October, 2007
 

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

The theme of our annual report this year is “Guided by the Spirit.” With that in mind I am pleased to present to you the annual report of the Diocese of Charlotte for the year ending June 30, 2007.

This report will show you that the Diocese of Charlotte is sound, both spiritually and financially. It is clear to me that we have been guided by the Holy Spirit over the past 12 months because so many people in our diocese commit themselves to prayer, to service and to the ongoing support of the diocese. Thank you.

The guidance of the Spirit is evident in our diocese every day. Our third Eucharistic Congress took place as this annual report went to press. I have prayed for its continued success and I am grateful to the thousands of people who chose to spend the two days in adoration of and reflection on the Eucharist.

The foundation of our success is a testament to the commitment and hard work of the many priests, deacons and religious who serve us in so many different capacities. During this past year, I had the honor of ordaining five men to the priesthood. Fathers Patrick Hoare, Richard DeClue, Patrick Cahill, Fredrick Werth and Patrick Toole will celebrate the sacraments and guide the faithful to the Spirit for many years to come.

Faith formation programs continue to grow with dedicated teachers and administrators whose instruction brings children and adults to a better understanding of the Spirit, Holy Scripture and church teaching. Nearly 35,000 children and adults participate in parish-based religious education programs throughout the diocese. In addition, our 18 diocesan and parish-based schools provide pre-kindergarten through 12th-grade instruction for 7,561 children.

Catholic Social Services continues to put our faith into action by providing caring help to thousands of individuals and families in need. The international adoption service of CSS received special recognition when the Russian Federation approved it to facilitate adoptions in that country. There are fewer than 20 adoption agencies in the world approved for this vital ministry that connects children in need with families seeking to support them.

We are guided by the Holy Spirit in everything we do — in education, in charity and in our devotion to Jesus Christ. With that guidance we will continue to be unceasing in our hard work to build the Kingdom of God in western North Carolina. We can accomplish this goal only with the blessing of your prayers and your continued financial support. Thank you for your past generosity, especially for funding the Diocesan Support Appeal as well as the many other needs that are met through your kindness.

      
Sincerely Yours in Christ,

Most Reverend Peter J. Jugis, J.C.D.
Bishop of Charlotte