2023 Vocations edition

About the cover

This year’s cover image, photographed by Troy Hull, features the Diocese of Charlotte’s three newest priests, Father Christopher Brock, Father Chinonso NnebeAgumadu and Father Peter Rusciolelli, inside St. Patrick Cathedral, which has undergone significant renovations this year.

‘The Lord has chosen you to make a difference’

Three men ordained priests for the Diocese of Charlotte

HUNTERSVILLE — “Love, joy, friendship and choice: four fundamental words for discipleship, four indispensable words for priesthood.”

These four words, Atlanta Archbishop Gregory Hartmayer said, describe the call to ministry for Christopher Brock, Chinonso Nnebe-Agumadu and Peter Rusciolelli, who were ordained to the priesthood June 17.

More than a thousand people filled St. Mark Church in Huntersville for the ordination Mass. Archbishop Hartmayer, OFM Conv., celebrated the Mass at the request of Charlotte Bishop Peter Jugis, who is experiencing health issues which prevented his attendance. Archbishop Hartmayer used Bishop Jugis’ crozier at the Mass in a sign of unity between the bishops, and he offered a prayer for strength and healing for Bishop Jugis as the Mass began.

Archbishop Hartmayer also entrusted the three men being ordained to Mary, Mother of Priests, and to her Immaculate Heart, the feast celebrated on the day of their

ordination. “Today, stay close to her, seek her intercession and be inspired by her example. Imitate the actions of Mary and ponder these things in your heart every day,” he said.

The ordination rite began with Brock, Nnebe-Agumadu and Rusciolelli coming forward to the altar and expressing their willingness to be ordained and promising to take on the responsibilities of the priesthood. Then Archbishop Hartmayer directed his homily to them.

“The Lord loves you. He rejoices in you. He is your friend, and He has chosen you,” the archbishop told them.

“The Lord wants you to be His priests. Be certain of the Lord’s love for you and be sure of the Lord’s call to you.”

At the end of the ordination Mass, the three new priests’ assignments were announced by Monsignor Patrick Winslow, vicar general and chancellor of the Diocese of Charlotte.

Starting July 11, Father Brock will serve as parochial vicar of Holy Cross Parish in Kernersville, Father NnebeAgumadu will serve as parochial vicar of St. Mark Parish in Huntersville, and Father Rusciolelli will serve as parochial vicar of St. Leo the Great Parish in Winston-Salem.

‘LOVE, JOY, FRIENDSHIP, CHOICE’

In his homily, Archbishop Hartmayer told the three men, “Love: your priesthood must be characterized by a love modeled on Christ. You are called to love often in the simplest ways – through kindness, courtesy and patience, overflowing from a heart united to Christ, the heart of a shepherd.”

“Joy: joy is the echo of God’s life within us,” he added. “Today you are configured to Christ. By a special grace of the Holy Spirit, He will make your joy complete.”

“In your priestly ministry evangelize, preach, teach, witness and announce the joyful Gospel of salvation and Good News to everyone – without exception. We need to hear the Good News. We need to hear it from you. We need to hear you proclaim it. We need to see you live it.”

Friendship with Christ, Archbishop Hartmayer continued, is a vital part of a priest’s ministry. “A new and permanent intimacy with Christ begins through the laying on of hands and the prayer of consecration. Ordination shapes your being into the likeness of Christ the priest,

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(From left) Newly ordained Fathers Chinonso NnebeAgumadu, Christopher Brock and Peter Rusciolelli.

PHOTOS BY AMY BURGER, TRAVIS BURTON, LIZ CHANDLER AND TROY HULL | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

More than a thousand people from across western North Carolina fill St. Mark Church in Huntersville to pray and celebrate the ordination of three new priests for the Diocese of Charlotte. Carrying Bishop Peter Jugis’ crozier, Atlanta Archbishop Gregory Hartmayer, OFM Conv., (far left) celebrates the June 17 ordination Mass.

Christ the teacher, Christ the shepherd. Allow this interior change to expand your friendship with Christ through the daily celebration of the Eucharist, the Liturgy of the Hours, and the prayerful devotional nurturing of your inner life.”

“Finally, choice: Your priesthood flows from Christ’s choice of you. Before you ever thought of Him, He had already chosen you,” Archbishop Hartmayer said. “The Lord has chosen you to make a difference.”

“His love and joy are yours. In friendship He chose you to be His priest, and in friendship you said yes,” he added.

“You have a lot to do as a priest, and you have a lot to give as priests,” Archbishop Hartmayer smiled as he continued sharing his advice to the three ordinands. “Moved by His example… enter fully into the fabric of society, sharing the lives of all, listening to their concerns, helping them materially and spiritually in their needs, rejoicing with those who rejoice, and weeping with those who weep, arm and arm with others.”

LAYING ON OF HANDS, VESTING AND ANOINTING

After the archbishop’s homily the Litany of Supplication followed, during which the men lay prostrate before the altar as Archbishop Hartmayer and everyone gathered at the Mass knelt in prayer as the Litany of the Saints was chanted by the congregation and choir.

Then they arose and approached the archbishop, who laid his hands on their heads. During this most solemn moment of the ordination rite, Archbishop Hartmayer

prayed silently over them for the Holy Spirit to descend upon them. Dozens of priests in attendance at the ordination Mass then followed suit, laying hands on the three men in a sign of priestly fraternity and unity. During the vesting portion of the ordination rite, the men were vested by people who played meaningful roles in their journey to the priesthood. Father Brock was vested by Father Joshua Voitus, Father Nnebe-Agumadu was vested by Father Bernard Oleru, M.S.P., and Father Rusciolelli was vested by Father Christopher Roux. The three new priests’ hands were anointed with sacred chrism, and the archbishop presented them with chalices and patens to signify their authority to celebrate the Eucharist. After the kiss of peace, the new priests joined the archbishop and other clergy o the altar to concelebrate the Liturgy of the Eucharist for their first time.

GIVING THANKS FOR THEIR FORMATION

At the end of Mass, Monsignor Winslow thanked Archbishop Hartmayer and all who have helped form the new priests, including Father Christopher Gober, diocesan vocations director; Father Anthony Brausch, rector of Mount St. Mary’s Seminary & School of Theology in Ohio; and Father Matthew Kauth, rector of St. Joseph College Seminary in Mount Holly.

“Throughout their formation these men have been shaped by you, the very people they serve. Your support and encouragement have played an invaluable role in bringing them to this moment and like all priests called

to serve, they will continue to rely on your prayers, your guidance, your expertise and, yes, even sometimes your patience,” Monsignor Winslow said. “Finally, all of us want to thank the parents of these young men as the first and primary formators. You should be proud.”

As rector of the local college seminary, Father Kauth shared insights into the men’s formation in comments after Mass.

“The process is long but necessary because the man has to be examined in every way possible, tried in every way possible, because the way that he takes on the priesthood needs to have a very solid structure from which to sit,” Father Kauth said.

Though he played a leadership role in the men’s formation, Father Kauth also noted a sense of solidarity and camaraderie with the newly ordained.

“When the new priests get here, for the rest of us team members, they’re all like ‘All Stars.’ The load is less (burdensome) when everyone else is carrying it with you,” he said. “I can’t express to you how much you feel strengthened by each one who comes through, especially when you know them to be the men of character that they are.”

More online

At www.catholicnewsherald.com : See full coverage from the ordination Mass, including more photos, video highlights, profiles of each of the three new priests, and much more.

The most solemn

of

moment

the ordination Mass is the laying on of hands by the archbishop, invoking the Holy Spirit to consecrate the men as priests.

(Above) In turn, each of the priests of the diocese lay hands on the three ordinands.

(Right) At the beginning of the Mass, the ordinands kneel before the archbishop and make their priestly promises. Pictured here is Peter Rusciolelli.

(Far right) Archbishop Hartmayer elevates the Host during the Liturgy of the Eucharist.

Father NnebeAgumadu gives his family members a first blessing after his ordination.

Following their ordination, the new priests are vested and take their place beside Archbishop Hartmayer on the altar to concelebrate the Liturgy of the Eucharist. The mothers of the new priests bring up the offertory gifts. At the end of Mass, the priests give their first blessings to Archbishop Hartmayer. Then they give first blessings to their parents, then to well-wishers. (Below) People enjoy a spontaneous musical celebration featuring African drums in honor of Father Nnebe-Agumadu’s ordination.

El momento más solemne de la Misa de ordenación fue la imposición de manos del arzobispo, seguido de los sacerdotes de la diócesis.

PHOTOS POR AMY BURGER, TRAVIS BURTON, LIZ CHANDLER Y TROY HULL | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

‘El Señor los ha elegido para hacer una diferencia’

Tres hombres ordenados sacerdotes para la Diócesis de Charlotte

HUNTERSVILLE — “Amor, gozo, amistad y elección: cuatro palabras fundamentales para el discipulado, cuatro palabras indispensables para el sacerdocio”. Estas cuatro palabras, dijo el Arzobispo de Atlanta, Gregory Hartmayer, describen el llamado al ministerio de Christopher Brock, Chinonso Nnebe-Agumadu y Peter Rusciolelli, quienes fueron ordenados sacerdotes el 17 de junio.

Más de mil personas repletaron la Iglesia San Marcos en Huntersville para ser testigos de la Misa de ordenación. El Arzobispo Hartmayer, OFM Conv., celebró la Misa a petición del Obispo de Charlotte, Peter Jugis, quien está experimentando problemas de salud que impidieron su asistencia. El Arzobispo Hartmayer usó el báculo del Obispo Jugis durante la Misa, en un signo de unidad entre los obispos, y ofreció una oración pidiendo fortaleza y sanación para el Obispo Jugis.

En la portada

La imagen de la portada de la edición de Vocaciones de este año, tomada por Troy Hull, presenta a los tres nuevos sacerdotes de la Diócesis de Charlotte, el Padre Christopher Brock, el Padre Chinonso NnebeAgumadu y el Padre Peter Rusciolelli, dentro de la Catedral San Patricio, que ha estado en remodelación durante este año.

El Arzobispo Hartmayer también confió a los tres hombres ordenados a María, Madre de los Sacerdotes, y a su Inmaculado Corazón, por la fiesta celebrada el día de la ordenación. “Hoy, permanezcan cerca de ella, busquen su intercesión e inspírense en su ejemplo. Imiten las acciones de María y mediten estas cosas en sus corazones todos los días”, dijo.

