Nov. 4, 2024 -- 

With the holiday season fast approaching, the Immaculate Conception Women’s Guild is preparing for its second-largest fundraiser of the year – and because of the impacts of Helene, the group has had to make some changes to its schedule.

“In order to make the best use of the resources we had to support the charities that count on receiving the profits from our sale, we made some changes,” said Cece Caldwell, this year's director of the Women's Guild Christmas Faire and other related activities.

In lieu of the guild’s typical mid-November sale of baked goods, autumn and holiday-themed baskets, a variety of décor items and even Christmas trees, this year’s mid-November fundraiser will consist of autumn Thanksgiving-themed baskets. These baskets will be available to purchase in the Narthex of the main church after all Masses the weekend of Nov. 16-17.

The Christmas Faire, held annually by the Immaculate Conception Women’s Guild, is right around the corner, and guild members are accepting donations for the Faire.

The Christmas Faire will take place later than usual this year, from Dec. 13-15, in the St. Francis Room. During this event, the Women’s Guild will sell gift baskets, decorated wreaths and garlands and Christmas décor. A bake sale will also take place through the weekend, offering full-size desserts on platters as well as usual smaller snacks and sweets.

Find details of the upcoming schedule below.

Autumn/Thanksgiving-themed baskets for purchase:

Nov. 16-17: After all Masses (in the Narthex of the main church).

Women’s Guild accepting donations for Christmas Faire:

Nov. 6 and 7: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the St. Francis Room.
Nov. 23 and 24: Before and after all masses in the St. Francis Room.
Dec. 7-10: in the St. Francis Room.

Christmas Faire schedule:

Friday, Dec. 13: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 14: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Sunday, Dec. 15: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Anyone with questions about these events and dates can contact Cece Caldwell at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Oct. 31, 2024 --

Students and teachers alike celebrated All Saints Day in a big way one day early on Thursday, Oct. 31, known as All Hallows Eve.

Dressed up as various Saints, the children and teachers started the morning with Mass with special guest Fr. Timothy Reid, the vicar of education for the schools in the Diocese of Charlotte.

Fr. Reid spoke about the Communion of Saints and how the Saints “aren’t just our friends,” but they should be elevated to the status of “heroes” for the Catholic faithful.

“The Saints have to be our icons, who we look up to, because what the Saints show us is that no matter what we go through in life – no matter what sufferings or hurts or problems that we have to deal with, it’s possible to grow in holiness through those sufferings,” he said.

“Very beautifully, you belong to a parish and a school that is named after the most important Saint of all,” Fr. Reid spoke to the students and teachers. “We’re here at Immaculate Conception, and that is a reference to the Blessed Virgin Mary. She is the greatest, and she’s our most powerful intercessor in Heaven. In Heaven, nobody has more influence with God than the Blessed Virgin Mary.”

“Let’s pray today for a particular grace – that one day all of us will be Saints,” he said.

Following Mass, the whole school took part in a special presentation by the fifth graders, including a handful of teachers, who dressed up as specific Saints. One by one, the students and teachers gave clues and information about the Saint they were dressed up as, and the rest of the school had the opportunity to guess each saint. Whoever guessed correctly received a prayer card from Fr. Reid.

Even Sister Covadonga Henriquez de Luna, the director of the community to which Sisters Ana and Susy belong, who was in town for a few days from Spain, got in on the guessing. When everyone else was stumped, she guessed correctly perhaps the most difficult one of all, presented by History and English teacher Jay Siltzer: Saint Artemides Zatti.

And yes, she got her prayer card from Fr. Reid!

The students closed the school day at 2 p.m. with an All Saints parade through the halls, during which teachers were stationed at their classroom doors and handed out candy! 

All you holy men and women, pray for us!

Some of the Saints represented at Immaculata through children’s and teachers' costumes included:

St. Catherine of Siena
St. Catherine Laboure
St. John Bosco
St. Rose of Lima
Blessed Virgin Mary
St. Joseph
St. Faustina
St. Bernadette
St. Catherine of Bologna
St. Ann (mother of the Blessed Virgin Mary)
St. Margaret of Scotland
St. Lucy
St. Jude 
St. Frances Xavier
St. Paul of the Cross
St. Francis of Assisi

2024 Voters' Guides - Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship: A Call to Political Responsibility from the Catholic Bishops of the United States

Please download and print the 2024 Voter's Guides (English and Spanish) for use in your discernment for the 2024 Election:

2024 Catholic Voter's Guide ENGLISH

2024 Catholic Voter's Guide ESPANOL

October 23, 2024 --

In the immediate wake of the destruction of Hurricane Helene in the mountains of Western North Carolina, Immaculata Catholic School quickly became the main area hub for disaster relief supplies, supplied and supported by Catholic Charities for the Diocese of Charlotte. 

