04-25-25 CC EDITION

View this email in your browser

The Catholic HeraldObituary: His Holiness Pope Francis, 1936-2025
Catholic News Herald - Complete CoverageThe Catholic Church and the world are mourning the death of Pope Francis, the 266th pontiff and the first from Latin America.OSV NewsPope Francis lies in state after transfer fromSanta Marta to St. Peter’s Basilica:Follow along on our live blog

Catholic News AgencyPope Francis is brought to St. Peter’s Basilica (photos)AleteiaChurch gathers in Rosary and Adoration, just as Pope encouraged (photos)CRUXFaithful begin filing past Pope Francis’s body lying in simple repose he requestedCatholic News AgencyWhat happens during the Vatican’s 9 days of mourning for the pope?National Catholic RegisterA Pope Who Broke the Mold — and Reshaped the Catholic ChurchCatholic News AgencyGeneral congregation begins: Cardinals suspend beatifications, swear to secrecyCatholic Holy Mass ReadingsCall to Holiness of Life
THREE MOST IMPORTANT THINGS ALL CATHOLICS MUST BE DOING NOW1) Pray for the repose of Pope Francis.2) Pray for the college of cardinals given the task at hand.3) Pray for the future Pope who is currently walking around somewhere.
LONG LIVE THE UNIVERSAL CHURCHLONG LIVE CATHOLIC CHURCHCHURCHPOP15 Beautiful Pope Francis Quotes to Meditate on as the Church Mourns His Passing

HELP BRING CATHOLIC RADIO BACK TO CHARLOTTE!
DAILY SPONSORS NEEDED NOWGOAL: $3000 per month
parishes - ministries - businesses - families - individualsTarget DateMay 5, 2025 Conclave begins
The goal is to turn AM1270 back on the air by May 12, 2025.
To cover base operating expenses, we need to raise $3000 in monthly income.
We will offer 30 Daily Sponsorships each month to parishes, ministries, businesses, families and individuals.  This is a great spotlight for upcoming events which will be cross promoted on our digital platforms including this newsletter.
Each Daily Sponsor will receive 24 /:10 second messages at the top of each hour as part of our legal ID… AM1270 WCGC-Belmont…this hour of Carolina Catholic Radio is sponsored by (name/message).
The daily sponsor cost is $100 with a 12-month commitment or $1200 annually.
Your sponsorship is 100% tax deductible with our status as a 501c3 non-profit.
As always, your 100% tax deductible monthly pledges or one-time donations          may be made separately to help cover capital and non-recurring expenses.
There is no limit to the number of days you may sponsor.  
CONTACT USRESERVE YOUR DAILY SPONSORSHIP NOW
Dear Friends and Patrons,
After talking with a number of you about the future of the Carolina Catholic Media apostolate, some questions have been asked that need to be clarified.  This week I focus on the realities of today and the dreams for the future.  This is based on knowledge learned from ten years of experience conducting media missionary fieldwork across the Carolinas.  Let’s begin!

Who will operate the apostolate?  I will continue operating until a new staff is put in place.  Our dream has been to have a professional media team work in conjunction with Student Activities and the Internship Department at Belmont Abbey College.  This model has been highly successful for many years at Emerson College, Boston. With all the talent we have witnessed at BAC along with aspiring local high school students, we believe this initiative for Carolina Catholic Media has a very bright future for generations to come!  

What is the status of AM1270 WCGC Belmont?The radio station has been off the air (silent) since last May 2024.  We have a local radio station owner who has agreed to help finance turning the station back on now and taking possession of the station this summer.  This will keep Carolina Catholic Media operating with 7 platforms in the future.

When will changes be implemented?As volunteers are vetted and committed, we will add them to the Carolina Catholic Media staff in their areas of expertise per team designations under construction below.  

Where will we base operations?We’re living in a virtual world.  7 Media platforms can be operated from anywhere… but the idea of a campus environment with student and professional staff synergy is the Carolina Catholic Media dream scenario.

Why do we need one-time gifts and monthly donations?Even though Carolina Catholic Media turned off the radio station there are still bills to pay.  This ranges from rents to utilities and insurances to licensing/subscriptions/fees.  

How much do we need to raise to make this transition happen?Carolina Catholic Media needs to raise $10,000 by June 30, 2025.  We ask all our parishes, schools and ministries to please consider tithing for this initiative to continue as your fiscal year comes to an end. Thank you for your prayerful consideration!
 Volunteer Opportunities
MAKE A DIFFERENCE, GET INVOLVED WITH US!
Many hands make light work!  We need volunteers who believe in our mission to bring Carolina Catholic Media to every ear in the Charlotte Diocese and Upstate SC! What role are you called to play?

