blackbaud disclosed in late September that some sensitive personal and financial information left behind in “legacy” files had not been encrypted. In October, Blackbaud provided details about which

of the diocese’s constituents had been affected.

The diocese has notified those affected through letters, email or school newsletters, as well as through its website.

In addition to the information previously described, other information exposed included: n Information in a 2019 database of families enrolled in Mecklenburg Area Catholic Schools. The information dated back to 2008 and included parents’ names, addresses, contact information and in some cases students’ names and birth dates, and tuition information. n Information in a 2016 database of alumni and donors to Charlotte Catholic High School. Dating back to 2002, the information included names, addresses, contact information, graduation dates and donor history.

For more information about the breach, please see Blackbaud’s explanation online at bit.ly/3kFggE1. If you have additional questions, please call 704-370-3409.

— Catholic News Herald

Online Masses 4

catholicnewsherald.com | November 20, 2020 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

November 20, 2020

The following parishes are providing live or recorded Masses each week. An updated schedule is online at www.catholicnewsherald.com, or contact your parish for details.

LIVESTREAMED MASSES

VOLUME 30 • NUMBER 4

1123 S. CHURCH ST. CHARLOTTE, N.C. 28203-4003 catholicnews@charlottediocese.org

704-370-3333 PUBLISHER: The Most Reverend Peter J. Jugis, Bishop of Charlotte

The following parishes offer Masses live at the following times on their Facebook page or YouTube or Vimeo channel. If no time is listed here, check their parish website for more information:

The following parishes offer Masses recorded on their website, Facebook page, YouTube or Vimeo channel. Search those platforms for the parish’s name to find the latest Mass information:

BELMONT ABBEY MONASTERY: 11 a.m. daily

GOOD SHEPHERD MISSION, KING HOLY CROSS CHURCH, KERNERSVILLE HOLY SPIRIT CHURCH, DENVER IMMACULATE CONCEPTION CHURCH, FOREST CITY IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY CHURCH, HIGH POINT OUR LADY OF CONSOLATION CHURCH, CHARLOTTE OUR LADY OF GRACE CHURCH, GREENSBORO OUR LADY OF MERCY CHURCH, WINSTON-SALEM SACRED HEART CHURCH, SALISBURY ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI CHURCH, LENOIR ST. GABRIEL CHURCH, CHARLOTTE ST. JOAN OF ARC CHURCH, CANDLER ST. JOSEPH CHURCH, ASHEBORO ST. LEO THE GREAT CHURCH, WINSTON-SALEM ST. MARGARET MARY CHURCH, SWANNANOA ST. MARK CHURCH, HUNTERSVILLE ST. MARY MOTHER OF GOD CHURCH, SYLVA ST. MICHAEL CHURCH, GASTONIA ST. PATRICK CATHEDRAL, CHARLOTTE ST. PAUL THE APOSTLE CHURCH, GREENSBORO ST. STEPHEN MISSION, ELKIN ST. STEPHEN MARONITE CHURCH, CHARLOTTE ST. THERESE CHURCH, MOORESVILLE ST. VINCENT DE PAUL CHURCH, CHARLOTTE

DIVINE REDEEMER CHURCH, BOONVILLE: 9 and 11 a.m. Sunday GOOD SHEPHERD CHURCH, KING: 11 a.m. English; 1:30 p.m. Spanish Sunday HOLY INFANT CHURCH, REIDSVILLE: 9 a.m. Sunday OUR LADY OF THE ASSUMPTION CHURCH, CHARLOTTE: 10 a.m. Sunday OUR LADY OF LOURDES CHURCH, MONROE: 9 a.m. daily

STAFF EDITOR: Patricia L. Guilfoyle 704-370-3334, plguilfoyle@charlottediocese.org ADVERTISING MANAGER: Kevin Eagan 704-370-3332, keeagan@charlottediocese.org SENIOR REPORTER: SueAnn Howell 704-370-3354, sahowell@charlottediocese.org ONLINE REPORTER: Kimberly Bender 704-808-7341, kdbender@charlottediocese.org HISPANIC COMMUNICATIONS REPORTER: Cesar Hurtado, 704-370-3375, rchurtado@charlottediocese.org GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Tim Faragher 704-370-3331, tpfaragher@charlottediocese.org COMMUNICATIONS ASSISTANT/CIRCULATION: Erika Robinson, 704-370-3333, catholicnews@ charlottediocese.org

QUEEN OF THE APOSTLES CHURCH, BELMONT: 9:15 and 11 a.m. Sunday SACRED HEART CHURCH, BREVARD: 12 p.m. daily Mass, 10 a.m. Sunday SACRED HEART CHURCH, SALISBURY: 8 and 10:30 a.m. Sunday, 7 a.m. Monday, Tuesday, Friday, 5:15 p.m. Wednesday, 9 a.m. Thursday and 8 a.m. Saturday ST. ANN CHURCH, CHARLOTTE: 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. (Latin Mass) Sunday ST. BARNABAS CHURCH, ARDEN: 11 a.m. Bilingual Sunday Mass ST. BASIL THE GREAT EASTERN CATHOLIC CHURCH, CHARLOTTE: 11 a.m. Sunday ST. BENEDICT THE MOOR CHURCH, WINSTON-SALEM: 9 a.m. English; 2 p.m. Spanish ST. DOROTHY CHURCH, LINCOLNTON: 9 a.m. Sunday ST. EUGENE CHURCH, ASHEVILLE: 5:30 p.m. Saturday Vigil; 9 a.m. Sunday Mass ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI CHURCH, MOCKSVILLE: 9 a.m. English; 10:30 a.m. Spanish ST. JAMES CHURCH, CONCORD: English and Spanish

THE CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD is published by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Charlotte 26 times a year.

NEWS: The Catholic News Herald welcomes your news and photos. Please e-mail information, attaching photos in JPG format with a recommended resolution of 150 dpi or higher, to catholicnews@charlottediocese.org. All submitted items become the property of the Catholic News Herald and are subject to reuse, in whole or in part, in print, electronic formats and archives.

ADVERTISING: Reach 165,000 Catholics across western North Carolina! For advertising rates and information, contact Advertising Manager Kevin Eagan at 704-370-3332 or keeagan@charlottediocese.org. The Catholic News Herald reserves the right to reject or cancel advertising for any reason, and does not recommend or guarantee any product, service or benefit claimed by our advertisers.

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POSTMASTER: Periodicals class postage (USPC 007-393) paid at Charlotte, N.C. Send address corrections to the Catholic News Herald, 1123 S. Church St., Charlotte, N.C. 28203.

RECORDED MASSES

ST. JOHN NEUMANN CHURCH, CHARLOTTE: 8, 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. Sunday in English and 12 p.m. Sunday in Spanish ST. JOHN THE EVANGELIST CHURCH, WAYNESVILLE, AND IMMACULATE CONCEPTION MISSION, CANTON ST. LAWRENCE BASILICA, ASHEVILLE: 7:30 a.m. Monday and Tuesday, 9 a.m. Sunday in English and 5 p.m. in Spanish.

ST. LUKE CHURCH, MINT HILL: 9 and 11 a.m. Sunday in English; 1 p.m. Sunday bilingual; 4:30 p.m. Sunday ST. MARK CHURCH, HUNTERSVILLE: 7 and 9 a.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday; 7 a.m. Wednesday; 9 a.m. Saturday; 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. Sunday in English, and 1 p.m. in Spanish ST. MARY’S CHURCH, GREENSBORO: 8 a.m. Sunday ST. MARY, MOTHER OF GOD CHURCH, SYLVA: Noon Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday; 9 a.m. Saturday; 11:30 a.m. Sunday in English and 7 p.m. Saturday in Spanish ST. MATTHEW CHURCH, CHARLOTTE: 12 p.m. daily; 9 a.m. Sunday ST. MICHAEL CHURCH, GASTONIA: 9 a.m. Sunday ST. PATRICK CATHEDRAL, CHARLOTTE: 12:30 p.m. Sunday ST. PAUL THE APOSTLE CHURCH, GREENSBORO: 9 a.m. Monday, Wednesday-Friday; 4:30 p.m. Saturday; 10:30 a.m. Sunday

EN ESPAÑOL OUR LADY OF GRACE CHURCH, GREENSBORO OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE CHURCH, CHARLOTTE: 8 a.m. domingo; 7:30 p.m. martes; 12 p.m. miércoles, jueves y viernes OUR LADY OF THE ASSUMPTION CHURCH, CHARLOTTE OUR LADY OF LOURDES CHURCH, MONROE SACRED HEART CHURCH, SALISBURY: 12:30 p.m. Domingo ST. BENEDICT THE MOOR CHURCH, WINSTON-SALEM: 1:30 p.m. Domingo ST. DOROTHY CHURCH, LINCOLNTON: 12 p.m. Domingo ST. EUGENE CHURCH, ASHEVILLE: 7:30 a.m. Domingo ST. JAMES THE GREATER CHURCH, CONCORD ST. JOAN OF ARC CHURCH, CANDLER ST. JOHN NEUMANN CHURCH, CHARLOTTE: 12 p.m. Domingo ST. JOSEPH CHURCH, ASHEBORO ST. LAWRENCE BASILICA, ASHEVILLE: 5 p.m. Domingo ST. LUKE CHURCH, MINT HILL: 1 p.m. Domingo ST. MARK CHURCH, HUNTERSVILLE: 1 p.m. Domingo ST. MARY’S CHURCH, GREENSBORO: 11 a.m. Domingo ST. MARY, MOTHER OF GOD CHURCH, SYLVA: 7 p.m. Sabado ST. THERESE CHURCH: 12 p.m. Domingo

ST. PETER CHURCH, CHARLOTTE: 11:30 a.m. Sunday ST. STEPHEN MISSION, ELKIN: 9 a.m. Sunday ST. THERESE CHURCH, MOORESVILLE: 9 a.m. weekdays, 5 p.m. Saturday 8 and 10 a.m.

Sunday ST. THOMAS AQUINAS CHURCH, CHARLOTTE: 8:30 a.m. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday; 10 a.m. Saturday’ 9:30 a.m., Sunday;

VIETNAMESE ST. JOSEPH VIETNAMESE CHURCH, CHARLOTTE: 8:30 and 10:30 a.m. Sunday ST. MARY’S CHURCH, GREENSBORO: 9:30 a.m. Sunday LATIN

ST. VINCENT DE PAUL CHURCH, CHARLOTTE: 10 a.m. daily, 10 a.m. Sunday in English and 2 p.m. Sunday in Spanish

ST. ANN CHURCH, CHARLOTTE: 12:30 p.m. Sunday OUR LADY OF GRACE CHURCH, GREENSBORO: 1 p.m. Sunday ST. THOMAS AQUINAS, CHARLOTTE: 12:15 and 7 p.m. Thursday

Editor’s note

Nota de la Editora

The Nov. 6 Catholic News Herald article “Lucha por derechos de Tepesianos recibe apoyo de comunidad de fe” referred readers to an online donation link operated by ActBlue. It has been brought to our attention that, according to its website, ActBlue helps raise money for pro-abortion candidates and campaigns that oppose Catholic teaching.

We discourage readers from using this online fundraising platform.

El artículo del 6 de noviembre “Lucha por los derechos de los Tepesianos recibe apoyo de la comunidad de fe” remitió a los lectores a un enlace de donación online operado por ActBlue. Se nos ha referido que, según su website, ActBlue ayuda a recaudar fondos para candidatos y campañas pro-aborto que se oponen a la enseñanza Católica. No recomendamos a los lectores que utilicen esta plataforma de recaudación de fondos online.

November 20, 2020 | catholicnewsherald.com

Diocesan Foundation awards $69K in grants SUEANN HOWELL SENIOR REPORTER

CHARLOTTE — With so many people facing challenging times due to the COVID-19 pandemic this year, funds awarded this fall by the Diocese of Charlotte Foundation will have particular impact.

Support for people in crisis, food for the hungry, faith formation resources and needed facility improvements are just some of the ways recipients of this year’s Diocese of Charlotte Foundation grant award winners will make a difference across western North Carolina.

The annual awards are given out based on need and the impact the funds are expected to have on their local communities.

This year 17 grants totaling $69,394 have been awarded to 10 parishes and missions, four diocesan outreach ministries and three parish food pantries. The grants range from $1,500 to $5,000.

One of the recipients of a $4,394 Foundation Grant is the Ave Maria Food Pantry at St. Bernadette Mission in Linville. Started in 2012, it now features

26 volunteers distributing 320-350 bags of groceries including dairy, produce, meat and dry goods each week to approximately 200 families – that’s about a total of 600 people each month.

“On behalf of the many volunteers and parishioners who contribute so much of their time and financial resources to the Ave Maria Food Pantry, I would like to thank the Diocese of Charlotte for the generous grant we recently received,” said Father Christopher Bond, pastor.

“The money has already been put to very good use – helping to pay for an enclosed addition on what was the original rectory of St. Lucien Parish and St. Bernadette Mission, substantially aiding in the logistics of such an important enterprise.

It is quite special to think that what started as a very modest home providing shelter for the priests now serves to provide food and clothing for those in our community who are in desperate need!”

Other food pantries which received grants include: Our Lady of Guadalupe Church Food Pantry in Charlotte, $5,000; and St. Jude Mission Food Pantry in Sapphire Valley, $5,000.

Four Catholic Charities offices across

5

2020 Diocesan Foundation Grant Recipients Catholic Charities, Charlotte Regional Office $4,000 Catholic Charities, Lenoir $4,000 Catholic Charities, Piedmont/Triad Office $4,000

Catholic Charities, Respect Life Office $1,500 Christ the King Mission, Kings Mountain $5,000 Our Lady of Consolation Church, Charlotte $5,000 Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, Charlotte $5,000 Our Lady of the Angels Mission, Marion $2,500 Our Lady of the Highways Church, Thomasville $4,000 Prince of Peace Mission, Robbinsville $5,000 Sacred Heart Church, Brevard $4,000 St. Benedict Church, Greensboro $5,000 St. Bernadette Mission, Linville $4,394 St. Francis of Assisi Church, Jefferson $3,000 St. Jude Mission, Sapphire Valley $5,000 St. Mark Church, Huntersville $4,000 St. Pius X Church, Greensboro $4,000

the diocese will use their grants in various ways: Catholic Charities Charlotte office, $4,000 to assist homeless veterans with housing; Catholic Charities Lenoir office, $4,000 to work with families in need; Catholic Charities Piedmont/Triad office, $4,000 to conduct charitable outreach in Guilford County and the surrounding area;

Women’s retreat to be held Dec. 4-6 at Living Waters

Return to God ministry takes prayer to the streets SUEANN HOWELL SENIOR REPORTER

PHOTO PROVIDED BY PAUL ANATRELLA

all six of us have had the fire to go out into the world to do something for the Church and the country,” he says.

“We have to be open to the Holy Spirit,” adds Dave Stoughton. “There are many opportunities we face, and we have to be open to it. We need to see the face of Jesus in whoever we see in the public square. We have to remember that we are looking at the face of Jesus.

“We want to be peaceful and in the spirit.

That is why we have prayer ministry to strengthen us.”

Charlie Magro insists the group’s peaceful prayer presence will prevail even in the face of any opposition they may encounter. “The people who are angry or confused, we know are wounded friends, our wounded brothers and sisters.”

Mannie Obregon says the effort is part of learning more about his faith. “I have

SSVF/Veterans Housing Walking with Families in Need Charitable Outreach for Guilford and surrounding areas Human Trafficking Awareness Lighting Upgrades Sports Leadership Initiative Food Pantry & Social Ministry Preventative Maintenance Ceiling Repair New Roof Faith Formation Society of St. Vincent de Paul Ave Maria Food Pantry Faith Formation Food Pantry Services Stephen Ministry Training Faith Formation

and Catholic Charities’ Respect Life Office, $1,500 to create awareness about human trafficking.

Since 2001, the Diocese of Charlotte Foundation has awarded 376 grants totaling $1,008,894. These grants are distributed from three of the foundation’s 278 endowments.

‘God has called us together’

HUNTERSVILLE — Six men, all parishioners of St. Mark Church but of very different personalities and backgrounds, have come together to start a Holy Spirit-inspired public prayer group.

Several of the men met on a trip to the Holy Land in 2016. All are pursuing a deeper life in Christ in their daily lives and in their responsibilities as husbands, fathers, grandfathers and members of their faith community. All are feeling drawn to pray for the country, for families and for people struggling during these uncertain times.

For the past four months, they have been meeting each week at the church for prayer, Mass and to discuss how to proceed with their mission – “to be fed by God and to call ourselves, our Church and our country back to God.” Return to God ministry member Paul Anatrella explains, “We all believe the Lord is calling us to this ministry, that God has called us together. We are being called by the Holy Spirit and now is the time. We want to give our fiat… All of us are tired of the moral demise of our country and the moral issues our Church is dealing with.”

John Nickl recalls an initial video conference call he and a few others had in July. “We talked about what was going on in the Church and in the country.” Soon afterwards, a few other men were invited to join their group of prayer warriors seeking to grow closer to Christ and witness to their faith. “And from that point on,

OUR PARISHESI

been trying to get nearer to God. I have been learning a lot… It is creating a spark for me to learn and grow.”

“I am growing spiritually and emotionally and I am being sharpened,” echoes Cesar Marston. “We are building up each other and the Body of Christ. That’s our goal. My goal as a Catholic man is to lead people back to Christ, through prayer, and to bring more of them to heaven.”

Return to God prayer events The men of Return to God ministry are consulting with local officials to understand and adhere to guidelines for public prayer events. They have already held two public prayer events this fall. They plan to pray at 1 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 21, at Veterans Park in Huntersville. All are welcome. Questions?

Email returntogod2020@gmail.com.

MAGGIE VALLEY — Women are invited to register to attend “Surrendering in the Midst of Advent Anticipation,” a Dec. 4-6 retreat led by Jackie Childers at Living Waters Retreat Center.

Childers, a member of St. Dorothy Church in Lincolnton, has worked with the Diocese of Charlotte over the past 10 years as a facilitator for Rachel’s Vineyard retreats. She is also a volunteer with Catholic Charities.

The three-day retreat is a time of prayer, fellowship and surrender to prepare hearts and minds for the Advent season.

The cost of the weekend retreat is $200 per person which includes retreat fee; two-night, three-day stay; and all meals from Friday night.

Living Waters Catholic Retreat Center offers private, group, diocesan, youth-sponsored as well as preached, directed and nature retreats. There are also many opportunities for hiking and meditative walks.

— SueAnn Howell, senior reporter

For more info At www.catholicretreat. org: Learn more about “Surrendering in the Midst of Advent Anticipation.” To register, call Living Waters Retreat Center at 828-926-3833.

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catholicnewsherald.com | November 20, 2020 OUR PARISHES

St. Benedict the Moor marks 80th anniversary GLORIA WILSON SPECIAL TO THE CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

WINSTON-SALEM — St. Benedict the Moor Church celebrates its 80th year this month, and is sharing the following historical information with parishioners in lieu of an in-person event due to COVID-19 restrictions: On Sunday morning Nov. 24, 1940, the first Mass for the community that would become St. Benedict the Moor Parish was celebrated inside a new local funeral home.

The A. Robinson Building was built on Patterson Avenue in 1940-1941 as the Howard-Robinson Funeral Home, an African American business. The Robinson building and the funeral home it housed tell the story of the increasingly prosperous African American community in Winston-Salem at that time. The building, now listed on the National Register of Historic Places, offered a place for the Black Catholic congregation to meet instead of its former meeting place, at the home of local lawyer Hosea V. Price.

The parish was erected by Raleigh Bishop Eugene McGuinness and placed under the direction of the Order of Friars Minor (better known as the Franciscans), with the mission to serve Black Catholics living in the East Winston community and to share the richness of the Catholic faith with the Black community. Father Ronald Scott, O.F.M., the founding pastor, was a pioneer missioner among the African American people in the South from 1933 to 1945 and built three churches in North and South Carolina.

The church was named in honor of St. Benedict the Moor, a Franciscan friar who lived a holy life of prayer and charity and is the patron saint of African Americans.

Mr. and Mrs. Price, and approximately 11 other black Catholics living in the WinstonSalem area, assisted Father Scott in establishing the parish community. Before Father Scott’s arrival, the Prices had hosted local Black Catholics for meetings and prayer in their home. During the Jim Crow era in many places, including some Catholic churches, African Americans were segregated from white parishioners, seated separately at the back of a church or in the loft away from white parishioners.

However, if 11 or more African Americans attended white parishes, a separate church was typically built to accommodate the increasing number of parishioners.

On April 26, 1940, property for a church, parish hall and rectory was bought from the estate of Bishop Kyles of the A.M.E. Zion Church. The property purchased was located at Twelfth Street and Hattie Avenue, the present site of the church and rectory. Bishop McGuinness dedicated the church on Sept. 7, 1941.

Early inscriptions in the parish’s baptismal registry include the family names: Ellis, Guest, Maxwell, Pledge, Crew, Baltimore, Wellman, Grier, Bitting, Scales, Tucker, Jones and Barons. After eight years, the number of parishioners had risen to more than 100.

During those early years, parish societies offering spiritual and social enrichment were formed: The Legion of Mary, Third Order of St. Francis, St. Monica’s Ladies Guild and the St. Benedict’s Men’s Club.

Together they formed the core group of men and women sharing in the life of the Church. Altar boys were trained to assist at the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass and a choir was formed to add to the solemnity of the sacred rites.

Responding to the parish’s need to

enhance faith formation and education, the Sisters of St. Francis of Allegany, N.Y., arrived in Winston-Salem to open an academy. They purchased property at the corner of 14th Street and Hattie Avenue and began preparing the buildings to serve as classrooms and dormitories. On Sept.

7, 1946, St. Anne’s Academy was opened.

Raleigh Bishop Vincent Waters dedicated the academy, convent and the residence for the girls on Sept. 29, 1946.

In September 1950 under the direction of the Franciscan Sisters, St. Benedict Grammar School was opened with 116 students. By 1958, 250 students were enrolled in a program that worked toward academic excellence in an environment that called them to a Christian way of life.

Parishioners and neighbors recall the beautiful May processions, plays, carnivals and championship basketball teams of the 1950s, ’60s and ’70s. The school closed in 1979 because of dwindling enrollment and the rising cost of offering a quality education.

In 1969 St. Benedict the Moor assumed responsibility for its first mission: Our Lady of Fatima Chapel was opened in downtown Winston-Salem as a “chapel of ease.” The chapel is now a mission of Our Lady of Mercy Church in Winston-Salem.

In 1970 Catholics to the east in Kernersville became the second mission of St. Benedict the Moor until 1973, when it was raised to the status of a parish and became Holy Cross Church.

In August 1987, Jesuit Father Thomas Gaunt was named pastor of St. Benedict the Moor Church in Winston-Salem and its mission, Good Shepherd in King.

In 1990 the parish established a “migrant ministry” to support the growing number of Hispanic Catholics in the community, many of whom worked on Yadkin County’s tobacco farms and agricultural operations.

The church gave out food and clothing to the families and assisted them with immigration documentation and legal aid.

In 1999 the first Mass was celebrated for the Latino community by Father Larry Hunt.

The parish has always been committed to serving the community. When St. Anne’s Academy and St. Benedict Grammar School closed, the facilities were retooled to provide services to the community. The Kyle Heights Apartments is on the former site of St. Anne’s Academy and Convent and the St. Benedict Grammar School became the Franciscans Day Care Center.

The St. Benedict the Moor Resurrection Summer Day Camp partnered with St. Stephen’s Episcopal and Dellabrook Presbyterian to offer a four- to five-week summer program for children who otherwise would not have positive activities during the summer months.

In the summer of 2004, the Community Knowledge Center was established at the church. Sponsored by Winston-Salem State University, it offered classes for senior citizens, tutoring for middle school students and income tax service for the Hispanic community.

The parish also placed a high commitment on volunteering with its Crisis Control Ministry, Red Cross Donor Program, Samaritan Soup Kitchen, Narcotic Anonymous and Community Watch Meetings, Food Pantry and Computer Lab. As we look back and reflect on our 80year faith journey, we must stop and give thanks for the many blessings bestowed on each of us and our parish. Those blessings began with the determination of a small group of faithful Black Catholics whose

The original parish family of St. Benedict the Moor was comprised of about a dozen local African-American Catholics in the East Winston community. Mrs. Hosea V. Price (among those pictured above) and her husband, a local lawyer, hosted gatherings of Black Catholics in their home until the families could begin attending Mass, offered at Howard Robinson Funeral Home (pictured at bottom). Franciscan Father Ronald Scott was the founding pastor of the parish.

PHOTOS PROVIDED BY ST. BENEDICT THE MOOR CHURCH

goal was to gather for worship and to share the Gospel with their community. We look forward to all that God has in store for our parish in the future as we continue to proclaim the Good News and as we look to Him for wisdom and guidance.

— Gloria Wilson is co-chair of the St. Benedict the Moor Catholic Church History Committee, which also includes Betty Alexander (chair), Syveria Hauser, Alice Gambrell, John Jones, Lois Jones and Gerald McKoy.

November 20, 2020 | catholicnewsherald.com

OUR PARISHESI

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St. Thomas Aquinas Parish hosts 11th Lay Dominican Rite Charlotte chapter executive council elected CHARLOTTE — St. Thomas Aquinas Church hosted the annual Rite of Reception and Promises for the Charlotte Fraternity of Lay Dominicans Oct. 26.

Megan Whiteside and Steven Richardson of Charlotte and Mitzi Fields of Fairfax, Iowa, having completed the five-year formation, each made Perpetual (lifetime) Promise in the order and received the ceremonial scapular of the Lay Fraternity Father Matthew Kauth celebrated Mass, assisted by Deacon Joseph Diaz, and with Monica Bailey as cantor.

Tom Mathis, president of the Our Lady of Perpetual Help Chapter, and Dan Lucero, vice president, assisted in the Lay Dominican Reception Rite.

Dominican candidates Susan Evans, Suzette Mahoney, Diona Mathews, Cecelia McGloughlin and Glenn Yellico made Temporary Promise (three years) in the Lay Fraternity and received Dominican daily scapulars. Matthew Bosnick, Mary Clark, Carolyn Franks, John McElravey and Renate Raynor, having completed their first (Inquirer) year, were received in the Lay Fraternity and bestowed Dominican crosses and the Dominican Rule.

Elected chapter officers for three-year terms were: Steven Richardson, president; Patricia Kent, vice president; Megan Whiteside, secretary; and Sandra Coughlin, re-elected treasurer. All four are Perpetual members. A reception followed honoring former officers Thomas Mathis, Dan Lucero and Mitzi Fields.

Our Lady of Perpetual Help Chapter was formed in 2009. With nearly 40 members, Dominican Laity actively support the works of the Church in their own home parishes – over 17 parishes in North and South Carolina. They serve in faith formation programs, pro-life activity, prayer and study groups, and other parish ministries.

Monthly chapter meetings are held at St. Joseph College Seminary for prayer, Mass and ongoing Dominican classes. Meeting room capacity limits are

managed by adding live-streaming for members and inquirers.

Any practicing Catholic aged 18 or older may seek more about St. Dominic and the Prayer, Study, Community and Apostolate nature of the Lay Fraternity of Dominicans. The five-year formation process for discerning the call to a lay Dominican vocation increases the likelihood of adjustment, transforming steadily to a routine that accommodates Dominican requirements and yet aligns personal lives, family, parish, work and civic obligations.

The Dominican Laity adopt a spiritual life that includes daily Morning and Evening Prayer from the Liturgy of the Hours, daily rosary, study, contemplation, and where available, daily Mass and monthly confession. Working all this into a lay schedule does not occur overnight – particularly for those who have families to care for, work responsibilities, parish and civic volunteer commitments, and who also honor other devotions of the Church.

Members – ranging from inquirers to those having made their lifetime (Perpetual) promises – share in the charism of the order founded in 1216 by St. Dominic.

For 800 years the Dominicans, or Order of Preachers, have been committed to the salvation of souls and have maintained loyalty without division to the Catholic Church. Truth is promoted through the four pillars of prayer, study, community and apostolate. There are three orders of the Dominican fraternity: first order, the Dominican friars; second order, the cloistered Dominican nuns; and third order, religious (priests and sisters) and secular (laity).

For more information, go online to www. charlottelaydominicans.org.

Parish leaders who would like a Dominican presentation for a parish program may contact Tom Mathis (864-504-1418) or Steven Richardson (704-800-5357).

— Sandra W. Coughlin

GIULIANA POLINARI RILEY | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

First profession of vows FOREST CITY — Sister Regina Walker made her first (private) vows Oct. 31 during the Vigil Mass of All Saints at Immaculate Conception Church in Forest City before its pastor, Father Herbert Burke. She promised to live Stability, Conversion of Life and Obedience according to the Rule of St. Benedict and the monastic life of the Benedictines of Mary, Queen of Peace, whose community is located in Rutherfordton. At a reception which followed, Sister Regina spoke of her long desire to give herself totally to Christ and her strong sense of having joyfully found where God wants her to live out this gift of herself. Pictured: Sister Regina receives her new veil from Mother Gertrude, the community’s superior.

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catholicnewsherald.com | November 20, 2020

Diácono Darío García

Debemos dar gracias a Dios

La comunidad respondió al llamado de la campaña ‘Vamos por ti Honduras’, que espera recoger alimentos no perecederos, artículos de limpieza y protección personal para los damnificados de los Huracanes Eta e Iota.

D

ice la Primera Carta a los Tesalonicenses 5:18: “Dad gracias en todo, porque esta es la voluntad de Dios para con vosotros en Cristo Jesús”.

Dios quiere que demos gracias en todo. Hay que ser agradecidos, especialmente por nuestra salvación en Cristo Jesús. En Romanos 7:25 leemos: “Gracias doy a Dios, por Jesucristo Señor nuestro”.

Cuando somos agradecidos el Señor se regocija con nuestra vida, Dios quiere que seamos agradecidos todo el tiempo, en todas las cosas. Así que, si hemos sido redimidos por Cristo, llenos del Espíritu Santo, sumisos y quebrantados, sólo nos queda una cosa por hacer en obediencia a la voluntad de Dios, dar gracias.

Una actitud de agradecimiento nos permite tratar con quienes nos hacen mal diciendo como José: “Vosotros pensásteis mal contra mí, más Dios lo encaminó hacia el bien” (Génesis 50:20).

Quienes son agradecidos ven la mano providencial de Dios en todas partes y dan gracias a Dios por la paz, la justicia, el amor, aún en momentos difíciles, en tiempos de tribulación.

Debemos ser agradecidos por todo lo que Dios nos da, tanto en los problemas como en los momentos buenos.

Dar gracias a Dios trae grandes bendiciones. Si cultivamos un corazón agradecido, resolverá muchos de nuestros problemas.