Three days after the storm brought immense destruction to the local community, volunteers as well as school and church staff came together at Immaculata to serve those in need by handing out donations of water, food and other essential items as everyone was without power and many were without running water. 

In order for Immaculata students (and Asheville Catholic School students) to return to school on Oct. 16, the distribution site officially moved on Oct. 11 to its new location, at 727 Buncombe Street, in the garages of the gravel parking lot just below Immaculata. This site has long been the location of the Good Samaritan Attic, a ministry of Immaculate Conception that offers used furniture and household items at no cost to those in need. 

Not to worry! The “Attic” is still going strong; this ministry has moved to the paved parking lot directly to the right of its previous location, taking up space in the four sheds tucked at the rear of that parking lot. It is also adjacent to the St. Gerard House Garden. The “Attic” is still operating under its same hours: Wednesdays from 5-6 p.m. and Saturdays from 10:30-11:30 a.m. 

The Immaculate Conception Disaster Relief Ministry is open three days per week, thanks to volunteers who are helping run the effort. More volunteers are always welcome and needed! Please contact Brittany Whitehead at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to volunteer or if you are interested in donating. We have a running (and changing) list of specific items we are in need of at the garages. 

IC Disaster Relief Ministry hours:

Monday, Wednesday, Friday: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 4-6 p.m. 

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Español:

Inmediatamente después de la destrucción causada por el huracán Helene en las montañas del oeste de Carolina del Norte, el colegio católico Immaculata se convirtió rápidamente en el principal centro de distribución de suministros de socorro, suministrados y apoyados por Caridades Católicas de la diócesis de Charlotte. 

Tres días después de que la tormenta causara una inmensa destrucción en la comunidad local, voluntarios y personal de la escuela y de la iglesia se reunieron en Immaculata para servir a los necesitados repartiendo donativos de agua, alimentos y otros artículos de primera necesidad, ya que todo el mundo estaba sin electricidad y muchos carecían de agua corriente. 

Para que los alumnos de la Immaculata (y los de la Escuela Católica de Asheville) pudieran volver a la escuela el 16 de octubre, el lugar de distribución se trasladó oficialmente el 11 de octubre a su nueva ubicación, en el 727 de Buncombe Street, en los garajes del aparcamiento de grava que hay justo debajo de la Immaculata. Este sitio ha sido durante mucho tiempo la ubicación del Ático del Buen Samaritano, un ministerio de la Inmaculada Concepción que ofrece muebles usados y artículos para el hogar sin costo alguno para los necesitados. 

No se preocupe! El "Desván" sigue funcionando; este ministerio se ha trasladado al aparcamiento asfaltado situado justo a la derecha de su anterior ubicación, ocupando espacio en los cuatro cobertizos situados en la parte trasera de dicho aparcamiento. También se encuentra junto al jardín de la Casa de San Gerardo. El «Desván» sigue funcionando con el mismo horario: Miércoles de 17.00 a 18.00 h. y sábados de 10.30 a 11.30 h.

El Ministerio de Ayuda a Desastres de la Inmaculada Concepción está abierto tres días a la semana, gracias a los voluntarios que están ayudando a dirigir el esfuerzo. ¡Más voluntarios son siempre bienvenidos y necesarios! Por favor, póngase en contacto con Brittany Whitehead en This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. para ser voluntario o si usted está interesado en donar. Tenemos una lista actualizada (y cambiante) de artículos específicos que necesitamos en los garajes.

Horario del Ministerio de Ayuda en Catástrofes del IC:

Lunes, Miércoles, Viernes: 10 a.m. a 1 p.m. y 4-6 p.m.

October 24, 2024 --

Due to a “Satanic black mass” scheduled to take place Oct. 25 in Atlanta, Bishop Michael Martin has asked priests and parishioners in the Diocese of Charlotte to offer Reparation for the evil committed. 

