Father John Hanic, pastor of St. John Baptist de La Salle Parish in North Wilkesboro and St. Stephen Mission in Elkin, blesses the new Catholic Charities office. (Photos provided) CHARLOTTE — Nearly 30 people from across the diocese celebrated the grand opening of Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte’s new office in North Wilkesboro July 11.
The day began with a blessing and open house held in the afternoon. Father John Hanic, pastor of St. John Baptist de La Salle Parish in North Wilkesboro and St. Stephen Mission in Elkin, and vicar of the Boone Vicariate, blessed the new venture.
The newest Catholic Charities office in the diocese, its seventh, is located at 201 Tenth St. in North Wilkesboro.
Accompanying Father Hanic at this event were St. Stephen’s pastoral associate Sister Janis McQuade, S.S.J., parishioners from both churches, Catholic Charities staff and volunteers, and members of the local community, including the mayor of North Wilkesboro. The blessing ceremony was followed by a dessert celebration and an open house providing tours of the new office.
The newest Catholic Charities office will mainly focus its ministerial efforts on providing a Wee Care Ministry and will assist families in need of infant and toddler items such as diapers, baby wipes, blankets, clothes and other items. The office is available to help residents of the surrounding Alleghany, Ashe, Watauga and Wilkes counties. Catholic Charities’ help is provided at no charge to households facing economic hurdles and is provided in English and Spanish, regardless of age, race, ethnicity, religious affiliation, or socioeconomic background.
Assistance is provided by appointment. Appointments can be scheduled by calling Catholic Charities staff member Silvia Echeverria at 828-434-5710 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday-Friday.
— Catholic News Herald