El rito de ordenación comenzó con Brock, Nnebe-Agumadu y Rusciolelli acercándose al altar y expresando su voluntad de ser ordenados y prometiendo asumir las responsabilidades del sacerdocio. Luego, el Arzobispo Hartmayer les dirigió su homilía.

“El Señor los ama. Él se regocija en ustedes. Él es su amigo, y los ha elegido”, les dijo el arzobispo. “El Señor quiere que sean sus sacerdotes. Estén seguros del amor y del llamado del Señor hacia ustedes”.

Al final de la Misa de ordenación, las asignaciones de los tres nuevos sacerdotes fueron anunciadas por Monseñor Patrick Winslow, vicario general y canciller de la Diócesis de Charlotte. El Padre Brock servirá como vicario parroquial de la Iglesia Holy Cross en Kernersville, el Padre Nnebe-Agumadu servirá como vicario parroquial de la Iglesia San Marcos en Huntersville, y el Padre Rusciolelli servirá como vicario parroquial de la Iglesia San Leo el Grande en Winston-Salem.

‘AMOR, ALEGRÍA, AMISTAD, ELECCIÓN’

En su homilía, el Arzobispo Hartmayer dijo a los tres hombres: “Amor: su sacerdocio debe caracterizarse por un amor modelado en Cristo. Están llamados a amar a menudo de las maneras más sencillas: a través de la bondad, la cortesía y la paciencia desbordada de un corazón unido a Cristo, el corazón de un pastor”.

“Alegría: la alegría es eleco de la vida de Dios dentro de nosotros”, agregó. “Hoy son configurados para Cristo. Por una gracia especial del Espíritu Santo, Él completará su gozo. En su ministerio sacerdotal, evangelicen, prediquen, enseñen, testimonien y anuncien a todos el gozoso Evangelio de la salvación y la Buena Nueva a todos, sin excepción. Necesitamos escuchar las Buenas Nuevas. Necesitamos escucharlo de ustedes. Necesitamos oírlos proclamarlo. Necesitamos verlos viviéndolo”.

La amistad con Cristo, continuó el Arzobispo Hartmayer, es una parte vital del ministerio de un sacerdote. “Una intimidad nueva y permanente con Cristo comienza a través de la imposición de manos y la oración de consagración. La ordenación moldea tu ser a semejanza de Cristo el sacerdote, Cristo el maestro, Cristo el pastor. Permite que este cambio interior amplíe tu amistad con

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Fieles de la toda la diócesis repletaron la Iglesia San Marcos el 17 de junio para orar y celebrar la ordenación de tres nuevos sacerdotes.

Cristo a través de la celebración diaria de la Eucaristía, la Liturgia de las Horas y el cuidado devocional orante de tu vida interior”.

“Finalmente, elección. Vuestro sacerdocio fluye de la elección que Cristo hizo de ustedes. Antes de que pensaras en Él, Él ya los había elegido”, dijo el Arzobispo Hartmayer. “El Señor los ha elegido para hacer una diferencia”.

“Su amor y alegría son vuestros. En amistad, Él los eligió para ser Su sacerdote, y en amistad dijeron sí”, agregó.

“Ustedes tienen mucho que hacer como sacerdotes, y tienen mucho que dar como sacerdotes”, sonrió el Arzobispo Hartmayer mientras continuaba compartiendo sus consejos a los tres ordenandos. “Conmovido por Su ejemplo... entren plenamente en el tejido de la sociedad, compartiendo la vida de todos, escuchando sus preocupaciones, ayudándoles material y espiritualmente en sus necesidades, regocijándose con los que se regocijan y llorando con los que lloran, hombro a hombro con los demás”.

IMPOSICIÓN DE MANOS, OTORGAMIENTO Y UNCIÓN

Después de la homilía del arzobispo, siguió la Letanía de las Súplicas, durante la cual los hombres yacían postrados ante el altar mientras el Arzobispo Hartmayer y todos los reunidos en la Misa se arrodillaban en oración y se cantaba la Letanía de los Santos.

Luego se levantaron y acercaron al arzobispo, quien puso sus manos sobre sus cabezas. Durante este solemne

momento, el Arzobispo Hartmayer oró en silencio para que el Espíritu Santo descienda sobre ellos. Decenas de sacerdotes que asistieron a la Misa de ordenación siguieron su ejemplo, imponiendo las manos sobre los tres hombres en un signo de unidad y fraternidad sacerdotal. Luego, los hombres fueron investidos por personas que desempeñaron papeles significativos en su camino al sacerdocio. El Padre Brock fue investido por el Padre Joshua Voitus, el Padre Nnebe-Agumadu fue investido por el Padre Bernard Oleru, M.S.P., y el Padre Rusciolelli fue investido por el Padre Christopher Roux.

Las manos de los tres nuevos sacerdotes fueron ungidas con el crisma sagrado, y el arzobispo les presentó cálices y patenas para significar su autoridad para celebrar la Eucaristía. Después del beso de la paz, los nuevos sacerdotes se unieron al arzobispo y otros clérigos del altar para concelebrar la Liturgia de la Eucaristía por primera vez.

DANDO GRACIAS POR SU FORMACIÓN

Al final de la Misa, Monseñor Winslow agradeció al Arzobispo Hartmayer y a todos los que ayudaron en la formación de los nuevos sacerdotes, incluido el Padre Christopher Gober, director diocesano de vocaciones; Padre Anthony Brausch, rector del Mount St. Mary’s Seminary & School of Theology en Ohio; y el Padre Matthew Kauth, rector del Seminario Universitario San José en Mount Holly.

“A lo largo de su formación, estos hombres han sido moldeados por ustedes, las mismas personas a las que

sirven. Su apoyo y aliento han jugado un papel invaluable para llevarlos a este momento y, como todos los sacerdotes llamados a servir, continuarán confiando en sus oraciones, su guía, su experiencia y, sí, incluso a veces su paciencia”, dijo Monseñor Winslow. “Finalmente, todos queremos agradecer a los padres de estos jóvenes como primeros y principales formadores. Deberían de estar orgullosos”.

Como rector del seminario universitario local, el Padre Kauth compartió algunas ideas sobre la formación de los hombres en comentarios después de la Misa.

“El proceso es largo pero necesario porque el hombre tiene que ser examinado de todas las maneras posibles, probado de todas las maneras posibles, porque la forma en que asume el sacerdocio debe tener una estructura muy sólida en la que asentarse”, dijo el Padre Kauth.

Aunque desempeñó un papel de liderazgo en la formación de los hombres, el Padre Kauth también demostró un sentido de solidaridad y camaradería con los recién ordenados.

“Cuando los nuevos sacerdotes llegan aquí, para el resto de los miembros del equipo, todos son como ‘All Stars’. La carga es menor cuando todos los demás la llevan contigo”, dijo. “Es difícil expresar cuán fortalecido te sientes por cada uno de ellos que sale adelante, especialmente cuando conoces los hombres de carácter que son”.

(Arriba) Momentos solemnes de la Misa de Ordenación incluyeron la imposición de manos por el arzobispo.

(Abajo) Los nuevos sacerdotes dan su primera bendición al Arzobispo Hartmayer antes que la Misa concluyera. Después, dieron su primera bendición a sus padres, luego a sus simpatizantes.

(Arriba) El Padre Christopher Roux viste al nuevo sacerdote, Padre Rusciolelli.

(Izquierda) Familiares y amigos del Padre NnebeAgumadu asistieron para celebrar su ordenación.

Drawn to the priesthood from a young age, Father Christopher Brock was born in Woodstock, Va., in 1997.

“Being a priest was something I was attracted to ever since I was a boy,” he said. “However, it was in high school that I began to really take the possibility of a vocation seriously.”

He credits the Quo Vadis Days retreat, a discernment camp in the diocese, and being an altar server for playing major roles in his discernment.

The son of Steve and Susan Brock, Father Brock grew up in Charlotte with his seven siblings: Mary, Michael, Isaac, Sebastian, Felicity, Peter and Timothy. His home parish is St. Vincent de Paul Church in Charlotte. He was homeschooled through grade 12 and graduated from St. Joseph College Seminary before earning his Master of Divinity at Mount St. Mary’s Seminary & School of Theology.

In the days leading up to his ordination, he said there was a lot of excitement.

“When I entered seminary six years ago, I did so because I believed God was calling me to be a priest, and so seeing my ordination day just around the corner is very joyful and exciting. The thing I am looking forward to the most is saying Mass,” Father Brock said. “I see the Mass as being at the center of what it is to be a priest, and I am so looking forward to offering sacrifice to God on behalf of His people, the Church.”

He added that he is also looking forward to hearing confessions, and all the other ways that the priest gets to bring Christ into people’s lives.

“When people seek out the priest, they are truly seeking out an encounter with Jesus, and I hope to bring the presence of Christ into the lives of the people I meet to the best of my poor ability, and with the help of God’s grace.”

Born in Washington, D.C., in 1995, Father Chinonso NnebeAgumadu spent many of his formative years in Nigeria. He and his family returned to the United States when Father NnebeAgumadu was a sophomore in high school. They moved to the Charlotte area, and he attended Gaston Christian School in Gastonia until graduation. His home parish is St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Charlotte.

The son of Uche Nnebe-Agumadu and the late Samuel Nnebe-Agumadu, he has five siblings: Arize, Ijeamaka, Munachi, Tobenna and Chukwuma. He said he first became interested in the priesthood when he was in the fourth grade, the same year he received his first Holy Communion and became an altar server.

“I was always excited to see what the priest was doing at Mass,” he recalled. “It was, however, the summer before my senior year in high school that I had a profound experience that really got me to take the thought of being a priest more seriously.”

He went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in biology at North Carolina A&T State University. When he decided to enter the seminary, his first step was earning a pre-theology degree at Pontifical College Josephinum in Columbus, Ohio. He recently earned a Master of Arts in Theology and Master of Divinity from Mount St. Mary’s Seminary & School of Theology in Cincinnati.

As his June 17 ordination to the priesthood approached, Father Nnebe-Agumadu said he was nervous but more excited than anything else. “I’m nervous because this is not an easy task, but I’m excited to see how God will use me as His priest in the mission of giving Him glory and drawing souls to Him,” he said.

Recalling his path to the priesthood, he added, “As this great day approaches, I can’t help but look back at the formation I have received these past six years and trust that they have prepared me well for the life ahead. And in those six years, I have been aided by the prayers and support of many of the faithful, and so I can’t wait to give my life for them.”

