Rite of Election
Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults is the process developed by the Catholic Church for prospective converts to Catholicism. Through OCIA, an adult becomes a fully participating member of the Catholic Church – receiving the sacraments of initiation (baptism, first Holy Communion and confirmation). It consists of four learning periods, with the goal being welcomed […]
Chrism Mass
The Chrism Mass, celebrated each year during Holy Week, is so named because it is when the sacramental oils are prepared that churches will use over the coming year. The holy oils blessed at the Chrism Mass are used in the sacraments of baptism, confirmation and anointing of the sick, as well as for ordination […]
Palm (Passion) Sunday
Palm (or Passion) Sunday falls on the Sunday before Easter each year, marking the start of Holy Week. It commemorates Christ’s triumphal entry into Jerusalem, an event mentioned in each of the four canonical Gospels. Its name originates from the palm branches waved by the crowd to greet and honor Jesus as He entered the […]
18th Annual Regional Stewardship Conference
This collaborative effort by the Dioceses of Charlotte, Charleston, Raleigh, and the Archdiocese of Atlanta, is an excellent opportunity for you to learn from lay and ordained stewards from parishes across the Southeast. Anyone interested in embracing stewardship as a way of life will benefit from attending the conference. Whether a priest, deacon, parish staff […]
Ash Wednesday
Ash Wednesday begins the liturgical season of Lent. It is not a holy day of obligation, though it is a day of prayer, abstinence, fasting and repentance. Catholics are generally obliged to fast and to refrain from eating meat. Read more on what to know about Ash Wednesday:
World Day of the Sick
The World Day of the Sick is an awareness day in the Catholic Church intended for “prayer and sharing, of offering one’s suffering for the good of the Church and of reminding everyone to see in his sick brother or sister the face of Christ.” Instituted by then-Pope John Paul II, the day is an […]
International Day of Prayer and Awareness Against Human Trafficking
The Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace and the International Union of Superiors General has designated Feb. 8 as an annual day of prayer and awareness against human trafficking. It is also the feast day of St. Josephine Bakhita, who was kidnapped as a child and sold into slavery in Sudan and Italy. Once Josephine […]
National Marriage Week
National Marriage Week (Feb. 7-14) – featuring World Marriage Day (Sunday, Feb. 9) – is an opportunity to focus on building a culture of life and love that begins with supporting and promoting marriage and the family. The 2025 theme is “Marriage: Source of Hope, Spring of Renewal. Pursue a Lasting Love!”
Catholic Schools Week
Our Christ-centered Catholic schools nurture a spirit of joy, courage, service, and pursuit of excellence in all things. We are dedicated to each child’s educational growth and personal development, so that they can be a disciple of Christ and change the world for the better. As we celebrate Catholic Schools Week 2024, we invite you […]
Eucharistic Congress
Encounter Jesus! Join us for the 21st annual Diocese of Charlotte Eucharistic Congress, when tens of thousands of people from across the Carolinas gather at the Charlotte Convention Center to celebrate the Holy Eucharist and feel Jesus’ Presence among us. The two-day event includes a Eucharistic Procession through Uptown Charlotte, a Holy Hour and Mass […]