LENOIR — Father Stephen M. Hoyt was installed as pastor of St. Francis of Assisi Church by Bishop Peter Jugis during a bilingual Mass Oct. 30.
A Philadelphia area native, Father Hoyt was ordained to the priesthood in 1992. He has served in various ministries in New York, New Jersey and North Carolina, including parishes, hospitals, schools and retreat work, as well as mission work in Africa.
In the Diocese of Charlotte, he previously served at Holy Family Church in Clemmons and St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Charlotte. In a letter to parishioners, he wrote, “I look forward to sharing ministry with you as the Lord calls each of us.
I cannot express well enough in words how much your prayful and communal support means to me.
Truly I can promise you that you and your loved ones are in my prayers. Let us walk this journey together keeping in mind the Spirit of God that has brought us together and is in our midst; protecting us, guiding us, loving us and saving us with His Divine Mercy.”
— Jeanine Russell | Catholic News Herald
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