Celebrations of the birth of Christ looked and felt different this year, but nonetheless Catholics across the Diocese of Charlotte marked the holy season with joy. Priests offered more Masses – indoors, outdoors and live online – to welcome as many worshipers as possible. Churches arranged reservations to ensure Mass attendance was capped at a safe number and people were spaced apart in the pews. People went out of their way to greet one another and offer prayers for others’ health and wellbeing.
In his Christmas message, Father Casey Coleman, pastor of Our Lady of Grace Church in Greensboro, echoed the sentiments of many this Christmas – and 2020 in general: “During this time of pandemic we are being reminded that the practice of our faith needs to be intentional and is not a matter of convenience. We need to maintain patience and charity in all circumstances toward one another, mutually building each other up through prayer and kindness within our parish family, the Catholic Church, amongst fellow Christians, and most especially with those who are not Christian. If we do, we will grow not just in number, but most importantly in these difficult times we will grow in Faith, Hope, and Love.”
Social media has become a valuable tool for maintaining human connectedness despite the isolation imposed by the pandemic, and many people went online to express concern for others in need and gratitude for their faith. Parishioner Mary De La Fuente wrote on St. Barnabas Church’s Facebook page, “Christmas can’t be canceled. Christmas can never be canceled – not by presidents or governors, prime ministers or politicians. Christmas, after all, is the celebration of the birth of Emmanuel, God joining himself to suffering humanity as a tiny and vulnerable baby 2,000 years ago in a humble manger in Bethlehem. And nothing can ever ‘cancel’ the hope and excitement that Christian believers experience every year as they celebrate the earthly arrival of Jesus. So while our Christmas celebrations this year might be different than in the past, they should be as joyful as ever, bringing us the true peace that can only come from the Christ Child.”
— Patricia L. Guilfoyle, editor
Children at St. Mark Preschool in Huntersville took part in a Christmas Pageant that was videotaped and posted on YouTube for parents to watch. Each of the choir groups was recorded separately so that they could be safely distanced.
Before their performances, Father John Putnam, pastor of St. Mark Church, read to the children, (Photos provided by Amy Burger)
The innkeeper is Sawyer Guzman, Mary is Mila McDonald, Joseph is Will Keegan, the Angel Gabriel is Everly Guzman, the Angel Star is Marie Aiello, King Herod is Matthew Burkett, and the Wisemen are Tristan Swanson, Brielle Nelson and Isaac Campbell.
Holy Angels in Belmont celebrated its 65th anniversary with a special “night of light” Dec. 20, featuring a drive-through Nativity scene and inspirational luminary display to honor and remember those who made an impact in our lives.
Holy Angels’ residents had roles in the live progressive Nativity scene, dressing in outfits and costumes to help tell the narrated story of Christ’s birth. The nighttime event drew more than 1,000 people. (Photos provided by Shawn Flynn)
St. Mark in Huntersville. (Photos provided by Amy Burger)
St. Mark in Huntersville. (Photos provided by Amy Burger)
Divine Reedemer
Holy Spirit Church in Denver.
Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Monroe.
Sacred Heart Church in Brevard was decorated for Christmas by some talented volunteers. (Photo via Facebook)
Santa María in Greensboro.
A scene from Christmas Mass offered by Father Richard Sutter, pastor, at St. Gabriel Church in Charlotte. (Photo via Facebook)
A scene from Christmas Mass offered by Father Richard Sutter, pastor, at St. Gabriel Church in Charlotte. (Photo via Facebook)
A scene from Christmas Mass offered by Father Richard Sutter, pastor, at St. Gabriel Church in Charlotte. (Photo via Facebook)
Snowfall made St. Joseph Church in Bryson City look even more beautiful at Christmas. (Photo via Facebook)
St Lawrence Basilica in Asheville.
The Panduro family was among many parishioners at St. Matthew Church in Charlotte who donated and delivered buckets of holiday cheer before Christmas to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department, in thanks for their daily sacrifices (Photo via Facebook)
The Nativity scene set up in the narthex before Christmas at St. Pius X Church in Greensboro. (Photo via Facebook)
St The Nativity scene set up in the narthex before Christmas at St. Pius X Church in Greensboro. (Photo via Facebook)X 2 (Copy)
St. Patrick Cathedral in Charlotte continued its Christmas tradition of delivering meals to people in need around the Charlotte area. Entrees were prepared by Waiter’s Choice Catering, and parish volunteers packaged meals for delivery. Photo via Facebook
