Father Roger K. Arnsparger, now Monsignor, kneels during the Eucharistic Procession of the 2022 Eucharistic Congress. (File photo by Patrick Schneider Photography)
CHARLOTTE — Pope Francis has honored Father Roger K. Arnsparger, one of the Diocese of Charlotte’s longest-serving priests, with the honorary title “Monsignor” for exceptional service to the Church.
The title “Monsignor” is a title granted by the pope typically based on the local bishop’s recommendation. It is a rare honor from the Vatican, even more so under Pope Francis, and it has been given to only a handful of priests in the Charlotte diocese since its founding in 1972.
In a Tuesday message to priests, Bishop Peter Jugis noted Monsignor Arnsparger’s wide-ranging responsibilities over his 46 years of priestly ministry, 24 of which have been in the Charlotte diocese.
“I am writing to share with you some good news that the Holy See has honored one of our brother priests by naming him a Chaplain to His Holiness with the title ‘Monsignor,’” Bishop Jugis wrote. “Please join me in offering congratulations and best wishes to Father Roger Arnsparger, the recipient of this honor.”
Monsignor Arnsparger said Tuesday he was surprised by the news.
“I didn’t know anything about this until I got a call from the bishop yesterday – and I was speechless,” he said. “I am humbled and honored by this kindness of the Holy Father and the bishop, and I am profoundly grateful for the privilege of serving the Lord and the parishes in this diocese along with my brother priests, deacons, religious and all of the laity.”
Monsignor Arnsparger’s leadership of the diocese’s signature annual event, the Eucharistic Congress, was particularly noteworthy, Bishop Jugis wrote. As chairman of the congress planning committee, Monsignor Arnsparger has overseen the work of over 30 subcommittees “which work to make the congress a success each year for the faithful of the diocese,” the bishop wrote.
The congress will celebrate its 20th year in 2024 and is one of the largest events of its kind in the United States, drawing 10,000 to 15,000 Catholics to Charlotte each fall for two days of worship, fellowship and inspirational talks in multiple languages, and a spectacular Eucharistic procession through the streets of uptown.
The bishop also recognized Monsignor Arnsparger’s role as rector and pastor of the historic St. Lawrence Basilica in Asheville, where he “is heading up the Basilica Restoration and Preservation project to restore and save St. Lawrence Basilica, our Catholic treasure in the North Carolina mountains.”
Monsignor Arnsparger
Bishop Jugis
Pope FrancisA Kentucky native and Catholic convert, Monsignor Arnsparger was ordained a priest in 1977 for the Diocese of Covington, Kentucky.
He has served in many parishes during his 46 years of priestly ministry, as well as at high schools where he taught religion classes.
Since moving to the Charlotte diocese in 1999, Monsignor Arnsparger has served at St. Barnabas Parish in Arden, St. Michael the Archangel Parish in Gastonia, St. Mark Parish in Huntersville, and St. John the Baptist Parish in Tryon, before being assigned to St. Lawrence Basilica in 2018.
Since 2008, Monsignor Arnsparger has worked to strengthen Catholic education and faith formation as the diocese’s Vicar of Education for Catechetical Formation.
He has also served as a member of the Presbyteral Council since 2004 and the College of Consultors since 2005 – two groups of clergy that advise and assist the bishop in governance of the diocese.
“It’s hard to describe the depth of the impact Father Arnsparger – now Monsignor Arnsparger -- has had on this diocese and on the people of God,” said Chris Beal, director for Faith Formation in the diocese. “We are grateful for his vision, leadership and dedication throughout his many years of service, not only as vicar of education, but as head of the Eucharistic Congress – and simply as a parish priest for so many years at so many churches.”
Monsignor Arnsparger said he’s been blessed to serve at parish and diocesan levels alike.
“What a wonderful experience it has been especially to work in the parishes where I have served – we’ve given praise to God,” Monsignor Arnsparger said. “It has also been a privilege to work at the diocesan level on the Eucharistic Congress and to provide catechetical education to so many people in our growing diocese.”
— Catholic News Herald
More online
Read more about Msgr. Arnsparger from the CNH archives: Father Arnsparger, diocesan vicar of education, celebrates 40th jubilee