Dar gracias a Dios y alabarlo nos ayuda a evitar enfrascarnos en nuestros problemas, encerrarnos en ellos y fracasar, lo que nos puede conducir fácilmente no solo a lamentarnos, sino a culpar a Dios por la situación. Dios quiere que seamos agradecidos en todo porque la gratitud es la máxima expresión de un corazón regenerado. La ingratitud puede infectar y destruir una iglesia, un matrimonio, una familia y un hogar, una relación amorosa con Dios.

“Por nada estéis afanosos; antes bien, en todo, mediante oración y súplica con acción de gracias, sean dadas a conocer vuestras peticiones delante de Dios. Y la paz de Dios, que sobrepasa todo entendimiento, guardará vuestros corazones y vuestras mentes en Cristo Jesús” (Filipenses 4: 6 – 7).

En estos momentos, en los que vivimos afectados por la pandemia, nos podemos sentir nerviosos, inseguros, agitados, derrotados, y podemos llegar a pensar que es un castigo de Dios, algo malo que nos quiere hacer el hombre, el mundo, los científicos, los políticos, etc.

Si nos detenemos a mirar el problema solo desde esta óptica la vamos a pasar muy mal y lo haremos sentir también a nuestras familias y a las personas que están a nuestro alrededor. Tenemos que detenernos y pensar que hay un Dios que todo lo puede, que hace lo que los hombres no pueden hacer, que nos quiere, que nos cuida; por lo tanto, es a Él a quien debemos acudir, alabándolo, bendiciéndolo y dándole gracias por todos los beneficios que recibimos de su infinita bondad todos los días.

Sabemos que el Señor se compadece de nosotros, y esa compasión no tiene precio, esa compasión se agradece desde un corazón contrito, desde una profunda actitud humilde, reconociéndonos pecadores y confiados en la misericordia divina. Debemos, entonces, ser agradecidos y el Señor cuidará de nosotros.

Hoy escuchamos y vemos muchas propuestas y acciones para erradicar el virus, pero pocas invitaciones a hacer jornadas de oración, de petición al Señor por el término de la infección (solo vienen de parte de la Iglesia) y de acción de gracias porque nos mantiene vivos, lo mismo que por los enfermos para que los sane corporal y espiritualmente, y por los que han partido para que los tenga en la Paz Eterna.

Hermanos, demos gracias a Dios.

Amén.

EL DIÁCONO DARÍO GARCÍA es coordinador del Ministerio Hispano del Vicariato de Hickory.

FOTO CORTESÍA JORGE MEDINA

‘Vamos por ti Honduras’ espera generosa ayuda de la comunidad CÉSAR HURTADO REPORTERO

CHARLOTTE — Personalidades de la comunidad hondureña de Charlotte, apoyadas por líderes comunitarios y la recientemente inaugurada oficina consular en la ciudad reina, lanzó una campaña de recolección de ayuda humanitaria para mitigar las necesidades de la población de Honduras afectada por el paso de dos intensos huracanes en poco más de dos semanas.

“La situación es catastrófica”, dijo Jorge Medina, periodista y conductor radial de La Voz de las Carolinas, un espacio que se transmite diariamente por la estación Latina 102.3 y 107.5 FM. “La zona costera y central de Honduras ya se había visto afectada con la llegada del Huracán Eta que tocó tierra el 3 de noviembre. Las inundaciones fueron terribles, solo comparables con el paso del Huracán Mitch en 1998. Ahora, en dos semanas, un nuevo huracán impacta en la misma zona, en la frontera de Honduras con Guatemala. ¡Nunca nos imaginamos que podía pasar algo como esto!”, añadió.

FURIA DE LA NATURALEZA

Según informó el diario La Prensa de Honduras, el paso de Eta dejó más de 200 muertos en la región.

Iota tocó tierra con fuerza de categoría 4 la noche del lunes 16 cerca a la frontera de Nicaragua y Honduras.

Para el martes por la noche se había degradado a tormenta tropical, dejando de 10 a 30 pulgadas de lluvia. Se estima que en Honduras más de diez mil personas han sido desplazadas de sus hogares.

El pasado domingo, el Cardenal Óscar Andrés Rodríguez, arzobispo de Tegucigalpa, realizó una oración de rodillas ante la imagen de la Virgen de Suyapa en la Basílica Menor de Suyapa, rogando por el cese de la furia de los vientos y lluvias de Iota. El cardenal pidió a la población que se una en oración.

Se teme que la devastación motive a las personas, ya desesperadas debido a la pandemia, a intentar migrar a Estados Unidos. Mientras tanto, Caritas y la Cruz Roja internacional trabajan sin descanso para asistir a los damnificados.

MOVILIZACIÓN

“Gracias a Dios, varias personas se han movilizado, formado un comité y recibido el apoyo del cónsul de

Honduras en las Carolinas, Raúl Jerónimo Sabillón Rosales, quien ha conseguido un vuelo para que traslade a Honduras todas las donaciones que podamos recoger en Charlotte”, anotó.

Medina destacó la colaboración desinteresada del grupo de comunicaciones Norsan Media , Compare Food, WOW Supermarket, Rentame USA. Capitol Glass, Irvin Amaya, Castely Soccer Academy, Charlotte Jesus Ministry, la Iglesia Católica Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe, Restaurante Costa del Sol, la Iglesia Camino, Ministerio Reino de Dios, Márcala Autobody, Tu Caja Express, Mana Supermarket y el consulado general de Honduras.

‘Vamos por ti Honduras’, como se ha llamado a esta campaña de solidaridad, espera recibir productos de higiene personal,aseo, bioseguridad y alimentos no perecibles.

Artículos solicitados Higiene: pañales de niño y adulto, jabón de baño, toallas sanitarias, rasuradoras desechables, papel higiénico, toallas húmedas de limpieza para niños, contenedores de agua, talco para niños, vaselina, repelente de insectos.

Aseo: jabón en polvo, jabón en barra, trapeadores, desinfectante, papel toalla, guantes plásticos.

Bioseguridad: mascarillas para adulto y niño, caretas para adulto, guantes desechables, gel, cloro, jabón para manos, toallas desechables cloradas.

Alimentos: arroz, azúcar, manteca, maseca, café, sal, pastas, caldo en cubitos, pasta de tomate.

Las donaciones se reciben en los siguientes locales n Iglesia Camino, 201 Stetson Dr., Charlotte, NC 28262, 704-290-7119 n Ministerio Reino de Dios, 5524 South Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28217, 704-622-4836 n Márcala Auto Body, 6401 North Tryon St., Suite B, Charlotte, NC 28213, 516-234-8027 n Tu Caja Express, 701 Atando Ave., Suite J, Charlotte, NC 28206, 704-280-6911 n Mana SuperMarket, 6319 Albemarle Road, Charlotte, NC 28212, 980-406-3636 n Consulado General de Honduras, 1805 Sardis Road, Suite 100, Charlotte, NC 28270

November 20, 2020 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

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‘The First Thanksgiving at Plymouth’, por Jennie Augusta Brownscombe (1914)

De peregrinos a sacerdotes FOTO CORTESÍA HOLA NEWS

Al celebrar el Día de Acción de Gracias y sentarse a la mesa con familiares y amigos, demos las gracias a Dios por cada una de las razones que nos motivan en la vida y por aquellas que, aunque no queramos, nos han marcado para seguir adelante con nuevas fuerzas.

Un día para dar gracias CÉSAR HURTADO REPORTERO

El jueves 26 de noviembre se celebrará en Estados Unidos el Día de Acción de Gracias o Thanksgiving, una fiesta en memoria de una cena de agradecimiento realizada en Plymouth Rock, Massachusetts, en 1621 por un grupo de peregrinos y nativos, en la que se dio gracias a Dios por la generosidad de la tierra en América del Norte.

Tradicionalmente no sólo el núcleo familiar sino también la familia extendida se reúne en torno a una abundante mesa donde se comparten los alimentos, siendo el platillo estrella el pavo horneado.

Pese a no ser una fiesta que los Latinos celebramos en nuestros países de orígen, la hemos adoptado y hecho nuestra con coloridas variantes y sabores propios.

Ya sea que la llamemos “San Guivin”, “Acción de Gracias”, “Thanksgiving” o “La fiesta del pavo”, los hispanos buscamos reunirnos con amigos y familiares para agradecer a Dios por las bondades con las que nos bendice cada día.

Dependiendo de nuestro origen, el tradicional pavo horneado lo combinamos con tamales, tortillas, frijoles, diversos tipos de arroz, ensaladas, pupusas y otros deliciosos acompañamientos, dejando un poco de lado los llamados “casseroles” que son comunes en las mesas de nuestros hermanos anglos y afroamericanos.

ORIGEN INCIERTO

En 2008, cuando era aún Arzobispo de San Antonio, Texas, Mons. José Horacio Gómez, hoy presidente de la Conferencia de Obispos Católicos de los Estados Unidos, relató en el diario Today’s Catholic que “antes de la ‘primera’ celebración de Thanksgiving en 1621 en suelo norteamericano, el 30 de abril de 1598, en Texas, Don Juan de Oñate ya había declarado oficialmente un ‘Día de Acción de Gracias’, que fue conmemorado con el santo sacrificio de la Misa”.

San Augustine, en Florida, reclama también haber celebrado la primera Misa de Acción de Gracias. Cincuenta y seis años antes de Plymouth Rock, el 8 de septiembre de 1565, el

Padre Francisco López de Mendoza Grajales, sacerdote diocesano y capellán de la flota española, ofició la primera Misa de Acción de Gracias en un altar rústico que se levantó en la Misión ‘Nombre de Dios’, a la que asistieron el Almirante Don Pedro Menéndez de Avilés, fundador de la ciudad, colonizadores, soldados e indígenas Timucuan.

Actualmente en la Misión se levanta la Capilla de la Virgen de La Leche y el Buen Parto, devoción traída desde España en 1603.

En todo caso, para el Arzobispo Gómez queda claro que Oñate, al igual que en las demás celebraciones, “hizo lo más propiamente católico: celebrar la Eucaristía, una palabra que viene del término griega Eukaristein, y que significa, precisamente ‘acción de gracias’”.

“Esta es la razón por la cual, pese a que Thanksgiving no es una fiesta de guardar en el calendario católico, el calendario litúrgico de la Iglesia en los Estados Unidos lo celebra con la solemnidad de dos lecturas – una del Antiguo y otra del Nuevo Testamento – y con una emblemática lectura del Evangelio de Lucas: el pasaje del ‘Magnificat’ de María”.

En 2017, el cardenal Daniel N.DiNardo, Arzobispo de Galveston-Houston, durante su mensaje del Día de Acción de Gracias a la nación, resaltó una especial gratitud por el regalo de los inmigrantes y refugiados ante las deportaciones de ‘dreamers’, incertidumbre del futuro del TPS y la separación de familias.

“Este año”, dijo el entonces presidente de la USCCB, “agradezco el regalo y las contribuciones de los inmigrantes y refugiados a nuestra gran nación. También oro para que el próximo año, las familias que ahora están bajo amenaza no se rompan y se dispersen, sino que se unan en alegría alrededor de sus mesas, dando gracias por todas las bendiciones que nuestra nación tiene para ofrecer”.

AÑO SINGULAR

Durante este tiempo de pandemia las autoridades de salud nos han recomendado extremar las precauciones para prevenir el contagio de coronavirus. Se ruega evitar las GRACIAS, PASA A LA PÁGINA 10

Dos sacerdotes de la Diócesis de Charlotte vinculados al primer día de Acción de Gracias SUEANN HOWELL Y PATRICIA GUILFOYLE CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

CHARLOTTE — El 11 de noviembre de 1620, un grupo de protestantes radicales que huían de la persecución religiosa en Inglaterra arribó a Plymouth Rock. Cuatrocientos años después, dos de sus descendientes son sacerdotes católicos que sirven juntos en la Diócesis de Charlotte.

La ironía histórica no pasa desapercibida para el Padre Patrick J. Winslow, vicario general y canciller de la diócesis, y el padre W. Becket Soule, pastor de la Iglesia Sta. Margarita de Escocia en Maggie Valley. Ambos son descendientes directos de los Padres Peregrinos y sus familias están unidas por la historia y la fe.

EL MAYFLOWER

El Mayflower fue el famoso barco que transportó a un grupo de más de 100 hombres, mujeres y niños ingleses, conocidos como los Peregrinos, desde Plymouth, Inglaterra, al Nuevo Mundo para escapar de la persecución religiosa.

El viaje se ha convertido en un ícono en la historia de Estados Unidos, con su relato de muerte y supervivencia en el crudo invierno de Nueva Inglaterra.

Muchos de los Peregrinos eran anticatólicos, otros eran trabajadores contratados, personal de servicio o granjeros.

DÍA DE ACCIÓN DE GRACIAS

Los peregrinos celebraron el Día de Acción de Gracias en Plymouth durante tres días después de su primera cosecha en 1621. Incluyó aproximadamente a 50 peregrinos y 90 invitados nativos americanos.

El banquete fue preparado por cuatro mujeres, incluida una de las tías lejanas del Padre Winslow, Susanna (White) Winslow.

Edward Winslow, en un extracto de su escrito ‘Mourt’s Relation’, dijo sobre el primer Día de Acción de Gracias: “Y aunque no siempre sea tan abundante (la cosecha y caza) como lo fue en este momento con nosotros, sin embargo, por la bondad de Dios, estamos tan lejos de la necesidad que a menudo deseamos que ustedes participen de nuestra abundancia”.

LOS WINSLOW

El padre Winslow remonta su linaje a tres padres peregrinos, Edward y Gilbert Winslow, quienes llegaron en el primer viaje en 1620, y Kenelm Winslow, quien llegó en 1629.

Edward Winslow se convirtió en el tercer gobernador de la colonia de Plymouth. Su hermano Kenelm compró varias concesiones de tierras, ocupó varios cargos municipales y, según registros judiciales, tenía gran experiencia en litigios.

Winslow Al igual que su antepasado, el Padre Winslow también se ha desempeñado como abogado, pero de la Iglesia. Originario del norte del estado de Nueva York, fue ordenado en 1999 en Albany, Nueva York, y transferido a la Diócesis de Charlotte en 2002. El Obispo Peter Jugis lo nombró vicario general y canciller de la diócesis en 2019.

LOS SOULE

El ancestro del Padre Soule, George Soule, era un servidor contratado del antepasado del Padre Winslow, Edward Winslow. Liberado de su contrato después de un par de años, se casó con Mary Beckett en 1625 en Plymouth y tuvieron nueve hijos.

El Padre Soule creció en Huntersville y obtuvo títulos de Davidson College, Episcopal Divinity School y las universidad de Dallas y Harvard. Es Soule docente universitario y miembro activo de la Sociedad de Descendientes de Mayflower.

Los Padres Winslow y Soule dicen haber hablado juntos una vez muy brevemente sobre su historia familiar compartida.

Al reflexionar sobre ello, el Padre Winslow dice que “nuestros antepasados ​​huían de la Iglesia de Inglaterra en busca de una forma más pura de protestantismo. Ahora muchos de nosotros hemos hecho la peregrinación espiritual de regreso a Roma”. “Desde donde están ahora, sospecho que están complacidos en más de un sentido. Algunos descendientes encontraron su Patria”.

— Contribuyeron: Mayflowerhistory.com y la Sociedad de Descendientes del Mayflower en Carolina del Norte.

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catholicnewsherald.com | November 20, 2020 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

PRAYER TO THE BLESSED VIRGIN O Most Beautiful Flower of Mt. Carmel, Fruitful Vine, Splendor of Heaven, Blessed Mother of the Son of God, Immaculate Virgin, assist me in my necessity. O Star of the Sea, help me and show me herein you are my Mother. O Holy Mary, Mother of God, Queen of Heaven and Earth, I humbly beseech you from the bottom of my heart to succor me in my necessity (make request.)

There are none that can withstand your power.

O Mary conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee (3 times.)

Holy Mary, I place this cause in your hands (3 times.)

3 Our Father, 3 Hail Mary, 3 Glory Be Published in gratitude for prayers answered.

Thank you, J.P.

Glory to God in the highest; and on earth peace to men of good will.

Luke 2:14

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Se recordará sacrificio de santos mártires vietnamitas canonizaciones, sino también la calificación de los santos (8 obispos, 50 sacerdotes, 59 laicos), la nacionalidad (96 vietnamitas; 11 españoles; 10 franceses), el estado religioso (11 dominicos; 10 de la Sociedad de las Misiones Extranjeras de París; otros del clero local, más un seminarista), el estado laical (muchos padres de familia, una madre, 16

CÉSAR HURTADO REPORTERO

fallecieron en prisión a causa de las torturas, negándose a admitir la falsedad de su fe.

De estos 117, la canonización destacó seis nombres particulares en representación de las distintas categorías eclesiales y de los diferentes orígenes nacionales. El primero es Andrés DungLac, nacido en el norte de Vietnam en 1795; fue catequista y después sacerdote. Fue muerto en 1839 y beatificado en 1900.

Otros dos provienen del centro y del sur del Vietnam. El primero, Tomás Tran-VanThien, nacido en 1820, fue asesinado a los dieciocho años en 1838; el otro es Manuel LeVan-Phung, catequista y padre de familia, muerto en 1859 y beatificado en 1909.

CHARLOTTE — Este martes 24 de noviembre la Iglesia recuerda en su santoral a San Andrés Dung-Lac y sus compañeros mártires.

Por el siglo XVI la evangelización llegó a Vietnam y muchos la acogieron alegremente, pero pronto se inició la persecución a los cristianos.

Es así que durante varios siglos miles de vietnamitas fueron martirizados, entre ellos obispos, sacerdotes, religiosos y laicos.

Bajo el reinado de Minh Mang, entre 1820 y 1840, y Tu Duc, 1848 y 1883, se recrudeció la persecución de los cristianos. En 1833, a través de un edicto, se prohibió toda actividad misionera debiendo los cristianos renegar de su fe y CELEBRACIÓN LOCAL adoptar las tradiciones religiosas El Padre Tri Truong, pastor de del país. El edicto se enfocó en la parroquia vietnamita San José los sacerdotes, por lo que varios en Charlotte, resaltó la vida de San de ellos fueron arrestados y Andrés Dung- Lac, de quien dijo posteriormente decapitados. Más que “realmente se destaca entre sus tarde, iglesias y conventos fueron compañeros. arrasados, religiosos y religiosas “Era sacerdote, pastor y vivió una dispersados, encarcelados y vida muy santa. Su vida y martirio asesinados. se registraron con más detalle Muchos de ellos fueron que otros. Durante el proceso de enterrados en forma anónima, canonización, su nombre también pero su recuerdo permaneció vivo apareció de manera más prominente en el espíritu de la comunidad que otros”. católica vietnamita, y desde el Para el Padre Tri, más que nunca, inicio del siglo XX, 117 de este gran los católicos de hoy “necesitamos grupo martirizados cruelmente, el ejemplo de valentía y sacrificio. fueron elegidos y beatificados Los mártires son grandes ejemplos por la Santa Sede en cuatro de valentía y sacrificio. Para dar celebraciones distintas. testimonio del Evangelio, debemos El primer grupo, de 64 personas, tener el valor y la voluntad de fue beatificado por el Papa León sacrificio”.

XIII en 1900. El segundo, de ocho La comunidad vietnamita en personas, por el Papa Pío X, en Charlotte se apresta a recordar y 1906. El mismo pontífice beatificó celebrar a los mártires de Vietnam WIKIPEDIA, VENTANA EN IGLESIA SAN PABLO, WESTERVILLE, OHIO a un grupo de 20 mártires en durante el Día de Acción de Gracias.

El Padre Tri Truong, pastor de la parroquia vietnamita San José en 1909. Finalmente, el Papa Pío “Comenzaremos con la procesión Charlotte, dijo que San Andrés Dung- Lac, “era sacerdote, pastor XII beatificó los últimos 25, de las Reliquias de los Mártires y vivió una vida muy santa. Durante el proceso de canonización, su completando la lista en 117. vietnamitas alrededor del recinto nombre apareció de manera más prominente que otros”.

Los 117 mártires de Vietnam de la iglesia. Luego celebraremos fueron canonizados por el la Misa en la iglesia. Durante Papa Juan Pablo II, el 19 de junio de la procesión habrá tambores y gongs, catequistas, 6 militares, 4 médicos, un 1988, extendiendo su fiesta a la Iglesia sastre; además de campesinos, pescadores además cantaremos y entonaremos universal, con el rango de memoria himnos”, puntualizó el Padre Tri. y jefes de comunidades cristianas). obligatoria.

—Colaboró con información el En gran parte (75) fueron decapitados; No sólo son significativos el número Centro de Espiritualidad Santa María, ACIPRENSA y los restantes murieron estrangulados, insuperado en la historia de las Catholic Net. quemados vivos, descuartizados, o

GRACIAS

COVID para estar seguros de su salud.

Si tiene planeado viajar en autobús o avión, siga las indicaciones de las líneas transportadoras.

VIENE DE LA PÁGINA 9

reuniones familiares numerosas y sugiere realizar una celebración modesta en la que participen solo los miembros de la familia que comparten el hogar.

Si piensa recibir personas en casa, pídales que se realicen una prueba de

FE

Más online

FAMILIA

En t.ly/5MUS: Acceda a las recomendaciones en español de los CDC para la celebración del Día de Acción de Gracias.

En t.ly/aKWY: Encontrará una guía emitida por

FRATERNIDAD

Caballeros de Colón

Considere unirse a los más de 2 millones de miembros de la organización fraternal católica más grande del mundo y registrándose en línea hoy en: www.kofc.org/es

el Departamento de Salud y Servicios Humanos de Carolina del Norte para Thanksgiving y Black Friday.

Oración en la mesa de Acción de Gracias Oh Dios misericordioso, te damos gracias por tu generosidad desbordante para con nosotros.

Gracias por la bendición de los alimentos que comemos y especialmente por la fiesta de este día.

Gracias por nuestro hogar, la familia y amigos, especialmente por la presencia de los aquí reunidos.

Gracias por nuestra salud, nuestro trabajo y nuestro juego.

Por favor, envía tu ayuda a aquellos que tienen hambre, están solos, enfermos y sufriendo la guerra y la violencia.

Abre nuestros corazones a tu amor. Te pedimos tu bendición por Cristo, tu Hijo.

Amén.

— Traducido de ‘Celebrating Faith: Year-round Activities For Catholic Families’ por Mary Cronk Farrell

November 20, 2020 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

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Con restricciones por la pandemia de COVID-19 pero con gran entusiasmo, los fieles de la Diócesis de Charlotte recibieron la visita de la Antorcha Guadalupana en las parroquias Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe en Charlotte, San José en Newton y San Francisco de Asís en Mocksville.

La caravana portaba las imágenes de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe y San Juan Diego.

FOTOS CORTESÍA MISHELLE ANAYA

Bajo “nueva normalidad” Diócesis de Charlotte acogió presencia de Antorcha Guadalupana “Esta es nuestra oración hoy, que esta Antorcha siga iluminando a todo el país para poder llegar a ser la sociedad que Dios nos llama a ser”, puntualizó.

Concluida la Misa se dio paso a un homenaje artístico en el que participaron ‘El Mariachi Guadalupano’, la Sra. María Elena Valdéz, ‘La reina del Mariachi’, el grupo de danza prehispánica Nahuín Ollin y otros artistas.

CÉSAR HURTADO REPORTERO

CHARLOTTE — Bajo estrictas medidas de seguridad sanitaria y sin la tradicional presencia de decenas de corredores, la Antorcha Guadalupana visitó Charlotte el pasado jueves 12 de noviembre.

Una versión reducida de la caravana que regularmente acompaña a la Antorcha y las imágenes de la Virgen de Guadalupe y San Juan Diego se hizo presente alrededor de las seis de la tarde en la parroquia Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe, al oeste de la ciudad reina.

Dos grandes cuadros se encontraban dentro de un remolque con ventanas que permitían apreciar las sagradas imágenes. La Antorcha, normalmente de grandes dimensiones, era de tamaño reducido y, como una veladora, iluminaba los lienzos desde el interior del vehículo.

Decenas de voluntarios portaron un bosque de banderas de todo el mundo que se ubicó al inicio del recorrido de ingreso al templo de la calle Tuckaseegee. Más adelante, un numeroso grupo de danzantes de folklore prehispánico de México dio la bienvenida a la Antorcha y la Morenita del Tepeyac, mientras que los fieles daban vivas a la Virgen, San Juan Diego y Cristo Rey. Ya llegando al templo flanqueada por los bailarines, se colocó la imagen de la Virgen a la derecha y la de San Juan Diego a la izquierda, tomando el centro la Antorcha portada por una jovencita.

El Padre Hugo Medellín, vicario parroquial, encendió entonces el cirio pascual con el fuego proporcionado por la Antorcha, procediendo de inmediato a bendecir las imágenes y a los presentes para luego invitar a los asistentes a la celebración de la Misa solemne en el interior del templo.

TRAE LA LUZ DE CRISTO

En su homilía, el Padre Medellín dijo que las lecturas de la fecha, el apóstol Pablo “nos dice muy sutilmente que no aprueba y desafía las formas de esclavitud” al pedirle a un amigo que trate a un antiguo esclavo como si fuera su hermano.

TIEMPOS DIFÍCILES

FOTO CORTESÍA MISHELLE ANAYA

El Padre Hugo Medellín recibe el fuego de la Antorcha Guadalupana que representa la unión de las familias separadas por una frontera. Con él encendió el Cirio Pascual y posteriormente bendijo a las sagradas imágenes y los visitantes.

Así también, señaló, es como cuando nuestra comunidad indocumentada trabaja muchas veces con el temor de ser deportada y, “como en cada campaña (electoral) la inmigración es tema de debate, pero tenemos más de 20 años esperando por una reforma migratoria justa”, “y mientras tanto, nuestra gente sigue hundiéndose bajo el yugo de la explotación”.

“Y son en momentos como estos cuando vienen los corredores de México a traernos este mensaje, a traernos esta luz que representa la luz de Cristo. A traernos la esperanza que pudiéramos cambiar las leyes, y ojalá pudiéramos hacerlo pronto, pero aún así no habríamos llegado a donde realmente debemos estar”.

Luego dijo que nuestra finalidad como cristianos “en esta lucha por los derechos y la dignidad del pueblo inmigrante e indocumentado” no terminará al conseguir que la ley cambie, sino que concluirá “cuando los corazones cambien”, cuando todos nos veamos como hermanos en este amor fraterno que nos trae esta luz.

Leandro Bernabé, uno de los organizadores que anualmente coordina la presencia de la Antorcha en territorio diocesano, dijo estar agradecido con la colaboración de la parroquia Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe que acogió sin dudar la presencia de la Antorcha, “pese a la delicada situación sanitaria en que nos encontramos”.

Igualmente, resaltó la fe de los fieles que se presentaron, “pese a las condiciones de lluvia para acompañar la presencia de la Antorcha, la ‘Lupita’ y San Juan Diego”.

El viernes por la mañana la comitiva partió a Newton, donde fue recibida en la parroquia San José. De ahí se dirigió a la parroquia San Francisco de Asís en Mocksville para luego, el domingo 15 dejar territorio diocesano y arribar a la parroquia Inmaculada Concepción en Durham, ciudad perteneciente a la Diócesis de Raleigh.

Lamentablemente este año, debido a la pandemia de COVID-19, representantes de parroquias de otros vicariatos de la Diócesis de Charlotte han debido de abstenerse de participar en la recepción de la Antorcha debido a la propagación creciente del virus en sus localidades.

Se espera que la Antorcha llegue el 12 de diciembre, fecha central de la fiesta de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe, a Nueva York, donde concluirá finalmente su trayecto que atraviesa 14 estados de la Unión Americana.

Más online En www.facebook.com/NSGuadalupeCharlotte; Vea la transmisión que realizó la parroquia Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe con motivo de la llegada de la Antorcha Guadalupana el pasado jueves 12 de noviembre.

Lecturas Diarias NOV. 22-28

Domingo (Cristo Rey): Ezequiel 34:11-12, 15-17, 1 Corintios 15:20-26, 28, Mateo 25:31-46; Lunes (San Clemente I, Beato Miguel Agustin Pro): Apocalipsis 14:1-5, Lucas 21:1-4; Martes (San András Dung-Lac y Compañeros): Apocalipsis 14:1419, Lucas 21:5-11; Miércoles (Sta. Catalina de Alejandría): Apocalipsis 15:1-4, Luke 21:12-19; Jueves (Día de Acción de Gracias): Sirácides 50:22-24, 1 Corintios 1:3-9, Lucas 17:11-19; Viernes: Apocalipsis 20:1-4, 11-21:2, Lucas 21:29-33; Sábado: Apocalipsis 22:1-7, Lucas 21:34-36

NOV. 29-DIC. 5

Domingo (Primer Domingo de Adviento): Isaías 63:16b-17, 19b, 64:2-7, 1 Corintios 1:3-9, Marcos 13:33-37; Lunes (San Andrés): Romanos 10:9-18, Mateo 4:18-22; Martes: Isaías 11:1-10, Lucas 10:21-24; Miércoles: Isaías 25:6-10a, Mateo 15:29-37; Jueves (San Francisco Javier): Isaías 26:1-6, Mateo 7:21, 24-27; Viernes (San Juan Damasceno): Isaías 29:17-24, Mateo 9:27-31; Sábado: Isaías 30:19-21, 23-26, Mateo 9:35-10:1, 5a, 6-8

DIC. 6-12

Domingo (Segundo Domingo de Adviento): Isaías 40:1-5, 9-11, 2 Pedro 3:8-14, Marcos 1:1-8; Lunes (San Ambrosio): Isaías 35:1-10, Lucas 5:17-26; Martes (Inmaculada Concepción): Génesis 3:9-15, 20, Efesios 1:3-6, 11-12, Lucas 1:26-38; Miércoles (San Juan Diego): Isaías 40:25-31, Mateo 11:28-30; Jueves: Isaías 41:13-20, Mateo 11:11-15; Viernes (San Dámaso I): Isaías 48:17-19, Mateo 11:16-19; Sábado (Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe): Zacarías 2:14-17, Judith 13:18-19, Lucas 1:26-38

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catholicnewsherald.com | November 20, 2020 FROM THE COVER

“The First Thanksgiving at Plymouth,” by Jennie Augusta Brownscombe (1914), on display at Pilgrim Hall Museum in Plymouth, Mass.

From Pilgrims to priests Two priests in the Diocese of Charlotte linked to the First Thanksgiving

O

SUEANN HOWELL AND PATRICIA GUILFOYLE CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

n Nov. 11, 1620, a group of radical Protestants fleeing religious persecution in England landed at Plymouth Rock.

Four hundred years later, two of their descendants are Catholic priests serving together in the Diocese of Charlotte.

The irony of history isn’t lost on Monsignor Patrick J. Winslow, the diocese’s vicar general and chancellor, and Father W. Becket Soule, pastor of St. Margaret of Scotland Church in Maggie Valley.

Both are directly descended from the Pilgrim Fathers, their families bound together by history and faith following that voyage 400 years ago.

