CLEMMONS — Two young parishioners from Holy Family Parish recently received special honors.
Vivian Do (pictured with her family and Holy Family’s clergy) was awarded the 2023 St. Timothy Award, presented annually to one high school youth in each parish of the diocese, recognizing them for their public witness to their community.
Jonathan Perez Ramirez (pictured with his family and Holy Family’s clergy) received the 2023 Bishop Michael J. Begley Award, given to one youth in the diocese in recognition of their outstanding service to the Church, community, school and youth program.
Father James Stuhrenberg, pastor, wrote in his recommendation letter, “Jonathan Perez has been a shining example of servant leadership at Holy Family.” Jenn Barlow, parish youth minister, added, “Jonathan is one of the most giving teens I’ve encountered in my 12 years as a youth minister.”
— Catholic News Herald
CHARLOTTE — The Diocese of Charlotte’s parishes, schools and ministries will offer paid pregnancy and parental leave for employees who give birth or have a child placed in their care through adoption or foster care, diocesan officials announced Aug. 21.
Eligible employees who are becoming new parents may request up to two weeks of paid parental leave to care for and bond with their child, and to begin adapting to their expanding family. In addition, mothers who give birth may also request up to two weeks of paid pregnancy leave to aid in their recovery from childbirth – providing them a total of four weeks of combined paid pregnancy and parental leave.
This new paid leave benefit does not replace other available benefits, but rather, enhances and may be paired with existing benefits (including vacation and sick time), to give eligible employees additional paid time away as they welcome their child.
“Building up and supporting the family is at the heart of the Church’s mission, and we especially want to support those who are working for the Church,” Bishop Peter Jugis said in the announcement. “As our diocese continues to grow, we’re blessed to be in a position to offer paid pregnancy and parental leave for employees in our schools, churches and pastoral center who are establishing families – ‘thus contributing to the renewal of society and of the People of God.’”