CHARLOTTE — Catholic Charities will host a free “Lunch & Learn” on Wednesday, March 19, exploring the work of Catholic Relief Services in Guatemala. Deacon Daren Bitter, who serves at St. Matthew Parish in Charlotte and is a CRS Global Fellow, will reflect on a visit he made to Guatemala in January.
CRS, the official international humanitarian agency of the U.S. Catholic bishops, has worked in Guatemala since 1963. Initially, the agency focused on humanitarian assistance, including a food distribution program, health care of mothers and children, agriculture and reforestation activities.
CRS also provided $13 million in food, medicine and relief items to those affected by a 7.5-magnitude earthquake in 1976 that killed 23,000 people and left many thousands homeless. Over the years, its scope has grown to include programs focused on food security, nutrition, sustainable agriculture, education, civil society, disaster risk reduction and emergency response.
The Lunch & Learn event will be held at the Diocesan Pastoral Center, located at 1123 S. Church St. in Charlotte. Doors open at 11:15 a.m., with a light lunch at 11:30 a.m. followed by the presentation at noon.
For more details, go to www.ccdoc.org/education. Reserve your spot by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. by Monday, March 17.
— Joe Purello
ARDEN — More than 30 faithful from across western North Carolina traveled to St. Barnabas Church March 1 to attend the annual WNC Respect Life Mass.
Father Adrian Porras, pastor, preached that all humanity is made in the image and likeness of God, and he encouraged attendees to promote the Gospel of life, pray outside abortion facilities and counsel mothers in need.
A reception was followed by peaceful prayer at the Planned Parenthood facility in Asheville. The event, held just before the start of the 40 Days for Life spring campaign, was organized by the Carolina Pro-Life Action Network of Western NC.
To learn more, contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
— Mike FitzGerald