THE MAYFLOWER

The Mayflower was the famous ship that transported a group of more than 100 English men, women and children – collectively known today as the Pilgrims – from Plymouth, England, to the New World to escape religious persecution.

The Pilgrims’ 1620 voyage on the Mayflower to the New World has become an iconic story in American history, with its story of death and survival in the harsh New England winter. And the culmination of the voyage in the signing of the Mayflower Compact established a rudimentary form of democracy, with each member contributing to the welfare of the community.

Many of the Pilgrims were virulently anti-Catholic. Even the Church of England, which had split from the Catholic Church a hundred years earlier, was still too Catholic for these “Separatists.” But others were hired hands, servants or farmers recruited by London merchants. All planned to settle in Virginia, where England had already established its first successful colony at Jamestown, but instead they landed further up the East Coast in what is present-day Massachusetts.

THANKSGIVING

We commonly trace the Thanksgiving holiday to the 1621 celebration at the Plymouth colony, where the Plymouth settlers held a harvest feast after a successful growing season. But the celebration was about more than food, it was about gratitude for their survival: half of the original Pilgrims had died during their first winter in Plymouth, and the colony was on the brink of failure.

Squanto, a Patuxet Native American who lived among the Wampanoag tribe, taught the Pilgrims how to catch eel and grow corn and served as an interpreter for them. Another quirk of history: Squanto had learned to speak English while living in England, where he had worked after being freed by Franciscan priests from his Spanish slave owners and then converted to Catholicism.

Thanks to this unlikely Catholic, the antiCatholic Pilgrims were able to survive and eventually thrive.

The Pilgrims celebrated at Plymouth for three days after their first harvest in 1621. It included approximately 50 Pilgrim survivors and 90 Native American guests.

The feast was cooked by the four adult Pilgrim women who survived that first harsh winter in the New World, including one of Monsignor Winslow’s distant aunts, Susanna (White) Winslow.

Edward Winslow, in an excerpt from his writing “Mourt’s Relation” said of the first Thanksgiving: “Our harvest being gotten in, our governor sent four men on fowling, that so we might after a special manner rejoice together after we had gathered the fruits of our labor.

They four in one day killed as much fowl as, with a little help beside, served the company almost a week. At which time, amongst other recreations, we exercised our arms, many of the Indians coming amongst us, and among the rest their greatest king Massasoit, with some ninety men, whom for three days we entertained and feasted, and they went out and killed five deer, which we brought to the plantation and bestowed on our governor, and upon the captain and others. And although it be not always so plentiful as it was at this time with us, yet by the goodness of God, we are so far from want that we often wish you partakers of our plenty.”

November 20, 2020 | catholicnewsherald.com

THE WINSLOWS

Monsignor Winslow traces his lineage back to three Pilgrim Fathers.

His great-great-great-great-greatgreat-great-great-uncles are Edward and Gilbert Winslow, who arrived on the first voyage from England in 1620. His greatgreat-great-great-great-great-great-greatgrandfather is Kenelm Winslow, who arrived in Plymouth in 1629.

Edward Winslow was just 25 and his brother Gilbert was only 20 when they boarded the Mayflower and set out for the New World. Both signed the Mayflower Compact.

Edward and Gilbert’s 30-year-old brother Kenelm followed them to Plymouth on a second Mayflower ship that landed on May 16, 1629, with 35 passengers.

Monsignor Winslow remembers hearing his father retell stories about their family’s heritage that were passed down from his grandfather Chester, who was born in 1891.

“What I remember as a child was a story my grandfather told my father,” Monsignor Winslow recalls. “He related to my father and my aunt about the Winslow brothers on the Mayflower. We never focused on it, but it was brought up occasionally.

“I also heard that my aunt, who lived in Boston, took her children one year to see a display on the Pilgrims on the Mayflower.

There was information on the three Winslow brothers. I grew up as one of three Winslow brothers, so that is kind of funny,” Monsignor Winslow says.

Edward Winslow later became the third governor of the Plymouth colony, serving from 1633 to 1634. He did not stay in Plymouth, though. In 1646 he traveled to England to serve the Puritan government of Oliver Cromwell, and never returned.

In 1655 he died of fever while on a British naval expedition against the Spanish in the Caribbean and was buried at sea.

Edward Winslow is partly to thank for our knowledge of the Pilgrims in America.

He was the author of several important pamphlets, including “Good Newes from New England,” and he co-wrote with William Bradford the historic “Mourt’s Relation,” one of only two eyewitness accounts of the First Thanksgiving in 1621.

His brother Kenelm Winslow purchased several land grants, later becoming one of the 26 founding proprietors of Assonet (now Freetown), Mass. He held various town offices, including deputy to the general court, and early court records show that he had considerable litigation experience. He died in Salem, Mass., on Sept. 13, 1672.

Like his ancestor more than 350 years ago, Monsignor Winslow has also served as a lawyer – a canon, or Church, lawyer.

Originally from upstate New York, Monsignor Winslow was ordained in 1999 in Albany, N.Y., and transferred to the Diocese of Charlotte in 2002. Bishop Peter Jugis appointed him vicar general and chancellor of the diocese in 2019.

“My grandfather, Chester, was not Catholic. So he would have been part of the tradition of those who had come over on the Mayflower. But my grandmother, Margaret, was Catholic. My father and his sister were raised Catholic in Albany.”

Monsignor Winslow reflects it is an ironic twist of history that the Winslow Pilgrims, who were once so anti-Catholic that they even shunned the Anglican Church, would have a Catholic priest among their direct descendants.

THE SOULES

Father Soule’s great-great-great-greatgreat-great-great-great-grandfather, George Soule, was an indentured servant to Monsignor Winslow’s ancestor Edward Winslow.

The young George Soule came over on

the Mayflower in 1620 and was among those who signed the Mayflower Compact.

Released from his indenture after a couple of years, he married Mary Beckett in 1625 at Plymouth and they had nine children, seven of whom survived well into adulthood.

He and his family moved to nearby Duxbury, Mass., very early on, and he was a deputy to the Plymouth Court for a number of years beginning in 1642. He volunteered for the Pequot War of 1637, but Plymouth’s troops were not needed.

He served on various committees, juries and survey teams during his life in Duxbury.

Besides George Soule, Father Soule is descended from several other passengers of Father Becket Soule the Mayflower: Direct descendant of the Isaac Allerton, Mayflower Pilgrims John Alden, William Bradford, Francis Eaton, Samuel Fuller, Edward Fuller, John Howland and Richard Warren, as well as Philip Delano of the Fortune who arrived in 1621.

“In my family, the Mayflower was such a presence,” Father Soule says. “We knew we were descended of the Mayflower growing up, certainly from George Soule.”

“Thanksgiving was sort of ‘our holiday.’

The kind of connection (for us) was different than what you get in the school books because it was a personal one. It was a personal connection, not just a story.”

The Pilgrims’ religious fervor is a point not lost on Father Soule.

“They thought they were supposed to live according to the Gospel,” he says. “It’s more than simply worship. They organized the colony on Biblical principles, following the Acts of the Apostles.

“This was in order to live the Gospel, for lack of a better term, in an ‘intentional community.’ ... That’s why they initially held everything in common.”

Father Soule’s own faith journey has led him back to Catholicism.

He grew up in Huntersville and earned degrees from Davidson College, Episcopal Divinity School, the University of Dallas and Harvard University, as well as a professional Certificate in Genealogical Research from Boston University.

Originally ordained an Episcopal priest, he converted to Catholicism in 1988 and joined the Dominican order.

“I moved a lot (over the course of time) and a lot of my work now is involved in genealogy and various groups,” he notes.

He has taught at the Catholic University of America, the Dominican House of

‘They organized the colony on Biblical principles ...

This was in order to live the Gospel, for lack of a better term, in an “intentional community.”’

Studies in Washington, D.C., the Pontifical College Josephinum in Columbus, Ohio, and Oxford University.

Besides serving the parish in Maggie Valley, he is emeritus professor of canon law at Saint Paul University in Ottawa, Ontario.

He sits on the board of Monsignor Patrick directors for Winslow the Canadian Direct descendant of the Society of Mayflower Pilgrims Mayflower Descendants and he is a member of the Society of Mayflower Descendants in North Carolina, among other historical groups.

“I have become very active in the Society of Mayflower Descendants,” he says. “I am working on research for the Silver Books, which is a project to research and document the first five generations of Mayflower descendants.”

He is the editor of the George Soule Silver Book and is actively researching

‘Some descendants found their Homeland.’

FROM THE COVERI

15

seven Pilgrim generations – encompassing about 40,000 people now, including spouses.

According to Father Soule, an estimated 35 million Americans are directly descended from a Mayflower passenger.

“Some are very famous people but some are not, but all have a part in the story,” he says.

He is currently sharing the story of the Mayflower and his family on a blog on social media.

“The whole sense of contingency in history has really become clear to me over doing the blog,” he notes. “It strikes me that things didn’t have to work out the way they did (with the Mayflower Pilgrims).

Little things that people who are not necessarily famous did impact the way that things worked out.”

Monsignor Winslow and Father Soule say they have spoken together once very briefly about their shared family history.

In reflecting on their shared genealogy and connection to one of the most famous moments in American history, Monsignor Winslow says the most interesting part of the story is “less about the fact that we are serving in the same diocese, and more about the fact that we are Catholic priests.

Our ancestors were fleeing the Church of England in pursuit of a purer form of Protestantism. Now so many of us have made the spiritual pilgrimage back to Rome.

“From where they stand now, I suspect they are pleased in more ways than one.

Some descendants found their Homeland.”

— Mayflowerhistory.com and the Society of Mayflower Descendants in North Carolina contributed.

In this season of giving, we thank you for your generosity and support as we continue to serve those in need.

Best wishes for a happy and healthy Thanksgiving season.

‘Joy springs from a grateful heart! Truly, we have received much, so many graces, so many blessings and we rejoice in this.’

—Pope Francis, NYC, September 2015

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Our schools 16

catholicnewsherald.com | November 20, 2020 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Sacred Heart School spruces up outdoor gardens, learning areas ROBIN FISHER SPECIAL TO THE CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

SALISBURY — After a long hot and wet summer, Sacred Heart School’s gardens and outdoor learning spaces really took a beating...many weeds showed up, but unfortunately there were not many volunteers allowed to be on campus to pull them out because of COVID-19 restrictions.

The school community knew they would have to work together to get the garden and outdoor areas looking good again. A big thanks to the facility staff, middle school science teacher XXXX Shoes, the Master Garden Club, and several school families who worked tirelessly over the past several months to get everything back in shape.

The Diocese of Charlotte’s COVID-19 protocols for schools emphasize more outdoor learning, exposure to fresh air and wide open spaces. Making outdoor learning even more enjoyable for students is an effort to give the Sacred Heart Sensory and Mary gardens a complete face-lift with new stone, new plantings, and new sensory play equipment.

Furthermore, with the GO OUTSIDE GRANTS that teachers Mrs. Shores and Mrs. Michaels received for Sacred Heart school (totaling $10,000), they can purchase outdoor xylophones, art easels and drums for the sensory garden. The school is also planning a new outdoor stage for creative and theatrical play behind the Sensory Garden.

Switching gears to the Master Garden area where many STREAM lessons using agriculture have been taught, raised planting beds are being reconstructed and restored with new planting soil. Due to recent heavy amounts of rain, the school is also correcting a flooding issue along the backside of the garden with a new drainage system.

Again, thanks to the GO OUTSIDE grants, Sacred Heart is constructing a new outdoor classroom complete with concrete, seating, and a shade roof.

Next are plans to add a weather station, a magnifying station, and an outdoor white board for science and more STREAM lessons.

Thank you again to all the volunteers who give their time, talent, and treasure to keep our Catholic schools “safer, stronger, together.”

Director of Faith Formation Holy Cross Catholic Church, Kernersville, NC

Holy Cross Catholic Church in Kernersville, NC, is seeking a full-time Director of Faith Formation.

Anxiety / Depression Acid Reflux / Sleep Hormones / Allergies Cholesterol / Fatigue

This person is responsible for the coordination of educational activities that help parishioners grow in their knowledge and understanding of God, the Church, and their faith.

To find out more about joining the dynamic team in a diverse and growing parish, please visit holycrossnc.org and click on “Job Opportunities.”

Mix

November 20, 2020 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

For the latest movie reviews: catholicnewsherald.com

In theaters ‘Mank’ (Netflix) The thesis of this historical drama is that the principal credit for the landmark 1941 film “Citizen Kane” ought to be given to screenwriter Herman Mankiewicz (Gary Oldman) rather than to the movie’s director. 25-yearold wunderkind Orson Welles (Tom Burke). As penned by his father, Jack, David Fincher’s picture is chockablock with high-profile figures from Hollywood’s Golden Age MGM studio head Louis B. Mayer (Arliss Howard), Kane’s prototype, newspaper tycoon William Randolph Hearst (Charles Dance), Hearst’s mistress, actress Marion Davies (Amanda Seyfried), and Mankiewicz’s younger brother and fellow screen scribe, Joseph (Tom Pelphrey) none of whom are ever shown to be having a good time. Devotees of classic cinema who may not care too much about the nuances of past personalities and events will likely appreciate this vinegary retrospective, despite its joyless approach.

Mature themes, some crude and crass language.

CNS: A-III (adults); MPAA: R

On TV

Catholic Book Pick ‘The Way of Suffering: Readings for an Enlightened Life,’ edited

by Michael Leach, James T. Keane and Doris Goodnough “Suffering is inevitable, but not necessary,” writes Thomas Hora in the epigraph of this useful new book. And Hora presents the dilemma that has perplexed mankind since the beginning of recorded history: how can we find value in human pain and sorrow?

In “The Way of Suffering,” Michael Leach and his colleagues bring together readings from a wide variety of contributors. It’s the latest volume in a series that addresses complex human emotions such as gratitude, kindness and forgiveness. Although “The Way of Suffering” is the fourth in order of publication, the editors recommend starting with this book before the others.

Why? “’The Way of Suffering’ begins at the beginning, with our broken world.” The editors stress: “Be patient and choose love, forgiveness, gratitude and kindness. Miracles will

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happen again.” That’s a good mantra, particularly for these troubled times.

Spiritual writers from Jesuit Father James Martin to philosopher Marianne Williamson offer inspiring true stories, poems and essays that show the path to growth, wisdom and compassion

that comes through suffering.

As a collection, “The Way of Suffering” is akin to group therapy. We hear a number of voices, some of great value personally and some interesting from a broader perspective. Whatever your estimation of these individual offerings, you can hear harmony and embrace enlightenment.

— Timothy Walch, Catholic News Service At www.orbisbooks.com: Order a copy of “The Way of Suffering”

n Saturday, Nov. 21, 8 p.m. (EWTN) “St. Giuseppe Moscati: Doctor of the Poor.” The second in a two-part series about the life of St. Giuseppe, who dedicated himself to caring for the sick and forsaken, ultimately dedicating all of his possessions and sacrificing his very life in their service. n Sunday, Nov. 22, 6 a.m. (EWTN) “Angelus with Pope Francis.” Pope Francis leads the world in the recitation of The Angelus, live from Rome. n Tuesday, Nov. 24, 5:30 p.m.

(EWTN) “Theodore: A Gift from God.” A documentary on the life and heroic death of Blessed Theodore Romzha, a young bishop whose refusal to submit to Soviet authority in the Ukraine led to his assassination by the KGB. n Wednesday, Nov. 25, 5:30 p.m.

(EWTN) “Deo Gratias: The Life of Father Solanus Casey.” The story of Fr. Solanus Casey, a Capuchin friar, who embraced his imperfect self to become who God created him to be, a spiritual counselor whose extraordinary work merited his beatification. n Saturday, Nov. 28, 8 p.m. (EWTN) “Saint Bridget of Sweden.” An EWTN original movie presenting the life and mystical revelations of Saint Bridget of Sweden, known for her great charity and prayer.

Our nation 18

catholicnewsherald.com | November 20, 2020 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Bishops focus on McCarrick report, pandemic, racism and Biden More online

CAROL ZIMMERMANN CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The two days of the virtual assembly of the U.S. Catholic bishops, Nov. 16-17, initially included discussion of the Vatican’s report on former cardinal Theodore E. McCarrick.

But the bulk of the bishops’ conversation focused on the ongoing pandemic and the Church’s response to racism.

The meeting concluded with reaction to the presidential election, as Los Angeles Archbishop José H. Gomez, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, announced formation of a working group to address various issues of top importance to the Church with the new administration of presumed President-elect Joe Biden.

The assembly, which usually takes place in Baltimore, was held virtually this year due to COVID-19 restrictions and the public sessions were livestreamed.

The main topic Nov. 16, added late to the bishops’ agenda, was discussion on the Vatican’s report on McCarrick, released less than a week before, on Nov. 10.

(Editor’s note: Read more on page 20.)

Bishop Joseph E. Strickland of Tyler, Texas, said the report which described McCarrick’s ascent to highest rungs of the Church, even amid rumors of abuse, read like a list of the seven deadly sins.

“It’s very clear that there’s still very much

At www.catholicnewsherald.com: More coverage from the U.S. bishops’ assembly a tendency in the world and in the Church to turn a blind eye to many of these sins,” he added during the 45 minutes of discussion about the long-awaited 460-page report.

Chicago’s Cardinal Blase J. Cupich said Pope Francis had taken historic action in issuing the document as well as other unprecedented measures.

“It really has been a watershed moment,” he said. “And something that we should continue to study and read.”

The cardinal also stressed the need to “make sure that we never again have a situation where anyone from our conference is taking sides in this, with the Holy Father or challenging him or even being with those who are calling for his resignation. That kind of thing really has to cease, and the Holy Father pointed the way in which we take up this initiative together in a collegial manner.”

He said the more “that we listen to victims and make it public that we’re meeting with victims, as the Holy Father does on a on a regular basis, the word will get out there that we are on the side of victims. And we have to continue to do that.”

The McCarrick report also overlapped into other parts of the meeting. In his

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opening address, Archbishop Gomez paused at the start to remember the children and adults within the Church who are victim-survivors of clergy sexual abuse. He expressed “deep sorrow” and offered prayers the victim-survivors “might find healing and hope.”

The archbishop also pointed to the ongoing suffering caused by the pandemic, noting that people’s faith in God “has been shaken” by the pandemic and related economic turmoil, and he urged the Church leaders to help people navigate this enormous challenge.

Current times, with social unrest and uncertainty caused by the pandemic, “call for heroic Christianity,” he said. In response, he said: “We need to continue to form and empower missionary disciples, as Pope Francis calls us to do.”

Archbishop Christophe Pierre, the papal nuncio to the United States, also spoke about the pandemic, as one of the “dark clouds” looming over today’s world.

“Our mission is to heal the world. ... I encourage you during your meeting to look at ways that you can feed your hope and that of your flock,” he said.

In a 45-minute discussion about the pandemic Nov. 17, several bishops spoke about parishes livestreaming Masses and their efforts to keep in touch with parishioners, particularly the elderly, and learning how to help people access food and other basic necessities.

They also spoke of the spiritual lessons that have occurred, saying there has been a renewed desire among Catholics for the Eucharist.

Bishop Daniel E. Flores of Brownsville, Texas, said he has arrived at parishes to see people kneeling outside, praying for the chance to receive Holy Communion and the return of normal worship experiences.

“This is the renewal that I find very personally edifying and a source of great strength,” he said.

Several bishops said such yearning for the Eucharist presents an opportunity for the Church to begin a new effort of evangelization and catechesis as the public celebration of Mass gradually expands and Church leaders determine how best to encourage people to reengage in parish life.

In a practical response to the pandemic, the bishops approved a budget for the year 2021 that takes into consideration the economic impact of the coronavirus.

Bishop Gregory L. Parkes of St. Petersburg, Fla., USCCB treasurer and chairman of the USCCB Committee on Budget and Finance, said the USCCB had started trimming budget outlays in 2020 when it appeared the pandemic was going to last longer than expected. One such measure was a pay freeze and travel restrictions for all USCCB employees.

Due to “consideration for the pressures each of us face in the dioceses,” he said no assessment increase is proposed for 2022.

In another action related to the pandemic and to the ongoing discussion nationwide on about racial inequality, the bishops approved changes to their four-year strategic plan addressing the impact of these issues. The plan will go into effect in January.

Continuing their look at the sin of racism, the bishops approved the renewal of the Ad Hoc Committee Against Racism for three more years.

They also discussed their efforts to

address racism in their dioceses.

Bishop Shelton J. Fabre of HoumaThibodaux, La., and chair of the USCCB’s Ad Hoc Committee Against Racism, reminded the bishops that when they approved their pastoral letter on racism, “Open Wide Our Hearts” in 2018, they had no idea how the nation would have such a reckoning with racial inequality as it experienced last summer. Among other things, the document “unequivocally declares that racism is a life issue,” he said.

It certainly was a life issue for Bishop Mark J. Seitz of El Paso, Texas, who recalled how a racially-motivated mass shooting in his diocese last year left 23 people dead and as many injured.

“It really brought home the fact that white supremacy is not a harmless fringe ideology but that it is death-dealing ideology,” said Bishop Seitz, “and it also reminded us that words matter. Words that denigrate immigrants and other people of color really matter and feed into these ways of thinking.”

Initially, the bishops did not address the presidential election, except when Archbishop Gomez, responding to a reporter’s question during the Nov. 16 news conference, said the USCCB’s congratulations to Biden was just an acknowledgment and that he and his fellow bishops “respect the election process.”

At the close of the two-day meeting, Archbishop Gomez said several bishops had come to him with concerns in the wake of the election. “We are facing a unique moment in the history of our country,” he said, noting the projected election of a Catholic president “presents certain opportunities but also certain challenges.”

The archbishop said the presumed president-elect “has given us reason to believe his faith commitments will lead to certain policies that we favor,” listing immigration, aid to refugees and the poor, racial justice, capital punishment and climate change among them.

He also said there is the expectation that Biden “will support policies that are against some fundamental values we hold dear as Catholics,” such as a possible repeal of the Hyde Amendment, which prevents the use of federal funds to be used for abortions, and the codifying in law of Roe v. Wade, the Supreme Court decision legalizing abortion.

When politicians who profess the Catholic faith support these policies, the archbishop said, it “creates confusion among the faithful about what the Church actually teaches.”

For that reason, he said, he was forming a working group led by Archbishop Allen H. Vigneron of Detroit, USCCB vice president, which will address issues surrounding the projected election of a Catholic president and policies that may come about that would be in conflict with Catholic teaching and the bishops’ priorities.

The bishops had election results of their own in this meeting. Monsignor Jeffrey D. Burrill, a priest of the Diocese of La Crosse, Wis., was elected the new general secretary of the USCCB, succeeding Monsignor J. Brian Bransfield. Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan of New York was elected chairman of the bishops’ Committee for Religious Liberty.

The bishops also voted on chairmen-elect for seven committees and seven seats on the board of directors of Catholic Relief Services.

November 20, 2020 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

For the latest news 24/7: catholicnewsherald.com

In Brief Pope Francis calls Biden on projected election win WILMINGTON, Del. — Pope Francis called presumed President-elect Joe Biden Nov. 12 to congratulate him on his projected win in the U.S. presidential election. “The President-elect thanked His Holiness for extending blessings and congratulations and noted his appreciation for His Holiness’s leadership in promoting peace, reconciliation and the common bonds of humanity around the world,” said a transcript from Biden’s transition team. Biden, it said, “expressed his desire to work together on the basis of a shared belief in the dignity and equality of all humankind on issues such as caring for the marginalized and the poor, addressing the crisis of climate change, and welcoming and integrating immigrants and refugees into our communities.” If preliminary election results are certified next month, Biden will become the nation’s second Catholic president, after John F. Kennedy, who was elected 60 years ago. On Nov. 7, the media declared Biden the winner of the presidential election, but President Donald Trump has not conceded. He and his campaign have filed several lawsuits in key battleground states disputing the election outcome, claiming voter fraud and irregularities in ballot counting.

Alito: Religious freedom ‘fast becoming’ a ‘disfavored right’ WASHINGTON, D.C. — Religious liberty “is fast

becoming a disfavored right” in certain quarters in this country, Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito said in a keynote speech Nov. 12 to the Federalist Society. “It pains me to say this,” he said, but pointed to several recent trends, some recent court decisions as well as restrictions on houses of worship that states have put in place as part of their COVID-19 safety protocols.

He also pointed to increasing restrictions on the freedom of speech, which like freedom of religion is guaranteed by the First Amendment, and growing threats against the Second Amendment, which allows law-abiding citizens the right to bear arms. He spoke during the society’s annual National Lawyers Convention, held virtually this year because of the pandemic.

“The pandemic has resulted in previously unimaginable restrictions on individual liberty,” said Alito, one of six Catholics now on the court with the Oct. 26 confirmation of Justice Amy Coney Barrett. He was appointed by President George W. Bush in 2006.

Federal judge: Rules restricting DACA program were invalid

and immigrant advocates criticized Wolf’s action, with U.S. bishops saying they were “deeply disappointed” by it.

breakthrough moment for Catholics.” It is “the first time that any of the lawbreakers attacking statues of St. Junipero Serra and other acts of vandalism on Catholic Church property across California will be held accountable for their actions in a court of law,” said San Francisco Archbishop Salvatore J. Cordelione Nov. 13.

Marin County District Attorney Lori Frugoli filed charges of one count of felony vandalism each against five people for allegedly defacing and pulling down the statue Oct. 12.

— Catholic News Service

Charges for statue vandals called ‘breakthrough moment’ SAN FRANCISCO — San Francisco’s archbishop called a district attorney’s decision to prosecute protesters arrested for toppling a St. Junipero Serra statue outside a Catholic church on charges of felony vandalism “a

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WASHINGTON, D.C. — A federal judge ruled Nov. 14 that the suspension of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, announced last summer by the Department of Homeland Security, was invalid because the agency’s top official, Chad Wolf, did not legally hold his position when he issued the order. Judge Nicholas Garaufis, of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York, said Wolf’s appointment violated the Homeland Security Act of 2002 and the agency “failed to follow the order of succession as it was lawfully designated.” DHS said Wolf’s appointment, which has not yet been confirmed by the Senate, is legal. In July, Wolf issued a memorandum rejecting first-time applications for DACA and limiting DACA renewals to oneyear extensions instead of two. Faith leaders

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Our world 20

catholicnewsherald.com | November 20, 2020 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

McCarrick report documents repeated lack of serious investigation CINDY WOODEN CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE

VATICAN CITY — Although dogged for years by rumors of sexual impropriety, Theodore E. McCarrick was able to rise up the Catholic hierarchical structure based on personal contacts, protestations of his innocence and a lack of Church officials reporting and investigating accusations, according to the Vatican report on the matter.

In choosing then-Archbishop Theodore E. McCarrick of Newark in 2000 to be archbishop of Washington and later a cardinal, St. John Paul II likely overlooked rumors and allegations about McCarrick’s sexual misconduct because of a long relationship with him, McCarrick’s own strong denial and the pope’s experience with communist authorities in Poland making accusations to discredit the church, the report said.

But, in fact, rumors of McCarrick’s conduct, especially knowledge that he had young adult men and seminarians sleep in the same bed with him when he was bishop of Metuchen, New Jersey, led the Vatican to decide it would be “imprudent” to promote him when looking for candidates to become archbishop of Chicago in 1997, New York in 1999-2000 and, initially, of Washington in July 2000, the report said.

The text of the report makes clear that because the allegations involved behavior with adult men, not minors, both diocesan and Vatican officials did not consider McCarrick’s actions abusive, made excuses for McCarrick based on his lack of real family ties and were overwhelmingly concerned with the Church’s reputation, not the health or safety of his alleged victims.

The “Report on the Holy See’s Institutional Knowledge and DecisionMaking Related to Former Cardinal Theodore Edgar McCarrick” was released Nov. 10; it included an introduction describing the two-year investigation that led to the report’s compilation and gave an “executive summary” of its findings.

In June 2018, the Vatican suspended McCarrick from ministry after an investigation by the Archdiocese of New York found credible a charge that he sexually abused a teenager. McCarrick resigned from the College of Cardinals in July, and in February 2019, after a

The “Report on the Holy See’s Institutional Knowledge and Decision-Making Related to Former Cardinal Theodore Edgar McCarrick” was released Nov. 10. canonical process found McCarrick guilty of “solicitation in the sacrament of confession and sins against the Sixth Commandment with minors and with adults, with the aggravating factor of the abuse of power,” Pope Francis dismissed him from the priesthood.

In August 2018, Archbishop Carlo Maria Vigano, former nuncio to the United States, called on Pope Francis to resign after claiming that he had informed Pope Francis of McCarrick’s abuse in 2013 and that top Vatican officials knew of McCarrick’s abusive behavior for years.

That claim led Pope Francis to initiate an investigation into how McCarrick was able to continue to rise through church ranks despite the repeated rumors, anonymous letters, allegations and even settlements with alleged victims.

The report summary said, “No records support Vigano’s account” of his meeting with Pope Francis “and evidence as to what he said is sharply disputed.”

Until the allegations about child sexual abuse were made to the Archdiocese of New York in 2017, “Francis had heard only that there had been allegations and rumors related to immoral conduct with adults occurring prior to McCarrick’s appointment to Washington,” it said.

“Believing that the allegations had already been reviewed and rejected by Pope John Paul II, and well aware that McCarrick was active during the papacy of Benedict XVI, Pope Francis did not see the need to alter the approach that had been adopted in prior years,” the summary said.

While acknowledging efforts made by Archbishop Vigano to bring rumors about McCarrick to the attention of his superiors while Pope Benedict was still in office, the report also claimed the former nuncio was instructed to investigate an allegation in 2012 and failed to do so.

The introduction to the report said it is

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based on documents found at the Vatican and the apostolic nunciature in the United States as well as interviews – “ranging in length from one to 30 hours” – with more than 90 witnesses in the United States, Italy and elsewhere. They included survivors, Pope Francis, retired Pope Benedict XVI, cardinals, bishops, former seminarians and a mother who was shocked by McCarrick’s behavior with her sons.

In a statement issued with the report, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican secretary of state, said the contributions of survivors were “fundamental.” The introduction of the report cautions survivors of abuse that certain sections “could prove traumatizing” and warns that some portions of the document are “inappropriate for minors.”

He also said that over the course of the two years it took to complete the investigation and compile the report, “we have taken significant steps forward to ensure greater attention to the protection of minors and more effective interventions to avoid” repeating errors of the past.

Among those steps, he highlighted “Vos Estis Lux Mundi” (“You are the Light of the World”), Pope Francis’ 2019 document on promoting bishops’ accountability and setting out procedures for handling accusations of abuse against bishops.

The report said St. John Paul’s decisions to name McCarrick bishop of Metuchen in 1981 and archbishop of Newark in 1986 were based on “his background, skills and achievements. During the appointment process, McCarrick was widely lauded as a pastoral, intelligent and zealous bishop.”

It also said that, at the time, “no credible information emerged suggesting that he had engaged in any misconduct.”

