CHARLOTTE — Two cities in the Diocese of Charlotte will host “Tolton: From Slave to Priest,” a powerful one-man multimedia play depicting the life of Father Augustus Tolton, the first African American priest, who lived from 1854 to 1897.
In Charlotte, the play will run Friday and Saturday, June 7-8, at The Great Aunt Stella Center, located at 926 Elizabeth Ave. There will be three performances: June 7 at 7:30 p.m.; June 8 at 3 p.m.; and June 8 at 7:30 p.m.
In Greensboro, the play will be performed Monday-Tuesday, June 10-11, at St. Mary’s Church, located at 812 Duke St. Performances will start at 7:30 p.m. both evenings.
“Tolton: From Slave to Priest” features a full cast of characters on a video screen who interact with actor Jim Coleman live on stage. This unique format is visually engaging while also retaining the personal effect of a live performance. Audiences leave the show feeling that they have “met” Father Tolton.
The production is enhanced by an original soundtrack based on traditional African American spirituals, orchestrated by composer Tony Manfredonia.
Father Tolton’s life was one of hidden holiness. His cause for canonization was presented in February 2011 by the late Cardinal Francis George of Chicago to the Vatican and is moving forward quickly.
“Father Tolton’s story needs to be told,” says Coleman. “As a black man, this very important part of history is something that I want the world to hear about. I truly feel blessed to be the one to share Father Augustus Tolton with all who will listen!”
Tickets will be sold at the door before each performance at The Great Aunt Stella Center in Charlotte and at St. Mary’s Church in Greensboro. Ticket prices are $10 for adults, $5 for ages 18 and under. Cash or check only.
— SueAnn Howell, senior reporter; St. Luke Productions contributed.
Don’t miss this performance
For more information about “Tolton: From Slave to Priest,” go to www.stlukeproductions.com/events/tolton. Questions? Contact Rosheene Adams in the diocesan African American Affairs Ministry office at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
HENDERSONVILLE — Capuchin Franciscan Father Martin Schratz, pastor, announced June 1 that the order will be departing Immaculate Conception Parish next month after 28 years of pastoral ministry there. The parish will be served by Diocese of Charlotte clergy effective July 9.
“Over these years we have seen this parish grow in so many ways – physically and spiritually. St. Francis called us friars to be pilgrims and strangers in this world. We came here 28 years ago as pilgrims and strangers and now it is time for us to continue that journey elsewhere,” Father Schratz wrote in a newsletter to parishioners.
The order is withdrawing from other parishes in the province, he noted, as a result of declining vocations and the advancing ages of its friars.
Immaculate Conception is the only remaining parish served by the Capuchin Franciscans in the Charlotte diocese. Seven years ago, the friars also withdrew from pastoral ministry at St. Thomas Aquinas and Our Lady of Consolation parishes in Charlotte.
Father Schratz asked for everyone’s prayers during this time of transition.
— Catholic News Herald