CHARLOTTE — We may not be able to celebrate the beautiful liturgies of Holy Week and Easter as usual in our churches this year, but Bishop Peter Jugis invites the people of the Diocese of Charlotte to unite in prayer online so that our diocesan family may be truly “one body, one spirit in Christ.”
Join Bishop Jugis this Holy Week and Easter in special liturgies streamed online live from St. Patrick Cathedral in Charlotte. Watch the livestreams below starting on Palm Sunday, or watch live on the Diocese of Charlotte YouTube channel.
Read stories and see photos from each Holy Week Mass below.
‘Though we may be quarantined, Jesus is not quarantined’
Bishop Jugis marks Palm Sunday with livestreamed service from near-empty cathedral during COVID-19 pandemic
CHARLOTTE — There were no crowds waving palm branches, no joyful singing, no elaborate liturgies to commemorate Palm Sunday and the start of Holy Week. No, Palm Sunday in the middle of a pandemic took on a somber, simpler tone.For the first time in the history of the Diocese of Charlotte, all public Masses have been canceled for Holy Week and Easter because of the COVID-19 pandemic. In Charlotte, Bishop Peter Jugis celebrated Palm Sunday Mass, the liturgy that begins with a commemoration of Jesus entering Jerusalem among a jubilant crowd, inside a near-empty St. Patrick Cathedral.
The private liturgy was livestreamed on the diocese’s YouTube channel.
Despite the unprecedented isolation measures that have shut down most public activities and worship services throughout North Carolina and the United States, the bishop’s homily was a hopeful one.
Bishop Jugis encouraged people to follow the example of Mary at the foot of the cross, and “to stay close to Jesus these days, when we hear so much fearful news about the spread of the virus and sad news about deaths cause by the virus.”
“Let us remember: though we may be quarantined, Jesus is not quarantined. He desires to be with us always and everywhere, and we can stay close to Him,” Bishop Jugis said.
Bishop Jugis recalled Pope Francis’ livestreamed event March 27, in which the pope stood alone in St. Peter’s Square and gathered the worldwide Church in a virtual prayer service to end the pandemic that has claimed more than 65,000 lives in the past three months. The worldwide coronavirus pandemic is not God's judgment on humanity, but God's call on people to judge what is most important to them and resolve to act accordingly from now on, Pope Francis said.
This time of trial is a time of choosing, the pope said. “It is not the time of your judgment, but of our judgment: a time to choose what matters and what passes away, a time to separate what is necessary from what is not. It is a time to get our lives back on track with regard to you, Lord, and to others.”
Parishes across the Charlotte diocese distributed palm branches for the faithful to celebrate Palm Sunday at home, since there are no public liturgies for Holy Week. At St. Mark Church in Huntersville, clergy and seminarians gave out blessed palms in a makeshift drive-thru line on Saturday. (Photo provided by Amy Burger)Bishop Jugis continued, “During this time of trial and testing, what matters is Jesus. During this time of trial and testing, what is necessary is Jesus.”
The bishop encouraged the faithful to choose to be with Christ, and not to choose discouragement and despair during the pandemic.
Show Gallery“In the midst of the isolation in which we are experiencing the loss of so many things, let us once again listen to the proclamation that saves us. Jesus is risen, and He is living by our side,” he said.
Holy Week and Easter services will continue with livestreams on the Diocese of Charlotte’s YouTube channel, www.youtube.com/dioceseofcharlotte, as follows:
• Chrism Mass – April 7 at 10 a.m.
• Mass of the Lord’s Supper – April 9 at 7 p.m.
• Good Friday – April 10 at 3 p.m.
• Easter Vigil – April 11 at 8 p.m.
• Easter Sunday – April 12 at 10 a.m.
— Catholic News Herald. Photos by SueAnn Howell, Catholic News Herald
Related story: Pope on Palm Sunday: Life, measured by love, is meant to serve others
Bishop Jugis to brother priests: "The Lord’s faithful need you, especially at this time"
CHAROTTE — Bishop Peter J. Jugis delivered a special message to his brother priests during the Chrism Mass broadcast live from a near-empty St. Patrick Cathedral: “The Lord’s faithful need you, especially at this time.”
During this solemn annual liturgy, a tradition of Holy Week, all of the priests of the diocese ordinarily renew their ordination promises. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, only a couple representatives were present April 7 to renew their promises.