ANNIE FERGUSON arferguson@charlottediocese.org

Born in 1997, Father Peter Rusciolelli grew up in Waxhaw with his eight siblings: Sister Therese Marie (formerly Molly), Nathanael, Abigail, William, John Paul, Noah, Bridget and Celeste. The son of William and Deborah Rusciolelli, he enjoyed an active, faith-filled childhood. He was homeschooled until he entered college and said his discernment process was gradual, beginning at age 15.

By the time he was 18, he had decided to enter St. Joseph College Seminary where he earned a bachelor’s degree in philosophy.

He recently earned his Master of Arts in Theology and Master of Divinity from Mount St. Mary’s Seminary & School of Theology in Cincinnati, Ohio, and his home parish is St. Patrick Cathedral in Charlotte.

Because he was born and raised in the Diocese of Charlotte, Father Rusciolelli said he is looking forward to serving the faithful who have given him so much.

As his June 17 ordination to the priesthood drew near, he reflected on this pivotal moment in his life.

“I am very excited for my ordination day, as it is something I have been anticipating, thinking and praying about for a long time,” he said. “I am extremely grateful for the graces Our Lord has given me to follow His holy will, as well as for all those who have supported me in so many ways during these years.”

‘When people seek out the priest, they are truly seeking out an encounter with Jesus.’

ANNIE FERGUSON arferguson@charlottediocese.org

‘I have been aided by the prayers and support of many ... and so I can’t wait to give my life for them.’

ANNIE FERGUSON arferguson@charlottediocese.org

‘What shall I render to the Lord for all His bounty to me?’

Brock Nnebe-Agumadu

Rusciolelli

Atraído al the sacerdocio desde muy corta edad, el Padre Christopher Brock nació en Woodstock, Virginia, en 1997.

“Ser sacerdote fue algo que me atrajo desde que era un niño”, dijo. “Sin embargo, fue en la escuela secundaria cuando comencé a tomar realmente en serio la posibilidad de una vocación”.

Le da crédito al retiro de los Días de Quo Vadis, un campamento de discernimiento en la diócesis, y al haber sido monaguillo, como elementos importantes en su discernimiento.

Hijo de Steve y Susan Brock, el Padre Brock creció en Charlotte con sus siete hermanos: Mary, Michael, Isaac, Sebastian, Felicity, Peter y Timothy. Su parroquia natal es San Vicente de Paúl en Charlotte. Fue educado en casa hasta el grado 12 y se graduó del Seminario Universitario San José antes de obtener su Maestría en Divinidad en Mount St. Mary’s Seminary & School of Theology.

Los días previos a su ordenación, dijo, son muy emocionantes.

“Cuando entré al seminario hace seis años, lo hice porque creía que Dios me estaba llamando a ser sacerdote, por lo que ver el día de mi ordenación a la vuelta de la esquina es muy alegre y emocionante. Lo que más anhelo es decir Misa”, dijo el Padre Brock. “Veo la Misa como el centro de lo que es ser un sacerdote, y estoy ansioso por ofrecer sacrificio a Dios en nombre de Su pueblo, la Iglesia”.

Agregó que también espera escuchar confesiones y todas las otras formas en que el sacerdote puede llevar a Cristo a la vida de las personas.

“Cuando las personas buscan al sacerdote, realmente están buscando un encuentro con Jesús, y espero llevar la presencia de Cristo a la vida de las personas que conozco lo mejor que pueda, y con la ayuda de la gracia de Dios. .”

Nacido en Washington, D.C., en 1995, el Padre Chinonso Nnebe-Agumadu pasó muchos de sus años de formación en Nigeria.

Él y su familia regresaron a Estados Unidos cuando el Padre Nnebe-Agumadu estaba en segundo año de secundaria. Se mudaron al área de Charlotte y asistió a Gaston Christian School en Gastonia hasta que se graduó. Su parroquia de origen es Santo Tomás de Aquino en Charlotte.

Hijo de Samuel (fallecido) y Uche Nnebe-Agumadu, tiene cinco hermanos: Arize, Ijeamaka, Munachi, Tobenna y Chukwuma. Dijo que se interesó por primera vez en el sacerdocio cuando cursaba cuarto grado, el mismo año en que recibió su Primera Comunión y se convirtió en monaguillo.

“Siempre me emocionaba ver lo que hacía el sacerdote en la Misa”, recordó. “Sin embargo, fue durante el verano antes de mi último año en la escuela secundaria cuando tuve una experiencia profunda que realmente me hizo tomar más en serio la idea de ser sacerdote”.

Obtuvo una licenciatura en biología en la Universidad Estatal A&T de Carolina del Norte. Cuando decidió ingresar al seminario, su primer paso fue obtener un título de preteología en Pontifical College Josephinum en Columbus, Ohio.

Recientemente obtuvo una Maestría en Artes en Teología y una Maestría en Divinidad del Seminario y Escuela de Teología de Mount St. Mary en Cincinnati.

A medida que se acercaba su ordenación sacerdotal el 17 de junio, el Padre NnebeAgumadu dijo que estaba nervioso, pero más emocionado que cualquier otra cosa.

“Estoy nervioso porque esta no es una tarea fácil, pero emocionado de ver cómo Dios me usará como Su sacerdote en la misión de darle gloria y atraer almas hacia Él”, dijo. Recordando su camino hacia el sacerdocio, agregó: “A medida que se acerca este gran día, no puedo evitar mirar hacia atrás a la formación que he recibido en los últimos seis años y confío en que me han preparado bien para la vida que tengo por delante. Y en esos seis años, he recibido la ayuda de las oraciones y el apoyo de muchos de los fieles, por lo que no veo la hora de dar mi vida por ellos”.

ANNIE FERGUSON arferguson@charlottediocese.org

Nacido en 1997, el Padre Peter Rusciolelli creció en Waxhaw con sus ocho hermanos: la hermana Therese Marie (antes Molly), Nathanael, Abigail, William, John Paul, Noah, Bridget y Celeste.

Hijo de William y Deborah Rusciolelli, disfrutó de una infancia activa y llena de fe. Recibió educación en el hogar hasta que ingresó a la universidad y dijo que su proceso de discernimiento fue gradual, comenzando a los 15 años. Cuando cumplió los 18, decidió ingresar al Seminario Universitario San José, donde obtuvo una licenciatura en Filosofía.

Recientemente obtuvo su Maestría en Artes en Teología y Maestría en Divinidad del Seminario y Escuela de Teología de Mount St. Mary en Cincinnati, Ohio, y su parroquia natal es la Catedral San Patricio en Charlotte.

Debido a que nació y se crió en la Diócesis de Charlotte, el Padre Rusciolelli dijo que espera servir a los fieles que le han dado tanto.

A medida que se acercaba su ordenación sacerdotal el 17 de junio, reflexionó sobre este momento crucial de su vida.

“Estoy muy emocionado por el día de mi ordenación, ya que es algo que he estado anticipando, pensando y rezando durante mucho tiempo”, dijo. “Estoy supremamente agradecido por las gracias que Nuestro Señor me ha dado para seguir Su santa voluntad, así como por todos aquellos que me han apoyado de tantas maneras durante estos años”.

congratulations on receiving the

Sacrament of Holy Orders

“Cuando las personas buscan un sacerdote, realmente están buscando un encuentro con Jesús”

ANNIE FERGUSON arferguson@charlottediocese.org

“He recibido la ayuda de las oraciones y el apoyo de muchos de los fieles, por lo que no veo la hora de dar mi vida por ellos”

ANNIE FERGUSON arferguson@charlottediocese.org

“¿Cómo pagaré al Señor por toda Su generosidad para conmigo?”

Rev. Christopher Brock

nneBe-agumadu Rev. Peter rusciolelli

TROY HULL | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

(Desde la izquierda) Los padres recién ordenados Peter Rusciolelli, Christopher Brock y Chinonso NnebeAgumadu.

CHALICE AND VESTMENTS

The set of vestments Father Brock used for his Mass of Thanksgiving features the colors of gold, in celebration of the joyful occasion of his ordination, and blue in honor of the feast of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, which was observed on his ordination day.

When it comes to his chalice, Father Brock chose one he found particularly beautiful from a collection of chalices available for graduates of the seminary in Ohio. However, his chosen chalice was not in pristine condition, so he had it restored.

“On the bottom of the chalice there was an inscription commemorating the parish in Cincinnati where the chalice was used, and I had my own name and ordination date engraved on the bottom as well,” he said. “I love the idea of keeping this old and storied chalice in use, and I hope that future generations of priests will be able to put their names on the bottom of it as well after I am gone.”

are needed right away,’ Bishop Jugis tells the three men at pre-ordination Holy Hour

PATRICIA L. GUILFOYLE plguilfoyle@charlottediocese.org

CHARLOTTE — The three men ordained priests on June 17 should expect to start their ministry “right away,” Bishop Peter Jugis said following a special prayer service for them at St. Patrick Cathedral prior to their ordination.

“The Church cannot wait for you to be ordained as priests, and the Church here in the Diocese of Charlotte cannot wait for you to be ordained as priests,” Bishop Jugis told then-ordinands Christopher Brock, Chinonso Nnebe-Agumadu and Peter Rusciolelli.

Family and friends gathered with them at the cathedral June 15 for a prayer vigil and a Holy Hour of Eucharistic Adoration – a pre-ordination tradition that also included the bishop blessing the men’s priestly vestments and personal chalices.

“In fact, the Church is so in need of priests and knows the value of the ministry of priests for the salvation of the world that she even makes you start working in your priestly ministry before your ordination Mass is over,” the bishop told them. “You are put to work right away, because you already are concelebrating the Mass (of ordination) with the bishop … offering the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass for the salvation of the world.”

He continued, “Even at the end of Mass, the Church will mob you to ask you for your first priestly blessing, so much does the Church – the People of God – desire the ministry of the priest. You are needed right away! There is not a moment to waste.

“So I hope you are ready for the hundreds of people who will come for their first blessings from your consecrated hands on the day of your ordination on Saturday.”

And, the bishop advised them, be prepared to offer the sacrament of reconciliation, as people might approach them immediately after the ordination Mass to hear their confessions.

“It has happened in the past,” he said, then looked at them with a knowing smile. “So I hope you have memorized … the words of absolution.”

