WINSTON-SALEM — Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte of the Piedmont Triad Region invites everyone to attend its “Partners in Hope” virtual fundraising event, set for 6:30-7:30 p.m. Thursday, March 11.
The fundraiser – a critical source of support for Catholic Charities in the Triad – is being held online this year due to public health restrictions on in-person gatherings. Through the virtual event, people will be able to gather online to celebrate and support Catholic Charities’ work in Forsyth, Guilford and surrounding counties.
The virtual event will feature speakers including Bishop Peter J. Jugis and Monsignor Patrick J. Winslow, vicar general and chancellor of the Diocese of Charlotte.
Partners in Hope participants will also hear from Father Michael Buttner, retired pastor of Holy Family Church in Clemmons; Father John Eckert, pastor of Sacred Heart Church in Salisbury; Becky DuBois, Winston-Salem’s regional director; and Dr. Gerard Carter, Catholic Charities’ executive director and CEO.
People who have participated in Catholic Charities’ programs will also share how their lives have been changed by the help they have received over the past year, thanks to the generosity of so many supporters and volunteers.
“Over this past year, we’ve witnessed the heavy toll of COVID-19 on the lives of so many people in the Piedmont Triad who come to Catholic Charities for assistance,” Carter said. “Because of the generous benefactors who contribute through Partners in Hope, we’re able to provide help and hope to those who are struggling.”
The March 11 virtual fundraising event aims to bring together parishioners, friends and clergy from across the Triad to raise the funds necessary to provide support and relief to even more people and families continuing to struggle during the pandemic, he said.
“We are so grateful to all of our partners in carrying out the Church’s ministry of charity,” he said.
— SueAnn Howell, senior reporter
Register now
At ccpartnersinhope.org: Register and get more details about the 2021 Partners in Hope free virtual event
CHARLOTTE — For the second consecutive month, a group of more than 80 people attended the Vigil of the Two Hearts devotion at St. Patrick Cathedral on first Friday evening March 5.
The evening began with Mass offered by St. Matthew Church’s parochial vicar, Father Peter Ascik, followed by a Holy Hour of Reparation led by St. Vincent de Paul Church’s Deacon John Kopfle. Afterwards, the night of prayer continued with Nocturnal Adoration until the 8 a.m. First Saturday Mass. The intentions for Mass and the Holy Hour of Reparation were offered both for an end to abortion and for abortion-connected scientific research.
The Vigil of the Two Hearts is offered each first Friday evening overnight through first Saturday morning at the cathedral to honor the Sacred Heart of Jesus and Immaculate Heart of Mary devotions, while praying for the end of abortion, for families, and for the country’s conversion back to God.
Because the next first Friday is Good Friday, the next vigil is planned for Friday, May 7. The event is organized by the Carolina Pro-Life Action Network of Charlotte (C-PLAN). For more information, contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit www.prolifecharlotte.org/two-hearts.
— Mike FitzGerald, correspondent