“This renewal of promises today does take on special meaning as our priests continue to carry out their ministry faithfully in the present distress of the coronavirus pandemic, which quite possibly is a distress unprecedented in all their years of priesthood to date," Bishop Jugis noted, "where there is widespread fear on the part of many people, concern for their own well-being and the well-being of others – and rightly so.”
The bishop praised the work of the priests of the Diocese of Charlotte during this unprecedented time of fear and uncertainty.
Priests across western North Carolina have been offering "drive-through" confessions, placing the Blessed Sacrament in a monstrance viewable from their church windows so that people may go to Eucharistic Adoration from inside their cars in the parking lot, rigging up their cell phones and webcams to offer their private daily Masses on Facebook Live and YouTube, and more – all while still making hospital visits, administering last rites and offering funeral Masses within the allowable public health protocols.
“I’m grateful for the way our priests have carried on their ministry while still respecting the restrictions necessary to protect everyone’s health," he said.
“All of our priests – diocesan and religious – are outstanding examples of complete, untiring dedication to Christ Jesus in the midst of this crisis. We see their love for the Lord demonstrated in all their ministry to Christ’s flock. Jesus is the love and the hope that we bring to our parishioners.”
He urged them to "continue to nourish our parishioners on Christ’s love and assure them of the Lord’s care for each one of them during this time of trial and testing."
"The Church’s message of salvation continues in the midst of the present distress, and we are charged to proclaim Christ risen from the dead," he assured everyone listening to the Mass streamed live on the diocese's YouTube channel.
Christ “remains with us all days, even until the end of the age," he said. “He is our hope and our life.”
During the Chrism Mass, the bishop also blessed the holy oils of the sick and catechumens, and consecrated the sacred chrism.
Clergy representatives included Father John Putnam, pastor of St. Mark Church in Huntersville and the judicial vicar for the diocese, and Father Timothy Reid, pastor of St. Ann Church in Charlotte and vicar forane of the Charlotte vicariate.
As an alternative, Father Benjamin Roberts, pastor of Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Monroe, asked his parishioners to receive his renewal of priestly promises during his private daily Mass streamed on the parish’s Facebook page.
“I want to renew my promises to Christ and His Church,” he said, although he could not be at the cathedral this year.
“And so, I ask you, my beloved in Christ Jesus, to receive the renewal of my priestly promises as you have received me as one who shares in the ministry which comes from the apostles.
“I resolve, before Almighty God and before you, to unite myself more closely to the Lord Jesus and carry out my sacred duties towards Christ’s Church for love of Him and in a spirit of joyful obedience.
“I resolve, before Almighty God and before you, to be a faithful steward of the mysteries of God in the Holy Eucharist and the other liturgical rites and to discharge the sacred office of teaching for the glory of God and the salvation of souls.
“I ask of you to pray for me that Christ our High priest may pour out his gifts abundantly on me that even in my unworthiness I will echo the voice of the Good Shepherd and walk with you to the Kingdom of God.”
Hundreds of people watched the Mass streamed live on YouTube. Viewer Marilyn Castot commented: "Thanks be to God for the internet!"
Dawn Marie Cattier commented, "As a new Catholic waiting patiently for the time when I may receive the sacraments. I have truly enjoyed the Masses that I have never had the privilege of attending. May the Trinity be with us all! Amen."
— Kimberly Bender and SueAnn Howell, Catholic News Herald
Imitate Christ’s sacrificial love, Bishop Jugis preaches
CHARLOTTE — It was a subdued liturgy for Holy Thursday April 9, as Bishop Peter Jugis offered the Mass of the Lord’s Supper inside a near-empty St. Patrick Cathedral because of public health restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The liturgy was streamed live on the Diocese of Charlotte’s YouTube channel. A period of
Eucharistic Adoration, also streamed live online, followed the Mass.
The Triduum – the holy days leading up to Easter – typically begin with a more elaborate Holy Thursday Mass, which commemorates Jesus’ institution of the Eucharist and the priesthood.
But this Holy Thursday, the Mass was attended by only the cathedral’s clergy and a couple of cameramen to livestream the private service online to the faithful of the diocese. Public gatherings in North Carolina have been limited to fewer than 10 people as public health officials strive to slow the spread of the coronavirus, which has killed more than 60 people in the state and over 85,000 people worldwide to date.
In his homily, Bishop Jugis talked about the sacrificial love of Jesus Christ and the example He sets for Christians to love another.