Thus, Immaculate Conception’s (rescheduled) bilingual vigil Mass for the Feast of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary taking place on Friday, Oct. 25, at 6:30 p.m., will now be offered in reparation for the sacrilege committed in this “Satanic black mass.” 

Fr. Andres Gutierrez, pastor of Immaculate Conception, said the following on Oct. 24: 

“Dear parishioners,

As you may sadly know, a 'black mass' is scheduled for Friday, Oct. 25, at 9 p.m. in Atlanta, Georgia. Bishop Martin has written all priests to inform them of this sacrilegious event, inviting us to participate in acts of reparation, offering prayers and penances, and uniting ourselves more to the Father, Son and Holy Spirit in the Church. Here at Immaculate Conception, the announced Vigil Mass of Our Lady of the Rosary on Friday, Oct 24, at 6:30 p.m. will be offered as an act of Reparation, as well as the Adoration and Benediction that will follow. PLEASE JOIN US, as we spiritually unite with so many parishes and faithful, to console the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary.” 

Although the feast day of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary was observed on Oct. 7, due to the aftermath of the storm on Sept. 27, the vigil Mass has been rescheduled for Oct. 25.

Mass on Oct. 25 will be followed by Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, prayer, conference and then Benediction.

Read more about the planned efforts of Catholics here: Atlanta Catholics plan prayer and reparation amid planned ‘Satanic black mass’

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Le invitamos a participar en la Misa de Vigilia bilingüe (reprogramada) para la Fiesta de Nuestra Señora del Santo Rosario este viernes, 25 de octubre, a las 6:30 p.m.

Aunque la fiesta se celebra el 7 de octubre, debido a las consecuencias de la tormenta del 27 de septiembre, hemos reprogramado la Misa de Vigilia para este viernes.

A la misa seguirá la Exposición del Santísimo Sacramento, la oración, la conferencia y, a continuación, la Bendición.

October 4, 2024 - 

The Bishop of Charlotte came to Immaculata Catholic School in Hendersonville Friday, Oct. 4, to unload relief supplies and offer hope to victims of Helene in the mountains.

“I think broken hearts are crying out,” said Bishop Michael T. Martin, OFM Conv., pausing while hauling items that will be given to the needy.

“It’s a beautiful thing to see people from Charlotte come and roll up their sleeves,” said Immaculata Principal Margaret Beale, the coordinator of the school-turned-distribution center.

Bishop Martin praised the efforts of volunteers at the school. Thousands of families have received everything from food to water to baby supplies since drive-thru distribution lines opened at the school Sunday. Catholic Charities has provided a majority of the relief items.

“I think the beauty of this situation is that Jesus shows us in the midst of devastation, we can begin seeing God’s healing grace,” Bishop Martin explained.

Immaculata student Williams Schwartzman has volunteered each day this week — unloading trucks, stocking supplies, and handing items to tearful recipients.

“It allows me to help people in a time of need,” said the seventh grader. “Since I don’t need help, I think it’s best to give to others.”

Sixth grader Samantha Montano added, “Jesus sacrificed his life; I should pay that back by helping people going through hard times.”

Restaurants, friends, and donors continue to provide hot meals at the school for recipients and volunteers. If you would like to help the effort, send a check (not cash) to: Immaculata Catholic School, 711 Buncombe St., Hendersonville, NC, 28791.

Written by Jay Siltzer

Sept. 11, 2024 -

Pray with us! On Sunday, Sept. 8, as a parish community, Immaculate Conception began a 90-day novena to Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception. It began on her birthday (Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary) and will close on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception -- our parish's namesake -- on Dec. 8!

Attached, you will find the novena prayer in both English and Spanish. Each Sunday through Dec. 8, we will pray this novena together after Mass, and all parishioners are encouraged to continue to pray this prayer daily at home. 

Click here for the novena in English.

Click here for the novena in Spanish. 

August 30, 2024 - 

Dear Parishioners, 

This report includes financial information for Fiscal Year 2023-2024, the period ending June 30, 2024. 

Church — Offertory revenue came in at 102% of budget. Expenses for the Parish came in slightly higher than budget at 104%, mainly due to additional facilities maintenance expenses. 

School — Tuition and other revenues came in at 104% of budget while expenses came in at 103% of budget. 

