Our Lady of the Assumption’s Deacon Luis Flores dies at 62

CHARLOTTE — Deacon Luis A. Velasquez Flores, 62, of Charlotte passed away Feb. 1, 2023, after a long illness. A funeral Mass was celebrated on Feb. 11, 2023, at Our Lady of the Assumption Church in Charlotte. Interment followed at Sunset Memorial Gardens in Mint Hill.

Deacon Flores was born in 1960 in El Salvador.

After moving to Long Island, N.Y., when he was an adult, he discerned a calling as a deacon for the Church. He was ordained by Bishop William Murphy for the Diocese of Rockville Centre, N.Y., on May 17, 2003, and served at St. Hugh of Lincoln Parish in Huntington Station, N.Y., until 2007, when he moved to North Carolina. After settling in Charlotte, he was granted faculties to serve as a deacon for the Diocese of Charlotte on Sept. 20, 2007, and was assigned to Our Lady of the Assumption Parish.

Deacon Flores was very active in Hispanic ministry, including officiating at baptisms and weddings, and teaching religious education classes and RCIA. He was a kind soul, with a servant’s heart, always available for ministry when needed.

He is survived by his wife Adela; their daughter Patricia; and three grandchildren: Hailey, Alexandria and Alonso.

Carolina Funeral Service was in charge of the arrangements.

— Catholic News Herald

Coordinator of Family and Youth Evangelization

This position is part of a greater team of staff in the Education and Formation Office of the parish, including the assistance of a Program Support Specialist and Administrative Support Specialist. The CFYE works under the direction of the pastor to equip the youth, young adults, and adults in the parish to know their faith better, grasp with intellectual vigor the teachings of Sacred Scripture and Tradition, and go into their lives witnessing to the truth of Christ’s love and salvation.

Job Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent knowledge in theology, religious studies, and/or catechetics.

• Must be a practicing Roman Catholic, able to provide a letter of good standing from current Catholic employer or parish pastor.

• 3-5 years of experience working in a Catholic institution with adults and/or youth, and can demonstrate effectively the use of classroom techniques, and familiarity with sacramental preparation curriculum.

‘The Passion’ returns to Boonville

BOONVILLE — After a hiatus of 12 years in its performances of The Passion during Holy Week, the theater group of the Divine Redeemer Parish in Boonville will return this year with a presentation of “The Passion of Christ” at the parish on Good Friday, April 7.

Sergio Lopez, director and producer, as well as Hispanic Ministry vicariate coordinator in Winston-Salem, told the Catholic News Herald that rehearsals have begun, with script readings and initial stage blocking. López noted that last year, Father Jean Pierre Swamunu Lhoposo, invited members of the theater group of St. James the Greater Parish of Concord to present “The Passion” during Holy Week.

“This group, associated with some members of Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish in Charlotte, brought us a megaproduction,” Lopez said.

This year, Father Lhoposo asked parishioners to carry out their own production once again, offering them his full cooperation.

The play involves more than 20 actors in 11 scenes, from the entrance of Christ into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday to His crucifixion and the lowering of His Body from the cross on Good Friday. Among the production’s members is Alberto Vargas, a 22-year-old Mexican who works in construction and will play the role of Jesus. “I don’t know why they chose me,” Vargas said. “I have no experience, but the director told me that my slow speech and physical appearance help me. I am already rehearsing in my house as well, and I believe that, with the help of the Holy Spirit, I will be able to play a worthy role.”

— César Hurtado

• Excellent organizational skills.

• Strong communication skills both written and oral.

• Ability to work collaboratively with others. Ability to build and maintain positive relationships with co-workers, families, and children.

• Ability to recruit and train volunteer teachers and delegate successfully.

• Experience in Microsoft Office, including Publisher, is essential.

• Commitment to continued personal growth in faith and professional advancement.

• English-Spanish bilingual, strongly preferred.

Applicants may send resumes to Fr. Carter: ncarter@holycrossnc.com.

Emilson Figueroa surveys an empty fishpond that belongs to his family near Tegucigalpa, Honduras. The pond used to be filled with water year-round but now dries up during the dry season. The changing climate has had an impact on land in Honduras, but farmers are learning new techniques to water their crops, protect the natural resources and keep their families healthy.