But in October 1999 Cardinal John J. O’Connor of New York wrote to Archbishop Gabriel Montalvo, then nuncio in the United States, summarizing allegations about McCarrick, thenarchbishop of Newark. The letter was given to St. John Paul, who asked Archbishop Montalvo to investigate.

The nuncio did so by writing to four New Jersey bishops: Bishops James T. McHugh of Camden, 1989-1998; Vincent D. Breen of Metuchen, 1997-2000; Edward T. Hughes of Metuchen, 1987-1997; and John M. Smith of Trenton, 1997-2010.

“What is now known, through investigation undertaken for preparation of the report, is that three of the four American bishops provided inaccurate and incomplete information to the Holy See regarding McCarrick’s sexual conduct with young adults,” the summary said.

In response to Cardinal O’Connor’s accusations, the report said, McCarrick wrote to now-Cardinal Stanislaw Dziwisz, St. John Paul’s secretary, claiming: “In the 70 years of my life, I have never had sexual relations with any person, male or female, young or old, cleric or lay, nor have I ever abused another person or treated them with disrespect.”

“McCarrick’s denial was believed,” the

report said, adding that because of “the limited nature of the Holy See’s own prior investigation, the Holy See had never received a complaint directly from a victim, whether adult or minor, about McCarrick’s conduct.”

“Though there is no direct evidence,” the report added, “it appears likely from the information obtained that John Paul II’s past experience in Poland regarding the use of spurious allegations against bishops to degrade the standing of the church played a role in his willingness to believe McCarrick’s denials.”

In addition, McCarrick had a relationship with the Polish pope going back to his days as the cardinal of Krakow. The summary said, “McCarrick’s direct relationship with John Paul II also likely had an impact on the pope’s decision-making.”

St. John Paul II “personally made the decision” to name him archbishop of Washington and a cardinal, it said.

The report also concluded that nowretired Pope Benedict XVI did not initiate a formal canonical process against McCarrick or even impose sanctions on him because “there were no credible allegations of child abuse; McCarrick swore on his ‘oath as a bishop’ that the allegations were false; the allegations of misconduct with adults related to events in the 1980s; and there was no indication of any recent misconduct.”

However, after initially asking McCarrick to stay on in Washington for two years past his 75th birthday in 2005, the report said, new details related to a priest’s allegations about McCarrick’s sexual misconduct emerged and Pope Benedict asked him to step down in 2006.

At the time, it said, Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, then-prefect of the Congregation for Bishops, told McCarrick “he should maintain a lower profile and minimize travel for the good of the Church.”

“While Cardinal Re’s approach was approved by Pope Benedict XVI, the indications did not carry the pope’s explicit imprimatur, were not based on a factual finding that McCarrick had actually committed misconduct and did not include a prohibition on public ministry,” the summary said.

Archbishop Vigano, while working in the Vatican Secretariat of State, wrote memos in 2006 and 2008 “bringing questions related to McCarrick to the attention of superiors,” the report said. The memos referred to allegations and rumors about McCarrick’s “misconduct during the 1980s and raised concerns that a scandal could result given that the information had already circulated widely.”

The archbishop, the report said, noted that “the allegations remained unproven,” but he suggested opening a canonical process to investigate.

Archbishop Vigano, appointed nuncio to the United States in 2011, was “instructed” in 2012 to conduct an inquiry into allegations by a priest who claimed he was sexually assaulted by McCarrick, the summary said.

Archbishop Vigano, it continued, “did not take these steps and therefore never placed himself in the position to ascertain the credibility” of the priest’s claims.

More online At www.vatican.va/resources/resources_ rapporto-card-mccarrick_20201110_en.pdf: View the official report from the Vatican

November 20, 2020 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

For the latest news 24/7: catholicnewsherald.com

In Brief ‘It has been completely disastrous’: second hurricane hits Nicaragua MEXICO CITY — Hurricane Iota struck Nicaragua 15 miles south of where Hurricane Eta hit the Central American country just two weeks earlier, and early reports were of disastrous situations. The Category 4 storm hit the coast of Nicaragua near the border of Honduras Nov. 16, causing storm surges and flooding and further damaging buildings already wrecked by Hurricane Eta. The U.S. National Weather Service called Hurricane Iota the strongest storm of the 2020 season; Hurricane Eta was the second-strongest storm.

“It has been completely disastrous,” said Father Rodolfo French, an indigenous Miskito priest and pastor of St. Raphael the Archangel Parish in Waspam, in the region hit by the hurricanes.

WYD cross to be given to Portuguese young people Nov. 22 VATICAN CITY — Young people representing their peers in Panama will hand the World Youth Day cross to young people from Portugal at the end of Pope Francis’ Mass Nov. 22 for the feast of Christ the King. The young hosts of World Youth Day 2019 in Panama originally were scheduled to give the cross and a Marian icon to Portuguese representatives at the end of Mass

on Palm Sunday in April. But the pandemic and its travel restrictions made that impossible.

Just a few weeks later, the Dicastery for Laity, the Family and Life, which coordinates World Youth Day, announced the Lisbon event would be delayed until August 2023. The Mass and the passing of the cross will be livestreamed.

Christians must be witnesses to hope during pandemic, Anglican leader says VATICAN NEWS — With all the uncertainty and suffering caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, Christian leaders have a duty to live out the Gospel of hope, said the leader of the Anglican Communion. Everyone is facing the same storm, and “we should seek to look after ourselves and our communities, drawing strength and courage from one another and walking together,” Archbishop Justin Welby of Canterbury told Vatican News Nov. 17. “Fear causes us to put up the barriers,” he said, and “the more people are gripped by fear, and the more those fears are played on and manipulated by political leaders, the more the church is called to demonstrate something else: hospitality, service and love.” The interview came one year after the archbishop and Pope Francis met at the Vatican Nov. 13, 2019; his reflections focused on the new challenges that have emerged since then and the need for renewed hope. “Fundamentally, our hope is in Jesus Christ,” whose steadfast love endures forever, the archbishop said.

Vatican approval necessary for diocesan religious orders, pope says VATICAN CITY — Bishops who want to establish a religious order in their dioceses must first obtain the written permission of the

Holy See, Pope Francis said. Amending Church law, the pope said it no longer is enough for a bishop to consult the Vatican before approving the creation of a new order in his diocese. “By its nature, every institute of consecrated life or society of apostolic life, even if it arose in the context of a particular church, is – as a gift to the Church – not an isolated or marginal reality, but is deeply part” of the universal Church, the pope said in “Authenticum Charismatis” (“The Authenticity of a Charism”), released Nov. 4.

The document changes canon 579 of the Code of Canon Law to read: “Diocesan bishops, each in his own territory, can erect institutes of consecrated life by formal decree, with prior permission in writing from the Apostolic See.”

Pope expedites transfer of management of Secretariat of State assets VATICAN CITY — After the Vatican Secretariat of State missed a Nov. 1 deadline to hand over the management and monitoring of its own assets to two separate Vatican bodies, Pope Francis set up a commission to make the transfer and external oversight happen.

The pope established the commission, whose mandate went into effect “immediately,” during a Nov. 4 meeting with top Vatican officials to “bring to completion in the next three months, the provisions set forth in the letter to the secretary of state,” said Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni. The Vatican also released a copy of Pope Francis’ letter to Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican Secretary of State, instructing that

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by Nov. 1, all assets held by the Secretariat of State must be managed by the Administration of the Patrimony of the Holy See, which handles the Vatican’s investment portfolio and real estate holdings. It also said the control or supervision of those assets would be handled by the Secretariat for the Economy. Pope Francis also said the Vatican should disinvest “as soon as possible” from a controversial property development deal in London and from the Centurion Global Fund based in Malta, which has seen significant losses while incurring exorbitant management fees.

— Catholic News Service

ViewPoints 22

catholicnewsherald.com | November 20, 2020 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Responding as Catholics to systemic racism

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f systemic racism does exist, then dismantling it demands systemic action.

When my trees have insect damage, I visit a gardening center, where I often hear something like, “You could treat the affected parts of the shrub, or you could use a systemic insecticide.” Topical treatments work if the damage is limited and the critters live on the surface.

But, if the damage is deep or they have developed a cycle of persistent invasion, then a systemic treatment is the way to go.

Racism is a similarly deep and persistent infestation in society.

Responding to racism, therefore, cannot mean replacing individual racist persons with other individual “non-racist” persons.

It cannot mean simply better training for police officers or teachers or managers.

Rather, it means complete reform.

Systemically tackling racism demands, at least, dismantling and rebuilding infected institutions and their structures that generate racist outcomes. It is like subjecting the body to deadly radiation and chemicals to kill an even more deadly cancer: painful, terrifying and disruptive, but essential.

Although people of color feel the impacts of racism most deeply, white people like me bear a moral responsibility to deepen our understanding. We must be more prayerful and introspective; more ready to listen than to speak; more open to different ways of education, policing, economics and politics; and think of ways we can grow as one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church.

Undoing systemic racism requires three levels of action: spiritual, institutional and advocacy.

SPIRITUAL

For far too long, white Catholics like myself have not been introspective enough about race and racism. Our first challenge is deep spiritual work on our attitudes, emotions and preconceptions about Black persons. This is spiritual work: prayer and dialogue with God and each other.

Begin with Scripture, meditating on passages that speak to overcoming culturally determined divisions of “us” versus “them.”

Examples include: Gn 1:27; Gal 3:28; Rm 10:1213; 1 Cor 12:12-13; and Col 3:11.

Prayer is fundamental in our response.

The Holy Father has frequently spoken of our need to pray for an end to racism. In his June 3, 2020, General Audience remarks following the death of George Floyd, Pope Francis said, “We cannot tolerate or turn a blind eye to racism and exclusion in any form and yet claim to defend the sacredness of every human life.” He decried the “self-destructive and selfdefeating” violence that erupted in reaction to Floyd’s killing, and he urged people to pray for peace and reconciliation, asking Our Lady of Guadalupe, patroness of the Americas, to “intercede for all those who work for peace and justice...”

Dialogue is also important. Jesuit Father Matt Malone told this story as he watched the riots after the Rodney King trial in 1992: “I asked one of my professors, an African-American man whom I greatly respected, whether we could get together to talk. ‘I’m happy to talk,’ he said. ‘But the conversation you need to have is not with me, but with your white brothers and sisters.’ We need to do most of this work on our own, not expect Black Catholics to explain racism to us.”

I have an obligation to become aware of implicit biases and unconscious privileges I have carried for 75 years. Then I must ask myself some difficult questions: What is my personal sphere of influence? To what action against systemic racism is God calling me at this point in my life? What am I willing to sacrifice for greater justice, to dismantle systems sustaining racism that I personally benefit from?

We must also educate ourselves about the history of racism in the United States, and perhaps in our own parish. Was my parish church built with slave labor or by Black persons under Jim Crow conditions?

How do different racial and ethnic groups experience Sunday morning worship (what Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. called “the most segregated hour of Christian America”)?

INSTITUTIONAL

The U.S. bishops have urged the Church to

Protecting God’s Children We proclaim Christ to the world around us by our efforts to provide a safe environment for all people, especially the young and the vulnerable.

The Catholic Church is absolutely committed to the safety of children. Together we can make a Promise to Protect and a Pledge to Heal.

Suspect sexual abuse or misconduct?

If you have information about possible sexual abuse or misconduct by any clergy, employee or volunteer of the Diocese of Charlotte, report concerns safely, securely and anonymously 24/7 over the phone using the diocese’s new hotline, 1-888-630-5929, or online: www.RedFlagReporting.com/RCDOC Please note: If you suspect a child is in danger, please contact 9-1-1 or your local law enforcement agency.

Safe Environment training Every Church worker must go through abuse prevention and education training. Find more information about the Diocese of Charlotte’s Safe Environment program, sign up for Protecting God’s Children training and more: Go to www.charlottediocese.org and click on “Safe Environment” For more information or questions, please contact the diocese’s Human Resources Office: www.charlottediocese.org/human-resources or 704-370-6299.

confess its own sins of racism and to reform its own structures. “Open Wide Our Hearts: The Enduring Call to Love – A Pastoral Letter against Racism” outlines a call for action. The letter, as well as educational materials, statements about the 2020 protests, and other resources for parishes can be found at www.usccb.org/issues-andaction/human-life-and-dignity/racism.

(The Catholic News Herald’s Nov. 6 edition featured a summary of the letter.)

Clergy and lay Catholic leaders could embark on a “listening tour” of parishes and dioceses to hear the voices of our Black brothers and sisters in the faith.

Do no talking; do no “fixing.” Just listen.

In some places this could be done in conjunction with other faith leaders. Here at St. Peter Church, we have engaged with Our Lady of Consolation Church, a historically Black Catholic parish nearby, on such group discussions and the results have been enlightening – bringing us closer as brothers and sisters in Christ.

We could also build on the successful model of “Protecting God’s Children,” the U.S. bishops’ charter that made the Church a worldwide model for rooting out and preventing child sexual abuse. Why not a comparable program on systemic racism for parish leaders, staff and volunteers, comprised of education and training about race and racism?

There is a tremendous wealth gap at every part of the income scale between white and black Americans. The reasons for this gap are complex but fundamentally rooted in federal and state policies that restricted Black home ownership. Those restrictions are largely gone, but the major national banks are still slow to extend home loans to minority families. However, black-owned financial institutions have a track record of supporting Black home ownership and small businesses. Churches and businesses, then, might consider keeping deposits and other investments in Black-owned banks and credit unions.

Such practices could help close the wealth and income gaps among low-income minority Americans.

This is not a moment for the Church, other faith communities, or local businesses to sit on the sidelines. We must look at ways to help to heal and to build racial justice at an institutional level.

ADVOCACY

As one speaker at an online forum put it, “When you see a wrongdoing, change it with your hand. If you cannot change it with your hand, change it with your tongue. If you cannot change it with your tongue, hate it in your heart. But know that this is the weakest form of faith.” Heart, tongue and hand – our times call for action.

Catholic policy advocacy on behalf of change is essential to working together to redress these wrongs.

Systemic racism has resulted in numerous social ills, but I would like to focus on four significant areas for advocacy: law enforcement, health care, housing and economic development.

We rely on police to address too many social needs, with the result that police officers are sometimes called upon to respond to mental health emergencies, minor traffic enforcement, noise problems or neighbor disputes. We could consider deploying community mediators, mobile health crisis response units, and specialized

Deacon Clarke Cochran traffic patrol officers for such issues – saving our law enforcement officers to respond to crimes and major issues for which they have been highly trained.

COVID-19’s disparate impact on Black, Latino, and Native American communities reveals just how our health care system fails the most vulnerable. Expanded access to health insurance is a critical need in our country. Expansion of Medicaid in North Carolina advances this goal.

Segregated, dilapidated and unsafe neighborhoods did not come about by chance. The current affordable housing crisis has almost everything to do with state and federal laws throughout the 20th century that permitted deed restrictions based on race, required racial segregation, and encouraged red-lining minority neighborhoods to exclude them from mortgages. Urban “renewal” and federal highway projects in the second half of the century destroyed historically Black neighborhoods with high levels of home ownership and turned their residents into renters, unable to build wealth in the value of a home. Any remedy should include more affordable housing and access to financing to encourage Black homeownership.

Just as private institutions should direct investments toward Black-owned businesses, so should federal and state governments. Strong preferences for minority-owned businesses should be built into small business loan programs, economic opportunity zones, and neighborhood revitalization programs.

Economic progress demands a living wage as called for by Catholic social teaching.

For decades, the minimum wage has fallen in purchasing power, contributing to the economic stagnation of minority communities, and putting financial pressure on low-income families. Raising the federal minimum wage would go a long way to helping all low-income persons.

Some might object that these policies would be expensive or lead to government overreach. However, justice – restorative justice, in particular – demands that we work together to address these problems, even if it is difficult.

The simple truth is that the Lord calls us to do justice, even when it is not particularly in our self-interest. I am sure many of our parents taught us always to “do the right thing.” They did not add: “except when it hurts.”

I am under no illusion that I have all the answers to systemic racism because I am uncertain that I know the right questions.

These proposals are opening gambits in a continuing conversation. However, conversation cannot be the goal. Dialogue must lead to action.

DEACON CLARKE E. COCHRAN, PhD, serves at St. Peter Church in Charlotte. This is the second in a two-part series.

Read his first commentary “Thinking as a Catholic about systemic racism,” on www.catholicnewsherald.com.

November 20, 2020 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI

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Deacon James H. Toner

Do not be wavering children of God

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hat a comfort it is to be assured that we are all children of God, a truth which Catholics must always affirm. “I will be a father to you, and you shall be sons and daughters to me,” we are divinely told (2 Cor 6:18).

This profound and covenantal truth is, in fact, the greatest and most powerful consolation we can have in this vale of tears (Ps 83:6-7, 13 DRB). God loves us.

God creates, sustains and teaches us. God desires, though, that we freely and generously respond to His love with our own love; and we are endowed with the liberty to choose or to repudiate His Way and His Will.

Too rarely are we warned that being children of God is our free choice. We are free to renounce that status by our deeds and declarations.

There is a simple way to teach this: we are stronger than God. That is, we may push God away at any time, and He will not resist us. We are called to trust in His divine will, knowing that He will respect our human wills.

As the Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches, the core of sin consists in our preferring ourselves to God (398).

For a time or for all eternity, then, we can refuse our inheritance as children of God. Such refusal is spiritual madness, of course, but history – and our own lives – testify that we are heir to such moral insanity (Eccl 9:3; also see Jer 17:9, Gal 5:19, CCC 1869 and 408).

Being children of God, however, is never license for sinful, immoral or depraved behavior (Rev 21:8, 1 Cor 6:9, Ps 72:27).

By the way, that is one key lesson of Esau’s sale of his birthright for a “mess of pottage” (Jacob’s bean soup), teaching us that Esau was (and we are) prone to the kind of moral myopia which leads to favoring instant gratification (Gen 25:29-34) rather than diligence and patience (James 5:8). How many times have we all been willing to “sell” our sacred birthright of being God’s children for immediate and profane pleasure, power or prestige? Not for nothing are we counseled that “he who trusts in his own mind is a fool” (Prv 28:26; 3:5).

Scripture offers a clear, concise and cogent explanation of this sweeping religious reality, so vividly taught in First John: “Think of the love that the Father has lavished on us by letting us be called God’s children” (3:1). Two conditions, however, obtain. First, we must break with sin, trying “to be as pure as Christ”; and, second, we must keep the Commandments: My children, do not let anyone lead you astray: to live a holy life is to be holy just as he is holy; to lead a sinful life is to belong to the devil, since the devil was a sinner from the beginning. ...

In this way we distinguish the children of God from the children of the devil. (1 John 3:7-8,10 JB) The helpful notes about this passage tell readers that, among the expressions John uses to differentiate between our living under the commands of God as opposed to those living under the influence of the devil is John’s reference to our disordered love of the impermanent world: “You must not love this passing world or anything that is in the world. The love of the Father cannot be in any man who loves the world because nothing the world has to offer – the sensual body, the lustful eye, pride in possessions – could ever come from the Father

‘Selfishness will deprive us of our inheritance as God’s children.’

but only from the world” (2:15-16).

In refusing to break with sin and to keep God’s commandments, we decline to be children of God and become children of the devil – that is, the brood of the diabolical, seduced by an impermanent and meretricious world. That is the background of the Thomist traditional understanding of sin as “aversio a Deo, conversio ad creaturam” (“aversion to God and conversion to the creature”).

Sin is loving the wrong person or thing, for the wrong reason, at the wrong time, in the wrong way.

There is never any right to do wrong, or to label what is evil “good” or what is morally disordered as “desirable” or “permissible.”

God is essence – that is, the perfectly lovable and loving, eternal, immutable, omniscient and omnipotent creator, but we are existentially always tempted by our concupiscent nature to choose our will over His – to indulge ourselves, to do things “My Way,” as Sinatra once sang. God is paradigm, paragon, pattern, prototype. His divine Son is our model (John 13:15). God’s Way is that to which we must conform ourselves (Rom 12:2; Mt 6:10), and therein is our genuine happiness. When we sin, we deny God’s essence, and we substitute the existential, the ephemeral and the effete for what is objectively and absolutely good and true and beautiful, which is the Mind of Christ (1 Cor 2:16).

Sin is always the choice, directly or indirectly, of the transitory over the eternal, the human over the cosmic, and the particular over the general.

Such malevolent nominalism, voluntarism and subjectivism – in a simpler word, selfishness – will deprive us of our inheritance as God’s children. In sinning, we renounce the perfection to which we are called and the divine model which we are to emulate: “Do not model yourself on the behavior of the world around you, but let your behavior change, modeled by your new mind. This is the only way to discover the will of God and know what is good, what it is that God wants, what is the perfect thing to do” (Rom 12:2 JB; also see 1 Pt 1:15).

Be careful: when we enthrone ourselves, we dethrone God. Moral autonomy – meaning I do whatever exalts my power, prestige, or pleasure – leads to a society in which a “mass of individuals (are) placed side by side, but without any mutual bonds. ... Reference to common values and to a truth absolutely binding on everyone is lost, and social life ventures on to the shifting sands of complete relativism” (St. John Paul II, “Evangelium vitae,” 20). If you desire the brotherhood of man, do not forsake the Fatherhood of God. Remain His children by knowing, loving and serving Him (John 14:15; 1 John 2:3, 5:1-5).

We hear so much about being children of God. We must, though, hear much more about our duty to be educated in and committed to the faith (CCC 17831785): “Then we shall not be children any longer, or tossed one way and another and carried along by every wind of doctrine, at the mercy of all the tricks men play and their cleverness and practicing deceit” (Eph 4:14; Heb 13:9).

In the same way that we can forfeit our salvation by mortal sin (1 John 5:16, 2 Pt 2:20, CCC 1855), so can we relinquish the great gift of being God’s children by renouncing Our Heavenly Father and rejecting His sacred teaching (1 Thess 4:8, 1 Sam 8:7).

In the Holy Mass, after the Lamb of God/Agnus Dei, the priest says quietly: “Keep me always faithful to your commandments, and never permit me to be parted from you.” Thus may we always be obedient children of God, advancing “in wisdom, and age, and grace with God and men” (Luke 2:52 DRB).

DEACON JAMES H. TONER is retired from service at Our Lady of Grace Church in Greensboro.

Letter to the editor

Focus on family rather than on racism The Catholic News Herald’s Nov. 6 article featuring the USCCB pastoral letter “Open Wide Our Hearts: Responding to the sin of racism” further enslaves people. As a former fighter pilot, I saw the enemy create false targets to hide their moves. Nowadays, racism is a false target and enslaves. As a freshman at Mississippi State University, I witnessed people’s response to Medgar Evers entering Ole Miss. That was racism, but our country has made vast improvements in reducing racism. Sure, there are a few bad apples, but dwelling on it spawns the notion of victimhood. That is not opening wide our hearts; rather, it engenders hate, anger, and entitlement to others’ property. A retreat master once told me, never compare yourself with others. Everyone could claim they are a victim of some harm. Victimhood erodes one’s love and resolve to better themselves.

The letter and your paper should be advocating ideas to free men – namely, the family, the domestic church. Our state and federal governments suppress people – particularly, the poor, regardless of race. President Lyndon Johnson’s war on poverty is an example.

Welfare pushed fathers out of the family. The government took over the role of providing for a family, zapping the will and responsibility of the father. Children need their fathers. Families, communities and churches likewise have stepped back from their role as primary safety net, robbing caring people of opportunities for acts of charity.

Unfortunately, over the years our state and federal governments have fashioned school curricula to support socialist notions which abrade the family. They deny discussions about God, alter history, and cherry-pick science. We need to remember that parents are the first educators of their children. I suggest the Catholic News Herald champion community schools, school choice and vouchers.

BILL FOUNTAIN is a member of St. Mark Parish in Huntersville.

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Letters policy The Catholic News Herald welcomes letters from readers. We ask that letters be originals of 250 words or fewer, pertain to recent newspaper content or Catholic issues, and be written from a perspective of Christian charity. To be considered for publication, each letter must include the name, address and daytime phone number of the writer for purpose of verification.

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catholicnewsherald.com | November 20, 2020 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Be holy

For it is written, “Be holy because I am holy.�

1 Peter 1:16

Roman Catholic Diocese of Charlotte Annual Report 2019-2020

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Diocese Of Charlotte Annual Report 2019-2020

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Queridos hermanos y hermanas en Cristo,

The theme of this year’s annual report, Be Holy, (1 Peter 1:16) has been a clarion call for the Diocese of Charlotte during what has been a year filled with unexpected challenges and blessings.

El tema del informe anual de este año, Sean Santos, (1 Pedro 1:16) ha sido un llamado de atención para la Diócesis de Charlotte durante lo que ha sido un año lleno de desafíos y bendiciones inesperadas.

This annual report presents information about the finances of the diocese, and through text and photos, describes the gifts both given and received from July 1, 2019, through June of this year. I am gratified to report the overall good financial health of the diocese despite the many difficulties presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, and I remain especially grateful for your sustained support through prayer, service and financial contributions.

Este informe anual presenta información sobre las finanzas de la diócesis y, a través de textos y fotografías, describe las donaciones entregadas y recibidas desde el 1 de julio de 2019 hasta junio de este año. Me complace informar sobre la buena salud financiera de la diócesis a pesar de las muchas dificultades presentadas por la pandemia de COVID-19, y sigo especialmente agradecido por su sostenido apoyo a través de sus oraciones, servicio y contribuciones financieras.

The pandemic affected all of our parishes, schools and ministries this year, yet the work of the Church continued – thanks to the creativity, commitment and care of so many. Our clergy remained steadfast in providing sacramental and spiritual support to the faithful while heeding guidance from state and federal public health officials to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus. People remained connected to their faith through digital outreach and education efforts, outdoor Masses and more until churches could safely reopen for indoor Masses and schools could resume in-person learning.

La pandemia afectó a todas nuestras parroquias, escuelas y ministerios este año, sin embargo, el trabajo de la Iglesia continuó gracias a la creatividad, compromiso y cuidado de muchos. Nuestro clero se mantuvo firme brindando apoyo sacramental y espiritual a los fieles, a la vez que cumplía atentamente las indicaciones de los funcionarios de salud pública estatales y federales para mitigar la propagación del coronavirus. Las personas permanecieron conectadas con su fe a través de esfuerzos educativos y de alcance digital, Misas al aire libre y más hasta que las iglesias pudieron reabrir de manera segura para realizar Misas en interiores y las escuelas pudieron reanudar el aprendizaje en persona.

The diocese is thankful for the ministry of our priests, deacons and religious who selflessly serve the 400,000 Catholics of western North Carolina. We were blessed this July to have two men, Father Jacob Mlakar and Father Jonathan Torres, ordained to the holy priesthood. In addition, during this Year of Saint Joseph we celebrated the ceremonial blessing of St. Joseph College Seminary in September. Please pray for all 41 of our seminarians as they prepare to follow the Lord in serving the people of our diocese.

Our 19 Catholic schools continued their mission of providing an excellent Catholic education to nearly 7,000 students from pre-kindergarten through the 12th grade. Teachers, staff, students and families transitioned to remote learning for the last three months of the 2019-20 academic year and then reopened to in-person instruction in August and September for the 2020-21 academic year “safer, stronger, together.”

Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte also responded with Christian love and charity to provide everything from food and financial assistance to mental health counseling and education to thousands of people in need, especially those hurt by the economic downturn caused by the pandemic.

We celebrated a successful Eucharistic Congress in September 2019, drawing more than 15,000 people to Charlotte to deepen our devotion to the Eucharist. The 2020 Eucharistic Congress had a different format out of an abundance of care for our participating parishioners, planners, speakers, workers and visitors. The faithful of the diocese celebrated in a special way our love for the Eucharist with activities at their parishes or online. Although we were not able to gather together in person as one diocesan family, we were reminded that it is the Eucharist which unites us across 92 parishes and missions as one Body in Christ.

In closing, I encourage you to remain close to Jesus and look to the Holy Family, depicted by the artist Bartolomé Esteban Murillo on the cover of this report, as a model for our vocation to holiness. Please be assured of my prayers as we continue striving together to build up the kingdom of God.

Sincerely Yours in Christ Jesus, The Most Reverend Peter J. Jugis Bishop of Charlotte

La diócesis está agradecida por el ministerio de nuestros sacerdotes, diáconos y religiosos que sirven desinteresadamente a los 400.000 católicos del oeste de Carolina del Norte. Este mes de julio fuimos bendecidos al tener dos hombres, Padre Jacob Mlakar y Padre Jonathan Torres, ordenados al santo sacerdocio.

Además, durante este Año de San José celebramos la ceremonia de bendición del Seminario Universitario San José en septiembre.

Por favor, oren por nuestros 41 seminaristas que se preparan para seguir al Señor en el servicio a la población de nuestra diócesis.

Nuestras 19 escuelas católicas continuaron su misión de brindar una excelente educación católica a casi 7,000 estudiantes desde jardín de infancia hasta grado 12.

Maestros, personal, estudiantes y familias hicieron la transición al aprendizaje remoto durante los últimos tres meses del año académico 2019-20 y luego reabrieron a la instrucción en persona en agosto y septiembre para el año académico 2020-21 “más seguros, más fuertes, juntos”.

Caridades Católicas de la Diócesis de Charlotte también respondió con amor cristiano y caridad para brindar de todo, desde alimentos y asistencia financiera hasta asesoramiento y educación sobre salud mental, a miles de personas necesitadas, especialmente a las afectadas por la crisis económica causada por la pandemia.

Celebramos un exitoso Congreso Eucarístico en septiembre de 2019, atrayendo a más de 15,000 personas a Charlotte para profundizar nuestra devoción a la Eucaristía. El Congreso Eucarístico de 2020 tuvo un formato diferente debido a la abundancia de cuidado por nuestros feligreses participantes, planificadores, oradores, trabajadores y visitantes. Los fieles de la diócesis celebraron de manera especial nuestro amor por la Eucaristía con actividades en sus parroquias u online. Aunque no pudimos reunirnos en persona como familia diocesana, se nos recordó que la Eucaristía nos une en 92 parroquias y misiones como un solo Cuerpo en Cristo.

Para terminar, los animo a permanecer cerca de Jesús y contemplar a la Sagrada Familia, representada por el artista Bartolomé Esteban Murillo en la portada de este informe, como modelo de nuestra vocación a la santidad. Tengan la seguridad que cuentan con mis oraciones mientras continuamos esforzándonos juntos para construir el reino de Dios.

Suyo en Cristo Jesús, El Reverendo Peter J. Jugis Obispo de Charlotte

Diocese Of Charlotte Annual Report 2019-2020

Where to find answers to...

REVENUE & EXPENSES

• What is the total liability for the lay and priests pension plans?

• What is the surplus/loss for the year and what are the revenues and expenses – broken out by program/ministry, administrative and fundraising – for the year?

