SYLVA — Youths at St. Mary, Mother of God Church received the sacrament of confirmation from Bishop Peter Jugis during an Aug. 2 Mass. The newly confirmed young people are pictured with the bishop, pastor Father Joshua Voitus, Father George Byers of Andrews, and members of the local Knights of Columbus.
— Della Sue Bryson | Catholic News Herald
JEFFERSON — Four youths from St. Frances of Rome Mission in Sparta joined five youths from St. Francis of Assisi Church in Jefferson in receiving the sacrament of confirmation during a bilingual Mass Sept. 3 offered by Bishop Peter Jugis. Noel Carranza, Maricio Lopez, Maria Reyes and Zuemy Reyes from Sparta and Jorge Ledezma, Morgan Liszka, Christian Luna, Cecilia Mendoza and Janie Solis from Jefferson are pictured with Bishop Jugis, their pastor Father James Stuhrenberg, Deacon Lee Levenson, and their catechism teachers.
—Patrick Hession | Catholic News Herald
HENDERSONVILLE — Fifty-seven young people at Immaculate Conception Church received the sacrament of confirmation during a Mass celebrated by 
Bishop Peter Jugis.
— Paul V. Wojcik | Catholic News Herald
BREVARD — Five people were recently confirmed at Sacred Heart Church in Brevard by Bishop Peter Jugis during Mass Sept. 28: Elise Poche, Gaby Buenrostro, Jolene Osteen, Hector Bautista-Don and Lauren Conforti.
— Dorice Narins | Catholic News Herald
Not sure how you’re going to vote in this year’s election? Read the U.S. bishop’s advice in "Faithful Citizenship,” which has been updated for this year’s election season.
Read Faithful Citizenship
Fast, pray for our leaders
CHARLOTTE — The Respect Life Committee at St. Gabriel Parish is promoting a 12-hour fast before the upcoming election. The 12-hour fast can be made during anytime during the 24-hour period on Friday, Nov. 4. All Catholics are asked to make this sacrifice in honor of an election that is pleasing to God.
Prayer before an election
Lord God, as the election approaches,
we seek to better understand the issues and concerns that confront our city/state/country,
and how the Gospel compels us to respond as faithful citizens in our community.
We ask for eyes that are free from blindness
so that we might see each other as brothers and sisters,
one and equal in dignity,
especially those who are victims of abuse and violence, deceit and poverty.
We ask for ears that will hear the cries of children unborn and those abandoned,
Men and women oppressed because of race or creed, religion or gender.
We ask for minds and hearts that are open to hearing the voice of leaders who will bring us closer to your Kingdom.
We pray for discernment
so that we may choose leaders who hear your Word,
live your love,
and keep in the ways of your truth
as they follow in the steps of Jesus and his Apostles
and guide us to your Kingdom of justice and peace.
We ask this in the name of your Son Jesus Christ and through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
— USCCB