CHARLOTTE — The following deacons were recently assigned or transferred by Bishop Michael Martin, OFM Conv., the Diocese of Charlotte Permanent Deacons Office has announced:
Deacon Adhur (Ari) Lekovic to St. Ann Parish in Charlotte. Ordained in 2017 for the Archdiocese of New York, his ministries included presiding at baptisms, funeral services, and working with his wife Elsa in youth ministry and women’s retreats. The Lekovics, who moved to Charlotte in 2024, have been married 25 years and have six children. At St. Ann Parish he assists at Mass and works with OCIA.
Deacon James Strominger to St. Philip the Apostle Parish in Statesville. He was ordained for the Diocese of Cincinnati in 2019, where he worked in counseling with high school students. Deacon Strominger moved to Statesville in 2023 to be closer to family. At St. Philip, his ministries include Bible study, OCIA and visiting the homebound.
Deacon Crescenzo (Chris) Vigliotta from St. Gabriel Parish to St. Vincent de Paul Parish in Charlotte. Ordained in 1983 for the Diocese of Rockville Center, Deacon Vigliotta served at St. John the Evangelist Parish in Center Moriches, New York, for 25 years and in the Diocese of Hartford, Connecticut, where his focus was prison ministry. Deacon Vigliotta and his wife Elizabeth have been married 58 years and they moved to North Carolina in 2018 to be closer to family. At St. Vincent de Paul Parish, Deacon Vigliotta is assisting at Mass and visiting the homebound.
Deacon Jack Yarbrough from Our Lady of Grace Parish in Greensboro to St. Pius X Parish, also in Greensboro. Deacon Yarbrough was ordained for the Diocese of Charlotte in 2018. He and his wife Rachel have been married 38 years. His ministries include visiting the homebound and the incarcerated, ministering at an addiction recovery facility, and teaching deacon formation classes.
— Catholic News Herald
CHARLOTTE — Bishop Michael Martin will commemorate the feast of St. Patrick with Masses at two historic Irish churches in the Diocese of Charlotte.
While the diocese dates from 1972, Catholics have lived in the Carolinas since the United States was founded. In the early 1800s, Irish immigrants put down roots – mostly stonemasons and tradesmen who found work with the railroads, in construction and in mines near Charlotte, where prospectors had struck gold.
Old St. Joseph Church, March 17
On Monday, March 17, Mass will be offered at 9 a.m. at Old St. Joseph Church in Mount Holly, the mother church for Catholics in western North Carolina and one of the oldest Catholic churches still standing in the state.
The Greek Revival style wooden frame church was built in 1843 by Irish immigrants, who had come to search for gold along the Catawba River.
No longer an active parish, today Old St. Joseph Church is used for special occasions such at the feasts of St. Patrick and St. Joseph in March, and tours are available by request through Queen of the Apostles Church in Belmont.
Hosted by the Ancient Order of Hibernians and the Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians, the annual Mass pays tribute to the first Catholic families in western North Carolina and their beloved first pastor, the Irish-born Father T.J. Cronin. Prayers at Father Cronin’s graveside will be said prior to Mass (depending on the weather).
All are welcome to attend the Mass at the church, which is located at N.C. 273 and Sandy Ford Road.
St. Patrick Cathedral, March 16
On Sunday, March 16, Bishop Martin will also celebrate the 9 a.m. Mass at St. Patrick Cathedral, located at 1621 Dilworth Road East in Charlotte.
Construction on St. Patrick Church began on March 17, 1938, St. Patrick’s Day, thanks to a donation from John Henry Phelan in honor of his parents. It was built adjacent to the O’Donoghue School (now St. Patrick School), and dedicated by Raleigh Bishop Eugene J. McGuinness on Sept. 4, 1939. In 1972, Bishop-elect Michael J. Begley chose it as the cathedral for the new diocese, and the newly elevated cathedral served as the location for his ordination and installation on Jan. 12, 1972.
Both historic churches are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
— Catholic News Herald