See: Combined Statements of Activities, page 19; CFO Report, pages 16 & 17 • What is the break out of expenses by personnel costs, occupancy costs, office & program costs, professional services, travel & professional development, and grants & other assistance?

See: Combined Statement of Functional Expenses, page 20 • What were the costs associated with seminarian formation, diaconate formation, care for priests not in ministry and priest retirement benefits, and what were the sources of funding for these expenses?

See: Chart, page 6

See: Note 9, page 24 • How much did the Diocese fund the pension plans during the year and how is the Diocese addressing the pension liabilities?

See: Pension section of Note 2, page 22

FUNDRAISING (FFHL, DSA, Other) • How much was raised by the DSA, what were the fundraising costs associated with raising these funds, and how were the funds distributed to Catholic Charities and other diocesan ministries?

See: Narrative and chart, page 13 • How much was raised for the St. Joseph Seminary capital campaign during the year and what were the fundraising costs?

See: Capital Campaign Activities (St. Joseph College Seminary) section of Combined Statements of Activities, page 19

• What was the cost of operating diocesan and regional schools and what were the sources of funding for these expenses?

See: Chart, page 11

• How much was raised for the MACS capital campaigns during the year and what were the fundraising costs?

• What was the cost of Catholic Charities programs, administration and fundraising and what were the sources of funding for these expenses?

See: Chart, page 9

ASSETS & LIABILITIES

See: Capital Campaign Activities (MACS) section of Combined Statements of Activities, page 19 • How much has been raised by the FFHL campaign; what were the fundraising costs associated with raising these funds, and how have the funds been distributed?

• What are the assets and liabilities of the Diocese at year-end?

See: Combined Statements of Financial Position, page 18

See: Narrative and charts, bottom of page 13 & page 14 • How much was raised by each of the diocesan special collections?

• How much of the diocese’s net assets are restricted as to use by donor stipulations?

See: Note 15, page 27 • How much of the diocese’s net assets without donor restrictions are designated as to use?

See: Chart, page 22

See: Narrative and chart, page 13

FOUNDATION • How has the diocesan Foundation grown during the past year, how much accumulated investment income was distributed and what is the total under investment as of year-end?

See: Chart, page 12 and narrative, page 13

• What investments are held by the Diocese, what is their cost basis and what is their current value?

See: Note 7, page 23 • How much of the diocese’s investments and other assets are available for spending for general operations?

See: Note 3, page 23; CFO Report, pages 16 & 17 • How much is outstanding in loans to parishes and other notes receivable and what is the timeframe for collection?

See: Note 5, page 23

• Are any of the Foundation endowments “under water’” and how much of the Foundation’s endowments are donor restricted?

See: Note 14, pages 26 & 27

OTHER • How much did the Diocese spend on Protecting God’s Children, on assistance for victims of sexual abuse, and on legal costs and settlements pertaining to sexual misconduct lawsuits?

See: Narrative, page 28 • How much in assessments did parishes pay the diocese for programs and services provided?

• How much is outstanding in parish advances?

See: Note 6, page 23 • How much is outstanding in pledges receivable for FFHL, the DSA, St. Joseph College Seminary and other programs and what is the timeframe for collection?

See: Note 4, page 23 • What is the total of parish funds on deposit with DL Catholic?

See: Note 8, page 24

See: Revenues and Other Support section of Combined Statements of Activities, page 19 • How much did the Diocese receive from the CARES Act Paycheck Protection Program?

See: Note 16, page 27 • What was the cost of providing employee benefits for all diocesan entities?

See: Chart, page 14

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Diocese Of Charlotte Annual Report 2019-2020

‘Be Holy’

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his past fiscal year has certainly been anything but ordinary – in almost every aspect of our lives. Nevertheless, thanks to the many blessings from God and our reliance on each other, the people of the Diocese of Charlotte have been able to respond to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic with Christian fortitude, charity and hope

– striving for holiness as missionary disciples of Christ.

The inspiring efforts are many. The diocesan offices and most of our 92 parishes and missions across western North Carolina transitioned to working remotely with minimal interruption in services. The technology platforms in place allowed staff to successfully access files, phone calls and emails from home. Parishes livestreamed Masses since parishioners were not allowed to attend in person for several months. And all of our 19 schools successfully shifted to remote learning in March – then, through careful planning and collaboration with families and public health officials, returned to in-person instruction in August. Likewise, the diocesan administration and most parishes are now moving back into their offices with safety measures in place.

We are extremely grateful to our parishioners who have continued to financially support their parishes and diocesan ministries during the shutdown and subsequent phases of restrictions on workplaces, schools and churches. Diocesan-wide parish offertory for the months of March, April, May and June 2020 averaged 85% of the same months of 2019. This is an incredible testament to the commitment of so many parishioners to their faith and the work of their local parish.

Understandably, however, there is much disparity in offertory giving from parish to parish. Some parishes have seen no reduction in their offertory collections, while others have experienced significant reductions due to the personal toll of the pandemic on their parishioners. Offertory data show the following:

Offertory for the quarter ending June 30, 2020 compared to the same quarter last year: Number of parishes/missions above 90%............................................................................ 36 Number of parishes/missions from 71% to 90% ����������������������������������������������������������������� 31 Number of parishes/missions from 51% to 70% ����������������������������������������������������������������� 14 Number of parishes/missions at 50% or below ������������������������������������������������������������������ 11

During this time, the diocese has supported parishes with financial advice and relief funds as they continue their ministry work despite the extraordinary challenges of the pandemic.

Financial guidance has included instructions on transitioning to and supporting online giving, as well as sharing ideas and best practices to keep parishioners connected and engaged. More than three-quarters of our parishes now have online giving options in place. Additionally, the diocese provided detailed guidance about assistance awards available under the federal CARES Act and helped many parishes in navigating through the complex process.

Recognizing that the pandemic poses an unsustainable burden on some parishes, the diocese set up a relief effort to assist parishes for the duration of the pandemic. The diocese is offering grants to parishes to help minimize the financial impact on both our parishes and Church workers, by allowing parishes to continue their ministry work wherever possible and to pay their staffs and provide benefits to those unable to work. Grants are available to parishes that continue to pay regularly scheduled staff members (for those who have them) and do not have sufficient revenue to cover costs without using a considerable amount of their savings. Grants are available so as to ensure that every parish retains 75% of their unrestricted cash and savings or enough to cover one month’s expenses, whichever is greater, as well as all restricted and capital funds.

The pandemic is also impacting the finances of the diocese. Over the course of this year and next, the diocese expects to

Diocese Of Charlotte Annual Report 2019-2020

lose approximately $2 million in income. As is the case with most parishes, the diocese applied for and received CARES Act funding which partially offset this loss. Cost containment measures are being implemented to cover the balance of the revenue shortfall.

The many efforts in the diocese over the past year are summarized on the following pages, followed by a detailed financial report for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2020.

Our hearts and prayers go out to the people who have fallen sick and, most especially, to those who have lost loved ones due to the COVID-19 pandemic. So, too, we remember in prayer those who have lost jobs and suffered so many other consequences of this global health emergency.

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Diocese Of Charlotte Annual Report 2019-2020

Pastoral Ministry

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his year has tested all of us – including the faith-filled men and women whose vocation of service to God and His Church provide us daily examples of holiness. Nearly every aspect of their ministry – from the celebration of the sacraments, to outreach to the sick and homebound, to pastoral outreach and care, to promoting vocations – has

been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Yet all those who serve the 400,000-plus people of our diocese have responded to the challenges with hope, stamina and faith in God’s providence. The 84 active diocesan priests, 23 religious order priests, 29 retired priests, 127 permanent deacons and 128 women religious, 2,600 employees and countless volunteers – all have taken to heart the theme Bishop Peter Jugis chose for the 16th annual Eucharistic Congress, presented virtually and in parishes this year: “Be Holy,” from 1 Peter 1:16.

When the pandemic forced churches to cancel most public Masses and parish activities in March, then carefully reopen with safety measures in place, pastors and their staffs adapted with creativity and inspiration – finding new ways to connect in the digital sphere. Masses streamed live on Facebook and YouTube. Email newsletters instead of paper bulletins. Phone calls and porch visits. Drive-through Eucharistic Adoration, rosaries and outdoor confessions. Whatever it took to help keep people connected to their faith and to their parish family.

“Let us continue to pray for, and especially to encourage, vocations to the holy priesthood throughout the Church, especially here in the Diocese of Charlotte,” Bishop Peter Jugis said at the opening of St. Joseph College Seminary.

VOCATIONS, CLERGY AND RELIGIOUS LIFE FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS FOR THE YEARS ENDING JUNE 30

2020 2019 REVENUE & OTHER SUPPORT Contributions Priests’ retirement collection $ 1,187,775 $ 955,125 FFHL Contributions 96,648 418,806 Priests’ Continuing Education & Seminarian collection 68,127 274,695 Seminarian education campaign 976,275 623,957 St. Joseph College Seminary building 3,858,140 4,861,228 Other 36,907 60,159 Parish Assessments 762,397 982,164 Grants & Endowment Distributions 85,150 87,650 DSA funding 759,287 808,163 Supplemental DSA funding - 9,357 Other income 21,493 65,702 Administration funding 899,597 541,517

TOTAL REVENUE & OTHER SUPPORT $ 8,751,796 $ 9,688,523

2020 EXPENSES Seminarian formation $ 1,522,266 Duc in Altum 3,349 Quo Vadis Days 7,596 Diaconate formation 23,049 Care for priests not in ministry 599,295 St. Joseph College Seminary administration 182,297 St. Joseph College Seminary fundraising 194,774 Priests’ retirement benefits 2,171,386 Other 381,850

TOTAL EXPENSES $ 5,085,862

$ 5,199,527

Surplus – St. Joseph College Seminary earmarked for building project $ 3,665,934

$ 4,488,996

2019 $ 1,497,231 25,708 39,437 30,953 715,449 128,843 340,417 2,036,810 384,679

Temporarily waiving the obligation to attend Sunday Mass, Bishop Peter Jugis entreated the faithful to rely on the Holy Spirit to strengthen and guide them through the difficult times. “Be holy,” he reminded people in numerous homilies, reminding us of the fruits of the Holy Spirit: among them charity, patience, kindness, gentleness, self-control, faithfulness and peace.

Not even a pandemic could stop the work of the Church, and so on July 24, 2020, Bishop Jugis conferred the sacrament of holy orders on Father Jacob Mlakar and Father Jonathan Torres, welcoming them as the diocese’s newest priests. The next

Diocese Of Charlotte Annual Report 2019-2020 month, on Aug. 15, 2020, he instituted as acolytes 12 men in formation for the permanent diaconate. And on Sept. 15, 2020, he formally opened and blessed the new permanent home for St. Joseph College Seminary.

With its striking Gothic architecture and 30,000 square feet of living and learning space, the new building serves as home to young men who are exploring a vocation to the priesthood while also pursuing an undergraduate degree at nearby Belmont Abbey College. The building features 40 10-foot-by-10-foot rooms for the college seminarians, a chapel, classrooms and a library, and a meditative cloister walk.

The opening of St. Joseph College Seminary represented a milestone in the history of the diocese. It is the only college seminary program between Washington, D.C., and Miami, and has been a magnet for young men wanting to discern the priesthood. The program has proven so popular that construction of the building, situated amid 86 wooded acres in Mount Holly, had to be accelerated. Enrollment has more than tripled since the program was established in 2016, and upon opening the new seminary building this year, the program is already at two-thirds of capacity with 27 out of 40 slots filled.

Those enrolled come from across the diocese – including Arden, Biscoe, Boone, Brevard, Charlotte, Forest City, Gastonia, Huntersville, Lenoir, Newton, Salisbury and Tryon. Private donors have already contributed more than $16.5 million toward the $20 million project.

Deacons of the diocese also continued to serve faithfully in parishes and minister in diocesan offices, schools and agencies – helping the faithful navigate changes in public health protocols by assisting at Mass, offering the sacraments, staffing parishes and ministries, and more. They also adapted to changing circumstances to continue serving in hospitals, prisons and the Charlotte airport.

Women religious serving in our diocese, representing 23 different religious communities, continued to show God’s love by their example, caring for the poor, the sick and the most vulnerable with unswerving devotion.

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Diocese Of Charlotte Annual Report 2019-2020

The ongoing evangelization work of the Church was also evident in the diocese’s African American Affairs Ministry and Hispanic Ministry.

Social protests sparked across the nation by the deaths of several Black citizens during interactions with police prompted the African American Affairs Ministry to focus on educating people about institutional racism and its impacts, and urging prayers for peace and understanding. In a June pastoral letter to the faithful, Bishop Jugis underscored the spiritual aspect of the issue by reiterating the U.S. bishops’ teaching against the sin of racism in “Open Wide Our Hearts.”

In February 2020, Father Julio Dominguez was appointed by Bishop Jugis to be the new Vicar for Hispanic Ministry, succeeding Father Fidel Melo. Two vicariate coordinators were also added to the team: Father Gabriel Carbajal for the Albemarle Vicariate, and Deacon Sigfrido de la Valle for the Smoky Mountain Vicariate.

When COVID-19 caused churches to close to in-person services and activities, Hispanic Ministry coordinators and volunteers shifted nimbly to social media and video conferencing on Zoom and Skype to continue their outreach efforts to parishes and ministries serving the growing Hispanic Catholic population, particularly young people.

Hispanic Ministry also continued its work with V Encuentro, now in the process of discerning how to apply the conclusions from the national conference here in our diocese. This phase of the multi-year effort has the following objectives: present V Encuentro’s proceedings and conclusions to diocesan and parish leaders,  reflect on the reality of the Hispanic community in our diocese,  conduct a pastoral planning process to help us implement the findings in our diocese,  propose action steps that respond to the pastoral priorities with a special focus on Bishop Jugis’ episcopal priorities,  commit to advancing the New Evangelization, including creating a “culture of encounter,”  celebrate the fruits of the V Encuentro process and our Catholic faith, and  provide the national V Encuentro team with our current and future pastoral priorities and responses to assist in the  development of the renewed vision and national pastoral plan for Hispanic/Latino ministry.

At the heart of the diocese’s extraordinary effort to serve the people of God in western North Carolina has been its commitment to encouraging vocations to the priesthood. Since becoming bishop in 2003, Bishop Jugis has made promoting vocations one of the four priorities of his episcopacy. Through much prayer and your support, the diocese now has 41 seminarians (27 college seminarians and 14 men enrolled in major seminaries) in various stages of formation to be ordained priests of the diocese.

“With all that has been done here with the guidance of Our Blessed Lord and the help of the Holy Spirit, let there be for us and into the future, many more blessings to come,” Bishop Jugis said at the opening of St. Joseph College Seminary. “Let us continue to pray for, and especially to encourage, vocations to the holy priesthood throughout the Church, especially here in the Diocese of Charlotte.”

Corporal Works of Mercy

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ope Francis reminds us in Gaudete et Exsultate: “The call to holiness is at once personal and communal – pushing us to actively build the kingdom of God.” We build the Kingdom of God when we serve the poor, embrace the marginalized, and care for the most vulnerable among us. This essential work of the Church – through parishes

and exemplified by our Catholic Charities agency and our housing corporation – is accomplished thanks to you and tens of thousands of other people of goodwill across western North Carolina.

As the COVID-19 pandemic has ravaged families and local economies, the need for this work of charity has grown. And the people of the diocese have responded wholeheartedly.

Diocese Of Charlotte Annual Report 2019-2020

CATHOLIC CHARITIES DIOCESE OF CHARLOTTE FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS FOR THE YEARS ENDING JUNE 30

2020 REVENUE & OTHER SUPPORT Paycheck Protection Program award $ 438,197 Other federal and state agency awards 1,982,412 Other grants, contracts and awards 297,129 Contributions - Diocese of Charlotte: DSA funding 1,948,595 Other support 18,770 Contributions - Other 2,013,508 Fees 462,028 Other 107,117 TOTAL REVENUE $ 7,267,756

2019 $

1,575,575 534,385

1,953,109 18,170 1,563,350 530,425 277,590 $ 6,452,604

2020 2019 EXPENSES Counseling program $ 429,379 $ 424,110 Direct Assistance 1,970,087 1,440,459 Family Life Services 316,324 353,114 Office of Economic Opportunity 48,953 122,052 Refugee & Immigration Services 1,338,892 1,569,671 Respect Life 62,220 58,937 Social Concerns & Advocacy 150,895 151,087 Stay the Course/Teen Parenting Program 191,291 218,287 Translation & Interpretation 537,092 579,918 U.S. Bishops collections (CCHD & CRS) 54,488 50,230 Veterans Services 432,389 Youth Counseling 117,338 167,627 Administrative expenses 862,772 773,000 Fundraising expenses and direct

benefits to donors 351,416 340,180 TOTAL EXPENSES $ 6,863,536 $ 6,248,672

Thanks to your generosity, Catholic Charities was able to respond to increased requests for food, financial help and burial assistance. Regional pantries in Asheville, Charlotte and Winston-Salem provided 662,967 pounds of food and 19,242 pounds of supplies to 11,154 people. Regional offices in Asheville and Winston-Salem also gave out more than 900 bags of clothing.

With the help of parishes and community groups, 1,080 people received food and other assistance over the holidays, and others received disaster relief assistance. Our Burial Assistance program provided 104 dignified burials for the especially destitute, including four children.

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Diocese Of Charlotte Annual Report 2019-2020

Beyond providing for these essential needs, Catholic Charities continued to provide services to develop healthy children, families and seniors. Six families and individuals received pregnancy support and adoption services. Its teen parenting program helped 19 young parents with parenting skills and assistance in achieving their educational and career goals. More than 260 people received counseling services – including telehealth counseling, launched soon after the pandemic shut down most in-person services. Catholic Charities also continued its ongoing education to foster healthy marriages: offering marriage preparation classes to 375 couples and Natural Family Planning instruction to another 557 people. And across the diocese, 1,007 seniors took part in 34 Elder Ministry events.

Catholic Charities also resettled 144 refugees and asylum seekers and, thanks to parish and community support, set up 12

Making these corporal works of mercy possible were more than 50 fulland part-time employees, 316 volunteers who contributed 19,515 hours of service, over 2,000 donors who gave directly to Catholic Charities, and financial support received through the annual Diocesan Support Appeal. apartments for newly arrived refugee families. An additional 350 refugees benefited from employment, case management, transportation, and/or afterschool mentoring to become self-reliant members of our community. Legal immigration services were provided to 310 people.

Honoring Pope Francis’ call, Catholic Charities has gone a step further: providing emergency rent and utility assistance to families economically affected by the pandemic, to help them avoid utility shut-offs or eviction. This was made possible thanks to your financial support as well as two grants totaling $115,000 from the Charlotte-Mecklenburg COVID-19 Response Fund.

Through Catholic Charities’ special outreach to homeless veterans, 73 former members of the military were provided with a safe place to sleep at night.

In addition, the Diocese of Charlotte Housing Corporation continued its ministry to build affordable housing for vulnerable seniors, adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities, and other vulnerable/underserved populations. With three successful housing developments already in its portfolio, the housing corporation moved closer this year to opening its fourth.

Guardian Angel Villa, a three-story, 81-unit community in Charlotte for seniors – the diocese’s largest project to date – is expected to open in November 2020. Built in partnership with Douglas/Schaumber Development, it will serve seniors 55 and older who earn between 30% and 60% of the area’s median income.

Education and Catechesis

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atechesis aims to foster an ever-increasing desire to be holy, to become missionary disciples in communion with Jesus. We are able to grow in holiness through the experience of life in the Church: participation in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, reception of the sacraments, Adoration of the Most Blessed Sacrament, prayer, and Christian

service in the spiritual and corporal works of mercy.

Drastic changes in the last quarter of the academic year, prompted by the pandemic, did not deter us from this call to discipleship.

The entire Education Vicariate – from Youth Ministry, to Catholoic Schools, to Campus Ministry, to Adult and Lay Ministry – shifted to connect with the faithful via the internet and social media. The challenges were many, as were blessings. In the last quarter, most meetings and continuing education moved to digital experiences with a creativity that helped build confidence

Diocese Of Charlotte Annual Report 2019-2020

and motivate additional efforts to work for the common good and achieve excellence.

Before and during the pandemic, the work of the Education Vicariate continued apace:

 More than 800 Catholic school teachers, faith formation catechists, and parents completed the online Basic Catechetical Certification Program.

 The Faith Formation Office provided support to parish catechetical leaders as faith formation programs for the 2019-20 year encompassed 27,623 students and 14,447 adults, taught by 3,600 catechists.

 The Office for Youth Ministry reached up to 1,250 individuals directly, both in person and electronically through online meetings and events. Online meetings also enabled the Diocesan Youth Advisory Council to expand for the 2020-21 year.

 Campus Ministry’s nine full-time campus ministers worked with 1,695 students at various college and university programs – particularly aiding them during campus pandemic-related closures in the spring and reopenings in the fall.

 The Lay Ministry Formation Office completed its two-year program with 183 people registered at five English-speaking course locations and two Spanish-speaking course locations. Also, 23 people were involved in a study of the Church Fathers.

 The 2019-20 year saw the 19 Catholic schools of the diocese serving 6,896 students with 654 teachers/administrators. All schools successfully transitioned to remote learning in March – then, through careful planning and coordination among school leaders, guidance from public health officials and engagement with families, they resumed in-person instruction in August and September.

 Growth in the work of the Education Vicariate prompted Bishop Jugis to add a second vicar for education as the diocese ended FY 2019-20 and began FY 2020-21: Father Timothy Reid was appointed Vicar for Education: For Catholic Schools.

Father Roger Arnsparger, the current education vicar, became Vicar for Education: For Catechetical Formation.

EDUCATION FORMATION OFFICES OF THE DIOCESE OF CHARLOTTE FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS FOR THE YEARS ENDING JUNE 30

2020 2019 REVENUE & OTHER SUPPORT (includes DSA funding

of $1,640,876 in 2020 and $1,526,667 in 2019) $2,286,839 $2,191,936

EXPENSES $2,286,839 $2,191,936 DIOCESAN AND REGIONAL SCHOOLS FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS FOR THE YEARS ENDING JUNE 30

2020 Tuition and fees $46,487,371 Parish support 4.477,466 Campaign contributions 2,650,051 Other contributions and gifts 1,886,810 School activity revenue 1,089,383 Income from rental property 646,182 Other 1,663,023 TOTAL REVENUE & OTHER SUPPORT $58,900,286

2019 $45,759,477 4.327,008 4,161,941 2,806,139 1,340,250 646,182 1,065,167

Instructional personnel Other instructional costs

$27,605,639 2,404,608

$27,349,869 2,721,743

Facilities 9,529,670 Administrative personnel 3,679,204 Supplementary programs and activities 4,340,118 Other 4,445,383 TOTAL EXPENSES $52,004,662

9,090,463 3,607,162 5,030,285 5,450,952

$60,106,164

$53,250,474

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Diocese Of Charlotte Annual Report 2019-2020

“Let the fruits of the Holy Spirit be noticed by everyone you meet. What a powerful witness of Christ you will be,” Bishop Peter Jugis told 2020 graduates during a livestreamed baccalaureate Mass in May. Another initiative overseen by the Education Vicariate, the Eucharistic Congress, was a success in September 2019 yet was necessarily re-imagined for the fall of 2020 in response to the pandemic. The 15th annual Diocesan Eucharistic Congress, held Sept. 6-7, 2019, brought more than 15,000 people together at the Charlotte Convention Center for an annual “family reunion” so that we could be in the Lord’s Presence in the Most Holy Eucharist. The 16th annual Congress, originally scheduled for Sept.

12-13, 2020, shifted from what would have been a similarly large celebration in uptown Charlotte to parish- and home-based family celebrations. Parishes developed their own worship and educational programs for youth and adults alike, including Eucharistic Adoration and Mass. Bishop Jugis offered a special Mass streamed live from St. Patrick Cathedral, and the Catholic News Herald provided supplemental educational materials for families to deepen their devotion to the Eucharist.

Stewardship of Treasure

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s missionary disciples, we are called by God to be holy in every aspect of our lives – and that means using our gifts to help build up the kingdom of God and be His witness in our community.

Employees, volunteers, supporters and the faithful of the diocese take this mission to heart, generously providing

THE FOUNDATION OF THE ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF CHARLOTTE FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS FOR THE YEARS ENDING JUNE 30

2020 2019 ASSETS Cash $ 978,376 $ 1,086,001 Due from Advancement Corp. and other receivables 248,264 298,410 Investments 56,827,887 55,516,493 Beneficial Interest in Advancement Corp.

85,062 256,871 Assets held in trust - 39,064 TOTAL ASSETS $ 58,139,589 $ 57,196,839

2020 LIABILITIES Payables & unearned income $ 46,894 $ Custodial & annuity obligations 17,927,594 TOTAL LIABILITIES $ 17,974,488 $

2019 32,886 17,182,723 17,215,609

NET ASSETS Net assets without donor restrictions $ 3,850,602 $ 3,777,871 Net assets with donor restrictions 36,314,499 36,203,359 TOTAL NET ASSETS $ 40,165,101 $ 39,981,230 TOTAL LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS $ 58,139,589

$ 57,196,839

Diocese Of Charlotte Annual Report 2019-2020

prayers and support to ensure that the wide-ranging work of our parishes, schools and ministries – indeed, our entire diocese – remains robust and flourishes for generations to come.

Your support this past year included gifts to the Foundation of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Charlotte, which established 11 new endowments during fiscal year 2019-20, raising the total number of endowments to 278. These various endowments helped lift up our parishes, schools, Catholic Charities, priest retirement, seminarian education and outreach programs.

Principal additions to new and existing endowments for the year totaled $1,357,197. Distributions for the year totaled $973,160 – bringing the total of distributions since the foundation began in 1994 to more than $10 million. The foundation also awarded $69,394 in grants to churches and diocesan ministries to support 17 projects.

DIOCESAN SUPPORT APPEAL MINISTRY FUNDING FOR THE YEARS ENDING JUNE 30

2020 2019 (from 2019 DSA) (from 2018 DSA)

GRANTS TO CATHOLIC CHARITIES $ 1,948,595 $1,953,109 EDUCATIONAL MINISTRIES Adult Education/Evangelization 100,297 Campus/Young Adult Ministry 789,088 Faith Formation Office 428,685 Youth Ministry Office 114,215 Catholic Schools Office 113,776 Education Administration 94,815 TOTAL EDUCATIONAL MINISTRIES $ 1,640,876 MULTICULTURAL MINISTRIES

$

747,001

85,829 702,840 457,997 122,106 64,457 93,438 $1,526,667 $778,185

2020 2019 (from 2019 DSA) (from 2018 DSA)

VOCATIONS Seminarian Education 676,574 711,641 Permanent Diaconate 82,713 96,522 TOTAL VOCATIONS $ 759,287 $ 808,163 Eucharistic Congress/Year of St. Joseph $

288,773

$ 207,361

Housing Ministry

$

309,514

$ 280,801

DSA CAMPAIGN COSTS

$

338,418 $

TOTAL DSA FUNDING

309,434

$ 6,032,464 $5,863,720

Beyond the long-term support provided through the foundation, the annual Diocesan Support Appeal (DSA) enabled us to offer back to God a portion of what He has given us, to support the work of the diocese today. Financial gifts totaling $6.32 million from 16,500 donors to the 2019 appeal supported more than 50 ministries and programs across the diocese, including seminarian education; Catholic Charities; educational programs for children and adults; the permanent diaconate; multicultural ministries; the housing corporation ministry; and the Eucharistic Congress. Fifty-four parishes that exceeded their DSA goals received $418,238, and 35 parishes that fell short SPECIAL COLLECTIONS AMOUNTS COLLECTED FOR THE YEARS ENDING JUNE 30

International/National Combined Collection Catholic Campaign for Human Development Religious Retirement Collection Combined Mission Collection World Mission Sunday Archdiocese for Military Services Disaster Relief TOTAL

2020 2019 $ 101,521 144,390 278,897 272,834 213,568 162,805 -

$ 232,306 151,614 228,973 267,102 173,876 181,395

$ 1,174,015 $ 1,235,266

of their goal contributed a total of $180,003 to the appeal from parish funds.

In addition, contributions to special collections in fiscal 2019-20 supported: International/National Combined Collection (Catholic Relief Services, Collection for the Holy Land, Collection for the Works of the Holy Father/Peter’s Pence, Catholic University of America, and Catholic Communications Campaign) • Catholic Campaign for Human Development • Religious Retirement Collection • Combined Mission Collection

(Church in Latin America, Church in Central and Eastern Europe, United States Mission Appeal/Black and Indian Mission, Catholic Home Mission, and Church in Africa) • World Mission Sunday • Archdiocese for Military Services The year also saw many people continue to make regular payments toward their pledges in the Diocese of Charlotte’s “Forward in Faith, Hope, and Love” campaign. The unprecedented campaign was launched in 2012 to renew, strengthen and advance the financial resources of the 92 parishes and missions in the diocese, and to solidify the diocese’s financial foundation for the future.

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FORWARD IN FAITH, HOPE, AND LOVE $65 MILLION GOAL ALLOCATION PARISH LIFE AND MINISTRIES

$16.25 million

CATHOLIC EDUCATION – Expand Faith Formation Endowment: $1 million – Expand Tuition Assistance Endowment: $6 million – College Campus Ministry: $1.75 million – Renovate Existing Catholic Schools: $4 million

$12.75 million

PASTORAL AND TEMPORAL RESOURCES

$11.5 million – Parish and Mission Support Services Endowment: $6 million – St. Patrick Cathedral Renovations: $4 million – Retreat and Conference Center Renovations: $1.5 million

CLERGY SUPPORT – Expand Priest Retirement Fund: $10 million – Expand Vocation and Seminarian Support Endowment: $3 million

CATHOLIC OUTREACH – Expand Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte Endowment: $6 million – Expand Multicultural Ministries Endowment: $3 million – Housing Initiatives: $2.5 million

$13 million

$11.5 million

In addition, campaign costs, which include educational materials, communications, accounting and fundraising staff, were projected to approximate 6.5 percent of the total campaign goal, a total of $4,225,000.

The solicitation phase of the campaign ended in 2015; as such, only minimal gifts were received during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2020. Pledge payments received during fiscal 2020 totaled $1,466,000, bringing total pledge redemptions to $53,304,000.

Distributions for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2020, totaled $1,054,000, bringing inception-to-date distributions to $43,193,000, comprised of: PARISH LIFE & MINISTRIES $ 19,088,000 CATHOLIC EDUCATION 6,658,000 PASTORAL & TEMPORAL RESOURCES 4,350,000 CLERGY SUPPORT 7,728,000 CATHOLIC OUTREACH 5,369,000 TOTAL DISTRIBUTED $ 43,193,000 DISTRIBUTIONS PENDING for Capital Projects 4,954,000 DISTRIBUTION PENDING for Priest Retirement 28,000 APPLIED TO COVER CAMPAIGN EXPENSES 5,129,000 TOTAL PAYMENTS RECEIVED ON PLEDGES $ 53,304,000

The above distribution total was earmarked as follows: TO PARISHES/MISSIONS TO THE PRIEST RETIREMENT TRUST TO ENDOWMENTS WITH THE DIOCESAN FOUNDATION FOR CAPITAL INITIATIVES

$19,088,000 $ 5,938,000 $15,511,000 $ 2,656,000

Campaign costs during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2020, amounted to $128,000 – bringing inception-to-date campaign costs to $5,074,000.

