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
See more pictures on the parish’s Facebook page
COLUMBUS, Ohio — Seminarians of the Diocese of Charlotte were among the 26 students of the Pontifical College Josephinum installed as lectors or acolytes during a Mass on Nov. 1, the Solemnity of All Saints.
Britt Taylor and Alfonso Gamez were installed as acolytes, and Jonathan Torres was installed as lector.
They are pictured with the Josephinum's Father John Allen, vice president for advancement, and Monsignor Christopher J. Schreck, rector/president; and Bishop Frederick F. Campbell of Columbus, who was the principal celebrant of the Mass at St. Joseph Cathedral in Columbus.
Seminarians installed as lectors typically are first-year theologians and are commissioned to proclaim the Word of God in the liturgical assembly and to catechize the faithful.
Acolytes, traditionally second-year theologians, are entrusted with the duties of attending to the altar, assisting the deacon and priest at Mass, and distributing Holy Communion as an extraordinary minister.
— Carolyn A. Dinovo, Director of Communications, Pontifical College Josephinum; photo by Ken Snow