CHARLOTTE — The Foundation of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Charlotte has awarded 20 grants totaling $87,010 to 10 parishes and missions, six diocesan outreach ministries, and four Catholic schools.
The annual awards, ranging from $1,500 to $5,000, are based on need and the impact the funds are expected to have on local communities.
Grant recipients include a $3,650 grant to St. Stephen Mission in Elkin, which plans to use the money to host a bilingual parish retreat, and the Diocese of Charlotte Respect Life Office, which will use its $3,360 grant to expand access to Rachel’s Vineyard, a ministry that hosts healing retreats for women who have had abortions.
Four Catholic Charities offices across the diocese have also been awarded grants up to $5,000.
The Charlotte regional office will use its grant for supportive services in its “Welcome Home” program that assists the homeless. Catholic Charities’ Lenoir office will use its grant money to provide bilingual services and financial assistance to families facing economic emergencies in Alexander, Burke, Caldwell and Catawba counties, and its Piedmont/Triad office will do the same in providing charitable outreach in Forsyth and surrounding counties.
“These almost 400 grants given since 2001 have made an impact on all 46 counties of the diocese and have helped improve the lives of thousands of people,” said Jim Kelley, executive director of the foundation and diocesan director of development.
Since 2001, the foundation has awarded 396 grants totaling $1,095,904. These grants are distributed from four of the foundation’s 300-plus endowments.
— SueAnn Howell, Senior reporter
2021 Diocesan Foundation grant recipients
Catholic Campus Ministry $5,000 Evangelization program
Catholic Charities’ Charlotte Regional Office $5,000 “Welcome Home” program to alleviate homelessness
Catholic Charities’ Lenoir Office $5,000 Bilingual services and emergency financial aid to families in Alexander, Burke, Caldwell and Catawba counties
Catholic Charities’ Piedmont/Triad Office $4,000 Parish and community charitable outreach for Forsyth and surrounding counties
Catholic Charities’ Respect Life Office $3,360 Expanding access to Rachel’s Vineyard
Hispanic Ministry $3,000 Building expertise, training and materials for Family, Health and Bereavement ministry teams
Holy Redeemer Church, Andrews $5,000 Church roof repair and replacement
Immaculata School, Hendersonville $5,000 Convert library to a media center
Our Lady of Consolation Church, Charlotte $5,000 Our Lady of Consolation Youth in Action program
Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, Charlotte $5,000 Casa Marillac Social Ministry – Food Pantry
Our Lady of Mercy School, Winston-Salem $5,000 New phone system
Our Lady of the Mountains Mission, Highlands $5,000 Mold removal and remediation for the church and rectory
Prince of Peace Mission, Robbinsville $5,000 Social Hall roof repair and replacement
St. Bernadette Mission, Linville/St. Lucien Church,
Spruce Pine $1,500 Friends of St. Joseph
St. Francis of Assisi Church, Mocksville $5,000 Storage room for Hispanic music ministry
St. Jude Mission, Sapphire Valley $5,000 Church landscaping
St. Mark Church, Huntersville $4,000 St. Stephen Ministry and integrated Elder Care
St. Michael School, Gastonia $5,000 Finishing the fence around the playground
St. Pius X School, Greensboro $2,500 St. Pius X School STREAM Lab
St. Stephen Mission, Elkin $3,650 Bilingual Parish Retreat