MURPHY — Father Patrick “Pat” Martin conducted the annual mission at St. William Church during weekend Masses in August and two weekday evening Masses.
He also led missions at Immaculate Heart of Mary Mission in Hayesville and St. Francis of Assisi Church just across the state line in Blairsville, Ga.
Known as the unstoppable priest, Father Martin has spoken to more than 1,200 parishes worldwide, and St. William parishioners experienced an intense renewal guided by the Holy Spirit and this priest “gifted with blindness.” The themes for these missions were: God’s love, God’s forgiving love, and God’s redeeming love.
One of 22 children, he was born in Maine, suffered meningitis and subsequent blindness, and was ordained to the priesthood through a special appeal to Blessed Pope Paul VI. Since 1977, he has dedicated his life not just to the priesthood but also to bringing his unique gifts to thousands. “God doesn’t give us our suffering, but look what he has done with it,” he said at the beginning of the mission.
“God speaks through him,” said Father Alex Ayala, pastor.
— Craig Allen, correspondent
CHARLOTTE — St. John Neumann Church recently present a check for $5,000 to the Men’s Shelter of Charlotte, thanks to the success of SonFest 2016, the parish’s sixth annual summer festival.
Each year, the Charlotte parish donates a portion of the proceeds from SonFest to a local organization engaged in the Corporal Works of Mercy.
The Men’s Shelter provides safe emergency shelter for men and it works to end homelessness. This year the shelter is expected to serve more than 1,500 men experiencing homelessness as well as help 450 move to more appropriate housing. Randall Hitt, director of philanthropy for the Men’s Shelter, accepted the check from Father Patrick Hoare, pastor; Patti Matys, co-chair; Terri Wilhelm, secretary; and Anthony Morlando, chairperson of SonFest.
— Patti Matys