CHARLOTTE — The Charlotte Lay Dominican Chapter of Our Lady of Perpetual Help held its Rite of Advancement Sept. 20 at St. Thomas Aquinas Church. Florin Florea and Michael Kitson advanced from inquirers to candidates.
Martina Benedikovicova, Kristine Lenti and Deacon Martin Ricart advanced from candidates to make their temporary promises. Suzanne Albertson and Kathryn Heim made their perpetual promises.
The Order of Lay Dominicans are men and women in various stations of life, living in the secular world, who have chosen to live their Christian life with a specific spirituality in the model of St. Dominic de Guzman. Founded by St. Dominic in 1216, the Dominicans are properly known as the Order of Friars Preachers. The four pillars of Dominican life are Prayer, Study, Community and Apostolate.
For more information about the Charlotte Lay Dominicans, go online to www.charlottelaydominicans.org.
— Photos by Edward F Chaplinsky Jr. | Catholic News Herald
FOREST CITY — Deacon Andrew Cilone, who has served at Immaculate Conception Church in Forest City as a Deacon for over 40 years, was awarded the Old North State Award.
This honor is given by the governor to recognize “dedication and service beyond expectation and excellence to the Great State of North Carolina.”
A member of the Diocese of Charlotte’s first class of permanent deacons, Cilone was ordained on May 29, 1983.
He cantors at Mass, serves as director of religious education, works in prison ministry, makes visits to the hospitalized and to the homebound and has taught and mentored deacons in Western North Carolina.
In 2017, Andy was named Forest City's Citizen of the Year for his outstanding contributions to the community.
He is an active leader in the Knights of Columbus, helping support the community through coats and gifts for children at Christmas, cans for the Kid Backpack lunch program, food for the Rutherford food pantry and other initiatives.
— Photo courtesy of Chris Garcia Images