The Gospel reading for the Mass was from John 13:1-15, and the bishop singled out from the reading the sentence: Jesus “loved His own in the world and He loved them to the end.”
“That phrase is very significant,” he said. “The sufferings of Christ which we are commemorating these days – the Passion and the death of Christ – is an expression of love. His suffering, His Passion, His crucifixion, His death (are) an expression of love for all of humanity.”
Christ gave us His life – His Body and Blood – for the salvation of the world, and His sacrifice is remembered on Holy Thursday and at every Mass, the bishop said.
Christ’s sacrifice – on the cross and in the Eucharist – demonstrates His love for humanity.
The Eucharist is also the heart and center of parish life, which means that Christ’s love is at the center of parish life, Bishop Jugis said. “And at the heart of every Christian is Christ’s love, because the love of God has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.”
“Yes, during these days, which we initiate today with this Mass of the Lord’s Supper, we are celebrating the sacrificial love of Christ for all of humanity,” he said.
As the Holy Triduum begins, the bishop encouraged people to rededicate themselves to loving one another “to the end” just as Christ loves us.
— Catholic News Herald
Bishop Jugis: 'Take a moment to look at Jesus'
CHARLOTTE — Bishop Peter J. Jugis asked the faithful to spend a few moments with Jesus during an especially somber Good Friday liturgy celebrated in a near-empty St. Patrick Cathedral because of public health restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In his homily, Bishop Jugis outlined the Good Friday liturgy for the few clergy members and media present at the Charlotte Church and addressed a live-streamed audience of more than 1,200.
“We have the veneration of the cross, especially important and poignant on this day where we honor His crucifixion,” Bishop Jugis said.
“Even if you’re not able to be here for this celebration in person, at home, take a few moments where you find a cross or a crucifix on one of the walls of your house or maybe standing on your dresser in your room,” he said. “Take a moment to look at Jesus, and to love Him and to honor Him and all that He did for your salvation, to reconcile you to Almighty God and give you the chance of eternal life.”
“And as you look upon Jesus and recall all that He did for you, what should be our disposition?” Bishop Jugis asked, then replied, “Sorrow for our sins and a deep conversion of heart; a desire to leave sin behind and to have a change of heart; to be sorry for all of our wrongdoing and start on a new path with the love of Christ in our hearts.”
After listening to the account of Jesus’ suffering, His crucifixion and His death, Bishop Jugis opened his homily with the question: Why did Jesus offer His life as a sacrifice to the Father?
“We know the answer is: for the salvation of all humankind,” he said.
“His desire is that the salvation that He won for us on Mount Calvary should embrace all of mankind, of every time, of every place, and that everyone in the world open their heart to His gift of salvation.”
Bishop Jugis also discussed the Solemn Intercessions for the Good Friday Liturgy: praying for the Church, those who are to enter the Church through the sacraments of initiation, and for those who do not know Jesus.
“This year our Holy Father has asked us to add two additional Solemn Intercessions during this horrible worldwide pandemic that we are all experiencing,” he explained. “To first of all pray for those who have become ill with the coronavirus, and a final intercession asking the Lord to have mercy on all who have died as a result of complications from this illness.
“In these prayers, we’re moved by the love of Christ, praying that every one may come to know Jesus and come to know of His love and mercy that might transform the whole world.
“We want the work of Christ on Calvary to be extended, even in our own time.”
After the liturgy on Friday evening, people had the opportunity to venerate the cross, which contains a relic of the True Cross, outside the cathedral.
— Kimberly Bender, online reporter. Photos by SueAnn Howell, Catholic News Herald
Bishop Jugis: Easter is about salvation, new life in Christ
CHARLOTTE — “Jesus is not a dead historical figure confined to the past. He is the living Lord with whom we have a personal relationship now,” Bishop Peter J. Jugis told the faithful during the Easter Vigil Mass on April 11 at St. Patrick Cathedral in Charlotte.
“This is the amazing fact of history, which we celebrate today, and in fact which we celebrate every day in the Church: Jesus rose from the dead in His glorified human body. He accomplished our eternal salvation and He, our glorious Risen Savior, remains with us now and always,” Bishop Jugis said.
The liturgy commemorating the resurrection of Jesus Christ began with the blessing of the Paschal fire and lighting of the Paschal candle outside the cathedral's front door.
Normally, hundreds of people process behind Bishop Jugis – candles in hand – into the darkened cathedral.