DSA — By year end, contributions to the 2023 Diocesan Support Appeal (DSA) were at 89% of our goal. Our goal was $147,855, and 316 Immaculate Conception parishioners contributed $131, 087. In spite of many generous parishioners, we fell short of our goal by $16,678. 

Capital improvements — Major capital improvements, such as replacement of roofs and HVAC units, are funded largely through donations to the monthly yellow envelope collection. During the fiscal year, several large components to the school and church HVAC system were replaced. In addition, the camera equipment for streaming weekend Masses was installed. This will allow homebound parishioners to participate remotely at Mass. In addition, the remodeling of building 718 Oakland was continued for future residents such as interns who wish to teach at Immaculata and Religious Sisters coming to serve our Parish. We sincerely thank you for your stewardship in helping to upgrade and maintain our parish and school facilities. 

These major capital improvements could not have been done without the generosity of our parishioners. We sincerely thank you for your stewardship in helping to upgrade our parish and school and maintain our facilities. 

We are grateful for the gifts God has giving us and will continue to use these gifts to do His will. 

God bless you,

Mike Tanner

Finance Council Chairman 

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Click here to view the Annual Financial Report - Fiscal Year 2023-2024

August 20, 2024 -

As students and staff of Immaculata Catholic School closed out summer and came back together for the first day of school Monday, Aug. 19, the continued progress and growth – both spiritually and academically – of Immaculata was unmistakable.

Immaculata Principal Margaret Beale shared during weekend Masses Aug. 17 and 18 that enrollment during her first year as principal in 2019-2020 started at 90-something students. This year – five years later – ICS has nearly doubled its enrollment – a remarkable feat for a one-classroom-per-grade private school!  

“The team worked hard to improve academics, foster a more positive environment and increase our Catholic identity. All that hard work has paid off, because we have been steadily growing throughout the years,” Beale said to the parishioners. “Last year, we started with 144 students, and as of right now, we currently have 173 students enrolled for next year (2024-25).”

Applause spread across the church at the news, as many of the parishioners likely recalled firsthand when the school was struggling to maintain even sufficient enrollment.

“We are so thankful for the continued support of our parish family here at Immaculate Conception. You make it possible for us to continue educating students through the virtues of Christ,” Beale said.

“Our Number One goal at Immaculata is to get all of our students to Heaven,” she emphasized. “We do that by instilling them with the knowledge and with the courage that is needed to follow God’s will for them.”

According to the Catholic News Herald, this year also marks record enrollment across the board for Catholic schools in the Diocese of Charlotte.

Immaculata’s growth – and that of the other diocesan schools – comes this year despite state lawmakers’ pause on legislation that would increase funding to North Carolina’s Opportunity Scholarship program, which the General Assembly created in 2013.

Through the Opportunity Scholarship, funds are given to families based on a sliding scale determined by a family’s household income. All N.C. families can apply. As of May  

Diocese of Charlotte Superintendent Greg Monroe recently spoke with Catholic News Herald about the start of another school year, including the current hold-up of the Opportunity Scholarship funds expansion in the state legislature. While he expressed disappointment that thousands of families on the scholarship’s waiting list were unable to receive funding, including many who wanted to enroll at diocesan schools this year, Monroe said he is still hopeful for a state budget agreement soon.

“Our diocese continues to be a destination for Catholic education because we provide outstanding academics and instill Catholic values and character in our students,” Monroe said. “Our wonderful parents and families partner with our devoted educators to give students a wide range of opportunities – so that every child can succeed.”

On Monday, Aug. 19, during Immaculata’s first morning assembly of the year, with parents lining the walls of the gym, prayers were prayed, hopes for the school year ahead were shared and a “blessing of the backpacks” by Fr. Andres rounded things up before students headed to their classrooms.

As this school year gets underway, please pray for the students and staff of Immaculata to have a fruitful and growth-filled year! Go Stars!

(Photo: Fr. Andres blessing students' backpacks with holy water on Aug. 19, 2024. Photo credit: Jay Siltzer)

July 31, 2024

On the heels of the first National Eucharistic Congress held in decades, the 20th Diocese of Charlotte Eucharistic Congress is set for the tail-end of August with its 2024 theme, “Remain in Me.”  