The joyful reception the men are receiving upon the occasion of their ordination is a sign “of how valuable, how necessary and needed is the priestly ministry for the salvation of the world, for the salvation of the People of God,” Bishop Jugis said.

“Know that the Lord will continue to bless you” with the support of the entire diocese, he told them. “May the Lord bless you and keep you, and may His face shine upon you.”

CHALICE AND VESTMENTS

Father Nnebe-Agumadu’s chalice comes from Mexico, the body of which is Gothic-styled, gold-plated alloy made of European bronze casting. At the base of the chalice are events from the life of Jesus such as the Annunciation, the Nativity, the Last Supper and the Ascension.

The vestments he designed to use at his first Mass is a Marian set in ivory with light blue accents. The ivory fabric has a crown motif that pays homage to Mary as Queen of Heaven and Earth. He said he chose to honor the Blessed Mother because she played a “huge part” in his vocation.

“Also on this vestment is a memorial to my dad who passed away in my first year of seminary,” he said. “It will be such a blessing to remember him every time I don the vestment.”

CHALICE AND VESTMENTS

Father Rusciolelli’s chalice and vestments are rich with symbolism and meaning.

The Benedictine Sisters of Mary made his chasuble. Father Rusciolelli designed it so that each element is a symbol of the priesthood and honors the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Both feasts were celebrated during his ordination weekend.

His chalice is an antique and includes images honoring Our Lady, St. Joseph and other holy figures as well as Psalm 116:12, which is the prayer traditionally prayed by the priest right before receiving the Precious Blood from the chalice: “Quid retribuam Domino pro omnibus quae retribuit mihi,” or “What shall I render to the Lord for all His bounty to me?”

‘You

With gratitude from the clergy, staff, and parishioners of Holy Family in Clemmons

Congratulations and Best Wishes on your Ordination to the Holy Priesthood

Fr. Chinonso A. Nnebe-Agumadu

On behalf of Fr. Matthew, Fr. Raymond and your parish family St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church Charlotte, NC

“In Solidarity With Our Priests”

The North Carolina State Council Knights of Columbus

Offers congratulations on your ordination to the Holy Priesthood

FR. CHRISTOPHER BROCK FR. CHINONSO NNEBE-AGUMADU FR. PETER RUSCIOLELLI

We also extend special congratulations to all priests, deacons and religious who are celebrating the anniversary of their continued service to the Diocese of Charlotte.

www.kofcnc.orgww

Father Michael Buttner 45 Years

Deacon Steffen Fohn 5 Years

New priests’ parents reflect on their son’s call to the priesthood

STEVE AND SUSAN BROCK: FATHER CHRISTOPHER BROCK’S PARENTS

We noticed Christopher’s calling when he was a very young child. When he was 2 or 3, he had a white plastic cookie he kept in his pocket. Christopher called it his “Body of Christ.” One day he offered it to a neighbor. In addition, he has always said he wanted to become a priest. The various talents – intelligence, personality, willingness to serve, sacrificial spirit – that God gifted him with were all compatible with that desire.

The most important thing we did to nurture his faith besides living a Catholic family life, was that we homeschooled him. Keeping our kids out of the mainstream culture influences, and focusing their studies based on traditional Catholic teaching, has been a lifeline to keeping our kids rooted in the faith.

As a family, we prayed the rosary and attended daily Mass, assisted with the needs of the Church. There was no television. We looked for opportunities to share our faith with those of other religions. We made an effort to live our Catholic faith with 100 percent fidelity. This included standing up for what we believe and boycotting companies that support immorality even if that meant our lives would be more difficult. We didn’t put a lot of value in material things, and we focused on helping those in need.

In the days leading up to his ordination, our thoughts have been centered in gratitude as we see our son answering God’s call. The path Christopher has chosen will be challenging because the devil tries harder to win over those who have chosen to follow Christ more closely. However, it is comforting knowing that he has chosen to focus his life on heavenly things and will be surrounded by Christ’s grace in his efforts to be holy. We are in awe and find it difficult to put into words our thoughts and feelings as our son becomes an “alter Christus.” We hope that anyone who reads this will say a prayer for him.

UCHE NNEBE-AGUMADU: FATHER CHINONSO NNEBE-AGUMADU’S MOTHER

I was not aware of Chinonso’s call to the priesthood until he was in college, when he occasionally he would talk about it.

While in high school, he was an altar server at Queen of the Apostles Church in Belmont. On one occasion, an unknown elderly woman walked up to the music director and told her about Chinonso’s intended call to the priesthood. She said she saw a light halo on his head throughout the Mass which, according to her, is a sign of priesthood.

I believe strongly in family stability as a foundation for spiritual and self-development. I worked hard to have a stable, loving and supportive family that was a home for all in our African context. We, the parents, tried to make our Christianity as practical as possible through everyday charitable deeds and commitment to our Catholic values. Praying together as a family was paramount.

The rosary, nonetheless, remains my favorite personal devotion which I do at my own time, and together with the Divine Mercy Chaplet, I offer prayers for Chinonso.

As his ordination neared, I had mixed feelings of joy, gratitude, and occasional sadness. Sometimes, I feel like I am losing him to the Church. I am also conscious of the fact that his dad, who supported him so much on this journey, will not be there to witness his ordination.

My predominant state of mind is, nevertheless, joyful. I am proud of his determination and resilience and his willingness to push on even when his twin brother didn’t want to join him in the seminary. I pray for him to remain joyful and be at peace as we walk toward his ordination.

WILLIAM AND DEBORAH RUSCIOLELLI:

FATHER PETER RUSCIOLELLI’S

PARENTS

As a child, Peter and his brothers and sisters would “play Mass,” and he would often be the priest. Later as a teenager and as an altar server, Peter eagerly volunteered to serve Mass as often as possible.

Not only was he very serious about his responsibilities but he also carefully observed and absorbed the roles and responsibilities of the priest, the deacons and the parts of the Mass.

Looking back, putting importance on family unity may have been a big influence on his vocation. As a family, we did our best to attend Mass together and have daily prayer time and dinners together. We would discuss our faith and try to recognize how our beliefs are demonstrated in our day-to-day activities.

Chinonso’s dad was an ardent devotee to Our Lady and the rosary as well as the Precious Blood devotions, and we all joined him on this path. Chinonso and his siblings grew up saying a daily rosary, sometimes reluctantly. I was often a part of this reluctance!

As we approached ordination day, we reflected on how very proud we are of his hard work and devotion over the past seven years to his studies in seminary and his faith.

We don’t know where God will lead him in this vocation, but for now, we are excited that he has finally made it to where his heart has been leading him: to be consecrated for the Lord.

‘Praying together as a family was paramount’ ... ‘As a family, we did our best to attend Mass together’ ... ‘We made an effort to live our Catholic faith’

With heartfelt gratitude to all of our priests, deacons, seminarians, and Religious Women and Men for your gift of ministry to The Church.

ccdoc org

Called By God… Supported By

In the academic year just ended, we have been blessed to have 49 seminarians in both major seminaries and at St. Joseph College Seminary – who are discerning God’s call to serve you as priests in the Diocese of Charlotte. Your prayers and financial assistance pay for a portion of tuition, room & board that will help assure the diocese of having priests to shepherd the Catholic population in western North Carolina for years to come.

Fr. Peter Rusciolelli, Fr. Chinonso Nnebe-Agumadu and Fr. Christopher Brock were ordained as priests for the Diocese of Charlotte on June 17, 2023

Priests

10 YEARS

Father Jason Christian

Father Raymond Ekosse

Father Joseph Nguyen, CM

Father Moses Njoh

25 YEARS

Father Dean E. Cesa

Father Peter T. Pham

Father Basile Sede Noujio

Celebrating our

15 YEARS

Father Binoy Davis

Father Tri Truong

Father Brad Jones

Father Sabastian Umouyo

30 YEARS

Father Eric Kowalski

Father Carmen Malacari

Father Becket Soule

50 YEARS

60 YEARS

65 YEARS

Deacons

Father Edward J. Sheridan

Father Richard R. Benonis

10 YEARS

Deacon

Thomas McMahon Deacon John Panzica

Deacon Paul Bruck

Deacon Ralph D’Agostino

Deacon David Faunce

Deacon Steffen Fohn

Deacon Frank Moyer

Deacon Timothy Mueller

Father Thomas P. Norris, O.S.F.S. Deacon Quang Deacon Deacon Martin Deacon Francis Deacon Deacon Deacon Jack

Deacon Matthew Newsome

40 YEARS

Deacon Andrew Cilone

Deacon James Hamrlik

Deacon Harold Markle

Deacon Gerald Potkay

Deacon Joseph Schumacher

Deacon Crescenzo

Vigliotta

2023 Jubilarians

20 YEARS

Father Marcel Amadi

Father Matthew Buettner

Father Julio Dominguez

Father Enrique Gonzalez-Gaytán

Father James Kang

35 YEARS

Father Kenneth Whittington

40 YEARS

Father John Hanic

Bishop Peter J. Jugis

45 YEARS

Father Morris Boyd

Father Michael Buttner

Father Michael Klepacki

5 YEARS

15 YEARS

45

35 YEARS Deacon

Women Religious

60 YEARS

Father Dominguez reflects on 20 years of priesthood

It is incredible how time goes by so fast, and how God arranges everything according to His Will in order to carry out His plans.

At the age of 18, I entered the House Formation of the Missionaries of Christ and studied and served with them for 10 years. The moment came when God made me see in various circumstances that my path was more for the diocesan life, and although I applied to a diocese in Mexico and was accepted, for mysterious reasons God had another plan for my life.

Seminary formation was very expensive so, not wanting to burden my parents with these costs, I decided to come to the United States to work for a few months to raise the money I needed to finish my theology degree and be ordained.

I had cousins in Gastonia, and they kindly offered me their house and even a job to help me.

I arrived with all the spirit in the world, knowing what my plan was and with the idea of saving as much money as possible to be able to return to the seminary.

I remember going to St. Michael Church in Gastonia for Mass. The Hispanic community was still very small at that time. The Mass was celebrated by Father John Allen, who at that time was in charge of vocations for the Diocese of Charlotte. I had been invited to be a lector at that Mass, and to my surprise at the end of the Mass a young man came to tell me that Father Allen wanted to talk to me.

