Parish celebrates history of seeing faith prosper
Holy Trinity Mission celebrated its 30th anniversary with a festival. Father Camilo Cárdenas, pastor, said, “Today they live with joy Bishop John Donahue’s words when he inaugurated the Church: ‘You have Christ present in the tabernacle, as it will be in the future in all the Masses and sacraments.’” (César Hurtado | Catholic News Herald)TAYLORSVILLE — “The Anglo and Hispanic communities have made a great effort working together in our parish, and this is why we celebrate today,” said Father Camilo Cárdenas, administrator of Holy Trinity Mission, during the end of celebrations marking the 30th anniversary of the church’s consecration.
During the Sept. 17 festivities, the parish formally inaugurated a new space: a picnic pavilion to provide space for the parish’s many activities, retreats and celebrations.
“This new construction offers a warm outside atmosphere for the human and spiritual good of the community,” Father Cárdenas said.
From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., parishioners and visitors enjoyed delicious tamales, pambazos, birria, tacos, corn, gorditas, as well as Mexican candies and popsicles.
The Chosen Ones of Christ musical group enlivened the day. Two young parishioners, accompanied by courts of honor, had the opportunity to celebrate being 15 years old with a surprise dance, as they did at their quinceañera party.
Sporting events pitted the local soccer team against teams from nearby parishes, in a spirit of friendly competition.
History
Holy Trinity’s church was consecrated on March 22, 1992, by Bishop John F. Donoghue, though the first Mass was celebrated on Easter Sunday 1984 in one of the small rooms of what is now the rectory.
Over the years, Holy Trinity has been a mission of the nearby parishes in Hickory, Lenoir and Statesville.
Father José Waters, a pioneer of Hispanic Ministry in the Diocese of Charlotte, was the first priest to live in the rectory and, with the help of the community, built the church.
Father Cárdenas noted, “Since then, the efforts to bring Christ to the faithful have not ceased. Today we live with joy the invitation that Bishop Donoghue left that day: ‘You have Christ present in the tabernacle, as it will be in the future in all the Masses and sacraments.’”
Father Cárdenas came to Holy Trinity Mission in July 2018 from St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Jefferson, where he served as resident priest and Hispanic Ministry coordinator for the Boone Vicariate.
A Colombian-born priest who also studied in Mexico and Argentina, Father Cárdenas half-joked with parishioners that “he did not even know where the church was” and found a community excited to welcome him “with life and goodwill.”
“Today the community is active – eager to take care of its church and to live the mission that Jesus left us. I thank God for this community of Holy Trinity Church,” he said.
Challanges
Since 2018, numerous improvements have been made to the church property. The basement was repaired, work was done to reinforce the foundation and to eliminate humidity, the parking lot and rectory were improved, and finally the picnic pavilion was constructed.
Like other parishes, the COVID-19 pandemic was a great challenge for the small faith community, forcing parish leaders to connect with the faithful online through the use of social networks. The Sept. 17 celebration was a reminder that in-person worship, fellowship and camaraderie is essential to people nurturing their faith.
Parishioner Paula Matheson said she wants to celebrate “that we are here, full of memories, seeing our faith prosper. Together it’s easier.”
Fellow parishioner Fidel Bazaldua said he has witnessed the growth of the Hispanic community in Taylorsville. “Since Father Cárdenas arrived, we have seen our church flourish.”
He said he and his wife Ana, who both volunteer to serve the parish, were happy to “celebrate together with other brothers and sisters.”
“Those of us who are still here working with faith and hope, we do it so that this work continues to pour out blessings and touch hearts,” he said.
Holy Trinity, added parishioners Raquel and Alan Fox, “has been a blessing for us because it has given us a place to be closer to God and a community that makes us feel like family.”
— César Hurtado
Go for a visit
If you want to visit Holy Trinity Mission, it is located at 1039 N.C. Hwy. 90 West, Taylorsville, N.C. 28681. Sunday Masses are at 8:30 a.m. (English) and 10 a.m. (Spanish).