Over the course of 24 hours, from Friday, Aug. 30, to Saturday, Aug. 31, tens of thousands of Catholics belonging to the Diocese of Charlotte will join together in Charlotte for the free event to hear from new Bishop Michael Martin and other speakers, take part in the Sacraments, spend time before Jesus in adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, view an exclusive screening of “Triumph of the Heart,” a film about St. Maximilian Kolbe, a saint who sacrificed his life in Auschwitz, and more – all to deepen faith in and devotion to the Eucharist! 

Bishop Martin will give a keynote address to young people on Night 1, following a concert by GMA Dove Award-nominated Catholic recording artist Sarah Kroger and vespers with the Benedictine monks of Belmont Abbey. 

The bishop will hold a meet-and-greet after his address. Then, to close up the first night, all will be welcome to attend the exclusive screening of “Triumph of the Heart,” with a special testimony from its writer/director, Anthony D’Ambrosio. 

Kicking off Saturday morning, Catholics will be invited to be part of one of the largest Eucharistic processions in the country each year, through the streets of Charlotte. The procession will begin at St. Peter Catholic Church and will end at the Charlotte Convention Center.

A guided bilingual Holy Hour with homilist Father Juan Miguel Sanchez on the theme “Remain in Me – Permanezcan en Mi,” will follow the procession. Fr. Sanchez also serves as priest-secretary for Bishop Martin.

The rest of the afternoon will be filled with speakers on various aspects of the Eucharist and Eucharistic life. Confession and adoration will also be available the whole day.

The 2024 Eucharistic Congress will come to a close with Mass at 4:15 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 31, with Bishop Martin and priests of the Charlotte diocese. 

The Charlotte diocese's Eucharistic Congress was started in 2005 by Bishop Peter Jugis. Each year, it now draws thousands of Catholics from across the diocese’s 20,470 square miles -- from Greensboro, to Charlotte, to Asheville and farther into Western North Carolina. 

For a full list of 2024 speakers and a breakdown of the weekend’s schedule, click HERE.

From Catholic News Herald: 

(Published July 24, 2024)

https://catholicnewsherald.com/news/90-news/local/10674-bishop-martin-joins-calls-for-revival-unity-in-the-eucharist

INDIANAPOLIS — Every person who attended the National Eucharistic Congress last week has been called to bring the fire of the Gospel and their faith back home and “to the ends of the earth.”

That message was echoed by Charlotte Diocese Bishop Michael Martin, who joined hundreds of local pilgrims and 60,000 other Catholics in Indianapolis for the event – the culmination of a national campaign meant to spark renewal in devotion to the Eucharist.

“The road to conversion, the road to revival is made real every single day in your parish, in your home,” Bishop Martin told pilgrims from the Diocese of Charlotte. He urged attendees and clergy who had traveled from more than 15 parishes to get out of their comfort zone and join in the Eucharistic revival.

“Look around you. These people are on the journey with you. I am not in this revival by myself,” Bishop Martin said. “Let us remember the challenge ahead. We need to find ways to make connection, which is the heart of the Eucharist. It’s the communion that we share.”

Like its Charlotte counterpart, the National Eucharistic Congress is a massive gathering of Catholics to celebrate faith in the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist. Among the thousands of people in Indianapolis last week were pilgrims from small towns and big cities across the diocese – Brevard to Charlotte, Linville to Mooresville.

“It feels like the Eucharistic Congress in Charlotte but on a much, much grander scale,” said Chris Beal, who as the diocese’s faith formation director, helps organize the local Eucharistic Congress each fall. “The number of Catholics from across the country, that’s powerful enough in itself. But they’re here for one reason: for the love of the Eucharist.”

During five days of non-stop praying and powerful speakers, pilgrims from the Charlotte diocese walked with tens of thousands of people in the largest Eucharistic procession in the country.

They worshiped at stadium-sized Masses celebrated by Cardinal Timothy Dolan of New York and Cardinal Wilton Gregory of Washington, D.C., alongside their own bishop. And they came together for fellowship at meetings, talks and a special luncheon hosted by Bishop Martin.

Deacon Bill Schreiber, diocesan director of deacon formation and member of St. Aloysius Parish in Hickory, said being with this many people “crazy” about the Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist has been inspiring.

“I was in tears this morning at Mass,” Deacon Schreiber said of the Mass celebrated by Cardinal Gregory. “I counted 75 bishops and cardinals in the procession, along with hundreds of seminarians and priests and deacons. It’s such a blessing that we’re able to do this in Indianapolis.”