“I am humbled and extremely grateful for the generosity of so many people throughout our diocese in faithfully fulfilling their commitments to the ‘Forward in Faith, Hope, and Love’ campaign,” Bishop Jugis said as the diocese finished another year of parishioners fulfilling their pledges.

Human Capital The call to stewardship and mission described above also characterized the efforts of the approximately 2,600 full- and part-time employees of the diocese, who found many creative ways to continue their work without interruption when in March the diocesan offices, parishes, ministries and schools were suddenly faced with the task of working remotely – something that many employees had not done before.

THE COST OF EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PROGRAMS FOR ALL DIOCESAN ENTITIES FOR THE YEARS ENDING JUNE 30

Long Term Disability Health and Life Insurance Lay Pension Plan 403(b) Plan Contributions FSA/HSA Administration Fees

TOTAL

$

2020 2019 165,393 $ 160,485 9,467,941 9,879,472 2,984,012 2,670,496 3,435,641 3,379,154 14,092 13,883

$ 16,067,079

$ 16,103,490

Diocese Of Charlotte Annual Report 2019-2020 At the Diocesan Pastoral Center, an Incident Response Team worked together to address issues related to the pandemic and our response to it. A similar collaborative taskforce coordinated the Catholic Schools Office’s response efforts. Communication materials relating to COVID-19 safety protocols, employment issues, and support for employees were developed and shared with parishes, schools and employees throughout the diocese.

Pope Francis has said, “We are all called to be holy by living our lives and by bearing witness in everything we do, wherever we find ourselves.” Clergy, religious, employees, volunteers and other people of goodwill throughout the diocese embraced this challenge during the COVID-19 pandemic, serving others and demonstrating the fruits of the Holy Spirit as Bishop Jugis has called us all to do. “Be Holy” is not just a theme for this year, it’s our call to be missionary disciples in communion with Jesus.

Looking Forward

B

ecause of your prayers, support and discipleship, we have been able to play our part in the Church and community response to the pandemic this year, prioritizing people’s health and well-being while meeting the challenges set before us with faith, charity and confidence in God’s love.

In summary, we are well positioned to move forward with the vital ministry of the Church here in western North Carolina. The following pages detail the diocese’s finances for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2020.

The Lord has been and continues to be with us. Let us raise our voices in thanksgiving for His blessings and in petition that the coronavirus be contained, that health be restored to the sick, and that the unemployed and under-employed find gainful employment.

15

16

Diocese Of Charlotte Annual Report 2019-2020

Report from the Chief Financial Officer Despite many significant challenges posed by the pandemic, the Diocese of Charlotte remains in good financial health. Operating income for the year ended June 30, 2020 (before considering capital campaign activity) was $4.1 million, up from $527,000 in fiscal 2019. Expenses increased $75,000 or 0.1% over the prior year, thus the net increase in operating income is mainly attributable to revenue increases, primarily from school tuition and fees, parish support of schools, parish assessments for employee benefit programs, and proceeds from the federal CARES Act awarded to Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School, Catholic Charities and the Central Administration of the Diocese.

Financial resources (donor-restricted and general-purpose funds) spent during the past fiscal year went toward the following diocesan priorities:  Our retired priests, seminarians and other clergy serving the faithful, approximately $5.9 million;  The recently completed construction of St. Joseph College Seminary, $8.8 million;  Capital additions and improvements at our regional and diocesan schools, $2.6 million; and grants to parish schools, $296,000, $187,000 of which was earmarked for student tuition assistance;  Pastoral programs for our Catholic immigrant brothers and sisters, approximately $900,000;  Social service programs for our neighbors in need, $5.7 million;  Parish Faith Formation and support for our 19 schools by the Catholic Schools Office, $2.3 million;  Grants to support parishes, $754,000 (primarily from the FFHL campaign proceeds).

All of our initiatives are dependent on the good work of our many dedicated clergy and lay persons. During the fiscal year just ended, employee salaries and benefits totaled approximately $56.3 million, up from $55.9 million in fiscal 2019. Employee benefits include three health insurance programs from which employees may select, term life insurance, numerous employee-paid optional

benefits, a generous schedule of paid time off and a 403(b) defined contribution pension plan. Non-temporary employees working at least 1,000 hours in a calendar year receive a contribution to their 403(b) account totaling 5% of their annual salary. In addition, they receive a match equal to 50% of the first 4% of pay they contribute to their pension account.

Of course, the heart of the Diocese is our parishes and schools. And, while this report covers the financial activities of many diocesan ministries and entities, it does not include our parishes (and parish and inter-parochial schools), which report separately to their parishioners. The diocesan financial statements for the years ended June 30, 2020 and 2019 are presented on the following pages for your review.

Results of operating activities for the year ended June 30, 2020 Expenses in support of our various program (ministry) services totaled $58.2 million, while all other operating expenses (excluding the capital campaign expenses) totaled approximately $29 million, for a total of $87.2 million, representing an increase from the prior year of $75,000. We were blessed to receive $87.8 million in financial support without donor restrictions (excluding capital campaign income), and reclassified donor restricted revenue totaling $5.3 million to unrestricted operating revenue as a result of fulfilling donor restrictions, for a total of $93.1 million in revenue without donor restrictions (excluding capital campaign revenue).

The Diocese recorded a net decrease in donor-restricted operating funds (excluding capital campaign activities) of approximately $1.8 million for the year ended June 30, 2020. This represents the excess of $5.3 million in donorrestricted gifts whose restrictions were fulfilled during the fiscal year over $3.5 million in donor-restricted donations and grants received during the fiscal year.

The pie charts depict the major sources of revenues and summarize expenditures for the fiscal year just ended. Additional detail about revenues and a breakout of expenses by functional area, along with a comparison to fiscal 2019, are presented within the Statement of Activities on page 19.

SOURCES OF REVENUE

USES OF OUR RESOURCES Fundraising 2%

School tuition and fees 45%

Pastoral 10%

Schools Administration 18% Depreciation 6% Other sources 3% Grants, contracts and awards 5% Donations and gifts 6%

Parish assessments and support 20% Diocesan Support Appeal 6%

Capital Campaigns 7% Investment income 5% Fees and rent 3%

Administrative services and support 6% Interest expense 1%

Education 38%

FFHL Distributions 1%

Other program expenses 5% Benefit programs for parish employees 7%

Social services 6%

Capital campaign activity for the year ended June 30, 2020

Net Asset Charge for the year ended June 30, 2020

There were four capital campaigns with activity during fiscal 2020. The FFHL campaign recorded a loss of approximately $155,000 as a result of distributions to parishes and administrative expenses in excess of income recorded. Page 14 provides additional information about FFHL activities. The campaign for the construction of St. Joseph College Seminary recorded revenue, net of campaign costs, totaling $3.7 million during the fiscal year. MACS had two capital campaigns in the gift solicitation phase: (1) for the construction of a Fine Arts Center at Charlotte Catholic High School and (2) to expand the gymnasium and add athletic amenities at Christ the King Catholic High School. The MACS campaigns recorded total revenue, net of campaign costs, of $2.5 million during fiscal 2020.

The Diocese recorded a $11.3 million charge to (decrease in) net assets in fiscal 2020 due to our pension and post-retirement benefit plans’ most recent actuarial valuations. The primary driver of this charge is a decrease in the discount rate from last year. As a result of fluctuating discount rates, the Diocese recorded net asset credits related to our pension and post-retirement benefit plans totaling $24 million in fiscal years 2017 and 2018 and net asset charges totaling $20.5 million in fiscal years 2019 and 2020, resulting in a net credit over the past four years of $3.5 million.

Results of nonoperating activities for the year ended June 30, 2020 Nonoperating activities consist of the return earned on diocesan investments.

The Diocese reported a gain on investments this past year of approximately $4.6 million, of which $1.3 million is subject to donor restrictions.

The cumulative charge against net assets related to our pension and postretirement benefit plans through June 30, 2020 totals approximately $53.4 million, leaving a balance in net assets without donor restrictions of approximately $78.7 million, of which approximately $49.7 million is designated for certain diocesan activities. Additionally, the accrued liability for the pension and post-retirement benefit plans was approximately $81.2 million at June 30, 2020. Due to the significant liability and charge to net assets related to the

Diocese Of Charlotte Annual Report 2019-2020 Lay Employee Pension Plan, this plan was amended to eliminate future accruals for all participants, except for those who were at least age 62 and had at least 12 years of service, and was closed to new entrants, as of January 1, 2018.

Although the plan is frozen, employees who were participants in the plan will retain benefits accumulated up to January 1, 2018, based on credited service and eligible earnings, in accordance with the terms of the plan.

the Diocese of Charlotte are also published on the diocesan website. These policies are updated regularly. It is the responsibility of the diocesan Finance Office to ensure that accounting policies and procedures are being adhered to, and internal controls are in place and operating so as to safeguard diocesan assets and ensure that all financial activity is accounted for properly. The Diocese’s commitment to the pillar of transparency is evident by the high rating the Diocese received from the Voice of the Faithful: one of only five dioceses in the United States to receive a score of 100%.

Cash flows for the year ended June 30, 2020 Cash generated from operating activities totaled approximately $13.8 million (including $2.5 million of pledge receivables collected), which provided a majority of the funds needed for the acquisition of property and equipment, which totaled $15.8 million.

Financial oversight is provided through routine financial audits and the diocesan Finance Council, which is directly responsible to the Bishop. The diocesan Finance Council fulfills its audit oversight responsibilities by meeting annually with the Diocese’s outside auditors and exercising oversight as it relates to the following specific matters:

Liquidity as of June 30, 2020

 Systems of internal accounting control;

Although the pension and post-retirement benefit liabilities have a significant impact on our unrestricted net assets, they are long term in nature and do not affect our liquidity in the short term. As the Statement of Financial Position shows, cash and investments total $174 million at June 30, 2020, of which $54 million is invested in donor-restricted endowments, leaving a balance of $120 million. Receivables totaling $6 million are due within the coming year, resulting in liquid assets of $126 million. Of this amount, $53 million is either restricted as to use by donor stipulations or management designations or is required for FFHL and endowment distributions and grant commitments, further reducing funds available to $73 million. Of this amount, $42 million represents parish deposits held by DL Catholic, leaving a balance of $31 million for general operations, including payment of liabilities reported on the Statement of Financial Position at June 30, 2020.

 Compliance with laws and regulations;  Compliance with diocesan code of ethics;  Financial reporting; and the  External auditors.

The integrity of the financial statements that follow and the integrity of the underlying financial systems are the responsibility of the Diocese. The public accounting firm of Deloitte and Touche LLP was engaged to perform an independent audit of these financial statements. Their audit report is included in the financial report that follows.

Financial governance and oversight The diocesan Finance Office remains committed to the highest standards of fiscal integrity, accountability and transparency. To this end, the Diocese has developed guidelines for strong financial governance, which can be found on the diocesan website. The complete compendium of financial policies of

William G. Weldon, CPA Chief Financial Officer

Diocesan Revenues excluding Schools: 2018 - 2020 18,000,000 16,000,000

Regional and Diocesan Schools’ Revenues: 2018 - 2020

14,000,000 12,000,000 10,000,000 8,000,000 6,000,000 4,000,000 2,000,000 0

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2019

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2019

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Capital campaigns

2020

2020

Diocesan Expenses excluding Schools: 2018 - 2020 12,000,000

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18

Diocese Of Charlotte Annual Report 2019-2020

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS’ REPORT To the Most Reverend Peter J. Jugis, Bishop of Charlotte: We have audited the accompanying combined financial statements of The Roman Catholic Diocese of Charlotte (the “Diocese”), which comprise the combined statements of financial position as of June 30, 2020 and 2019, and the related combined statements of activities, cash flows, and functional expenses for the years then ended, and the related notes to the combined financial statements. The combined financial statements include the accounts of the affiliated diocesan entities described in Note 1 to the combined financial statements, which operate under the auspices of the Diocese.

Management’s Responsibility for the Combined Financial Statements Management is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of these combined financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America; this includes the design, implementation, and maintenance of internal control relevant to the preparation and fair presentation of the combined financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.

Auditor’s Responsibility Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these combined financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the combined financial statements are free from material misstatement.

An audit involves performing procedures to obtain audit evidence about the amounts and disclosures in the combined financial statements. The procedures selected depend on the auditor’s judgment, including

THE ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF CHARLOTTE COMBINED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION AS OF JUNE 30, 2020 AND 2019

the assessment of the risks of material misstatement of the combined financial statements, whether due to fraud or error. In making those risk assessments, the auditor considers internal control relevant to the Diocese’s preparation and fair presentation of the combined financial statements in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of Diocese’s internal control. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes evaluating the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of significant accounting estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the combined financial statements.

We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our audit opinion.

Opinion In our opinion, the combined financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the combined financial position of the Diocese as of June 30, 2020 and 2019, the combined changes in their net assets, their cash flows, and their functional expenses for the years then ended, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

October 12, 2020

THE ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF CHARLOTTE COMBINED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE YEARS ENDED JUNE 30, 2020 AND 2019

2020 2019

2020 2019 ASSETS

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES: CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS $30,933,154 $35,604,728 Change in net assets $3,372,769 $3,415,066

Adjustments to reconcile change in net assets to net cash flows PLEDGES RECEIVABLE—Net 7,540,965 8,091,593 from operating activities:

Contributions from donor restrictions—property purchases (6,157,318) (8,136,380) OTHER ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE—Net 2,902,835 3,636,545 Contributions from donor restrictions—endowments (361,553) (527,086)

Depreciation and amortization 5,420,171 5,194,096 NOTES RECEIVABLE—Net 11,537,433 14,194,825 Investment realized and unrealized gains (1,530,596) (3,582,888)

Gain on disposition of property (690,790) (396,619) ADVANCES TO PARISHES—Net 3,775,520 1,895,182 Net asset charge—Lay and Priest Retirement Plans

and Retired Clergy Health Plan 11,282,087 9,237,288 INVESTMENTS 143,134,462 134,434,926 (Decrease) increase in discounts and allowances on advances,

notes, and pledges receivable (1,549,821) 946,942 PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT—Net 95,459,689 88,383,178 Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

Other accounts receivable 733,710 (1,050,307) BENEFICIAL INTERESTS IN PERPETUAL TRUSTS 9,516,848 9,422,676 Deferred rent 91,585 108,287

Pledges receivable 2,450,947 4,865,727 DEFERRED RENT AND RIGHT-OF-USE ASSETS—Operating leases 1,315,732 1,519,143 Other assets 111,180 48,315

Accounts payable and accrued expenses (1,422,463) 643,418 OTHER ASSETS 925,295 1,092,919 Accrued salaries, wages, and benefits 355,235 150,038

Accrued pension and postretirement benefits 1,502,972 969,048 TOTAL $307,041,933 $298,275,715 Unearned revenue 212,419 1,047,937

Net cash provided by operating activities 13,820,534 12,932,882 LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES: LIABILITIES: Purchase of property and equipment (15,815,206) (9,569,408) Accounts payable and accrued expenses $3,752,525 $8,260,852 Proceeds from the sale of property 923,450 617,912 Accrued salaries, wages, and benefits 5,526,547 5,171,312 Purchase of investments (49,024,690) (42,809,260) Accrued pension and postretirement benefits 81,203,778 68,418,719 Proceeds from maturity and sales of investments 41,426,470 40,342,067 Unearned revenue 10,862,501 10,650,082 Issuance of advances and notes (3,471,592) (859,900) Lease liabilities 1,389,209 2,264,071 Payments received on advances and notes 4,248,982 3,633,045 Custodial, annuity, and other obligations 57,691,281 60,267,356 Increase in custodial obligations (3,622,790) 1,008,170

Total liabilities 160,425,841 155,032,392 Net cash used in investing activities (25,335,376) (7,637,374)

CONTINGENCIES (Note 12) CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

Distribution of corpus from perpetual trust $92,483 $109,455 NET ASSETS: Contributions with donor restrictions—property purchases 6,812,422 $1,908,236 Net assets without donor restrictions: Contributions with donor restrictions—endowments 423,377 461,226 Undesignated 82,401,678 68,487,058 Net proceeds - PPP Loan 278,022 Net asset charge—Lay and Priest Retirement Plans and Principal payment of finance lease obligations (763,036) (776,260) Retired Clergy Health Plan (53,423,646) (42,141,559)

Net cash flows provided by financing activities 6,843,268 1,702,657 Total undesignated net assets without donor restrictions 28,978,032 26,345,499

NET (DECREASE) INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS (4,671,574) 6,998,165 Designated 49,731,562 45,309,968

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS: Total net assets without donor restrictions 78,709,594 71,655,467 Beginning of year 35,604,728 28,606,563

Net assets with donor restrictions 67,906,498 71,587,856 End of year $30,933,154 $35,604,728

Total net assets 146,616,092 143,243,323 SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:

Interest paid $22,152 $1,714 TOTAL $307,041,933 $298,275,715

Non-cash acquisition of property $525,066 $5,942,029

See notes to combined financial statements.

Non-cash acquisition of other assets $- $15,000

See notes to combined financial statements.

(Concluded)

Diocese Of Charlotte Annual Report 2019-2020 THE ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF CHARLOTTE COMBINED STATEMENTS OF ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEARS ENDED

JUNE 30, 2020

Without Donor With Donor

Restrictions Restrictions Total

REVENUES AND OTHER SUPPORT: School tuition and fees—net $46,493,871 $

$46,493,871 Contributions—Diocesan Support Appeal (DSA) 5,869,209

5,869,209 Other support—DSA programs 330,602

330,602 Other donations and gifts 3,484,083 3,245,460 6,729,543 Parish assessments:

Employee benefit programs 8,536,510

8,536,510 Property liability insurance 1,732,178

1,732,178 Catholic News Herald 983,160

983,160 Central office 4,523,242

4,523,242 Parish support of schools 4,477,466

4,477,466 Federal and state agency awards 4,841,076

4,841,076 Other grants and awards 18,379 301,500 319,879 Fees for services rendered 1,512,944

1,512,944 Rental income 1,244,550

1,244,550 Interest income—parish loans 531,093

531,093 Other income 3,154,987 10,429 3,165,416 Net assets released from restriction 5,335,997 (5,335,997)

Total revenues and other support 93,069,347 (1,778,608) 91,290,739

EXPENSES: Program expenses: Pastoral: Clergy, vocations, and support for retired priests 5,897,844

5,897,844 Multicultural ministries 859,203

859,203 Contributions, grants, and subsidies 1,139,835

1,139,835 Other 444,005

444,005 Education:

Regional and diocesan schools 30,950,178

30,950,178 Other education and faith formation 2,286,839

2,286,839 Social service programs 5,661,246

5,661,246 Benefit programs for lay parish employees 6,301,072

6,301,072 Risk management services/claims 2,111,545

2,111,545 Publication of Catholic News Herald 1,157,650

1,157,650 Conference/retreat centers 801,021

801,021 Tribunal 545,862

545,862

Total program expenses 58,156,300

58,156,300

Administrative: Central office administration 3,704,974

3,704,974 Regional and diocesan schools administration 16,170,669

16,170,669 Social services administration 810,456

810,456 Interest—parish savings and investments 736,191

736,191 Interest—lease obligations 18,229

18,229 Depreciation and amortization 5,420,171

5,420,171 Other 835,356

835,356

Total administrative expenses 27,696,046

27,696,046

Fundraising 1,373,300

1,373,300

Total expenses 87,225,646

87,225,646

CHANGE IN NET ASSETS BEFORE CAPITAL CAMPAIGN AND NONOPERATING ACTIVITIES AND NET ASSET CHARGE $ 5,843,701 $(1,778,608) $ 4,065,093

CAPITAL CAMPAIGN ACTIVITIES: Forward in Faith, Hope, and Love (FFHL): FFHL—contributions 87,000 10,200 97,200 FFHL—losses on uncollectible contributions

548,879 548,879 FFHL—net assets released from restriction 672,302 (672,302) FFHL—distributions to parishes (672,302)

(672,302) FFHL—fundraising and other expenses (128,487)

(128,487)

Net FFHL campaign activity (41,487) (113,223) (154,710)

Mecklenburg Area Catholic Schools (MACS): MACS—contributions 156,099 2,493,951 2,650,050 MACS—fundraising expenses (156,099)

(156,099)

Net MACS campaign activity

2,493,951 2,493,951

St. Joseph College Seminary: St. Joseph College Seminary—contributions 194,774 3,663,366 3,858,140 St. Joseph College Seminary—fundraising expenses (194,774)

(194,774) St. Joseph College Seminary—net assets released from restrictions 9,253,932 (9,253,932)

Net St. Joseph College Seminary campaign activity 9,253,932 (5,590,566) 3,663,366

CHANGE IN NET ASSETS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES 15,056,146 (4,988,446) 10,067,700

NONOPERATING—Net investment return 3,280,068 1,307,088 4,587,156

CHANGE IN NET ASSETS FROM NONOPERATING ACTIVITIES 3,280,068 1,307,088 4,587,156

CHANGE IN NET ASSETS BEFORE NET ASSET CHARGE 18,336,214 (3,681,358) 14,654,856

NET ASSET CHARGE—Lay and Priest Retirement Plans and Retired Clergy Health Plan (11,282,087)

(11,282,087)

CHANGE IN NET ASSETS 7,054,127 (3,681,358) 3,372,769

NET ASSETS: Beginning of year 71,655,467 71,587,856 143,243,323

End of year $78,709,594 $67,906,498 $146,616,092

See notes to combined financial statements.

JUNE 30, 2019

Without Donor Restrictions

With Donor Restrictions

$45,768,828 $

6,081,232

462,312

3,499,587 3,178,834

8,265,961

1,640,725

981,900

4,499,739

4,327,008

1,723,114

263,839 555,587

1,597,804

1,284,460

666,132

2,859,609 21,214

5,729,652 (5,729,652)

89,651,902 (1,974,017)

5,731,834

994,549

1,881,714

402,227

31,461,156

2,191,936

5,146,404

6,575,153

919,187

1,178,354

932,951

574,962

57,990,427

3,473,975

16,821,879

717,663

1,065,784

29,710

5,194,096

657,875

27,960,982

1,199,422

87,150,831

Total $45,768,828 6,081,232 462,312 6,678,421 8,265,961 1,640,725 981,900 4,499,739 4,327,008 1,723,114 819,426 1,597,804 1,284,460 666,132 2,880,823 87,677,885

5,731,834 994,549 1,881,714 402,227 31,461,156 2,191,936 5,146,404 6,575,153 919,187 1,178,354 932,951 574,962 57,990,427 3,473,975 16,821,879 717,663 1,065,784 29,710 5,194,096 657,875 27,960,982 1,199,422 87,150,831

$2,501,071 $(1,974,017)

225,500 55,904

- (1,355,065)

1,871,088 (1,871,088) (1,871,088)

(203,330)

22,170 (3,170,249)

546,714 3,615,227

(546,714)

- 3,615,227

340,075 4,521,153

(340,075)

$527,054

281,404 (1,355,065) (1,871,088) (203,330) (3,148,079) 4,161,941 (546,714) 3,615,227 4,861,228 (340,075) -

4,521,153 4,521,153

2,523,241 2,992,114 5,515,355

4,494,695 2,642,304 7,136,999

4,494,695 2,642,304 7,136,999

7,017,936 5,634,418 12,652,354

(9,237,288)

(9,237,288)

(2,219,352) 5,634,418 3,415,066

73,874,819 65,953,438 139,828,257

$71,655,467 $71,587,856 $143,243,323

(Concluded)

19

20

Diocese Of Charlotte Annual Report 2019-2020

THE ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF CHARLOTTE COMBINED STATEMENT OF FUNCTIONAL EXPENSES FOR THE YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 2020

Travel & Grants &

Personnel Occupancy Office/Program Professional Professional Other

Costs Costs Expenses Services Development Assistance Other Total PROGRAMS: Pastoral: Clergy, vocations and support for retired priests $ 4,555,321 $ 571,890 $ 185,913 $ 208,193 $ 302,888 $ 8,956 $ 64,683 $ 5,897,844 Multicultural ministries 604,303 57,306 19,219 9,600 161,369 3,262 4,144 859,203 Contributions, grants and subsidies

1,139,835

1,139,835 Other 20,448 100,857 58,975 227,956 35,360

409 444,005 Education:

Regional and diocesan schools 27,605,641

3,344,537

30,950,178 Other education and faith formation 1,585,766 375,333 133,094 120,214 70,545

1,887 2,286,839 Social service programs 2,802,403 560,885 157,357 382,875 135,072 1,620,408 2,246 5,661,246 Benefit program for lay parish employees 6,301,072

6,301,072 Risk management services/claims

1,763,518

7,695 340,332 2,111,545 Publication of Catholic News Herald 517,236 52,607 447,252 134,108 6,019

428 1,157,650 Conference/retreat centers 495,478 208,467 84,801 3,162 4,236 25 4,852 801,021 Tribunal 374,487 51,651 34,332 48,938 35,974

480 545,862

Total program expenses 44,862,155 3,742,514 4,465,480 1,135,046 751,463 2,780,181 419,461 58,156,300

ADMINISTRATIVE: Central office administration 2,567,494 (269,227) 378,092 771,732 183,533 60,101 13,249 3,704,974 Regional and diocesan schools administration 7,203,538 5,624,883 2,554,935 456,373 244,166

86,774 16,170,669 Social Services Administration 599,978 33,729 27,426 77,200 28,861

43,262 810,456 Interest—parish savings and investments

736,191 736,191 Interest—lease obligations

18,229 18,229 Depreciation and amortization

5,420,171

5,420,171 Other 402,952 107,582 126,035 159,298 38,056

1,433 835,356

Total administrative expenses 10,773,962 10,917,138 3,086,488 1,464,603 494,616 60,101 899,138 27,696,046

FUNDRAISING 620,813 13,410 567,022 155,065 6,320

10,670 1,373,300

TOTAL EXPENSES BEFORE CAPITAL CAMPAIGN ACTIVITIES IN THE STATEMENT OF ACTIVITIES 56,256,930 14,673,062 8,118,990 2,754,714 1,252,399 2,840,282 1,329,269 87,225,646

CAPITAL CAMPAIGN ACTIVITIES: Distributions to parishes—FFHL

672,302

672,302 Fundraising and other expenses—FFHL

31,841 96,646

128,487

Total FFHL expenses

31,841 96,646

672,302

800,789

MACS campaigns’ expenses 20,688

67,684 60,000 7,727

156,099 St Joseph College Seminary campaign expenses

38,242 155,375 1,157

194,774

Total capital campaign expenses 20,688

137,767 312,021 8,884 672,302

1,151,662

TOTAL EXPENSES PER THE STATEMENT OF ACTIVITIES $56,277,618 $14,673,062 $8,256,757 $3,066,735 $1,261,283 $3,512,584 $1,329,269 $88,377,308

THE ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF CHARLOTTE COMBINED STATEMENT OF FUNCTIONAL EXPENSES FOR THE YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 2019

Travel & Grants &

Personnel Occupancy Office/Program Professional Professional Other

Costs Costs Expenses Services Development Assistance Other Total PROGRAMS: Pastoral: Clergy, vocations and support for retired priests $ 4,292,878 $ 615,118 $ 188,057 $ 144,346 $ 397,277 $ 27,060 $ 67,098 $ 5,731,834 Multicultural ministries 636,861 70,372 32,459 25,820 217,595 4,935 6,507 994,549 Contributions, grants and subsidies

1,881,714

1,881,714 Other 23,854 82,298 58,616 206,918 29,444

1,097 402,227 Education: Regional and diocesan schools 27,349,869

4,111,287

31,461,156 Other education and faith formation 1,456,091 333,895 149,645 135,447 113,760

3,098 2,191,936 Social service programs 2,951,433 530,075 175,787 323,412 167,096 993,826 4,775 5,146,404 Benefit program for lay parish employees 6,575,153

6,575,153 Risk management services/claims

863,215

3,600 52,372 919,187 Publication of Catholic News Herald 563,306 50,568 437,781 115,007 11,159

533 1,178,354 Conference/retreat centers 557,067 253,968 113,992 3,873 3,571 100 380 932,951 Tribunal 373,783 52,543 28,209 46,275 73,116

1,036 574,962

Total program expenses 44,780,295 2,852,052 5,295,833 1,001,098 1,013,018 2,911,235 136,896 57,990,427

ADMINISTRATIVE: Central office administration 2,435,595 29,553 328,026 380,750 180,646 91,121 28,284 3,473,975 Regional and diocesan schools administration 7,181,648 5,533,316 2,989,336 778,280 266,543

72,756 16,821,879 Social Services Administration 521,679 44,712 30,798 72,591 20,109

27,774 717,663 Interest—parish savings and investments

1,065,784 1,065,784 Interest—lease obligations

29,710 29,710 Depreciation and amortization

5,194,096

5,194,096 Other 398,287 11,596 96,240 113,801 29,189

8,762 657,875

Total administrative expenses 10,537,209 10,813,273 3,444,400 1,345,422 496,487 91,121 1,233,070 27,960,982

FUNDRAISING 503,750 2,723 503,267 166,026 7,244

16,412 1,199,422

TOTAL EXPENSES BEFORE CAPITAL CAMPAIGN ACTIVITIES IN THE STATEMENT OF ACTIVITIES 55,821,254 13,668,048 9,243,500 2,512,546 1,516,749 3,002,356 1,386,378 87,150,831

CAPITAL CAMPAIGN ACTIVITIES: Distributions to parishes—FFHL

1,871,088

1,871,088 Fundraising and other expenses—FFHL

80,499 122,831

203,330

Total FFHL expenses

80,499 122,831

1,871,088

2,074,418

MACS campaigns’ expenses 35,638 51,275 402,501 57,300 546,714 St Joseph College Seminary campaign expenses

61,484 278,027 564

340,075

Total capital campaign expenses 35,638

193,258 803,359 57,864 1,871,088

2,961,207

TOTAL EXPENSES PER THE STATEMENT OF ACTIVITIES $55,856,892 $13,668,048 $9,436,758 $3,315,905 $1,574,613 $4,873,444 $1,386,378 $90,112,038 See notes to combined financial statements.