When I introduced myself to him, the first thing he asked me was if I had ever thought of becoming a priest. When I confirmed that I was in my last year of theology and that I would soon be returning to my studies in Mexico, Father Allen almost jumped with joy! He was very enthusiastic and told me that the Charlotte diocese needed Spanish-speaking priests. He wanted to introduce me immediately to then Bishop William Curlin and to Father Fidel Melo, who ministered to the diocese’s Hispanic community. Those who know Father Allen know that he is spontaneous and quick-acting, and when he sets his mind to something, it happens, no matter how crazy it might at first seem to others. On Tuesday of that same week, I was taken to meet with Bishop Curlin.

They explained to me the great need for priests in the Charlotte diocese, and I remember reminding Father Allen at that moment that my plan was to return to Mexico.

Later that evening, I called my mother to tell her what was going on. With her characteristic wisdom and calmness, she told me: “Son, it is not by chance that you are there. You have to see God’s plan, not yours.”

To be honest, at that time I did not feel any attraction to staying in the diocese, and yet I felt my conscience telling me: “Listen to your mother.”

And so I entered the seminary here in the United States. It was a bit difficult, as I was only given a three-month English course before starting theology classes. It was also a dramatic time, as it was the year of the September 11 attacks on New York City and I was in Pennsylvania at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary.

In the seminary, thanks be to God, some of the professors spoke Italian and Spanish, so I was able to take my exams. To my surprise, I finished my studies with summa cum laude honors.

I was soon ordained by Bishop Curlin, but everything felt like it was happening

so fast that I don’t really remember many details of my ordination.

I was sent to Sacred Heart Parish in Salisbury and had the good fortune to share three years with Father John Putnam, who was a great mentor in my early days of ministry and whom I love, admire and respect very much as a person.

In the same year I was ordained, Bishop Peter Jugis was also consecrated and installed as our bishop. The following year, he invited me to be a part of the Eucharistic Congress committee, then to be part of the diocese’s Presbyteral Council and the vocations committee. I have been serving these committees with great pleasure ever since.

At Sacred Heart Parish, I had very good experiences, and the truth is that whenever I go back there, I feel at home.

From there I was sent to St. Aloysius Parish in Hickory, where I served for three years.

I always remember the words of my seminary rector, later ordained as Bishop Michael Burbidge: “Julio, you have an advantage in your favor for your priesthood that you can always use.” I asked him what that was, and he told me, ”You are going to be loved by everyone.”

I carry those words in my heart and, thanks be to God, I have always seen Him in the parishes and ministries where I serve. Sometimes people nickname me the “angry father” because of my seriouslooking face, but I get along well with the faithful I have been privileged to serve.

After Hickory I was transferred to St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Lenoir. The first two years were a little stressful for me as I adjusted to being a pastor for the first time. But then came the awakening of the whole community and it became a parish that felt like family: joyful, committed 100 percent to the Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, spiritual retreats, formation, and a lot of unity. Thanks be to God, two priestly vocations flourished during that time, and those priests serve today in our diocese.

After that, in agreement with Bishop Peter Jugis, I became part of the Diocesan Hispanic Ministry Team. I have been growing in this ministry and I am really passionate about it.

My goal in the Hispanic ministry is to achieve the same reaction as in my former Lenoir parish: a people prostrated at the feet of the Blessed Sacrament, a team of well-formed catechists and pastoral leaders who know how to explain the faith and help in evangelization. I envision a diocesan family united by the bond of love; a diocese that produces many priestly and religious vocations because we have many young people in the Hispanic community; a diocese inclusive of different cultures, but called by the same God even with the difference of languages and cultural customs; and a Church in which we look not so much at differences, but at the richness of the Catholic culture that makes us go beyond ourselves to embrace the good news of our Lord Jesus Christ and truly unite us in Christ our Lord.

I thank God for every moment of my priestly vocation. If I were to be born again and asked what I want to do with my life, I would certainly ask to be a priest, because the riches of grace that God bestows, especially in deep intimacy with Him, are truly incredible. I entrust myself to your prayers.

Padre Domínguez: Mi 20 Aniversario

Es increíble como pasa el tiempo tan rápido y como Dios va acomodando todo según su voluntad para poder realizar sus planes.

Entré a los 18 años al convento de los Misioneros de Cristo y por 10 años estuve con ellos. Llegó el momento en el cual Dios me hizo ver por diversas circunstancias que mi camino iba más por la vida diocesana, y aunque apliqué en una diócesis de México y fui aceptado, por razones misteriosas Dios tenía otro plan para mi vida.

Debido a que la formación del seminario era muy costosa y no queriendo agravar con esos gastos a mis padres, decidí viajar a Estados Unidos a trabajar unos meses y juntar el dinero para el año que me faltaba para terminar la Teología y ser ordenado.

Tenía a mis primos en Gastonia y ellos amablemente me ofrecieron su casa y hasta trabajo para poder llegar.

Llegué con todo el ánimo del mundo, sabiendo cual era mi plan y con idea de ahorrar lo más posible para poderme regresar al seminario.

Recuerdo que fui a la Iglesia San Miguel en Gastonia para la Misa; la comunidad hispana todavía era muy pequeña en ese entonces. Celebraba la Misa el Padre John Allen, que era en ese tiempo el encargado de vocaciones. Yo había sido invitado a ser lector en esa Misa y, para mi sorpresa, al final de esta vino un joven a decirme que el sacerdote quería hablar conmigo.

Al presentarme ante él, lo primero que me dijo es que si nunca había pensado en ser sacerdote. Cuando le confirme que estaba en mi último año de Teología y que sólo estaría un tiempo para regresar a mis estudios, ese hombre casi saltaba de gusto, se le notaba un gran entusiasmo, y me dijo que en la diócesis necesitaban sacerdotes de habla hispana y que quería presentarme inmediatamente al obispo y al Padre Fidel Melo que trabajaba en la diócesis.

Quien conoce al Padre John sabe que es impetuoso y que cuando se propone algo pasa en poco tiempo por loco que esto parezca. El martes de esa misma semana me llevaron con el Obispo William Curlin y yo no tenía ni idea de lo que estaba pasando tan rápido.

Me explicaron la gran necesidad de sacerdotes que había en la diócesis y me acuerdo que le recordé en ese momento al Padre John que mi plan era volverme a México.

Esa misma noche le llamé a mi madre para decirle lo que pasaba. Ella con su sabiduría y calma me dijo: hijo, no es casualidad que tú estés allá, tienes que ver el plan de Dios, no el tuyo.

Para ser honesto no sentía ninguna atracción por quedarme en la diócesis en ese momento, y sin embargo sentí el imperativo de mi consciencia que me decía que escuchara lo que mi madre me estaba diciendo.

Entré al seminario aquí en Estados Unidos. Fue un poco difícil pues me dieron solo un curso de 3 meses de inglés antes de entrar a las clases de Teología. Fue también un momento dramático, pues fue el año del ataque del 11 de septiembre a Nueva York y yo estaba en Pensilvania, en el Seminario San Carlos Borromeo.

En el seminario, gracias a Dios, algunos de los profesores hablaban italiano y español. Así que mis exámenes pude hacerlos en esa lengua y para sorpresa mía terminé mis estudios con Suma Cum Laudem, que era un reconocimiento por los buenos resultados de mis estudios.

Fui ordenado por el Obispo William Curlin. Todo iba sucediendo tan rapido que realmente no recuerdo tantos detalles de mi ordenación.

Gracias a Dios fui enviado a la Parroquia Sagrado Corazón en Salisbury y tuve la fortuna de compartir 3 años con el P. John Putnam, que fue un gran mentor en mis inicios, a quien quiero, admiro y respeto mucho por su calidad de persona.

En el mismo año que yo fui ordenado también consagraron al Obispo Peter Jugis. Al año siguiente me invitó a ser parte del comité del Congreso Eucarístico, después a ser parte del Consejo Presbiteral y del Comité de Vocaciones. Lo que he venido haciendo con mucho gusto desde entonces.

En la parroquia Sagrado Corazón tuve muy buenas experiencias y la verdad es que hasta la fecha regreso allí y me siento en casa.

De allí me mandaron a la parroquia de Hickory, en la cual estuve 3 años y que gracias a Dios también disfrute muchísimo.

Siempre recuerdo la palabras de mi rector, el Obispo Michael Burbigde, en el seminario de Filadelfia que me dijo: “Julio, tú tienes una ventaja en tu favor para tu sacerdocio que podrás utilizarla siempre”. Y cuando le pregunté cuál era me dijo, “tú vas a ser muy querido por todos”.

Esas palabras las llevo en mi corazón y gracias a Dios siempre lo he visto en las parroquias y ministerios. Me dicen el padre enojón, creo que por mi cara de seriedad, pero me entiendo bien con los fieles. Después de Hickory me dieron la parroquia San Francisco en Lenoir. Los primeros dos años fueron un poco estresantes en esa parroquia, pero después vino el despertar de toda la comunidad y se volvió una parroquia familiar, alegre, comprometida al cien por ciento con la adoración al Santísimo, retiros espirituales, formación y mucha unidad. Gracias a Dios en ese tiempo florecieron dos vocaciones sacerdotales que todavía siguen en nuestra diócesis.

Después de eso, en acuerdo con el Obispo Peter Jugis, me hice parte del Ministerio Hispano. Gracias a Dios he ido creciendo en este ministerio que realmente me apasiona. Desafortunadamente se nos vino la época del COVID, pero gracias a Dios ya es parte del pasado. Ahora veo a una Iglesia que resurge de la cenizas del dolor e incertidumbre y se eleva con gran entusiasmo.

Mi meta en el Ministerio Hispano es lograr la misma reacción que hubo en la parroquia de San Francisco, una diócesis postrada a los pies del Santísimo Sacramento; un equipo de catequistas bien formado que sepa dar razón de su fe y ayude en la evangelización; una familia diocesana unida por el vínculo del amor; una diócesis que produzca muchas vocaciones sacerdotales y religiosas, pues tenemos muchos jóvenes en la comunidad hispana; una diócesis inclusiva a las diferentes culturas, pero llamada por el mismo Dios, aún con la diferencia de idiomas y costumbres culturales; una Iglesia en la cual no miremos tanto las diferencias, sino la riqueza de la cultura católica que nos hace ir más allá de nosotros mismos para abrazar la buena nueva de nuestro Señor Jesucristo y verdaderamente nos hace unirnos en Cristo nuestro Señor.