Joining Deacon Schreiber was a group of permanent deacon candidates who are hoping to be ordained in 2025.

“The power of seeing that many people come together in our faith is overwhelming. It lights your heart on fire,” said one candidate, Tracy Neumann from St. Therese Parish in Mooresville.

CALLING FOR UNITY

Unity was a key theme of the 10th annual National Eucharistic Congress – and for Bishop Martin and pilgrims from the Charlotte diocese.

During a July 20 appearance on Relevant Radio’s “The Inner Life” with Patrick Conley during the National Eucharistic Congress, Bishop Martin called for unity and communion through Christ, saying “division is at the heart of sin.”

The Eucharist makes us “one,” he said. “Jesus’ constant message, especially in John’s Gospel, talks about the desire for all of us to be one in Him, as He and the Father are one. That is the Holy Spirit – the unity between them.”

Noting the divisiveness in our country, Bishop Martin cautioned that unity is easier said than done.

Bridge building, repentance, open hearts – that’s what it takes, he said.

“God gives us the grace, but we have to respond. We have to allow His grace to be made to bear in our world, to bring about the unity that we so deeply desire.”

CONNECTING IN CHRIST

As Charlotte’s bishop for only a few months, Bishop Martin was greeted with smiles and hugs at every turn from the North Carolina pilgrims as well as clergy he’s known in his decades in ministry all over the country – everyone stopping to say hello and congratulate him.

Bishop Martin marshaled pilgrims to help package food with him for the Million Meal Movement, which stocks food pantries across Indiana. Charlotte pilgrims pitching in to help alongside him included the Dominican Sisters of St. Catherine of Siena from St. Thomas Aquinas Parish.

While packaging food, Sister Charis Gavan couldn’t help but talk about the Eucharistic pilgrim processions – there were four of them that began in different regions of the U.S. and ended in Indianapolis for the start of the National Eucharistic Congress.

“It was remarkable,” she said. “The convergence of the Eucharist from the four corners of the country was a sight to see. Seeing this many Catholics together, it feels like the faith is growing.”

A luncheon arranged by Bishop Martin for diocesan pilgrims during the Indianapolis event brought together all sorts of people – from small mountain parishes like St. Bernadette in Linville and

Charlotte-area parishes such as St. Thomas Aquinas and St. Mark Church in Huntersville to Catholic professionals, Spanish-speaking Catholics, Eastern rite Catholics, monks, deacons, priests, and people pursuing vocations.

One family from St. Aloysius in Hickory drove all night from Charlotte to make it to the weekend days of the congress and the bishop’s luncheon. A couple who attends St. Bernadette, who had their first date at a Latin Mass, came without their four children for a chance to experience the Eucharistic Revival together as a couple. They each said they “revived” the other in the faith they share together.

Bishop Martin shared stories and answered questions from the pilgrims, asking them about their experiences at the congress.

“It’s been such an impactful couple of days,” said Katie Nelson from Sacred Heart Parish in Brevard, who was inspired by the various speakers. “Father Mike Schmitz shared some great wisdom, and he spoke of God’s love.”

Her favorite part of the Congress? Confession available on-demand, she said.

“We’re living the Eucharist here. It’s amazing to be among 60,000 Catholics and to see God’s glory and His goodness and just adore Him,” she said.

Perpetual adoration at a historic church across the street from the Indiana Convention Center was a highlight for Belmont Abbey College student Hannah Martin.

“It’s a very beautiful moment to just rest in the peace of Christ,” she said.

The National Eucharistic Congress centered around the Eucharist and included live music, engaging speakers for clergy and pilgrims, daily Mass inside the football stadium, as well as smaller youth-oriented and Spanish-language Masses offered throughout the event.

Beal said when he returns to his home parish of Sacred Heart in Salisbury, he plans to bring back one of the lessons he took away from a breakout session with Bishop Andrew Cozzens of Crookston, Minnesota.

“Bishop Cozzens talked about the power of inviting just one person to come to Mass. If everyone invited one person to return to the faith, we can change the culture one person at time,” Beal said.

From intense speakers and moving, prayerful moments, Bishop Martin said he also has a lot to share after returning home. One thing he’s not sharing? The nameplate from the stadium locker room where he and the other bishops vested for Mass.

