CHARLOTTE — Families in the Diocese of Charlotte are responding generously to the call to put love into action by contributing to the 2017 Diocesan Support Appeal. Approximately 15,500 families from across the diocese have made donations to the DSA so far this year – more than the 14,800 at this time last year, and 13,600 at this time in 2015.
“The DSA supports the ministries that bring people to the faith, fill people in the faith with hope, and encourage vocations,” said Kerry Ann Tornesello, associate director of development for the diocese. “This is why more and more Catholics across western North Carolina are contributing to this campaign.”
The DSA campaign funds more than 50 programs, including the core operations of 23 ministries and agencies that serve thousands of people across the diocese – most notably, Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte for its counseling, food pantries, pregnancy support, refugee resettlement, elder ministry, Respect Life and other programs, as well as the programs and ministries of the Education Vicariate. It also supports multicultural ministries, seminarian education, the permanent diaconate, the annual Eucharistic Congress, and the diocesan housing corporation.
Thanks to DSA funding, in the first five months of this year:
- 800 youth attended the Bishop’s Lenten Youth Pilgrimage at Belmont Abbey.
- More than 5,000 clients were assisted at Catholic Charities food pantries.
- Almost 700 people attended presentations coordinated by the Social Concerns and Education and Respect Life ministries.
DSA-funded programs in the next few months include: - Quo Vadis Days, a five-day vocations discernment camp that is expected to draw approximately 100 young men.
- Duc In Altum, a five-day vocations retreat for young women that is now in its second year. The first Duc In Altum retreat drew more than 50 people.
- The 13th annual Eucharistic Congress, which will bring more than 15,000 Catholics from across the diocese to the Charlotte Convention Center for two days of faith-enriching programs centered around the Eucharist.
Funds are still needed to reach the overall DSA 2017 goal of $5,670,000. Payments to date total nearly 69 percent of that, approximately $3.8 million.
“We are very encouraged by the increasing number of donors to the DSA,” Tornesello said. “Due to the generosity of our parishioners, the ministries funded by the DSA can do God’s work throughout the diocese; and because 100 percent of funds received over goal go back to the parishes, the parishes are able to perform additional acts of love in their community.”
It is not too late to contribute to the 2017 DSA and to help your parish reach its assessed goal.
Give online at the secure website www.charlottediocese.org/dsa.
— SueAnn Howell, Senior reporter
HIGH POINT — We often speak with affection of the “IHM Family,” a warm community of faith that is known for its welcoming manner and generous sharing of blessings. On Sunday, May 14, the family of Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish celebrated the dedication of the Holy Family Courtyard, an expansive space between the church and St. Edward’s Hall that is now graced by a beautiful statue of the Holy Family.
The gathering of parishioners and guests on a beautiful Mother’s Day confirmed what a wonderful space the courtyard has become for prayer, a gathering space for children and a peaceful place for parents to wait on their children who participate in the parish’s many programs.
The statue is a gift of Eleanor Ilderton in honor of her husband, T. Carey Ilderton (1920-2016), a lifetime member of parish. Throughout the decades, Cary and Eleanor Ilderton have been known for their commitment to and gracious support of the parish, and they have served as an inspiration for others. Their dedication to their family and the High Point community is well known and this courtyard serves as a fitting tribute to those values. Their daughter Beth and son Steve were fervent in their efforts to find a statue that not only honored the Holy Family, but complemented the spiritual life of the community and aesthetics of the courtyard. The women of the Bethany Society and men of the Knights of Columbus sponsored the pedestal.
Adding to the joy of the celebration was the donation and gift of several patio tables to the community in memory of Ben and Mary D’Apollo, Angela June Iott-Galacia, Wanda Ilderton, Per. R. Kalstrup and Danny Noll.
In addition, the parish was grateful for gifts from Marilyn and Joe Deering, the Dilloway family, the Tony and Yalonda Hernandez family, Patty and Regis Kline, the Michelli family, Tom and Elizabeth Walsh, and Chet and Floss Zukowski and family.
The installation and ongoing renovation at the parish has been a collaboration involving the time and talent of a number of parishioners, particularly the Cowan and Wilson families and Boy Scout Troop 26, who worked on the site preparation; Suzanne Quinn, who designed the garden; Rick Boedicker, contractor; Tom Fatyol, who designed the plaque; and Pat Leonard, Jose Ruvalcaba and members of the Knights of Columbus, who worked on table assembly.
— Oblates of St. Francis de Sales Father Vince Smith, pastor of Immaculate Heart of Mary Church