This year, because of restrictions related to preventing the spread of COVID-19, only the cathedral's clergy carried candles that were lit from the Paschal candle as hundreds watched the live-streamed Mass from their own homes across the Diocese of Charlotte.
“Why did Jesus, the Son of God, come down from heaven to Earth? For the salvation for the human race,” Bishop Jugis continued in his homily.
“By His suffering, death and resurrection, He accomplished the salvation of the human race. He restored us to friendship with God by becoming the sacrifice for our sins.
“He is the salvation of humanity.”
“At this Mass, we bless the water that will be used for the sacrament of baptism, and we renew the promises of our own baptism during this Mass,” Bishop Jugis said. “Why do we renew the promises of baptism at Easter? Why is baptism associated especially with the Easter season? The Risen Lord is the salvation of the human race, and He accomplished that salvation through His cross and resurrection.”
“Baptism in Christ is when we first experience that grace of salvation,” he continued. “We are introduced to a new life of grace, with our sins forgiven, to be faithful to God’s commandments at our baptism. Baptism is the first sacrament that begins the journey of salvation, and that’s what Easter is all about — salvation and a new life in Christ.”
“Yes, no more turning away from God,” he said. “We are set on a new path of friendship with God and Jesus. So, when you renew the promises of your baptism in this Easter Mass, resolve once again to remain on the journey of salvation, to be faithful in serving God...”
“We live as a new creation in the Risen Lord Jesus, as members of His mystical Body. And we bring the peace, the love and the presence of the Risen Christ to every person – no matter what their needs, or struggles, or sufferings, or sorrows, or distress.”
“And there is more than enough trial and testing that we are experiencing these days with the virus pandemic,” he added. “But we remember Jesus’ words: ‘Come to me all who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest.’
“It is the Risen Lord Jesus who refreshes us through the Holy Spirit and makes us His messengers of peace, hope, encouragement and new life.”
The Easter Vigil is typically when new Catholics enter the Church through the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA). However, as preparations were suddenly halted by the pandemic, those catechumens and candidates planning to receive the sacraments of baptism, first Holy Communion and confirmation will enter the Church at Pentecost this year.
— Catholic News Herald. Photos by SueAnn Howell, senior reporter.
Watch the full Easter Sunday Mass:
More Holy Week photos
Mass PDF Guides
The PDF guide below will help you follow along with the liturgies from the cathedral, and meditate on the readings and prayers throughout Holy Week as we approach Easter and commemorate the Passion, death and Resurrection of Our Lord. Printed guides are also being mailed to every Catholic News Herald subscriber this week.
— Catholic News Herald
After two rejections, Father Hoare makes final appeal to Vatican
CHARLOTTE — Church proceedings continue involving Father Patrick Hoare, who was removed as pastor of St. Matthew Parish three years ago after an investigation found his observed behavior with children constituted boundary violations and raised questions about his judgment.
Vatican courts have twice rejected Father Hoare’s claim to be reinstated, but he has made a final appeal to the Church’s highest court, Bishop Peter Jugis informed St. Matthew parishioners in a Jan. 21 letter.
Read the full text of the bishop’s letter
Father Hoare was placed on leave in December 2019 and removed as pastor the following year after a diocesan investigation found “multiple reports of inappropriate behavior in violation of ministerial standards of conduct with minors” that “raised grave concerns among parishioners and at a minimum called into question Father Hoare’s judgment,” the bishop wrote in his letter. He “failed to live up to contemporary standards of conduct with minors, with concerns raised at each parish where he had been assigned since his ordination in 2007, including St. Matthew.”
Father Hoare appealed his removal to authorities in Rome, who examined the evidentiary record and denied Father Hoare’s appeal, the bishop said. A second appeal was filed with the Apostolic Signatura, the Church’s highest court, which last November ruled the appeal “manifestly lacking in foundation” and “must be dismissed.”
The bishop said, “Father Hoare has since made a final appeal to a larger panel of the Apostolic Signatura. It is unclear when a decision in that matter might be made, but that ruling is expected to conclude the Church proceedings involving Father Hoare. Until then, he remains on leave without an ecclesiastical assignment.”
Ordained in 2007, Father Hoare served for about two years at St. Mark Church in Huntersville before being appointed pastor of St. John Neumann Church in Charlotte in 2009 and then pastor of St. Matthew Church in 2017.
— Catholic News Herald