“The number for each of us on our locker is our year of priestly ordination,” Martin said with a grin. “I’m taking that magnet home with me, and it’s going on my refrigerator.”

— Kimberly Bender. Photos by Kimberly Bender and provided by Aidan Creter

From Catholic News Herald:

HUNTERSVILLE — Sunlight streamed into St. Mark Church Wednesday – a poignant visual representation of the Holy Spirit – as the Diocese of Charlotte welcomed a new bishop for the first time in 20 years.

Conventual Franciscan Father Michael T. Martin was ordained during a three-hour liturgy that included hundreds of priests and deacons, more than a dozen bishops and one cardinal representing Pope Francis. Bishop Martin succeeds the retiring Bishop Peter Jugis.

Percussion instruments and horns heralded the entrance procession into the Huntersville church and parish hall that were filled with 1,700 ticketed guests, including many of Bishop Martin’s former parishioners from St. Philip Benizi Church in Jonesboro, Georgia, whom he greeted with smiles.

His family, friends, Franciscans friars, and clergy from the Charlotte diocese and multiple states packed the pews for the historic occasion.

“I am so proud of my brother (in Christ). It is an honor to have a role in his ordination liturgy,” said Bishop Martin’s longtime friend and fellow Conventual Franciscan Father Michael Heine. “The smile on his face and the joy of the day truly shows us the Holy Spirit is moving in exciting ways!”

Father Christian Cook, pastor of St. Margaret Mary Parish in Swannanoa, was among more than a hundred priests from the Charlotte diocese in attendance. He said it was his first episcopal ordination as a priest or otherwise.

“Taking part as a priest is very special because the episcopal ordination Mass is apostolic succession on full display. When I was ordained a priest, I made a promise of obedience to Bishop Jugis, but also to his successors,” he said. “So the continuity of the Church, the ordination promises of my priesthood, and the passing down of office of bishop is very comforting. The Church of Jesus Christ is as He made it, for where the bishop is, there is the Church.”

Atlanta Archbishop Gregory Hartmayer, also a Conventual Franciscan and a close friend of Bishop Martin, was the principal celebrant and consecrator for the Mass. He offered a moving homily, highlighting the new bishop’s Franciscan roots, his prayerfulness and humility, as well as their long history together – beginning when the archbishop was a teacher and Martin was a student at Archbishop Curley High School in Baltimore.

Co-consecrators were Bishop Jugis and Cardinal Christophe Pierre, the pope’s ambassador to the United States.

From Catholic News Herald:

CHARLOTTE — The Diocese of Charlotte April 9 announced that longtime Bishop Peter J. Jugis, 67, is retiring due to health limitations, and that Pope Francis has appointed Father Michael T. Martin, OFM Conv., of Atlanta, as his successor to lead the growing diocese.

Bishop Jugis submitted his request for retirement to Rome last June, saying a chronic but non-life-threatening kidney condition made it difficult for him to preside over lengthy liturgies and travel across the 46 counties of the expansive diocese. Bishop Jugis recently celebrated his 20th anniversary as bishop and 40th anniversary as a priest. He will serve as administrator of the diocese until May when Bishop-Elect Martin is installed, then will continue to assist the diocese as Bishop Emeritus.

Bishop-Elect Martin, 62, is a priest of the Order of Friars Minor Conventual and serves as pastor of St. Philip Benizi Parish in Jonesboro, Georgia. He has deep roots in Catholic education – having served as a teacher, coach and school administrator in Baltimore, New York and Durham – and arrives at a time of record enrollment in the Diocese of Charlotte’s 20 schools.

He will be ordained and installed as the fifth Bishop of Charlotte on May 29 at St. Mark Catholic Church in Huntersville.

“I am amazed and humbled that the Holy Father has faith in me to call me to serve the people of Western North Carolina,” Bishop-Elect Martin said. “I am excited to get to know you and to listen to the ways in which together we can respond to the call of the Holy Spirit to be disciples of Jesus.”

Bishop Jugis introduced Bishop-Elect Martin at a news conference Tuesday morning. Cardinal Christophe Pierre, the Vatican’s apostolic nuncio (ambassador) to the United States, publicized the appointment early Tuesday in Washington, D.C. Bishop-Elect Martin answered a variety of questions about his new role leading the diocese, from aiding the poor and marginalized, to future goals of continuing to shepherd growth among parishes and schools.