Diocese Of Charlotte Annual Report 2019-2020 THE ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF CHARLOTTE NOTES TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AS OF AND FOR THE YEARS ENDED JUNE 30, 2020 AND 2019

1. ORGANIZATION The Roman Catholic Diocese of Charlotte (the “Diocese”) serves the Roman Catholic Church in western North Carolina. The Diocese comprises a geographic area of 20,470 square miles covering 46 counties ranging from the North Carolina piedmont region to the North Carolina mountain region. The accompanying combined financial statements do not include the assets, liabilities, or activities of individual parishes and interparochial schools as the financial operations of such entities are not under the auspices of the Diocese. These excluded activities are operating entities distinct from the offices and organizations included herein, maintain separate accounts, and carry on their own programs.

The accompanying combined financial statements include the accounts of the following organizations, which operate under the auspices of the Diocese: • The Central Administration, which provides administrative and other services to parishes, schools, and agencies of the Diocese. Services include coordination and support of educational programs and multicultural ministries; the vocations program; continuing formation of priests and support of retired priests; employee benefit program; property/ casualty insurance program; diocesan tribunal; operation of the Catholic Conference Center, Living Waters Reflection Center, and Cathedral Publishing, Inc., the publisher of the Catholic News Herald.

• Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School (“BMCHS”), which provides Catholic secondary education for the Winston Salem, Greensboro, and High Point areas.

• Mecklenburg Area Catholic Schools (“MACS”), which operates nine schools throughout Mecklenburg County as of June 30, 2020 and 2019.

• Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte (“CCDOC”), a professional human services agency that provides counseling, adoption support, pregnancy support, foster care, crisis intervention, material assistance, burial assistance, immigration services, refugee resettlement, justice and peace advocacy, and education, along with family enrichment services.

• The Foundation of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Charlotte, Inc. (the “Foundation”), which receives, administers, and disburses funds through the creation of endowments for educational, religious, and charitable purposes for the benefit of the Diocese and its various parishes, schools, and agencies.

• The Catholic Diocese of Charlotte Housing Corporation (the “Housing Corporation”), whose mission is to create, maintain, promote, and operate housing facilities and provide accompanying services for seniors, individuals, and families with low incomes, and other vulnerable populations.

• DL Catholic, Inc. (“DL Catholic”), which holds funds on deposit from the Central Administration, parishes, schools, and other Catholic institutions in the Diocese. These amounts generally represent funds in excess of current operating needs that have been set aside to fund future programs and/or facility needs. Interest on deposits is paid based on rates established for the terms of the deposits selected by the depositors. DL Catholic also provides loans to the Central Administration, parishes, schools, and other Catholic institutions in the Diocese, which are primarily for funding the purchase of property and acquisition or construction of facilities.

• The Catholic Diocese of Charlotte Advancement Corporation (the “Advancement Corporation”), which conducts diocesan wide fundraising campaigns (the Forward in Faith, Hope, and Love (FFHL) capital campaign and the annual Diocesan Support Appeal (DSA)) to support operating, capital, and endowment activities of the Central Administration and other entities of the Diocese of Charlotte.

• Saint Joseph College Seminary is a house of formation whose primary mission is to form undergraduate men for the Catholic priesthood while attending Belmont Abbey College.

• The Triad Area Catholic Schools Education Foundation, which conducts and administers fund-raising activities for the benefit of BMCHS and the parish-based Catholic schools in the Winston-Salem, Greensboro, and High Point area. This entity was in operation in 2019 but ceased operations during fiscal year ended June 30, 2020.

The activities of the above organizations have been combined by functional area in the accompanying combined statements of activities. All significant intradiocesan transactions have been eliminated in combination.

2.

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING AND REPORTING POLICIES

Basis of Presentation—The combined financial statements have been prepared under the accrual basis in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America as set forth in the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Accounting Standards Codification (ASC), including FASB ASC 958, Not for Profit Entities. FASB ASC 958 requires the reporting of total assets, liabilities, and net assets in a statement of financial position; reporting the change in net assets in a statement of activities; and reporting the sources and uses of cash in a statement of cash flows.

Use of Estimates in the Preparation of Financial Statements—The preparation of financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Significant estimates and assumptions are used for, but not limited to, valuation of pledges receivable, other accounts receivable, notes receivable, advances to parishes, valuation of beneficial interests in perpetual trusts, investments, accrued pension benefits, and accrued health benefits for retired priests. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Operating Activities—Transactions that are part of the ongoing major or central activities of the combined entities are reported as operating in the accompanying combined statements of activities. All other transactions are reported as non-operating.

21

Functional Expenses—The costs of program and supporting services activities have been summarized on a functional basis in the combined statements of activities. The combined statement of functional expenses presents the natural classification detail of expenses by function.

Certain costs are attributed to more than one program or supporting function and, therefore, require allocation among the programs and supporting services benefited. We believe our allocations are done on a reasonable and consistent basis. Occupancy costs are allocated on a square footage basis. Most personnel costs, office expenses, professional services, travel and professional development costs, and grants and other assistance are identified with a specific program or supporting function at the time they are incurred and are reported accordingly.

However, some of these expenses require allocation, which is done on the basis of estimates of time and effort.

Cash and Cash Equivalents—The Diocese considers all highly liquid instruments with an original maturity of three months or less at the time of purchase to be cash equivalents. Cash equivalents are stated at cost, which approximates fair value. At various times throughout the year, the Diocese may maintain bank accounts in excess of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation-insured limit.

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts—The Diocese recognizes an allowance when information available prior to the issuance of the combined financial statements indicates that it is probable that a receivable has been impaired as of the date of the combined financial statements and the amount of loss can be reasonably estimated.

Beneficial Interests in Perpetual Trusts—Beneficial interests in perpetual trusts represent irrevocable interests in assets held by third parties under split-interest agreements and are measured at fair value, with the change in fair value reported within net investment return in the accompanying combined statements of activities.

Investments—Investments consist primarily of marketable debt and equity securities and funds and are measured at fair value in the accompanying combined statements of financial position.

Net investment return is reported within non-operating activities in the combined statements of activities and consists of interest and dividend income, realized and unrealized capital gains and losses, less external investment expenses. The Diocese utilizes financial institutions to provide custodial and recordkeeping services, in addition to investment managers with full discretionary authority, subject to the Diocese’s investment policies, to provide investment management services.

Property and Equipment—Upon acquisition, property and equipment is recorded at cost when purchased and at estimated fair value when donated. Depreciation expense is determined by using the straight line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Equipment held under finance leases and leasehold improvements is amortized over the shorter of the lease term or the estimated useful life of the related asset.

Property and equipment is reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset group to future net undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated by the asset group. If such assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment recognized is measured by the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the fair value of the assets. No impairment charges related to property and equipment were recognized during fiscal years 2020 and 2019.

The major classes of property and equipment represented as of June 30, 2020 and 2019, are as follows: Life

2020 2019 (In Years)

Land*

$18,248,430 $18,077,464 N/A Land improvements 20,869,597 18,963,869 5–15 Buildings** 98,370,480 84,987,843 30–40 Furniture and equipment 12,205,655 11,024,946 3–10 Vehicles

2,796,877 2,752,786 5 Right-of-use assets (finance leases) 2,705,223 2,712,993 3 Interest in St. Matthew Education Center 5,561,332 5,561,332 Varies Construction in progress 676,775 5,297,441 N/A Property held for sale 17,500 17,500 N/A

161,451,869 149,396,174

Less accumulated depreciation (65,992,180) (61,012,996)

Total

$95,459,689 $88,383,178

* The Central Administration is the lessor in operating leases of various parcels of land, which are included in the land classification above. The cost basis for land leased totaled $875,132 and $762,257 as of June 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively. ** MACS is the lessor in an operating lease associated with the former All Saints School (see Note 12), which is included in the buildings major class above. The cost basis for the property lease totaled $3,415,520 and the accumulated depreciation totaled $2,487,804 and $2,389,232 as of June 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively.

Accumulated depreciation related to right-of-use assets (finance leases) totaled $1,313,552 and $713,793 at June 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively.

The construction in progress as of June 30, 2020 consists primarily of amounts expended for expansion of Christ the King Catholic High School’s gymnasium and the MACS Fine Arts Center being built on the campus of Charlotte Catholic High School. The construction in progress as of June 30, 2019 consists primarily of amounts expended for expansion of Christ the King Catholic High School gymnasium, St. Gabriel roof replacement and construction of a permanent facility at Saint Joseph College Seminary.

Unexpended contractual commitments at June 30, 2020 were approximately $77,200 for construction of the Seminary facility and $1,328,562 for construction of the MACS Fine Arts Center; at June 30, 2019, unexpended contractual commitments were approximately $8.0 million for construction of the Seminary facility. There were no such commitments for construction of the MACS Fine Arts Center at June 30, 2019.

The interest in St. Matthew’s Education Center shown above represents the total amount paid

by MACS for the acquisition and construction of property and equipment in accordance with a joint usage agreement with St. Matthew Catholic Church. It is being depreciated over the useful lives of the assets in which MACS has an interest. The depreciation is included in accumulated depreciation.

22

Diocese Of Charlotte Annual Report 2019-2020

Interest expense incurred that relates to the acquisition or construction of property and equipment is capitalized. No interest expense was capitalized in fiscal year 2020 or 2019 in the accompanying combined statements of financial position.

Custodial Obligations—Custodial funds are managed by the Diocese, as agent, on behalf of the originating organization. These funds are not recorded as contributions or net assets of the Diocese but rather are included as assets and corresponding custodial obligations in the accompanying combined statements of financial position.

Pension and Other Retirement Benefit Plans—The Diocese accounts for its defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit plans by recording an asset (liability) for the excess (deficit) of plan assets over the actuarially determined projected benefit obligation, with the net periodic benefit cost allocated to program and administrative expenses based on related salaries and wages. Changes in the funded status of the plans, other than net periodic benefit costs, are reported as a net asset (charge) credit in the accompanying combined statements of activities.

The net asset charge of $11,282,087 and $9,237,288 for the years ended June 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively, is primarily attributable to decreases in the discount rate. The Diocese’s defined benefit pension and other postretirement benefit plans are described below: Employee Retirement Plans—The Diocese sponsors a noncontributory defined benefit pension plan (the “Lay Plan”) for all eligible diocesan lay employees. The Lay Plan provides for benefits based on an employee’s years of service and compensation. In fiscal year 2017, the Lay Plan was amended to eliminate future accruals for all participants, except for those who are at least age 62 and have at least 12 years of service as of January 1, 2018. Although the plan has been frozen, employees who are participants in the plan will retain benefits accumulated up to January 1, 2018 based on credited service and eligible earnings, in accordance with the terms of the plan.

During fiscal years 2020 and 2019, each diocesan entity was assessed a percentage of lay employees’ salaries to fund the contribution to the Lay Plan and certain other employee benefits.

The assessment rate was 5.6% during fiscal years 2020 and 2019. It is the intent of the Diocese for the minimum funding to be the actuarially recommended contribution amount.

In addition to contributing the actuarially recommended contribution amount to the Lay Plan for fiscal years 2020 and 2019 of $2,486,950 and $2,508,662, respectively, the Diocese contributed $269,274 and $217,116 in additional contributions to the plan during fiscal years 2020 and 2019, respectively.

Priest Retirement Plan—The Diocese sponsors the Diocese of Charlotte Priest Retirement Plan (the “Priest Plan”) to provide pension benefits for diocesan priests. The Priest Plan provides benefits for priests who are fully vested, in a uniform monthly amount that is increased annually based on the change in the Consumer Price Index. The Priest Plan received contributions directly from the Advancement Corporation of $96,648 and $418,806 during the years ended June 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively. In addition, the Diocese contributed the actuarially recommended contribution amount to the Priest Plan for fiscal years 2020 and 2019 of $862,145 and $821,090, respectively, and $342,739 and $139,374 in additional contributions during fiscal years 2020 and 2019, respectively. In addition, the Priest Plan received contributions directly from a donor’s bequest of $19,444 in fiscal year 2019. There were no donor bequests contributions in fiscal year 2020.

Retired Clergy Health Plan—In addition to providing the Priest Plan discussed above, the Diocese sponsors the Diocese of Charlotte Retired Clergy Health Plan, which provides retired diocesan priests certain health and long-term care benefits. In addition to contributing the actuarially recommended contribution amount to the Retired Clergy Health Plan for fiscal years 2020 and 2019 of $396,841 and $377,944, respectively, the Diocese contributed $157,763 and $64,152 in additional contributions to the Plan during fiscal years 2020 and 2019, respectively.

An annual collection is held at each parish to raise funds for the Priest Retirement Plan, the Retired Clergy Health Plan, and other priest benefits. Each parish was assigned 3.5% of annual offertory as their goal for this collection for fiscal years 2020 and 2019. Any shortfall from goal in the amount collected is paid by the parish. Annual collections from the parishes for this purpose are reported as collections in the accompanying combined statements of activities.

The Diocese also sponsors a tax deferred defined contribution plan under Section 403(b) of the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) for all eligible diocesan employees. Employer-matching contributions to the plan are based on a percentage of employee contributions. Each diocesan entity is responsible for payment of the matching contribution directly to the tax-deferred defined contribution plan. Matching contributions to this plan amounted to $555,549 and $497,593 in fiscal years 2020 and 2019, respectively, and are reported within expenses in the accompanying combined statements of activities. Starting in January 2018, in conjunction with the Lay Plan freeze, all diocesan entities also began contributing 5% of eligible salaries (basic contribution) on behalf of each eligible employee. The basic contribution expense totaled $1,481,385 and $1,323,828 in fiscal years 2020 and 2019, respectively and are reported within expenses in the accompanying statements of activities. The basic contribution for all diocesan entities is being held by the Diocese until the end of the calendar year, at which time, participant eligibility for the basic contribution will be determined based on an employee’s hours worked in the calendar year. As of June 30, 2020 and 2019, funds held on behalf of parishes and combined entities totaled $1,434,429 and $1,330,685, respectively, which are included in accrued salaries, wages, and benefits in the accompanying combined statements of financial position.

Net Assets—Net assets and revenues, expenses, gains and losses are classified based on the existence or absence of donor imposed restrictions. Accordingly, net assets consist of the following: Without Donor Restrictions—Net assets without donor restrictions consist of all resources that have no donor imposed restrictions. The Diocese has designated unrestricted net assets as of June 30, 2020 and 2019, as follows:

2020 2019

Future expenditures for: Triad Area Catholic Schools Education Foundation grants $

$ 112,308 Bishop McGuinness High School programs

431,802 220,237 Mecklenburg Area Catholic Schools capital projects

12,722,110 10,832,247 Mecklenburg Area Catholic Schools programs

3,195,228 4,430,974 Capital Campaign and DSA fundraising and administrative costs

1,009,811 865,250 Diocesan Support Appeal funded programs

9,043,485 9,535,069 Self insurance (property and employee health) and lay employee pension

12,206,850 10,657,058 Facility maintenance

1,296,136 1,294,600 Land acquisition/improvements

771,311 Seminary College building project

96,235 Seminary College programs

13,538 Other Diocesan programs

522,800 1,179,108 Reserve for potential investment/loan losses by DL Catholic

3,808,956 3,165,450 Management designated endowments established with the Diocesan Foundation

4,709,535 2,921,432

$49,731,562 $45,309,968

With Donor Restrictions—Net assets subject to donor-imposed restrictions stipulating how, when and/or if the net assets are available for expenditure. Some donor-imposed restrictions are perpetual in nature, whereby the donor stipulates that resources be maintained into perpetuity. Others are temporary in nature, such as those that will be met by the passage of time or other events specified by the donor. Net assets are released from restriction and reclassified to net assets without donor restrictions when the stipulated time has elapsed, when the stipulated purpose for which the resource was restricted has been fulfilled, or both. Gifts of long-lived assets and gifts of cash restricted for the acquisition of long-lived assets are released from restriction when the (long-lived) assets are placed in service. The composition of net assets with donor restrictions as of June 30, 2020 and 2019 is presented in Note 15.

School Tuition and Fees and Parish Support—Tuition and related fees represent amounts paid by students’ families, net of applied tuition assistance, and are recognized over the school year in which earned. Parish support of schools represents contributions made by the participating parishes of the Diocese. Tuition and fees received in the current year for the following school year’s tuition are recorded as unearned revenue in the accompanying combined statements of financial position.

Parish Assessments and Fees for Services Rendered—Parish Assessments represent annual assessments made to parishes. Fees for Services Rendered represent fees charged for programs, parish accounting services, investment management of parish endowments, Housing Corporation facility development, advertising, and various services rendered by Catholic Charities.

Contribution Revenue, Pledges Receivable and Other Donations and Gifts—Contribution revenue and other donations and gift revenue is recognized upon receipt of assets (financial or nonfinancial) or an unconditional promise to give from a donor, and is measured at fair value. The classification of revenue as without donor restrictions or with donor restrictions is determined by the donor’s stipulations, or absence thereof, that limit the use of the donated assets. Fair value for unconditional promises to give is measured at net realizable value for pledges due within one year and at net present value for pledges to be collected in future years. The discounts on those amounts are computed using risk-adjusted interest rates applicable to the periods in which the promises are received. Management evaluates the value of pledges receivable on an ongoing basis for changes in the estimated timing or amounts of cash flows. Decreases in the value of restricted pledges receivable after initial recognition are recognized as losses on uncollectible contributions. Recoveries of previously recognized decreases in value of restricted pledges receivable (up to the amount of decreases previously recognized) would be recognized as a reduction of losses on uncollectible contributions. The amortization of discounts on pledges receivable are included in contributions in the accompanying combined statements of activities.

Capital Campaign Contributions and Distributions—FFHL contributions are limited in their use to the specific purposes outlined in the fund raising materials. As such, contributions are classified as with donor restrictions, except for contributions allocated to cover campaign costs, which are classified as without donor restrictions designated for fund-raising and administrative costs. FFHL distributions to beneficiary entities are recorded based on the capital campaign’s distribution policy, which generally provides for distribution to beneficiary entities upon receipt of cash payments by the Advancement Corporation and satisfaction of donor restrictions by the beneficiary entity. Proceeds received for construction activities are not recorded as distributions until commencement of the project. Proceeds received for the Priest Retirement Plan Trust are recorded as a reduction in accrued pension and postretirement benefits at the time of distribution to the Trust.

Income Taxes—The Diocese and the entities comprising the combined financials are exempt from federal income tax under Section 501(c)(3) of the IRC and are generally exempt from federal and state income taxes.

Accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America prescribe a minimum recognition threshold that a tax position is required to meet before being recognized in the financial statements.

Although these principles are primarily applicable to taxable business enterprises, an uncertain tax position may also include the characterization of income, such as a characterization of income as passive, a decision to exclude reporting taxable income in a tax return, or a decision to classify a transaction, entity, or other position in a tax return as exempt. The tax benefit from uncertain tax positions is recognized when it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained upon examination, including resolutions of any related appeals or litigation processes, based on the technical merits.

The Diocese and the entities comprising the combined financial statements had no unrecognized tax positions as of and during the years ended June 30, 2020 and 2019. Fiscal year 2017 and thereafter are subject to examination by the federal and state taxing authorities. There are no income tax examinations currently in process.

Risks and Uncertainties—The Diocese’s investments consist of various equity securities, fixed income securities, money market funds, and other investment securities. Investment securities are exposed to various risks, such as interest rate, market, and credit. Due to the level of risk associated with certain investment securities and the level of uncertainty related to changes in the value of investment securities, it is at least reasonably possible that changes in risks in the near term could materially affect the Diocese’s investment balances reported in the combined statements of financial position.

COVID-19 Impact – On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization declared the novel strain of coronavirus (“COVID-19”) a global pandemic and recommended containment and mitigations measures worldwide. As of June 30, 2020, the Diocese believes the current impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic has not had significant impacts on the Diocese’s results of operations. However, the Diocese cannot reasonably estimate the length or severity of this pandemic, or the extent to which a disruption may materially impact the Diocese’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows for the year ending June 30, 2021.

Diocese Of Charlotte Annual Report 2019-2020 Subsequent Events—The Diocese has evaluated subsequent events from the end of the most recent fiscal year through October 12, 2020, the date the combined financial statements were available to be issued.

Accounting Standards Updates—The Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) (“ASU 2014-09”) in May of 2014 The ASU affects any entity that either enters into contracts with customers to transfer goods or services or enters into contracts for the transfer of nonfinancial assets unless those contracts are within the scope of other standards. The core principle of the guidance in ASU 2014-09 is that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The ASU was originally effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018 with early adoption permitted. The effective date was subsequently deferred by one year with the issuance of ASU 2020-05, issued in June of 2020. The Diocese early adopted the ASU on July 1, 2019. Adoption of this standard did not result in a material impact to its revenue recognition, financial position or results of operations.

In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-07, “Compensation – Retirement Benefits (Topic 715): Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost.” ASU 2017-07 applies to all entities that offer employees defined benefit pension plans, other postretirement benefit plans, or other types of benefits accounted for under Topic 715, Compensation – Retirement Benefits. The amendments require that an employer disaggregate the service cost component from the other components of net benefit cost, with all updates being applied retrospectively. This ASU is effective for the Diocese beginning in fiscal year 2021.

The Diocese is currently evaluating the impact of this ASU on the Diocese’s combined financial statements.

3.

LIQUIDITY AND AVAILABILITY

Financial assets available within one year of the statement of financial position date, without donor or other restrictions limiting their use, comprise the following: 2020 2019

Cash and cash equivalents

$30,933,154 $35,604,728 Investments, other than endowments

86,306,575 78,918,433 Endowment investments available for general purposes and for distribution in accordance with the Foundation spending rate policy

2,212,060 1,958,784

Total cash, cash equivalents and investments

119,451,789 116,481,945

Pledges receivable, due within one year

1,446,735 2,344,614 Accounts receivable and other assets, due within one year 2,961,490 3,815,179 Notes receivable, due within one year

1,916,484 1,958,470 Advances to parishes, due within one year

298,089 336,953

126,074,587 124,937,161

Less amounts unavailable for general expenditures: Required to satisfy donor restrictions

(12,211,346) (16,206,347) Required to satisfy management designations

(40,200,950) (37,396,147) Required for distributions, endowments, and grants

(141,265) (1,874,711)

Financial assets available to meet cash needs for general expenditures and withdrawals of parish funds on deposit 73,521,026 69,459,956

Parish funds on deposit (Note 8)

(42,070,426) (45,684,541)

Financial assets available to meet cash needs for general expenditures within one year, excluding parish funds on deposit

$31,450,600 $23,775,415

The Diocese’s endowment funds consist of donor-restricted endowments and funds designated by management as endowments. Income from donor-restricted endowments is restricted for specific purposes, with the exception of amounts available for general use. Donor-restricted endowment funds are not available for general expenditures and, thus, are not included above.

All endowments are subject to an annual spending rate of 5% of the most recent 12 quarter market value average, as prescribed by the Foundation. Only the funds available for distribution in accordance with the Foundation spending rate policy are included above.

The Diocese manages its liquidity by developing and adopting annual operating and capital budgets that provide sufficient funds for general expenditures in meeting its liabilities and other obligations as they come due. Actual performance is reported and monitored monthly in comparison to the budgets. Adjustments are made to plan as needed to ensure adequate liquidity.

As part of our liquidity management plan, cash and savings program balances are invested in short term investments.

4.

PLEDGES RECEIVABLE—NET

The following unconditional promises to give are included in pledges receivable in the accompanying combined statement of financial position as of June 30, 2020 and 2019:

Saint Joseph Seminary 2020 FFHL MACS College Other Total

Unconditional promises at face value $9,631,225 $4,680,375 $3,068,245 $1,516,686 $18,896,531 Less allowance for uncollectible pledges 9,365,405 893,678 460,237 2,390 10,721,710 Less unamortized discount 9,440 328,135 268,212 28,069 633,856

Net unconditional promises to give $256,380 $3,458,562 $2,339,796 $1,486,227 $7,540,965

Amounts due in: Less than one year $9,411,255 $627,205 $908,024 $1,346,826 $12,293,310 One to five years 210,535 3,652,530 1,456,271 119,860 5,439,196 More than five years 9,435 400,640 703,950 50,000 1,164,025

Total

$9,631,225 $4,680,375 $3,068,245 $1,516,686 $18,896,531

23

Saint Joseph Seminary 2019 FFHL MACS College Other Total

Unconditional promises at face value $12,054,174 $4,500,350 $2,922,649 $1,549,684 $21,026,857 Less allowance for uncollectible pledges 10,955,773 828,450 438,397 7,626 12,230,246 Less unamortized discount 41,478 418,591 224,216 20,733 705,018

Net unconditional promises to give $1,056,923 $3,253,309 $2,260,036 $1,521,325 $8,091,593

Amounts due in: Less than one year $11,430,648 $305,025 $1,052,169 $1,394,564 $14,182,406 One to five years 608,354 3,793,245 1,615,480 120,120 6,137,199 More than five years 15,172 402,080 255,000 35,000 707,252

Total

$12,054,174 $4,500,350 $2,922,649 $1,549,684 $21,026,857

The change in the allowance for uncollectible pledges for the year ended June 30, 2020, related to the FFHL campaign reflects recoveries of prior year allowances of $548,880 on unconditional promises to give received in previous years and outstanding at June 30, 2020, plus actual write offs of $1,041,488. The change in the allowance for uncollectible pledges for the year ended June 30, 2019, related to the FFHL campaign reflects additions of $1,355,065 related to additional allowances provided on unconditional promises to give received in previous years and outstanding at June 30, 2019, less actual write offs of $734,344. Pledges receivable due within one year as of June 30, 2020 and June 30, 2019, related to the FFHL campaign include past due accounts totaling approximately $9,100,000 and $10,500,000, respectively. Past due accounts include the portion of pledge receivables not paid when due under the pledge agreements.

5.

NOTES RECEIVABLE—NET

Notes receivable consists primarily of term loans and lines of credit from DL Catholic to parishes and schools. Loans structured as lines of credit typically finance construction and facility improvement projects and do not have specific maturity dates, rather are converted to term loans upon completion of the related project. Term loans are typically structured to have terms up to 15 years. Line of credit loans generally bear interest at the prime rate minus 0.5%. The interest rate for term loans is generally based on the market swap rate for the applicable term of the borrowing at loan initiation, plus an additional percentage, which varies depending on the term of the borrowing. These notes bear interest at rates ranging from 3.0% to 5.04% at June 30, 2020 and 3.1% to 5.61% at June 30, 2019.

As of June 30, 2020, the future repayment requirements of the loans, assuming the loans mature over their scheduled repayment terms, are as follows: Term loans: Amounts due in: Less than one year

One to five years More than five years

Less allowances

Net—term loans

Lines of credit

Notes receivable—net

6.

$1,916,484 5,308,510 3,393,963 (505,132) 10,113,825 1,423,608 $11,537,433

ADVANCES TO PARISHES

The Diocese maintains a revolving loan fund that was established primarily from resources provided by bequests stipulated for advances to small or needy parishes at no interest. Advances outstanding at June 30, 2020 and 2019, totaled $4,595,759 and $2,747,921, respectively. These advances are long term in nature and are reflected, net of allowances, at their estimated present value of $3,775,520 and $1,895,182 in the accompanying combined statements of financial position as of June 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively.

7. INVESTMENTS The cost and fair value of investments as of June 30, 2020 and 2019, are summarized below:

2020 2019

Cost Fair Value Cost Fair Value Foundation: Endowment and custodial funds: Cash and cash equivalents $ 176,366 $ 176,366 $ 277,192 $ 277,192 Equity funds and securities 34,828,425 40,050,001 32,466,642 39,101,933 Fixed income mutual funds 15,943,056 16,159,499 15,731,354 15,671,865 Annuity funds:

Cash and cash equivalents

95 95 Money market funds 35,334 35,334 37,166 37,166 Equity funds and securities 202,656 225,459 196,252 224,617 Fixed income mutual funds 171,006 181,228 181,664 185,455 Other

18,936 18,170

Total Foundation investments 51,356,843 56,827,887 48,909,301 55,516,493

Other: Cash

1,624,862 1,624,862 1,320,001 1,320,001 Certificates of deposit 1,764,931 1,764,931 1,747,896 1,747,896 Variable rate demand notes 1,561,983 1,561,983 1,993,650 1,993,650 Equity funds and securities 15,458,944 18,013,617 14,550,005 17,706,680 Other

1,000,000 1,012,662 Bonds and fixed income funds 62,029,529 63,341,182 55,099,395 55,137,544

Total other investments 82,440,249 86,306,575 75,710,947 78,918,433

Total investments $133,797,092 $143,134,462 $124,620,248 $134,434,926

The Diocese had no unfunded commitments to purchase investments as of June 30, 2020 or 2019.

24 8.

Diocese Of Charlotte Annual Report 2019-2020 SAVINGS PROGRAMS

The funded status and other information for the Retired Clergy Health Plan as of June 30, 2020 and 2019 is as follows: 2020 2019

Funded status and amounts recognized in the combined statements of financial position: Projected benefit obligation

$(16,430,441) $(16,972,536) Fair value of plan asset—end of year

11,661,215 11,223,585

Funded status

(4,769,226) (5,748,951)

Accrued pension expense liability—end of year

$(4,769,226) $(5,748,951)

Amounts recognized in the combined statements of activities—net periodic benefit cost

$1,035,059 $843,571 Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in net assets without donor restrictions (net asset (credit) charge) (1,460,180) 1,398,549

Total net asset (credit) charge and net periodic benefit cost recognized in net assets without donor restrictions

$(425,121) $2,242,120

Amounts recognized in net assets without donor restrictions (net asset charge) not yet recognized as net periodic benefit cost $2,574,959 $4,183,202

Other information: Benefits paid

$441,368 $316,770 Actuarially recommended annual contribution

396,841 377,944 Additional employer contributions

157,763 64,152

Assumptions used to determine benefit obligations as of June 30: Discount rate

3.30 % 3.98 % Expected return on plan assets

6.75 % 6.75 %

Assumptions used to determine net benefit cost for the years ended June 30-Discount rate

3.98 % 4.49 %

DL Catholic administers savings and investment programs for the benefit of Central Administration, parishes, schools, and other Catholic institutions in the Diocese. These amounts generally represent funds in excess of current operating needs that have been set aside to fund future programs and/or facility needs. Demand funds on deposit earned interest at the prime rate minus 3.5% during fiscal years 2020 and 2019. Funds on deposit with an 18 month minimum investment period earned interest at the prime rate minus 2.5% during fiscal years 2020 and 2019. The prime rate was 3.25% and 5.5% at June 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively. Funds on deposit from noncombined entities along with accrued interest totaled $42,070,426 and $45,686,541 at June 30, 2020 and 2019 and, respectively, and are reflected as investments and custodial obligations in the accompanying combined statements of financial position.

9.

