Several events planned to celebrate Black History Month

CHARLOTTE — Parishioners of the Diocese of Charlotte are encouraged to learn more about the contribution of Black Catholics in our nation’s history and participate in events marking Black History Month at parishes around the diocese.

Here are some scheduled events:

ST. MARY’S CHURCH, GREENSBORO n Feb. 17-19 – Parish retreat with the theme “Unity in Eucharist.” Deacon James Mahoney from the Archdiocese of

Philadelphia will serve as director and preacher. The retreat includes: n Friday, Feb. 17, 7 p.m. – prayer service n Saturday, Feb. 18, 1:30 p.m. – luncheon to honor elders n Sunday, Feb. 19, 11:30 a.m. – Mass and the conclusion of the retreat

The parish will also have a youth celebration for Black History Month at 6 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 25.

ST. PETER CHURCH, CHARLOTTE n Sunday, Feb. 26, 1 p.m. – St. Peter Social

Justice Ministry will host local historian Dr. Tom Hanchett, who will share the history of racial and economic segregation in Charlotte based on his book “Sorting Out the New South City: Race, Class and Urban Development in Charlotte 1875-1975” and years of work in this area.

ST. THERESE CHURCH, MOORESVILLE: n Tuesday, Feb. 27, 9:30 a.m. – “A Place at The Table” film screening. This documentary is the story of six African Americans on the path to being canonized.

SAVE THE DATES n Saturday, May 20, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., the Diocese of Charlotte African American Affairs ministry will host a Day of Reflection. Details to be announced.

Learn more

Learn more about Black Catholic history and activities hosted by the diocesan African American Affairs Ministry online at www.charlottediocese.org/african-americanaffairs-ministry — SueAnn Howell

Countdown to ordination: Pray for our future priests

CHARLOTTE — With ordination just four months away, people are invited to pray for three men expected to be ordained priests for the Diocese of Charlotte this June using special kneelers now making their way to parishes across the Diocese of Charlotte. The special kneelers, or prie-dieus, are commissioned each year for the ordinands by the Mary’s Sons apostolate.

Journals also accompany the kneelers so people can convey their well-wishes to the future priests. The kneelers, pictured here at St. Paul the Apostle Church in Greensboro, will be given to the new priests: Christopher Brock, Chinonso Nnebe-Agumadu and Peter Rusciolelli – at their June 17 ordination at St. Mark Church in Huntersville.

Parishes scheduled to host the kneelers in the coming weeks include: n Feb. 20-27: Our Lady of Grace Church, Greensboro n Feb. 27-March 5: St. Francis of Assisi Church, Mocksville (two kneelers) n Feb. 28-March 5: Our Lady of the Highways Church, Thomasville (one kneeler) n March 6-13: Our Lady of Mercy Church, Winston-Salem n March 14-20: Holy Family Church, Clemmons n March 20-27: St. Leo the Great Church, Winston-Salem n March 27-April 2: Holy Angels Church, Mount Airy n April 3-11: St. Dorothy Church, Lincolnton n April 11-16: St. Ann Church, Charlotte

Learn more

At www.maryssons.org : Learn more about the Mary’s Sons apostolate