PENNYBYRN

FROM PAGE 4

Grappling with the immensity of the task at hand, Father Steve said this assignment is quite different than becoming pastor of a parish, and he prays he’s up to the task.

“Something like Pennybyrn doesn’t just happen – to have such a beautiful community as what we have here. I’m very interested in discovering the charism that’s making this possible,” he says. “I feel like I have big shoes to fill as I try to continue that Christian life to the full.”

Bishop Jugis pledged to the sisters last summer he would honor their legacy and keep alive their ministry as the diocese gradually assumes its role in guiding Pennybyrn. He appointed Father Steve to take the lead, in part because he has been faithfully serving as a member of the board and has a heart for Pennybyrn’s mission.

“Father Stephen Hoyt seems an excellent fit to provide for the comfort, spiritual and sacramental needs of the wonderful seniors at Pennybyrn,” Bishop Jugis says. “We are committed as a diocese to carry on the special environment of caring established by the Sisters, and Father Hoyt has the full faith of the diocese behind him.”

Pennybyrn features a 24-hour Eucharistic Adoration Chapel, 173 independent living to follow their example by celebrating our faith and extending the spirit of generosity into the future, Kelley said.

“The Christian life is rooted in the virtues of charity and generosity, reflecting the infinite love extended to us by Jesus. As Catholics, we are called to lead lives filled with compassion and generosity, reflecting our faith through action.”

For those seeking to leave a lasting legacy that reflects their Catholic faith, values and love for others, the diocese offers a unique opportunity to join the Catholic Heritage Society, a special group of people who remember the Church in western North Carolina in their estate plans. The Catholic Heritage Society now numbers more than 1,600 members.

— Virginia Garramone

Plan ahead

Interested in making a planned gift or setting up an endowment to benefit Catholic Charities, your parish or Catholic school?

You can make a gift through the Diocese of Charlotte Foundation by leaving a bequest in a will, a beneficiary designation from a retirement plan, a trust or annuity, or a gift of real estate, life insurance, cash or securities. For details, contact Gina Rhodes at 704370-3364 or gmrhodes@rcdoc.org.

apartments, 49 independent living cottages, 24 assisted living apartments, 24 assisted living memory support beds, 125 skilled nursing care beds and a new transitional rehabilitation center.

Besides its 450 residents, Pennybyrn also includes more than 450 full- and part-time employees who staff the facility around the clock – all of whom Father Steve has been gradually meeting over his first weeks at Pennybyrn.

As he offers the sacraments and meets everyone, he learns by osmosis Pennybyrn’s charism and mission: “Demonstrating God’s love for the lives we touch.”

“There’s a lot to it, but it’s very doable,” says Sister Lucy. “Father Steve has a natural warmth and eagerness to learn. His personality fits what we’re trying to do here.”

Father Steve, who most recently served as pastor of St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Lenoir, says he couldn’t imagine having more support and encouragement from everyone at Pennybyrn and is grateful for that during this change in his ministry.

Sister Lucy adds that Father Steve’s presence has been reassuring to residents and staff. “The more he talks to people and interacts with them, I think that fear will fade away, and the transition will be seamless in the end,” she says.

Peace also comes from the lengthy orientation period, Father Steve’s obvious spiritual gifts, and knowing God will take

High schoolers experience college life at Belmont Abbey

BELMONT — Approximately 70 high school students spent a week at Belmont Abbey College July 16-22 studying classic literature and philosophy, getting to know the faculty and Benedictine monks, and having summer fun – all part of the Honor College’s summer Schola program. Rooted in Catholic tradition, Schola offers an introduction to the Socratic method, enabling high school sophomores and juniors to get a taste of college life while contemplating the good, the true and the beautiful at one of the nation’s top-ranked colleges. This year’s theme was “Honor, Humility and the Christian Life.” In addition to attending classes with Honors College faculty and daily Mass and prayer with the monks, students enjoyed rafting and climbing at the U.S. National Whitewater Center, attending a Gastonia Honey Hunters baseball game, hiking in the South Mountains, and putting on a talent show.

—

Catholic News Herald care of the rest.

“It’s where the Lord is calling me to grow at this time in my life to serve Him and the Church in this particular way in a specialized ministry,” Father Steve says. “I’m looking forward to learning more about it and using my gifts to minister effectively.”

Johnson

Charlotte delegation attends National Black Catholic Congress; seminarian named president of national seminarians group

NATIONAL HARBOR, Md. — A delegation of Black Catholics from the Diocese of Charlotte was among an estimated 3,000 attendees from 80 U.S. dioceses at the 13th National Black Catholic Congress held July 20-23. The four-day event included Masses, keynote addresses, breakout sessions for adults and youth, and a visit to the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture. In addition, Charlotte diocese seminarian James Johnson IV (above left) was named president of the National Black

Director of Family and Youth Discipleship

The parish of Mary, Queen of the Apostles, in Belmont, NC is looking for a Director of Family and Youth Discipleship.

The primary responsibility of the position is to empower parents to be the first and best teachers of the Catholic faith to their children, and to provide supplementary formation directly to youth so that they can come to know and love Jesus Christ in a deeper way in and through the Catholic Church. Specifically, this position will be responsible for the planning and implementation of: * "A Family of Faith" Catechesis program (K-8 students and parents) * Youth group (Edge and LifeTeen)* Vacation Bible School * First Sacraments Preparation and RCIC This position will also be responsible for the recruitment, training, and oversight of many volunteers to help run our programs. Availability on the weekends is essential. Working hours during the week can usually be flexible, subject to the needs of the parish according to the judgment of the pastor or Director of Parish Operations. The minimum education required is a bachelor's degree in Catholic theology or catechetics. The successful candidate must be a practicing Catholic in good standing with the Church. Safe environment training and compliance is essential. This position reports to the Director of Parish Operations, overseen by the pastor, and will work closely with the Director of Communications to facilitate engagement with the families of our parish.

Send applications or inquiries to: parishops@queenoftheapostles.org

DEADLINE - AUGUST 12

Catholic Seminarians Association, which was also represented at the national gathering. Johnson carried the processional cross during the congress’s opening Mass offered by Cardinal Wilton Gregory at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C. The first National Black Catholic Congress was convened in 1889 under the leadership of Black Catholic journalist Daniel Rudd.

Giving appreciated stock to your parish, Catholic school, agency, the diocese or the Foundation creates a gift that will benefit your desired beneficiary and provide you tax benefits.

For more information, go to www.charlottediocese.givingplan.net or call Gina Rhodes at 704/370-3364.

Catholic schools gear up for record enrollment 2-3