Le agradezco a Dios por cada momento de mi vocación sacerdotal. Si volviera a nacer y me preguntaran qué quiero ser, nuevamente, sin duda pediría ser sacerdote, pues las riquezas de gracia que Dios concede, sobre todo en la profunda intimidad con Él, son verdaderamente increíbles.

Me encomiendo en sus oraciones.

FATHER JULIO C. DOMINGUEZ is the diocese’s Episcopal Vicar for Hispanic Ministry.

PADRE JULIO C. DOMÍNGUEZ es Vicario Episcopal del Ministerio Hispano de la Diócesis de Charlotte.

Celebramos con toda la comunidad hispana de nuestra diócesis de Charlotte los 20 años de Sacerdocio del Padre Julio Domínguez. A lo largo de estos años ha llevado muchas almas y familias a Dios.

Es un sacerdote que con su testimonio y ejemplo ayuda a las comunidades para que crezcan en la Fe en la Santa Eucaristía y la Adoración al Santísimo Sacramento del Altar.

¡Felicidades Padre Julio Domínguez!

A celebration for the generations

IHM, Pennybyrn community come together for High Point priest’s 50th anniversary

SPENCER K.M. BROWN skmbrown@charlottediocese.org

HIGH POINT — When Immaculate Heart of Mary School’s leaders proposed an anniversary bash to commemorate their chaplain Father Tom Norris’s 50th year as a priest, he hesitated. He didn’t like the idea of being in the spotlight.

Instead, Father Norris suggested a celebration for the entire IHM Parish community where he serves, inviting residents from the nearby Pennybyrn retirement community to bring together young and old.

So plans were made. Invitations went out. And when the day came, May 4, the celebration at IHM School was exactly what Father Norris hoped for – a blending of generations and sharing of community spirit.

“He told us he simply wanted to throw a ‘senior luncheon’ for residents of Pennybyrn,” said Maryann Leonard, IHM’s principal. “But as people began asking what the luncheon was for, Father Tom finally had to tell them.”

More than 200 people turned out for the occasion –including IHM students and residents of Pennybyrn, where Father Norris also loves to serve.

“I’ve always wanted to bring a sense of community to everyone here,” Father Norris explained. “Loneliness can be so hard on the heart and soul. Just to have everyone here – not to celebrate me or a silly anniversary – but to be together, for the kids to see this older generation and connect, that’s just wonderful.”

Since the pandemic, it has been difficult for many in the community to come together and join in fellowship. Father Norris has worked hard to do just that.

The celebration spanned generations, from 4-year-olds

Oblates of St. Francis de Sales Father Tom Norris celebrated his 50th anniversary of ordination to the priesthood by throwing a party for the people – young and old – he ministers to, including students at Immaculate Heart of Mary School and Pennybyrn retirement community in High Point.

in the pre-kindergarten class to a Pennybyrn resident who just turned 102 and still attends daily Mass. The occasion also celebrated Immaculate Heart’s graduating eighthgrade class, who volunteered to serve the luncheon.

“Father Tom’s impact on the school and parish have been so incredible,” Leonard said. “He truly embodies the virtue of humility and is a true teacher at heart. He knows how to teach in his sermons, and he really reaches the kids.”

After the meal, the school’s music director had a surprise performance for everyone. Students in prekindergarten, kindergarten, first and second grades took the stage, filling the banquet hall with Bible songs. Then IHM student Rohan D’Souza performed a violin solo, followed by fellow eighth-grader Jiseung Ha playing the piano to accompany a group of eighth-grade singers.

Father Norris was nearly in tears as the students gifted him with “prayer bouquets,” potted flowers with prayer intentions for him from each class at the school. Despite his best efforts to put the spotlight on others, the community spirit took on a life of its own and became a celebration of Father Norris, too.

Looking around the room full of friends and students, Father Norris couldn’t help but reminisce on his time as a priest.

“It’s hard to believe, 50 years,” he said. “It began all those years ago in Philadelphia. In June of 1973, there were six of us to be ordained. But the auxiliary bishop who was scheduled to ordain us was sick. We all were wondering, even that morning, if he would show up. What would happen if he didn’t? He did, of course, fighting sickness.” Ordination day “was one of the happiest days of my life.”

He was ordained a priest with the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales, a religious order known for its teaching in parish schools. His ministry eventually led to his assignment at Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish and School in 1989.

He grew up going to Catholic schools and had relatives who were in religious life. The priesthood was something he was always interested in.

“I always thought it was something wonderful to aspire to: a life of service. And when the Oblates came to our high school, it sort of clicked for me. These were men who served God and taught school, the two things I was most interested in, and that’s when I knew I would be a priest.”

He entered seminary when he was 17, much to the doubt of family and friends. “My aunts all took bets, saying I wouldn’t make it to Christmas as a seminarian that first year,” Father Norris remembered, smiling. “Back then I just took it one day at a time, and that’s what I’ve always done. One day, one year at a time, and this is where God has led me.

“I’ve always tried to tell these students over the years that the temptations of many careers will arrive, but they don’t always reward you how you hoped. Religious vocations take a lot of sacrifice, but you must take it one day at a time and it will be worth it. Because in a life of service to others, the rewards are immeasurable.”

FILE | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

We Congratulate Our Alumni

Rev. Christopher A. Brock

Rev. Peter M. Rusciolelli and

Rev. Chinonso A. Nnebe-Agumadu

On the Occasion of their Ordination to the Sacred Priesthood of Jesus Christ

Tu es sacerdos in aeternum

‘The one constant’

Reflections on 30 years of priesthood

It has always seemed like a cliché to me when older folks would tell me, “Time flies much faster when you’re older.” And yet, how right they are! This realization was brought home recently when I received a very gracious invitation from the Catholic News Herald to write a reflection on the priesthood as I celebrate my 30th anniversary of ordination this month. Thirty years! It certainly doesn’t seem possible, and yet, it’s here! In fact – and with a sense of humor and love that only God could have – this anniversary really did sneak up on me. (My thanks to the eagle eyes of my parish staff for making sure it didn’t go by unobserved.)

heart is full of joy’

Reflections on 20th anniversary as a priest

Iam often asked, especially by my college students, why I became a priest. I’d usually say: to serve and to save! And they’d say, “What?”

I guess you could say it’s easy to lose sight of dates on the calendar, as important as those milestones are, when your eyes and heart are focused on the Lord – my relationship with Him, as well as the day-to-day effort to live the faith as a parish family, with the myriad of experiences and encounters each day brings).

Thirty years ago, I was privileged to have been ordained and to offer my first Mass of Thanksgiving in New Jersey. In the intervening years, there have been changes in parish assignments, and even a change in state (goodbye, New Jersey!). Those years have seen tremendous joys, blessings, laughter and even some adventures along the way, along with a share of challenges, sorrows and loss. I have witnessed many changes in the world around us as we face new situations and challenges – both inside and outside the Church. Through it all, there has remained one constant: the Lord. I am tremendously thankful to Him and to all those who have sacrificed and prayed for me since that Ordination Day 30 years ago. Oremus pro invicem.

So I’d explain further: To serve God and to help save souls for the Kingdom! As easy as that sounds, it is quite deep and tough. When I look back and remember how my priestly journey began in Lagos, Nigeria having worked briefly at a parish before becoming the Secretary to the Cardinal and the Archdiocesan Master of Ceremonies, I never imagined in my wildest dreams that someday I’d be ministering to parishioners and college students on the other side of the Atlantic, approximately 5,500 miles away from home. I guess it is part of the calling to serve and to save!

After my ordination and first Mass, the only thing that I could think about was how blessed I am. Yes indeed, God has been so good to me, and I am continually amazed at how the Lord has continued to bless me in ways that I never thought possible. Over the past few days, I have had the opportunity to look back and reflect on what this past twenty years have been like. I keep coming back to the sentence: “My heart is full of joy.”

Celebrating the sacraments with the people and for the people has been a cause of great joy

for me. While working temporarily at a parish in the Archdiocese of New York while I did my graduate studies at Fordham University, and now journeying with college students in my current assignment, has been an immense blessing for me as I am continually energized when I see my young friends who are trying to work through a very difficult stage in life. There is a great zeal and heart in these students as they wrestle with life’s big questions and challenges and figure out how they can reflect Christ to the whole world. I am so Impressed and amazed with all they do on these campuses and for themselves. Again, my heart is full of joy. Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen wrote, “A priest is not his own.” This phrase does not merely give reference to the ministerial life of a priest but to the joys and sorrows of his whole life. A priest is a public person and thus needs to be aware that a certain vulnerability is necessary for the life of the people to shape him and to help him grow as the man of God our Lord called him to be. I thank my students for helping to shape me into a better priest so I can continue to serve and to save!

Finally, thank you all for your prayers, your support, your sacrifice, and your love as you continue to inspire me to be the best priest that God has called me to be. Know that you reflect the love of Christ and for that, my heart is full of joy.

FATHER ERIC KOWALSKI is pastor of St. Francis of Assisi Church in Mocksville.

‘My

FATHER MARCEL AMADI is director of campus ministry at Wake Forest University.

Diocese of C harlotte

Amadi

‘Through it all, there has remained one constant: the Lord.’

Kowalski

‘As a deacon, I have received many blessings’

During my first five years as a deacon, I have received many blessings, and I wish to share a few now.

Proclaiming the Gospel at Mass has been a highlight of my vocation. What a beautiful privilege it is at each Mass to proclaim the words of Jesus. Serving at the altar has brought me closer to our Lord. At each Mass I am transported to the Last Supper as I kneel from the epiclesis through the consecration. Leading Benediction regularly has drawn me closer to our Lord as I can now adore Him in a more intimate way than I had before.

Being a deacon has also allowed me to participate in the sacraments of marriage and baptism regularly. Working with engaged couples preparing for marriage or married couples preparing to have their child baptized has allowed me to share my vocations as a husband, father and deacon with those involved. When I perform baptisms or witness marriages, I feel a special joy to be able to participate in the delivery of these beautiful sacraments.

As a deacon, I have also enjoyed my role in speaking at Bible studies and providing spiritual direction to the Cursillo group in our parish and diocese.

I have also been blessed with the privilege of serving Jesus in the disguise of the poor, the sick, and the prisoner. I have enjoyed volunteering monthly at the homeless shelter and leading devotionals. I have been blessed to deliver Meals on Wheels every Thursday for more than a decade. And last year, I became a participant and leader in our Jail and Prison ministries, visiting and ministering to men on a regular basis. Each of these ministries have helped me to see our Lord in the many diverse faces of those around me.