“To the faithful Catholics spread across 92 parishes and missions, I can’t wait to come to be with you, to listen to your story of discipleship, and to know how best I can serve you,” Bishop-Elect Martin said during the news conference. “To the many priests, deacons and religious who walk with their lay brothers and sisters on the journey, I pledge my heart to you.”

Right after the press conference ended, Bishop-Elect Martin made an impromptu visit to Catholic Charities’ food pantry, which operates each Tuesday and Thursday at the pastoral center. There he greeted volunteers and staff who organize the food distribution to hundreds of people in need each week, and he prayed over a family who had come in for emergency food assistance.

DIVINE MERCY SUNDAY 7th of April

For the Feast of the Divine Mercy, we have the following activities.

Novena and Chaplet of Divine Mercy
After our weekday masses starting Monday 1st April, we will publicly pray the Novena and the Chaplet…
Before masses on Saturday 6th of April: Novena and Chaplet
Before Sunday masses on April 7th: Chaplet of Divine Mercy

DIVINE MERCY SUNDAY – THE GREAT PROMISE
I pour out a whole ocean of graces upon those souls who approach the fount of My mercy. The soul that will go to Confession and receive Holy Communion shall obtain complete forgiveness of sins and punishment. On that day all the divine floodgates through which grace flow are opened. Let no soul fear to draw near to Me, even though its sins be as scarlet.” —St. Faustina’s Diary 699
(Note: confession does not have to be done on the Sunday itself. Beforehand is fine.)

DIVINE MERCY HOLY HOUR – CONFESSIONS AND DEVOTIONS (BILINGUAL) – SUNDAY 7th APRIL

3.30pm – 4.30pm Divine Mercy Holy Hour
Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament
Solemn singing of the Divine Mercy Chaplet and other prayers.
Confessions available during the Holy Hour


DOMINGO DE LA DIVINA MISERICORDIA 7 de abril

Para la Fiesta de la Divina Misericordia, temenos las siguientes actividades.

Novena y Coronilla de la Divina Misericordia
Después de nuestras misas semanales a partir del lunes 1 de abril, rezaremos públicamente la Novena y la Coronilla
Antes de las misas del sábado 6 de abril: Novena y Coronilla
Antes de las misas del domingo 7 de abril Coronilla de la Divina Misericordia

DOMINGO DE LA DIVINA MISERICORDIA - LA GRAN PROMESA
Derramo todo un océano de gracias sobre las almas que se acercan a la fuente de Mi misericordia. El alma que se confiese y reciba la Sagrada Comunión obtendrá el perdón completo de los pecados y de las penas. Ese día se abrirán todas las compuertas divinas por las que fluye la gracia. Que ningún alma tema acercarse a Mí, aunque sus pecados sean como la grana". -Diario de Santa Faustina 699
(Nota: no es necesario confesarse el mismo domingo. Con antelación está bien).

HORA SANTA DE LA DIVINA MISERICORDIA - CONFESIONES Y DEVOCIONES (BILINGÜE) – DOMINGO 7 ABRIL

15.30 - 16.30 Hora Santa de la Divina Misericordia
Exposición del Santísimo Sacramento
Canto de la Coronilla de la Divina Misericordia y otras oraciones.
Confesiones disponibles durante la Hora Santa

Immaculate Conception Parish Ministry Fair

On Easter, we recognize that Christ gave His all for us. Our parish ministries give us a chance to share our time and talent with Him.

When Covid arrived in March 2020, many churches closed their doors or significantly limited their gatherings. It is time “ to get things back to normal.”

On Saturday and Sunday, April 13 and 14, we will reach out to reinvigorate our ministries which serve our parish and community.

We are asking all ministry leaders to set up a table or display in the St. Francis Room describing their ministry. The display should be staffed with volunteers. Please contact Diana Justice at (828) 606-5264 to reserve space and register your ministry.

We are asking parishioners to come to the St. Francis Room after Masses those days and consider how God is calling you to serve. We all have unique God-given talents, and God wishes for us to share them. Consider sharing your talent and time. Commit to serve and meet wonderful fellow parishioners on your journey with your parish.

Financial Report to Parishioners Semi-Annual FY2023-2024.pdf