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Catholic News Herald

Serving Christ and Connecting Catholics in Western North Carolina

120916 oystersCHARLOTTE — The St. Gabriel Church Men’s Club reported a “very successful” Oyster Roast and Music Jam, raising more than $3,000 to support local ministries.

The club sent $1,000 to support relief efforts following Hurricane Matthew’s devastation of Eastern North Carolina, as well as funds to other charities including Homemakers of Mercy and the Boy Scouts.

More than 400 St. Gabriel parishioners and guests plowed through more than 4,200 oysters in two hours at the Oct. 22 event, and the Jim Garrett Band rocked the house with bluegrass music.

Kudos to event chairman Pete Mussoni and all the members of the men’s club who made this a memorable, and in the words of Father Frank O’Rourke, pastor, a “Church building event!”

120916 coat driveCHARLOTTE — For the past month St. Matthew Church has been collecting coats, blankets and clothing for Crisis Assistance Ministry and the Salvation Army.

So far the parish has collected 1,246 coats, 401 blankets and 38 large bags of clothing to help families in need.

Ann McDonald, volunteer coordinator at the church, is proud of the parishioners for their ongoing generosity. “I am happy to say that many more people in Charlotte will be much warmer this winter!”

St. Matthew Church operates a year-round collection of food, household items and clothing which they distribute throughout the year to various agencies. The parish also holds special collections for international distribution to groups such as the Missionaries of the Poor.

— Photo provided by Ann McDonald