12 Teams Under Construction     1. Finance/Fundraising/Grant Writing Committee
    2. Network/Affiliate Development – Maximize 7 platforms and new outlets for content distribution
     3. Catholic Parish Point Persons from Charlotte, Raleigh and Charleston Dioceses
     4. Publicity– Share Your Parish News and upcoming events
     5. Creative– Video/Website/Social/Print/eblasts
     6. Multi-Platform Tech Integration – Sharing programs across Radio and 6 digital platforms
     7. Local Talk Program Development – What topic are you passionate about?  Lengths vary.
   8. School Forum – Catholic School/Home School education (High School, College Focus)
   9. Family Life/Ministry Showcase – From Marriage & Parenting to Vocations & Living the Beatitudes
 10. Catholic Teen Formation – Confirmation to College to Career, keeping connected with our Faith
 11. Catholic Music Channel – Featuring playlists from Local Kids, Teens, Adults
 12. Faith & Sport – Feature Local Catholic School Teams, Athletes / Catholic Athlete of the Week

Maximizing Technology in Today’s WorldTECHNOLOGY TIMELINE
By using today’s technology, we commit to reach every soul across the Diocese of Charlotte, NC and Upstate SC.  In addition to Radio, we have expanded our CAROLINA CATHOLIC media platforms to include Video on our website, mobile app, Facebook/Instagram/X social media and YouTube channel.  We provide access to all our platforms through our weekly eNewsletters.                                                                                            
Our streaming technology allows us to access every computer and smartphone allowing us to significantly reduce projected capital expenditures.  This overcame the biggest single broadcast objection of “I can’t hear you.”  With 90% population reach by Smartphone the broadcast signal is not an issue. With compelling content the ears and eyes will come.

Redefining our Mission & Vision 
WHERE WE GO FROM HERE…
CAROLINA CATHOLIC MEDIA offers a unique opportunity to reach the entire Local Catholic Community both registered Catholics, those in the pews on Sunday AND the vast flock of those who are not.   With 5 million people in the Charlotte Diocese and a Charlotte metro workday population increase of 20% (post pandemic) there is much room to grow with our outreach in the Vineyard of the Carolinas (3 dioceses - 15 million souls - 1.5 million Catholics). 
During these tumultuous times where the world feels upside down, may we be guided by GOD’S love, mercy and grace.  May we grow in and be strengthened by our Catholic faith to reinvigorate our hope in and our love for GOD and for one another. May we truly be Instruments of His Peace by our actions and by our words… to feed the hungry, cloth the naked, forgive the guilty, welcome the stranger AND the unwanted child, care for the ill and love our enemies.
CAROLINA CATHOLIC MEDIA looks forward to continuing providing you with ONE LOCAL CATHOLIC VOICE that truly reflects the MOSAIC OF MINISTRIES created by you for all our Carolina Catholics.  From the CRIB TO THE CROSS, may we always remember the REASON FOR EVERY SEASON!  PRAISE BE JESUS CHRIST, NOW AND FOREVER!  VIVA CRISTO REY!
I look forward to hearing from you!  
In the peace of Christ,David
David M. Papandrea, OFSFounder/ChairmanCarolina Catholic Media NetworkFederal Tax ID: 81-5061992PH/TX: 704.880.0260
DONATE HERE Carolina Catholic Media thanks you for your support.Please help us continue our Mission to Evangelize across the Carolinas!SECURE ONLINE GIVING
online donation form

SMART DEVICE DONATING
Carolina Catholic App
Carolina Catholic
Media Network
TAX ID #81-5061992
CALL US WITHYOUR GIFT
704.880.0260
MAIL A CHECK
PO Box 5931
Statesville, NC 28687