PENSION AND RETIREMENT PLANS

The funded status and other information of the Lay and Priest plans as of June 30, 2020 and 2019 is set forth in the following tables (in thousands): 2020 2019

Lay Priest Lay Priest

Funded status and amounts recognized in the combined statements of financial position: Projected benefit obligation $(105,331) $(40,390) $(97,010) $(34,051) Fair value of plan assets—end of year 52,435 16,852 52,289 16,102

Funded status $ (52,896) $(23,538) $(44,721) $(17,949)

Accrued pension expense liability—end of year $ (52,896) $(23,538) $(44,721) $(17,949)

Amounts recognized in net assets without donor restrictions (net asset charge) not yet recognized as net periodic benefit cost consist of the following:

Unrecognized transition obligation $ $

$

$ 69 Unrecognized prior service cost

303

500 Cumulative unrecognized net loss 35,871 14,675 27,923 9,614

Net asset charge—end of year $ 35,871 $ 14,978 $ 27,923 $ 10,183

Amounts recognized in the combined statements of activities—net periodic benefit cost $ 2,984 $ 2,096 $ 2,670 $ 2,022

Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in net assets without donor restrictions:

Net loss

10,620 5,392 8,423 1,755 Amortization of transition obligation

(69)

(69) Amortization of prior service cost

(197)

(197) Amortization of net loss (2,672) (331) (1,804) (270)

Total net asset charge 7,948 4,795 6,619 1,219

Total net asset charge and net periodic benefit cost recognized in net assets without donor restrictions $ 10,932 $ 6,891 $ 9,289 $ 3,241

Amounts included in net assets without donor restrictions (net asset charge) that are expected to be recognized as net periodic benefit cost during the next year are as follows:

Amortization of transition obligation $ $ - $

$ 69 Amortization of prior service cost

197

197 Amortization of unrecognized net loss 3,810 569 2,672 331

$ 3,810 $ 766 $ 2,672 $ 597

Other information: Actuarially recommended annual contribution $ 2,487 $ 862 $ 2,509 $ 821 Additional employer contributions 269 343 217 139 Contributions from Advancement Corporation

97

419 Contribution from donor bequest

-

19 Benefits paid 3,816 946 3,525 845 Accumulated benefit obligation 105,310 33,285 96,978 29,152 Assumptions used to determine benefit obligations as of June 30: Discount rate 2.96 % 3.25 % 3.69 % 3.88 % Expected return on plan assets 6.75 6.75 6.75 6.75 Rate of compensation increase 2.50

2.50 Assumptions used to determine net benefit cost for the years ended June 30: Discount rate 3.69 % 3.88 % 4.35 % 4.45 % Expected return on plan assets 6.75 6.75 6.75 6.75 Rate of compensation increase 2.50

2.50 -

The assumed health care cost trend rates used to measure the expected cost of benefits covered by the plan, the ultimate trend rate, and the fiscal year when that rate is expected to be achieved for the years ended June 30, 2020 and 2019 are as follows:

2020 2019 Long-Term Long-Term Care Health Care Health

Health care cost trend rate 5 % 8 % 5 % 8% The ultimate trend rate to which the cost trend rate is assumed to decline 5 % 5 % 5 % 8% Fiscal year that the rate reaches the ultimate trend rate 2026 2026

The assumed long-term rate of return for the Lay, Priest, and Retired Clergy Health plans are based on the respective target asset allocation and is determined using forward looking assumptions in the context of historical returns for each asset class.

As of June 30, 2020 and 2019, the plan investments are maintained in trust accounts managed by Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. (the “Trustee”). The Trustee has full discretionary authority, subject to the plans’ investment policies. The percentage of total investments by asset class for each plan as of June 30, 2020 and 2019 is as follows: 2020 2019

Retired Retired

Lay Priest Clergy Lay Priest Clergy Pension Pension Health Pension Pension Health

Domestic large cap equity securities and funds

27 %

27 %

27 %

27 %

27 %

8

8

8

7

7

7

International equity funds

27

26

26

27

26

26

Domestic fixed income

Domestic small and mid cap equity funds

27 %

21

21

21

22

22

22

International fixed income

3

3

3

3

3

3

Domestic high-yield fixed income

2

2

2

2

2

2

10

10

10

10

10

10

2

3

3

2

3

3

Hedged equities Cash and cash equivalents

Total

100 %

100 %

100 %

100 %

100 %

100 %

The Lay, Priest, and Retired Clergy Health plan investment policies stipulate allowable asset classes for inclusion in the portfolio and minimum and maximum allowable ranges. The following asset classes and corresponding ranges were allowable at June 30, 2020 and 2019:

Lay Priest Retired Clergy Pension Pension Health

Domestic large cap equity securities and funds 20-60%

20-60%

20-60%

Domestic small and mid cap equity funds

0-20

0-20

0-20

International equity funds

0-30

0-30

0-30

20-60

20-60

20-60

International fixed income

0-10

0-10

0-10

Domestic high-yield fixed income

0-10

0-10

0-10

Alternative investments (including hedged equities) 0-15

0-15

0-15

Cash and cash equivalents

0-20

0-20

Domestic fixed income

0-20

The investment policies stipulate socially responsible investment guidelines, investment return objectives, both in the aggregate and relative to applicable investment benchmarks, minimum standards for investment holdings, and other guidelines for the investment of plan assets.

The estimated contribution to the Lay, Priest, and Retired Clergy Health plans for fiscal year 2021 is $2,146,581; $396,579; and $35,092, respectively.

Diocese Of Charlotte Annual Report 2019-2020 Benefits expected to be paid over the next 10 fiscal years as of June 30, 2020, are as follows: Years Ended June 30

Lay Pension

Priest Pension

Retired Clergy Health

2021 $ 4,629,969 $ 1,178,809 $ 529,081 2022 4,818,105 1,201,942 566,216 2023 4,999,610 1,291,142 604,640 2024 5,172,435 1,358,944 634,975 2025 5,318,548 1,332,973 654,578 2026–2030 27,461,922 7,312,108 3,876,839

Total $52,400,589 $13,675,918 $6,866,329

10.

EMPLOYEE HEALTH BENEFITS

are not currently needed to house clergy or Religious Order sisters. The short-term rental revenue totaled $99,833 and $141,884 for the years ended June 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively, and is reflected in rental income in the accompanying combined statement of activities.

Future Minimum Lease Payments Future minimum rental commitments under non-cancelable operating and finance leases as of June 30, 2020 are as follows: Years Ended Operating Finance Total June 30 Leases Leases Leases

2021 $148,076 $ 595,075 $ 743,151 2022 67,635 595,075 662,710 2023 8,463

8,463 2024 4,787

4,787 2025

Thereafter

Total 228,961 1,190,150 1,419,111

Less amount representing interest on lease liabilities (3,821) (26,081) (29,902)

Lease liability as of June 30, 2020 $225,140 $1,164,069 $1,389,209

Lease liability as of June 30, 2019 $336,966 $1,927,105 $2,264,071

The Diocese administers medical insurance coverage for eligible employees of the Diocese. The Diocese charges each organization premiums for the coverage of its employees on a monthly basis. The individual organizations have no liability for claims in excess of the premiums to be paid.

The Diocese has an arrangement with a third-party to administer the medical plan. During fiscal years 2020 and 2019, approximately 18.5% and 16.1%, respectively, of the premiums submitted by diocesan entities were paid to the third party administrator for administrative services and the premiums for specific and aggregate stop-loss coverages. The remaining portion of the premiums is designated by the Diocese to pay claims, which are processed by the third-party administrator.

The Diocese has specific stop-loss coverage at $175,000 per claimant in fiscal years 2020 and 2019, and aggregate coverage beginning at 125% of the actuarially projected total individual claims under $175,000 for fiscal years 2020 and 2019. Total expenditures incurred for employee medical benefits were approximately $12,936,000 and $13,487,000 during fiscal years 2020 and 2019, respectively.

Joint Facility Usage Agreements—MACS has agreements with participating parishes for their joint use, but not control, of various facilities with varying terms. These agreements provide for contingent rentals based on usage and may be amended or modified at any time. Expenses totaled $599,040 and $601,591 for fiscal years 2020 and 2019, respectively, and are reported within regional and diocesan schools administration expense in the accompanying combined statements of activities.

11.

12. CONTINGENCIES

LEASES AND FACILITIES USAGE AGREEMENTS

Operating Leases in which the Diocese is the Lessee—The Diocese is the lessee in various operating leases for office equipment and for office space. These leases have fixed lease payments and do not contain options to extend or terminate early. Operating lease costs for the Diocese totaled $148,961 and $156,912 for the years ended June 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively. Rightof-use assets related to these leases is $225,140 and $336,966 as of June 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively, and is recorded in deferred rent and right-of-use-assets–operating leases in the accompanying statements of financial position.

Operating Leases in which the Diocese is the Lessor—The Diocese is the lessor in a ground lease agreement and the lessee in a space lease agreement with the same third party. In fiscal year 2003, the third party paid to the Diocese the net amount due for the entire terms of these lease agreements of $290,128. The Diocese is also responsible for monthly payments relating to the operating costs associated with the space lease agreement which are adjusted annually based on changes to the Consumer Price Index. Prepaid rent relating to the space lease of $567,698 and $602,455 as of June 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively, is reflected in deferred rent and rightof-use assets—operating leases in the accompanying combined statements of financial position.

Unearned revenue relating to the ground lease of $663,178 and $703,781 as of June 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively, is reflected in unearned revenue in the accompanying combined statements of financial position. The prepaid rent expense on the space lease and the unearned revenue related to the ground lease are both being amortized on a straight-line basis over the lives of the respective leases. Rental expense related to the space lease, net of income related to the ground lease, totaled $43,291 and $42,174 for the years ended June 30, 2020 and 2019 respectively.

The Diocese is a lessor in a ground lease with Guardian Angel Villa, LLC, a related party. During fiscal year 2020, a payment of $450,000 representing the entire lease term was received. Unearned revenue related to the ground lease of $444,530 as of June 30, 2020 is reflected in unearned revenue in the accompanying combined statements of financial position. The unearned revenue related to the ground lease is being amortized on a straight-line basis over the life of the lease.

Rental income related to the ground lease totaled, $5,470 for the year ended June 30, 2020. There was no unearned revenue or rental income related to the ground lease as of June 30, 2019.

The Diocese is also the lessor in various property leases with various third parties, some of which have variable lease payments linked to the Consumer Price Index to which the lease payments are adjusted at specified intervals throughout the lease term. The lease terms do not have options to extend or terminate early. Rental revenue pertaining to these leases totaled $433,120 and $432,144 for the years ended June 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively. Undiscounted cash flows to be received on an annual basis for the remainder of these leases are $436,882 for fiscal year 2021, $442,931 for fiscal year 2022, $379,792 for fiscal year 2023, $352,339 for fiscal year 2024, $249,868 for fiscal year 2025, and $1,728,254 thereafter.

The Diocese entered into an agreement to lease the former All Saints School to a third party for a 10-year period. The lease commenced on September 1, 2011. Rental revenue is recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease agreement which totaled $646,182 both fiscal year 2020 and 2019. As revenue recognized as of June 30, 2020 and 2019 exceeded rental payments received, a deferred rent asset of $468,296 and $524,728 is recorded in the statements of financial position as of June 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively. Undiscounted cash flows to be received on an annual basis for the remainder of this lease are $1,065,421 for fiscal year 2021 and $156,527 for fiscal year 2022.

Finance Leases—The Diocese is the lessee in finance leases for computer equipment used in MACS and BMCHS. The corresponding right-of-use assets of $2,705,223 and $2,712,993 as of June 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively, is reported within property and equipment—net in the accompanying combined statements of financial position. The lease obligation was $1,164,069 and $1,927,105 as of June 30, 200 and 2019, respectively. Total lease costs related to these leases was $767,383 and $798,462 for the years ended June 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively, of which $749,154 and $768,752 is amortization of the right-of-use assets and $18,229 and $29,710 is interest expense on lease liabilities for the years ended June 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively.

Short Term Leases—The Diocese is the lessee in a number of short term leases (defined as 12 months or less) primarily for housing various Religious Order priests and Religious Order sisters involved in diocesan ministry. As described in Note 2 above, the Diocese has elected the permitted option to adopt the short-term lease exception for all asset classes and, therefore, does not record a right-of-use asset or lease liability for any of its short-term leases. The total short-term lease costs incurred were $95,488 and $94,185 for the years ended June 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively, and is reflected in other administrative expenses in the accompanying combined statement of activities.

The Diocese is also the lessor in a number of short-term leases primarily of residential facilities that

25

From time to time, the Diocese is subject to various disputes and legal proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business. Management is of the opinion, based upon information presently available, that it is unlikely that any liability to the extent not provided for through insurance or otherwise, would be material in relation to the Diocese’s combined financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.

The Housing Corporation has guaranteed various contingent payment obligations of its equity method investee, Curlin Commons Housing of Mooresville, Inc. (CCHM), related to an affordable housing project located in Mooresville, North Carolina. The maximum amount of the Housing Corporation’s guarantee obligation was approximately $4,000,000 as of June 30, 2020; however, management believes the likelihood that the Housing Corporation will have to make any such payments is remote.

13.

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

In accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, certain assets and liabilities are required to be measured at fair value on a recurring basis. For the Diocese, the assets and liabilities that are adjusted to fair value on a recurring basis are investments in debt and equity securities, investments in funds, beneficial interests in perpetual trusts, and interest rate swap agreements. Fair value is defined as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. Additionally, the inputs used to measure fair value are prioritized based on a three level hierarchy. This hierarchy requires entities to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. The three levels of inputs used to measure fair value are as follows: Level 1—Valuations based on unadjusted quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets that are available as of the measurement date Level 2—Valuations based on quoted prices in markets that are not active or for which all significant inputs are observable, either directly or indirectly Level 3—Valuations based on inputs that are unobservable and significant to the overall fair value measurement The assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of June 30, 2020 and 2019, based on the three levels of inputs within the fair value hierarchy, are summarized as follows: Fair Value Measurement as of June 30, 2020

Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3

Investments: Money market funds $ 35,334 $

$ 35,334 $ Investments in certificates of deposit 1,764,931

1,764,931 Variable rate demand notes 1,561,983

1,561,983 Domestic large cap equity securities 6,510,649 6,510,649

Domestic large cap equity funds 15,507,000

15,507,000 Domestic bonds 37,606,873

37,606,873 International bonds 4,290,386

4,290,386 Mutual funds:

Domestic small and mid cap equities 6,444,386 6,444,386

Hedged equities 8,061,528 8,061,528

International equities 21,765,514 21,765,514

Domestic bonds 18,968,432 18,968,432

International bonds 2,689,243 2,689,243

Domestic high-yield bonds 1,915,895 1,915,895

United States treasury notes 5,867,167

5,867,167 Agency securities 2,610,466

2,610,466 Mortgage backed securities 2,194,898

2,194,898 Municipal bonds 3,538,549

3,538,549

Total investments 141,333,234 66,355,647 74,977,587

Beneficial interest in perpetual trust 9,516,848

9,516,848

Total

$150,850,082 $66,355,647 $84,494,435 $ -

26

Diocese Of Charlotte Annual Report 2019-2020

Fair Value Measurement as of June 30, 2019

Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3

Investments: Money market funds $ 37,166 $

$ 37,166 $ Investments in certificates of deposit 1,747,896

1,747,896 Variable rate demand notes 1,993,650

1,993,650 Domestic large cap equity securities 6,304,031 6,304,031

Domestic large cap equity funds 15,594,628

15,594,628 Domestic bonds 24,630,332

24,630,332 International bonds 3,572,588

3,572,588 Other investments held 1,012,662 1,012,662

Mutual funds: Domestic small and mid cap equities 6,003,099 6,003,099

Hedged equities 7,731,780 7,731,780

International equities 21,399,692 21,399,692

Domestic bonds 18,198,463 18,198,463

International bonds 2,671,268 2,671,268

Domestic high-yield bonds 2,006,696 2,006,696

United States treasury notes 11,125,865

11,125,865 Agency securities 3,049,918

3,049,918 Mortgage backed securities 2,612,592

2,612,592 Municipal bonds 3,127,142

3,127,142 Other funds 18,170 18,170

Total investments 132,837,638 65,345,861 67,491,777

Beneficial interest in perpetual trust 9,422,676

9,422,676

Total $142,260,314 $65,345,861 $76,914,453 $ -

The fair value of investments classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy are measured using standard valuation techniques, based on inputs that are observable, including the stated interest rate, maturity, and credit risk. The measurement of investments classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy are based on published net asset values determined by the fund manager and reported on a daily basis. These investments, however, are not registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (unlike mutual funds, which are registered). In certain instances, net asset values may require adjustments to more appropriately reflect fair value. No adjustments to net asset values were required. Proceeds from the redemption of the domestic large cap equity funds are generally available within seven (7) days after receipt of a valid redemption request.

Redemption requests for significant amounts may take longer to process.

Transfers between Levels—The availability of observable market data is monitored to assess the appropriate classification of financial instruments within the fair value hierarchy. Changes in the availability of observable market data may require the transfer of financial instruments from one fair value level to another. In such instances, transfers are reported at the end of the reporting period.

There were no transfers between levels during fiscal years 2020 and 2019.

Accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America also require that certain assets and liabilities be measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis, generally as the result of impairment charges. The Diocese had no assets or liabilities adjusted to fair value on a nonrecurring basis as of June 30, 2020 and 2019.

A summary of the levels within the fair value hierarchy used to determine the fair value of the pension and postretirement plan assets, excluding cash deposits measured at cost, as of June 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively, is summarized as follows:

Fair Value Measurement as of June 30, 2020

for the Lay Plan

Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3

Domestic large cap equity securities $ 4,099,573 $ 4,099,573 $ $ Domestic large cap equity funds 9,924,099

9,924,099 Mutual funds:

Domestic small and mid cap equities 4,068,049 4,068,049

Hedged equities 5,159,507 5,159,507

International equities 13,899,258 13,899,258

Domestic bonds 11,186,627 11,186,627

International bonds 1,706,223 1,706,223

Domestic high-yield bonds 1,214,291 1,214,291

Total

$51,257,627 $41,333,528 $9,924,099 $ -

Fair Value Measurement as of June 30, 2019

for the Lay Plan

Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3

Domestic large cap equity securities $ 4,119,740 $ 4,119,740 $ $ Domestic large cap equity funds 10,101,404

10,101,404 Mutual funds: Domestic small and mid cap equities 3,740,425 3,740,425

Hedged equities 5,155,234 5,155,234

International equities 13,893,307 13,893,307

Domestic bonds 11,457,659 11,457,659

International bonds 1,624,306 1,624,306

Domestic high-yield bonds 1,220,440 1,220,440

Total

$51,312,515 $41,211,111 $10,101,404 $ Fair Value Measurement as of June 30, 2020

for the Priest Plan

Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3

Domestic large cap equity securities $ 1,303,009 $1,303,009 $ $ Domestic large cap equity funds 3,159,705

3,159,705 Mutual funds:

Domestic small and mid cap equities 1,295,502 1,295,502

Hedged equities 1,642,801 1,642,801

International equities 4,414,993 4,414,993

Domestic bonds 3,601,497 3,601,497

International bonds 543,768 543,768

Domestic high-yield bonds 379,223 379,223

Total

$ 16,340,498 $13,180,793 $3,159,705 $ -

Fair Value Measurement as of June 30, 2019

for the Priest Plan

Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3

Domestic large cap equity securities $ 1,244,454 $ 1,244,454 $ $ Domestic large cap equity funds 3,059,125

3,059,125 Mutual funds: Domestic small and mid cap equities 1,155,432 1,155,432

Hedged equities 1,556,615 1,556,615

International equities 4,208,076 4,208,076

Domestic bonds 3,516,970 3,516,970

International bonds 507,581 507,581

Domestic high-yield bonds 373,708 373,708

Total

$15,621,961 $12,562,836 $3,059,125 $

Fair Value Measurement as of June 30, 2020

for the Retired Clergy Health Plan

Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Domestic large cap equity securities $ 912,103 $ 912,103 $ Domestic large cap equity funds 2,202,035

2,202,035 Mutual funds:

Domestic small and mid cap equities 903,462 903,462 Hedged equities 1,145,402 1,145,402 International equities 3,076,372 3,076,372 Domestic bonds 2,455,873 2,455,873 International bonds 369,252 369,252 Domestic high-yield bonds 263,489 263,489

Total

$11,327,988 $9,125,953 $2,202,035

$

$

-

Fair Value Measurement as of June 30, 2019 for the Retired Clergy Health Plan

Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3

Domestic large cap equity securities $ 854,632 $ 854,632 $ $ Domestic large cap equity funds 2,140,694

2,140,694 Mutual funds: Domestic small and mid cap equities 807,183 807,183

Hedged equities 1,089,813 1,089,813

International equities 2,934,364 2,934,364

Domestic bonds 2,439,583 2,439,583

International bonds 345,493 345,493

Domestic high-yield bonds 261,170 261,170

Total

$10,872,932 $ 8,732,238 $2,140,694 $ -

14.

ENDOWMENT FUNDS

The Diocese’s endowment funds are managed by the Foundation and consist of donor restricted funds and management designated funds established for the purposes as shown in Note 15, as well as custodial endowments established by organizations affiliated with the Diocese. Custodial endowments are not recorded as contributions and, therefore, are not reflected as net assets of the Foundation.

Management has interpreted the state of North Carolina’s enacted version of the Uniform Prudent Management of Institutional Funds Act (UPMIFA) as allowing the Foundation to appropriate for expenditure or accumulate so much of an endowment fund as the Foundation determines is prudent for the uses, benefits, purposes, and duration for which the endowment fund is established, subject to the intent of the donor as expressed in the gift instrument. As a result, the Foundation classifies as net assets with donor restrictions (a) the original value of gifts donated to the permanent endowment, (b) the original value of subsequent contributions to the permanent endowment, and (c) other accumulations to the permanent endowment as required by donor gift instruments. Gains (losses) on the investments of donor restricted endowment funds are recorded as additions to (reductions of) net assets with donor restrictions, until those amounts are appropriated for expenditure by the Foundation consistent with the donor’s wishes, at which time they are reclassified to net assets without donor restrictions.

There were 19 and 8 donor restricted endowments in which cumulative investment losses exceed cumulative investment gains (“underwater” endowments) as of June 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively. The aggregate original gift amount of the “underwater” endowment funds totals $1,450,106 and $137,395 as of June 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively. The aggregate fair value of the “underwater” endowment funds totals $1,393,800 and $132,490 as of June 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively, resulting in aggregate losses of “underwater” funds totaling $56,306 and $4,905 as of June 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively. Although UPMIFA allows appropriations for expenditure from “underwater” endowments in an amount determined to be prudent given the specific circumstances, the Foundation’s policy precludes spending from “underwater” endowments, unless specifically approved by the donor, the donor’s representative or the Foundation’s Board of Directors. During the fiscal years ended June 30, 2020 and 2019, $5,000 was distributed each year from endowments with a fair value that was less than the cumulative original gift amount at the time of distribution.

The Foundation has developed an investment policy for all its investable assets whose general purpose is to preserve the capital and purchasing power of the endowments and to produce sufficient investment earnings for current and future spending needs. The Foundation has adopted a total return strategy whose asset allocation is designed to give balance to the overall structure of the Foundation’s investment program over a long-term period. The Foundation has adopted a spending policy that limits the amount of funds available for distribution each year to 5% of the endowment funds’ average fair value over the prior 12 quarters, determined on a quarterly basis. In establishing this policy, the Foundation considered the long-term expected return on its investments and the objective to preserve purchasing power.

The endowment net asset composition by fund type as of June 30, 2020 and 2019 is as follows:

Without Donor With Donor

Restrictions Restrictions Total 2020

Designated $4,702,699 $

$ 4,702,699 Donor restricted: Purpose restrictions

36,392,501 36,392,501 No purpose restriction—time restriction only

115,473 115,473

Total funds $4,702,699 $36,507,974 $41,210,673

Diocese Of Charlotte Annual Report 2019-2020

Without Donor With Donor

Restrictions Restrictions Total 2019

Designated $4,650,250 $

$ 4,650,250 Donor restricted: Purpose restrictions

35,892,161 35,892,161 No purpose restriction—time restriction only

111,816 111,816

Total funds $4,650,250 $36,003,977 $40,654,227

16.

Changes in endowment assets for the year ended June 30, 2020 consisted of the following:

Changes in endowment assets for the year ended June 30, 2019 consisted of the following:

Without Donor With Donor

Restrictions Restrictions Total

Endowment net assets—beginning of year $4,470,715 $33,465,907 $37,936,622 Investment income 289,459 2,215,153 2,504,612 Additions 3,987 1,358,978 1,362,965 Distributions (31,144) (610,390) (641,534) Other changes: Grants awarded (35,000) (66,072) (101,072) Administrative fees (27,398) (271,527) (298,925) Management fees (20,369) (88,072) (108,441)

Endowment net assets—end of year $4,650,250 $36,003,977 $40,654,227

NET ASSETS WITH DONOR RESTRICTIONS

Net assets with donor restrictions consist of contributions received from donors whose use by the Diocese is limited by donor-imposed stipulations. The restricted amounts as of June 30, 2020 and 2019, and the corresponding purposes for which the income is expendable are as follows:

2020 2019

TRIAD Area Catholic Schools Education Foundation grants $

$ 50,000 Bishop McGuinness High School programs

271,297 374,908 Meckleburg Area Catholic Schools capital projects

6,210,740 4,191,788 Mecklenburg Area Catholic Schools programs

429,221 448,707 Catholic Charities’ programs

700,669 685,151 Elderly Outreach

487,331 487,331 FFHL gifts for parishes

102,283 279,514 FFHL gifts for Priest Retirement Plan

96,451 180,728 FFHL gifts for facility construction and improvements

4,992,340 5,054,569 St. Joseph Seminary construction

2,394,539 8,006,909 Other programs

426,892 433,467 Amounts in excess of endowment corpus and annuities

subject to expenditure for donor specified purposes:

Parishes

1,198,310 1,324,460 Education 1,198,135 1,378,030 Clergy/vocations

1,127,019 1,047,466 Outreach programs and services

2,188,630 2,073,346 Diocesan programs

418,348 401,832 Nondiocesan programs

87,471 82,421

22,329,676 26,500,627

To be held in perpetuity to generate income for donor specified purposes: Endowments (including endowment cash, pledges and other receivables for future investment): Parishes 10,574,778 10,431,940 Education 8,526,378 8,346,282 Clergy/vocations

3,599,495 3,502,434 Outreach programs and services

6,420,740 6,348,218 Other diocesan purposes

802,111 875,369 Nondiocesan

397,932 397,417

30,321,434 29,901,660

FFHL gifts restricted for endowments: Education 26,173 79,037 Clergy/vocations

9,815 29,639 Outreach programs and services

29,444 88,917 Other diocesan purposes

19,630 59,278

85,062 256,871 Beneficial interest in perpetual trust—parishes

Beneficial interest in perpetual trust—education

Permanent loan fund—parishes

Annuity funds: Parishes Clergy/vocations

Outreach programs

Assets held in trust—parishes

Total net assets with donor restrictions

$ 4,506,605

$ 4,526,255

5,010,243

4,896,420

5,509,961

5,317,807

101,027 21,245 21,245

105,136 22,008 22,008

143,517

149,152

-

39,064

$67,906,498

$71,587,856

PAYCHECK PROTECTION PROGRAM

The Central Administration, CCDOC and BMHS applied for and received Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans from the Small Business Administration under the Coronavirus Aid Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) in May 2020 in the net amount of $2,841,945. As of June 30, 2020, $2,563,923 of the proceeds of the loans were expended for expenses that qualify for forgiveness under the provisions of the PPP, and as such, is recorded in federal and state agency awards in the accompanying combined statements of activities. The remaining balance of $278,022 is reported in custodial, annuity, and other obligations in the accompanying combined statements of financial position as of June 30, 2020. It is management’s intention to expend this amount on expenses that qualify for forgiveness within the prescribed timeframe.

Without Donor With Donor

Restrictions Restrictions Total

Endowment net assets—beginning of year $4,650,250 $36,003,977 $40,654,227 Investment income 128,325 957,780 1,086,105 Additions 35,424 624,493 659,917 Distributions (66,924) (737,070) (803,994) Other changes:

Administrative fees (25,204) (250,636) (275,840) Management fees (19,172) (90,570) (109,742)

Endowment net assets—end of year $4,702,699 $36,507,974 $41,210,673

15.

27

******

28

Diocese Of Charlotte Annual Report 2019-2020

Protecting God’s Children 2020 In 2002 the United States bishops issued the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People. The Charter addressed the issue of child sexual abuse by Church personnel and established steps that every diocese must take to ensure that children are protected from the dangers of abuse.

The Diocese of Charlotte takes the Charter’s mandate very seriously and continues its efforts to protect all children and the vulnerable. The cornerstones of our Safe Environment program are our comprehensive policies, continuing education programs and mandatory background screening processes. The diocese has promulgated its own Safe Environment policies, including the Code of Ethics and the Policy of the Diocese of Charlotte Regarding Sexual Misconduct by Church Personnel, which conform to the standards of the Charter. All clergy, religious, lay employees and volunteers must adhere to the provisions in these policies. During the past fiscal year, 3,773 diocesan personnel completed the Protecting God’s Children educational awareness program and 4,644 criminal background checks were completed.

In December 2019, the diocese published a list of clergy who have been credibly accused of sexual abuse of children since the diocese was established in 1972. The information was published at www.accountability.charlottediocese.org and in the Catholic News Herald after an extensive records review by independent investigators. Upon publication of the list, Bishop Peter Jugis explained that “a full accounting of credibly accused clergy would provide validation for victims and demonstrate our commitment to transparency and accountability.” This information will continue to be readily available to the public and updated as necessary.

This past year the diocese also launched an independent hotline for the reporting of sexual abuse and misconduct.

Reports can be made 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, by phone or online through a web portal, in many different languages.

Reports can be made anonymously, and individuals making a report can choose to receive updates through the hotline’s web portal. The hotline is the latest among the diocese’s longstanding efforts to protect children and the vulnerable from abuse.

Each year, the diocese participates in an audit to determine compliance with the Charter. The audit for the period of July 2019 through June 2020 will be conducted in December 2020. Stonebridge Business Partners has been contracted by the U.S Conference of Catholic Bishops to conduct the audit.

These activities represent a significant financial commitment on the part of the diocese. The cost of the various programs and measures outlined herein totaled $525,645 during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2020, $378,855 of which represents the cost of developing the list of clergy credibly accused of sexual abuse of children. The diocese also provided financial assistance to victims and their families. During the past year, $4,995 was provided for medical and counseling services for historical victims. Additionally, the diocese incurred costs in connection with sexual misconduct lawsuits totaling $36,859

during fiscal 2020. As in the past, none of these funds came from the Diocesan Support Appeal or from parish funds.

Our commitment to the protection of those in our care from the dangers of sexual abuse will never waver. In the 18 years since the Charter was issued, the diocese has continuously increased its efforts to engage everyone in providing a safe environment. As Pope Francis explains in “Gaudete et Exsultate”: “A community that cherishes the little details of love, whose members care for one another and create an open and evangelizing environment, is a place where the risen Lord is present, sanctifying it in accordance with the Father’s plan.”