Finally, as a deacon, I have grown to love praying the liturgy of the hours (morning and evening prayers) daily with my wife Carey. Through the love and support of Bishop Peter Jugis, former pastor Father Brian Cook and current pastor Christopher Gober, my family, my wife Carey, and Our Lord, I have been able to live my vocation as a deacon, and I am truly thankful to all of them for this.

Prayerful best wishes on the occasion of your ordination to the Holy Priesthood

Being a deacon ‘has led me into a deeper relationship with Christ’

Ifirst heard the call to the diaconate in 2004 when I was serving as a catechist in our parish RCIA program. At the time I was too young to pursue ordination. When I was able to apply in 2008, I was not accepted for formation due to life circumstances. I had just started a new job in campus ministry, and all our children were still very young. Our family life was chaotic enough without adding the demands of formation.

When I re-applied for the next formation class our family was in a much more stable position. And when I was ordained in 2018 I had 10 years of professional lay ministry under my belt. That was very good for my discernment process, because I knew that I didn’t need to be ordained in order to serve the Church.

Ever since I discovered the beauty and truth of the Catholic faith in college, I have felt a desire to give back to the Church. But the call to ordained ministry is deeper than that. It is a call for “kenosis” (emptying of self), to enter into the servant mystery of Jesus Christ and allow Him to work through you to draw others toward Himself. Diaconal ministry is very humbling and involves both offering your best in the service of Christ and also getting out of the way to let Jesus do the heavy lifting.

Five years after ordination, I’m still doing the same job in campus ministry, but there is a different spirit animating the work that I do, and I feel a strength and assurance that I did not have before. Being a deacon has led me into a deeper relationship with Christ and I couldn’t imagine being anything else at this point.

“If some of you hear the call to follow Christ more closely, to dedicate your entire heart to Him, lik e the Apostles John and Paul...

be generous, do not be afraid,

...because you have nothing to fear when the prize that you await is God Himself, for Whom, sometimes without ever knowing it, all young people are searching.”

-Saint John Paul II

Father Christopher Gober Director of Vocations

(704)370-3353

1123 South Church Street Charlotte, NC 28203-4003

vocationsmail@rcdoc.org

DEACON RALPH D’AGOSTINO JR. serves at St. Leo the Great Parish in Winston-Salem.

DEACON MATTHEW NEWSOME is the Catholic campus minister at Western Carolina University and the regional faith formation coordinator for the Smoky Mountain Vicariate. He is the author of “The Devout Life: A Modern Guide to Practical Holiness with St. Francis de Sales,” available from Sophia Institute Press.

‘Diaconal ministry is very humbling and involves both offering your best in the service of Christ and also getting out of the way to let Jesus do the heavy lifting.’

FR. CHRISTOPHER BROCK

FR. CHINONSO NNEBE-AGUMADU

FR. PETER RUSCIOLELLI

D’Agostino

Newsome

Religious group takes next step in Church recognition

SUEANN HOWELL sahowell@charlottediocese.org

CHARLOTTE — The Daughters of the Virgin Mother, a Gastonia-based group of religious sisters committed to supporting the priesthood and vocations in the Diocese of Charlotte, is one step closer to formal recognition as a religious community of the Catholic Church.

Earlier this year, Bishop Peter Jugis presented a decree declaring the group a “Private Association of the Christian Faithful,” moving the Daughters along in the Church’s process of becoming a fully recognized religious community.

Bishop Jugis presented the decree to the group’s founder, Sister Mary Raphael of the Divine Physician, Jan. 12 at the closing Mass of the diocese’s 50th anniversary year in Charlotte.

Formed in 2015, the Daughters of the Virgin Mother tend to practical and spiritual needs of men preparing for the priesthood, as well as those already ordained. They serve in local parishes, assist pastors, prepare meals, and maintain the household for 21 seminarians and their formation leaders at St. Joseph College Seminary in Mount Holly.

The group also helps the diocese’s Vocations Office in organizing the “Duc In Altum” summer vocation discernment camp for young women at Belmont Abbey College. They encourage, advocate and pray for religious vocations throughout the diocese, and they teach and share the faith with young women each month at Belmont Abbey College and St. Ann Parish in Charlotte. In presenting the decree, Bishop Jugis

noted, “After some discernment that it might possibly be the work of the Holy Spirit, we have granted her (Sister Mary Raphael’s) request that they be elevated to the next level, a Private Association of the Faithful, that grants special recognition in canon law.”

Bishop Jugis commended Sister Mary Raphael for discerning the will of the Holy Spirit in everything related to the group’s work, and he noted that other women have been attracted to that same mission.

“It’s been an experiment – you feel that. We knew we were in the experimental stage,” Sister Mary Raphael said. “Receiving the decree from the bishop, it felt like our father was saying, ‘I give you my blessing’ and the Church looks upon this now. She recognizes his daughters.”

The Daughters of the Virgin Mother have eight women in various stages of formation: one postulant, two novices and four who have taken temporary vows. Only Sister Mary Raphael has made final vows, giving her life in service to the Church as a Daughter of the Virgin Mother.

“The distinctive mission of the Daughters of the Virgin Mother…is to actively serve Christ the High Priest through His ordained priests, and those aspiring to it, by assisting in their spiritual and practical needs with an evangelical availability animated by a life of contemplative prayer in the image of Our Lady,” Sister Mary Raphael said.

Father Matthew Kauth, rector of St. Joseph College Seminary, serves as the Daughters’ spiritual advisor. He applauds the “joyful, balanced atmosphere that is created by the presence of the sisters”

amid the flourishing seminarian program.

With its membership increasing, the Daughters of the Virgin Mother has outgrown its Loreto Convent in Gastonia, prompting the purchase of a second property in Belmont, called the Bethany Convent. Renovations are under way so that all of the members can live in community under one roof.

The Daughters’ growth, the bishop’s decree and the future convent have inspired the sisters to pray even more fervently for the diocese and for an increase in priestly and religious vocations, Sister Mary Raphael said.

Bishop Peter Jugis presented a decree Jan. 12 declaring the Daughters of the Virgin Mother a “Private Association of the Christian Faithful,” in the temporary chapel in the Family Life Center at St. Patrick Cathedral in Charlotte. Founder, Sister Mary Raphael (at right of Bishop Jugis), and the sisters are pictured with him and their spiritual advisor, Father Matthew Kauth, rector of St. Joseph College Seminary in Mount Holly, after Mass.

TROY HULL | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

As for the next step – petitioning Rome to become a religious community – that is up to the Holy Spirit, she said, and not on any specific timeline. “I will be docile to the Holy Spirit. I will be patient, always working in collaboration with our bishop, listening to his advice.”

Learn more

At www.daughtersofthevirginmother.com : Find out more about the Daughters of the Virgin Mother and their work

Holy Spirit is alive and well in the Diocese of Charlotte’

Bishop gives thanks for consecrated men and women

SUEANN HOWELL sahowell@charlottediocese.org

CHARLOTTE — Consecrated religious who serve in the Diocese of Charlotte as religious order priests, brothers and sisters were honored during a special celebration earlier this year.

Bishop Peter Jugis celebrated the annual Mass for the World Day of Prayer for Consecrated Life Feb. 4 at St. Vincent de Paul Church – held in conjunction with the Church’s worldwide celebration – to recognize the men and women who serve the Church in the Diocese of Charlotte as consecrated religious.

More than 50 religious sisters ranging in age from the mid-20s to late 80s were present, representing nine religious orders that serve in the diocese. Among them were two 2023 jubilarians: Trappist Sister Genevieve Durcan (Order of Cistercians of the Strict Observance) and Franciscan Sister Jane Russell (Sisters of the Third Order of St. Francis), who are both celebrating 60 years of professed religious life this year. They currently live with the Sisters of Mercy in Belmont.

Bishop Jugis gave thanks for the gift of their religious vocation and their service to the Church in the diocese.

“It demonstrates to me, and to everyone whom you encounter, that the Holy Spirit is alive and well in the Diocese of Charlotte,” he told them. “The Holy Spirit is inspiring

men and women to a total gift of self to God, following in the footsteps of Jesus Christ.”

The whole body of the Church gives witness to Christ, the bishop said, yet “nothing can substitute for the special witness that you religious give both to those inside the Church and those outside the Church – a witness to the holiness of the kingdom of Christ, a witness to the holiness of the Church.”

Referring to the day’s Gospel passage from Matthew 16:24-27, the bishop reflected on Christ’s words to His followers: “Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me.”

“This is a saying of Jesus that is meant for all Christians regardless of their vocations,” he explained. “Deny oneself, put Christ first, and then follow Him. It’s true for Christian marriage, it’s true for the Christian single life.”

Yet, he added, those who consecrate their lives through religious vows and promises provide a special and powerful witness.

“It’s the way you gain the whole world and finding one’s life in the process,” he said. “The Lord has given you that very special grace of a vocation of leaving everything and following Christ, witnessing to a kingdom that ‘is in the world but not of the world.’”

Established by then-Pope John Paul II in 1997, the World Day for Consecrated Life is held in conjunction with the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, also known as Candlemas, commemorating the coming of Christ, the Light of the World, through the symbolic lighting of candles. The worldwide Church commemorated the day on Feb. 2.

In a statement, Bishop Earl Boyea of

Fr. Ken was assigned to our church in 1992, and we have been blessed to have him as our pastor for 31 years. He has watched the St. Charles Borromeo Church community grow from 200 families to over 700 families.With his extensive musical background, Fr. Ken revitalized the English Choir’s repertoire, expanded the use of Hispanic choirs, and encouraged Hmong music at the Sunday noon Mass.

Father Ken has enriched our church through his teaching, the joyful celebration of the Mass, and his dedication to our multicultural communities: English, Hmong, and Spanish.

Thank you, Father Ken, for your service, your kindness, and the love shown to all of us here at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church.

Lansing, chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Clergy, Consecrated Life and Vocations, said the World Day of Prayer for Consecrated Life provides a special opportunity for Catholics to give thanks to God for people who choose a consecrated vocation.

“We give thanks to God today for continuing to call men and women to serve Him as consecrated persons in the Church. May each of us be inspired by their example to love God above all things and serve Him in all that we do,” he said.

‘The

The parishioners at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church in Morganton would like to congratulate Reverend Kenneth L. Whittington on the 35th anniversary of his ordination as a priest in the Diocese of Charlotte.

