Father Patrick Cahill, pastor of St. Matthew Church, high-fives a young parishioner at the Waxhaw campus the morning he announced that the diocese was moving toward creating a separate parish. (Troy C. Hull)WAXHAW — Parishioners applauded at St. Matthew Parish’s Waxhaw campus Sunday when Father Patrick Cahill announced that the booming congregation is taking the first steps toward becoming its own parish.
Pastor of St. Matthew in south Charlotte, Father Cahill celebrated all three Masses at the parish’s satellite campus last weekend, announcing the change at the start of his homily.
“This is a blessed moment in the history of the diocese,” said Father Cahill, who celebrated the very first Mass at the satellite campus in 2014. “It’s a time to thank God for His divine providence that has brought us here.”
The news sparked both praise and reflection for long-time parishioners and newcomers, most of whom were happy with the development in the life of their community.
“I’m thrilled – absolutely thrilled – because we’ve waited a long time for this,” said Joan Ondrof, a member of St. Matthew Parish for 18 years who has been coming to the Waxhaw campus since its inception.
Father Cahill will work in collaboration with diocesan leaders and Father Benjamin Roberts (read more on page 5). Until the parish is formally established, Father Roberts will work alongside
Father Cahill as “Priest in solidum” (meaning “jointly” or “equally”) as boundaries are defined, parish resources are separated, and families in the new territory are identified.
Once the community is prepared, the process of establishing the parish can take as little as a few months (read details above).
For some, the need for a new parish was obvious, as the number of Catholics in southern Mecklenburg and Union counties continues to grow. Weekend Masses regularly draw more than 1,600 people.
“We are elated and so excited that this dream is finally coming together,” said Theresa Peters, who drives to Waxhaw from her home over the border in Lancaster, South Carolina. “Hopefully starting a new parish will help us continue to build community here in the Waxhaw area.”
“I think it’s great – it shows that the Church is expanding in this area,” said Waxhaw resident Franklin Lim. “It’s great to see the growth of the Church.”
Some were more hesitant about separating from St. Matthew.
“I was shocked to hear this, and I think it’s going to be hard and a little sad,” said Lucy Reyes, who lives just across the state line in Indian Land, South Carolina. “I don’t want to lose the community and fellowship we have with the St. Matthew Parish. But I guess we’ll have to see where God leads us.”
The addition is also bringing change to Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Monroe as Father Roberts leaves after 14 years as pastor.
While parishioners and staff at Our Lady of Lourdes said they will miss working with Father Roberts, they think he’s a good choice for the new project.
Cantor and organist Bradley Stiver has worked with Father Roberts since 2019 and said his ability to collaborate and build relationships is top-notch.
“He’s a pretty incredible boss, very, very kind and caring for staff – and he creates an environment where staff members’ ideas are heard,” Stiver said. “He’s a very kind human being who gets crazy ideas in the very best way. He’s an incredible preacher who leads from the pulpit, and he values being a pastor and being a shepherd, so I think he’ll be a remarkable leader in Waxhaw.”
Parishioner Lizeth Ildefonso has known Father Roberts for much of her life. He gave her First Communion and confirmed her, and as she’s entered adulthood, she values the relationships he builds with parishioners.
“He has been so involved with the parish – he is one of the best priests I’ve ever met,” Ildefonso said.
“He has always led with faith and always called and invited anyone to come to the church. He is someone you can talk with easily, and he has also helped connect people in the parish,” she said.
Ildefonso, a data analyst, said Father Roberts has introduced her to other parishioners in her field.
“He has done so much community outreach in our parish, and he has helped families and young adults both in growing and learning more about their faith,” she said. “I think him being open to communicating and to being welcoming is going to be very helpful in starting a new parish.”
— Christina Lee Knauss