National Catholic RegisterDivine Mercy and the Sacred Heart: Two Complementary Devotions ExplainedUnderstanding how Divine Mercy fulfills, rather than replaces, the Sacred Heart message.OSV NewsDivine Mercy Sunday reminds faithful Easter joy triumphs amid tears of mourningOSV NewsUkraine Catholic leader calls for world to stop Russia’s war as Trump pushes peace termsAleteiaVatican announces changes to Carlo Acutis canonizationNational Catholic RegisterJubilee of Teenagers: 5 Must-Dos for the Canonization of Carlo AcutisIn honor of Carlo’s love for the Eucharist, make sure to visit one or more of the Eucharistic miracles not far from Assisi, Italy.OSV News‘Waking up to God’: Desire for community, renewed faith interest may explain U.S. boost in numbers of new CatholicsNational Catholic RegisterPresident Trump Issues Holy Week Messages: ‘He Is Risen!’In his message released through the White House, Trump also emphasized his support for religious liberty in public policy.Catholic News AgencyHeritage Foundation’s Roberts:‘Golden age of America’ lies in revitalization of faithCatholic News HeraldBishop Martin, others reflect on the life and legacy of Pope FrancisCatholic News HeraldBishop Martin tells priests: Proclaim the Good News to a world in needCatholic News HeraldHope prevails at Bishop's Youth Pilgrimage12 April 2025More than 1,000 attend Bishop Martin’s first youth pilgrimageThe Diocese of Charlotte Prison Ministry is made up of parish-based volunteers who visit people incarcerated in prisons, jails and detention centers located in the 46 counties of western North Carolina that encompass the Diocese of Charlotte. They enrich their faith – bringing company, hope, love and the mercy of Jesus Christ. Learn more below about how to volunteer or request a visit for a loved one.
What We DoFAQsResources
Find a Parish - Diocese of CharlotteCatholic News HeraldCelebrate the Jubilee Year close to homeSt. Joseph College Seminary
SJCS Facebook Page

SJCS Events Calendar

 Catholic News & Events in Raleigh Diocese of Raleigh FACEBOOK Page‘A beautiful occasion’ Diocese celebrates Chrism Mass and incardination of Father PiusApril 16, 2025NC CatholicsThe value of a visitFrom the BishopMarch 25, 2025Bishop Luis Rafael Zarama

Catholic News & Events in South CarolinaDiocese of Charleston FACEBOOK Page 

The magazine of the Catholic Diocese of CharlestonAPRIL 2025Apr 1, 2025 By Bishop Jacques Fabre-JeuneMy dear brothers and sisters in Christ – April 2025Rejoice, for he is risen! Proclaim the Good News of his glorious resurrection!

Roman Catholic Diocese of CharlestonBishop Jacques Fabre-Jeune, CS, has outlined a vision for the next five years called Via Fidelis. This journey of faith aims to teach Catholics of South Carolina so that we help spread the Gospel and win hearts for God’s goodness, mercy, love, justice and peace.  Learn more about this exciting journey for our diocese here: charlestondiocese.org/via-fidelis

Batrice AdcockJoin the Charlotte Diocese Family Life Officeon Pilgrimage to the NC March for Life May 17!REGISTER HERE NOW:

Catholic News HeraldBishop Michael Martin's Updated CalendarDiscover where you can attend Mass with the bishop here:

About Bishop Martin

ST. THOMAS AQUINAS CATHOLIC CHURCHUpcoming Events at St. Thomas Aquinas - Mass and so much more!St. Thomas Aquinas Charlotte - Facebook Page
AUDIO TALK & HOMILIESRenaissance Art Flourishes at St. Thomas Aquinas in Charlotte, North Carolina 

Pro-Life Charlotte Facebook Page 
Upcoming EventsCharlotte Cursillo 

 Kara GriffinCharlotte Diocese CCDOC Human Trafficking Awareness CommitteeCCDOC Human Trafficking Awareness Webpage CCDOC Ethical & Fair Trade WebpageFor upcoming events and social media posts go to the CCDOC Human Trafficking Awareness Facebook Group
Log in or sign up to viewSee posts, photos and more on Facebook.www.facebook.com Check out the Carolina Catholic Facebook pagefor the latest diocesan, parish, school and ministry news!

This Week’s Facebook Feature PageSt. Ann Catholic SchoolCarolina Catholic Media ArchivesPODCASTS ON-DEMANDVIDEOS ON-DEMANDJOYFUL ECHOThis Week

CAROLINA CATHOLIC PODCAST LINKS*Accountable Catholic w Lisa Feeley*Clergy Corner/Homily of the Day*From the Rooftop w Msgr. Winslow & Fr. Kauth*Faith & Sport w John Acquaviva*Grace & Grit/Real Talk w Sara Daigle*Healed and Restored w Elza Spaedy*Joyful Echo w Jean Whelan & Kathleen Lewis*The Obligation w Jason Murphy*The ReMENant w Ray Haywood

CATHOLIC CAMPUS MINISTRY * DIOCESE OF CHARLOTTE
COMPLETE LIST OF CATHOLIC CAMPUS MINISTRIES HEREThe Cardinal Newman SocietyTake a stand with us!Join us in our mission to support Catholic education and ensure that future generations receive a faithful Catholic education.Click here to raise your hand and be counted!