SUEANN HOWELL | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD

Pictured Feb. 4 with Bishop Peter Jugis, Trappist Sister Genevieve Durcan (left) and Franciscan Sister Jane Russell (right) are both celebrating 60 years of professed religious life this year.

The Parish of St. John the Baptist offers prayerful congratulations to our pastor Father Jason Christian

On the occasion of his 10th Anniversary of Ordination

Thank you for your dedication and service.

St. John the Baptist Catholic Church –Tryon, NC

FR. BRANDON JONES DEACON PETER TONON

Please pray for the repose of the souls of these priests, deacons and religious who have died in 2023:

Benedictine Father Francis Phillip Forster: a monk and priest of Belmont Abbey, died peacefully in the Lord on May 11, 2023. He was 90. Father Francis served for 51 years in the faculty and administration of Belmont Abbey College, from 1958 to 2009.

Father James P. Cahill: served in the Diocese of Charlotte for several years, first at St. Patrick Cathedral in Charlotte from 1986 to 1991, and then as pastor of St. Mary Mother of God Parish in Sylva from 1991 until his retirement in 2002. He passed away April 19, 2023, at his home, aged 93.

Father Joseph C. Ayathupadam: a retired priest of the Diocese of Charlotte, passed away April 8, 2023, in India, aged 89. In 1990, he was incardinated in the Charlotte diocese, where he continued to serve in various parishes before retiring in 2006.

Father Thomas Paul Clements: one of the longest-serving priests in North Carolina who was known for his kindness, passed away peacefully Feb. 24, 2023, at Pennybyrn retirement community in High Point. He was 94.

Father Andrew J. Latsko: passed away peacefully Dec. 29, 2022, at Hickory House Nursing Home. He was 89. He served for more than 20 years, first as an associate pastor at St. Patrick Cathedral in Charlotte and then pastor of St. Margaret Mary Parish in Swannanoa. In 2003, he retired from the Charlotte diocese and returned to Pennsylvania, where he served as a pastor from 2008 until 2019.

Father Wilbur Thomas: a trailblazing priest who served God and His people for 50 years as the Diocese of Charlotte’s first African American priest, passed away peacefully Dec. 6, 2022, in Asheville, surrounded by family and friends. He was 75. Father Thomas was ordained to the priesthood on March 26, 1973, by Bishop Vincent Waters

for the Diocese of Raleigh and shortly after his ordination, he transferred to the newly formed Diocese of Charlotte as its first black Catholic priest. His tireless work as a priest encompassed parish ministry, youth and college ministry, the Catholic Charismatic Movement, Black Catholic ministry, and ecumenical outreach – laying the foundations for many of the ministries and programs in which tens of thousands of Catholics throughout western North Carolina now participate.

Father Christopher Michael Riehl: passed away Nov. 10, 2022, from medical complications related to diabetes. He had just celebrated his 45th birthday on Nov. 7, 2022, and he was a week shy of his 13th anniversary of priestly ordination. He spent several years in ministry in the Diocese of Charlotte, including as administrator and later pastor of St. John the Evangelist Parish in Waynesville and Immaculate Conception Mission in Canton.

Father James F. Scherer: passed away Sept. 15, 2022, at AuthoraCare Collective/Beacon Place in Greensboro. He was 85. During his ministry, he served in the Greensboro area as a marriage and family therapist and certified social worker, and since the 1970s he regularly assisted with offering Masses at St. Pius X Church and other Greensboro area parishes.

Father Kurt Mathias Fohn: passed away June 6, 2022, in Winston-Salem after a short illness. He was 87. In 1978 he was accepted into the Diocese of Charlotte’s newlyestablished Permanent Diaconate Program. In 1996, following his wife’s death, he surprised his family with his application and acceptance into the Pope St. John XXIII National Seminary in Weston, Mass. His children were supportive of their 62-year-old father answering the call to the priesthood. On June 2, 2001, he was ordained as a priest by Bishop William G. Curlin. His first assignment was at St. Leo the Great Parish in Winston-Salem.

Deacon Luis A. Velasquez Flores: passed away Feb. 1, 2023, after a long illness at age 62. He was ordained by Bishop William Murphy for the Diocese of Rockville Centre, N.Y., on May 17, 2003, and served in 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 Joseph C. Denzler: who formerly served at St. John Neumann Parish in Charlotte, passed away Dec. 7, 2022, in Texas. In the Brooklyn diocese, he served at Lady of Lourdes Parish in Queens Village, and in the Diocese of Charlotte, he served at St. John Neumann Parish for nine years (2013-2022) before his retirement and move to Texas.

Deacon Timothy F. Rohan: passed away peacefully at his home Nov. 22, 2022, surrounded by his family. He was 87. He was ordained a permanent deacon for the Diocese of Charlotte on June 18, 1988 and served here for more than 30 years.

Deacon Ronald Timothy Ritchey: passed away peacefully Sunday, Sept. 11, 2022. He was 75. He was ordained in 1989 for the Archdiocese of Denver, where he served until moving to the Diocese of Charlotte in 2004. He had the great honor of assisting at the World Youth Day Mass in Colorado with former Pope St. John Paul II.

Deacon Bernard Wenning Jr.: passed away May 16, 2023. He was 87. On June 18, 1988, he was ordained a permanent deacon for the Diocese of Charlotte at St. Gabriel Church, and it was at that parish that he began his ministry as a deacon. He served in that calling for 22 years.

Mother Mary Louis: foundress of the Maryvale Sisters, located in Vale, entered the arms of her heavenly Father on Thursday, June 8, 2023, at age 93.

Vocations resources

If you or someone you know is contemplating a vocation to the priesthood, diaconate or religious life, check out the following general resources online.

Talk with your pastor, reach out to the diocese’s vocations promoter, read up on consecrated life and the various religious communities that exist, and contact communities that interest you. Many offer “come and see” days or retreats that are good opportunities to learn more and meet others who have already accepted God’s call to religious life.

For young men and women, there are also summer discernment retreats offered by the Diocese of Charlotte and hosted at Belmont Abbey College: Quo Vadis Days for young men, and Duc In Altum for young women. Information about the 2024 retreats will be posted next spring online at www.charlottediocese.org/vocations

Overall, remember: Don’t be afraid to reach out and ask questions!

Diocesan Vocations Office

n Father Christopher Gober, Vocations Director: vocationsmail@rcdoc.org

n Father Brian Becker, Vocations Promoter: bjbecker@rcdoc.org

General information

n www.foryourvocation.org: Set up by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, dedicated to the promotion of vocations to the priesthood and consecrated life for both men and women. They are also on Facebook and YouTube. There are resources for parents and teachers, questions to ask yourself if you feel God is calling you, videos of vocation stories from priests and religious all over the U.S., and more.

n www.religiouslife.com: The Institute for Religious Life’s website, with plenty of resources for both men and women interested in a vocation or those who wish to support religious life.

n Not sure what religious communities are out there that might be a good fit for you? Check out www.religiousministries.com. Search this database to find a men’s or women’s religious community, whether you wish to become a priest, nun, brother or lay missioner, or just want to find out more about living a religious life.

n www.cloisteredlife.com: Aims to bring to attention the gift of cloistered and monastic life in the Church, sponsored by the Institute for Religious Life.

Religious communities for men

n www.cmsm.org: The Conference of Major Superiors of Men serves the leadership of the Catholic orders and congregations of the more than 17,000 vowed religious priests and brothers in the U.S. n www.religiousbrotherhood.com: Sponsored by the Institute for Religious Life specifically to increase awareness of the specific charism of religious brotherhood in the U.S.

Religious communities for women

n www.cmswr.org: The Council of Major Superiors of Women Religious (CMSWR) is a canonically approved organization, founded in 1992, to promote religious life in the U.S.

n www.lcwr.org: The Leadership Conference of Women Religious (LCWR) is an association of the leaders of congregations of Catholic women religious in the U.S.

Interested in becoming a permanent deacon?

If you would like to know more about deacons and their ministry or feel you may have a calling, please contact Deacon Bill Schreiber, director of formation, at cwschreiber@rcdoc.org or Deacon David Faunce, assistant director of formation, at dmfaunce@rcdoc.org. Details are online at www.charlottediocese.org/permanent-diaconate.

— Catholic News Herald

Support seminarians’ education, priests’ retirement

Our seminarians’ education is possible thanks to the generosity of parishioners who give to the annual Diocesan Support Appeal, through Seminarian Education second collections in November and on Easter Sunday, distributions from seminarian endowments in the diocesan foundation, and those who contribute gifts to the Seminarian Education Campaign. The Foundation of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Charlotte has 24 endowments designated for seminarian education, totaling over $20.7 million:

n The Msgr. Thomas Burke Seminarian Endowment Fund

n The Conklin Endowment Fund

n The A. Loraine Cox and C. Richard Cox

Seminarians Education Endowment Fund

n Doris & Walter Dietrich Endowment Fund

n The Mr. A. Steven and Dr. Donna S. Ellington Endowment Fund (benefiting St. Joseph College seminarians)

n The Fabrey Endowment Fund

n FFHL Vocation and Seminarian Endowment Fund

n Dick Kelly Fund

n Seminarian Michael G. Kitson Memorial Endowment Fund

n The Lee Endowment Fund

n Don and Teresa Meanor Endowment Fund

n William and Rosalie Rabil Family Endowment Fund

n The Reverend Timothy S. Reid Endowment Fund

n Eugene & Carmen Rossitch Seminarian Fund

n The Matthew Scheible Endowment Fund

n Dr. Marvin L. Schrum and Paula B. Schrum Education Endowment Fund

n The Seminarians Education Endowment Fund

n The Abdou J. and Edna S. Showfety Seminarian Endowment Fund

n Stephen D. Showfety Endowment Fund

n The St. Lawrence Council (#1695) RSVP Endowment Fund

n St. Lucien Seminarian Scholarship Fund

n The Valentine Family Seminarian Education Endowment Fund

n Vocations Endowment Fund

n James and Elizabeth Hedgecock Seminarian Endowment Fund

Each year, people also have the opportunity to celebrate the faithful service of our retired diocesan priests, as well as show gratitude to the priests currently serving in the diocese, by contributing to the diocese’s Priests’ Retirement and Benefits second collection.

For information about establishing an endowment for seminarian education or priests’ retirement, contact Jim Kelley, diocesan director of development, at 704-370-3301 or jkkelley@rcdoc.org.

— Catholic News Herald

Knights