National Catholic Register

All Eyes on Sunday: Leo XIV’s First Words May Cast His Image on Church’s Future

COMMENTARY: Papal initiation homilies have long served as moments of clarity, not only inaugurating a pontificate but auguring its direction.

Catholic News Agency

World leaders, delegates set to attend Pope Leo XIV’s inaugural Mass

National Catholic Register

John Paul II’s Birthday, Leo XIV’s Inauguration: A Papal Coincidence|

Pope Leo XIV greets the world for the first time to grant his Urbi et Orbi blessing. Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost was elected as the 267th Successor of Peter by the 133 Cardinal electors on Friday, May 9 (Philippine time). | via Vatican News

Saints of Today

Official portrait of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV, bearing his handwritten signature, distinguished with the initials “P.P.”

These initials stand for Pastor Pastorum — Latin for “Shepherd of Shepherds.” This sacred title reflects the Pope’s sacred role as the chief shepherd, tasked with leading the bishops and faithfully guiding Christ’s flock in unity, truth, and love.

Aleteia

In-depth: A look at the man who has become Leo XIV

Aleteia

Symbolism of the emblem that is on Pope Leo’s coat of arms

National Catholic Register

A Prayer for Pope Leo XIV

‘May the Lord preserve him, give him a long life,

make him blessed upon the earth ...’

MORE

OSV News

Pope Leo XIV on social media: Instagram and X accounts up and growing

CHURCHPOP

Catholics Warn Against Politically Labeling Pope Leo XIV: 'He's God's Guy,' Not a Politician

Is Pope Leo XIV liberal or conservative? Here’s what some Catholics are saying to those who politically label Pope Leo XIV:

All Popes of the Catholic Church:

Saint Peter - Pope Francis

A complete list of all the Popes of the Catholic Church from Saint Peter to the current Pope. This video provides a straightforward chronological overview of every pontiff in history, perfect for quick reference or anyone interested in the papal lineage.

National Catholic Register

100 Years a Saint: Remembering St. Thérèse’s Deep Connection to Mary

‘Our Blessed Lady has come to me; she has smiled at me,’ Thérèse marveled, as we mark the centenary of her canonization.

Aleteia

100 years of Saint Thérèse: Canonized May 17, 1925

CHURCHPOP

The Forgotten Message of the Fatima Angel that Came Before Mary

“Do not be afraid. I am the angel of peace. Pray with me.”

The Catholic Herald

Obituary: His Holiness Pope Francis, 1936-2025

Aleteia

12 Beautiful images from Pope Francis’ funeral

Aleteia

3 Unfinished things from Pope Francis’ papacy for his successor

National Catholic Register

A Pope Who Broke the Mold — and Reshaped the Catholic Church

CHURCHPOP

15 Beautiful Pope Francis Quotes to Meditate on as the Church Mourns His Passing

HELP BRING CATHOLIC RADIO BACK TO CHARLOTTE!

DAILY SPONSORS NEEDED NOW

GOAL: $3000 per month

parishes - ministries - businesses - families - individuals

Back On-Air - May 8, 2025

Conclave Day 2

2 hours prior to White Smoke

• The goal is to turn AM1270 back on the air by May 12, 2025.
• Returned back on the air May 8 at 10am during Conclave

• 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 US

RESERVE YOUR DAILY SPONSORSHIP NOW

Dear Friends and Patrons,

Here’s the latest information about the future of the Carolina Catholic Media apostolate based on the realities of today and dreams for the future.  

Who will operate the apostolate?  

A new professional media management team is being assembled to work with me now and will take over operations when the radio license is transferred later this summer. Our plan is for this team to work in conjunction with Student Activities and the Internship Department at Belmont Abbey College.  We are also looking to add Catholic Campus Ministries to our network of student contributors!  This professional/student organization 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 perfectly aligns with our vision for Carolina Catholic Media to ensure 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.  With the help of a local radio station owner, we turned the station back on the air this past Thursday May 8 at 10am.  Now we look ahead to transfer of station ownership later 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?

Now that the radio station is back on the air, we will be incurring expenses of about $3500 per month.  This expense list includes rents, utilities, insurances, licensing, subscriptions and 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 World

TECHNOLOGY 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, OFS

Founder/Chairman

Carolina Catholic Media Network

Federal Tax ID: 81-5061992

PH/TX: 704.880.0260

DONATE HERE

OSV News

In 7 days, Pope Leo XIV has made a mark: Here’s how popes’ first weeks shaped their pontificate

National Catholic Register

5 Ways Leo XIV Might Advance Catholic Social Teaching

COMMENTARY: The new Pope seems to want to continue the tradition of developing Catholic social teaching in a way that breaks new ground on important global matters

CRUX

Addressing ambassadors, Pope Leo XIV says ‘peace’ is not a ‘negative word’

National Catholic Register

Pope Leo XIV Shares Vision for Papacy in Age of Artificial Intelligence

The Pope outlined key priorities for his pontificate in the age of a new industrial revolution, as Leo XIII did before him, while emphasizing continuity with his predecessors and commitment to the Church’s social teaching.

Catholic News Agency

Pope Leo XIV’s Augustinian brothers recall his ‘kind’ moments, reflect on new papacy

Catholic News Agency

Who are the Augustinians? A look at Pope Leo XIV’s religious order

National Catholic Register

‘I Wanted So Much to Come Here’: Pope Leo Visits Marian Shrine Outside of Rome

Pope Leo XIV on Saturday visited and prayed at the Shrine of the Mother of Good Counsel in Genazzano, greeting the community there and urging them to ‘be faithful to the Mother.’ Leo on Saturday also visited the Basilica of St. Mary Major, where he prayed in front of the tomb of Pope Francis.

CATHOLIC VOTE

JD Vance, Marco Rubio among world political officials to attend the inaugural Mass of Pope Leo XIV

The Catholic Herald

U.S. cardinals hail winning ways of first American pope

OSV News

First American pope: White Sox fan, Villanova grad, Peru missionary, Vatican leader

LIFESITE NEWS

President Trump names Archbishop Cordileone to Religious Liberty Commission advisory board

CATHOLIC VOTE

Trump appoints Catholics to Religious Liberty Commission advisory boards

National Catholic Register

Trump’s Bold Syria Move Echoes Leo XIV’s Call for Peace

COMMENTARY: The Vatican and the White House seem to be on the same page when it comes to the peace and survival of Christians in the Middle East.

Catholic News Herald

Belmont Abbey College celebrates largest graduating class in school history

Bishop Martin tells 2025 grads: ‘Our world needs your greater works’

Catholic News Herald

Fr. Peter Ascik, Director of the Family Life Office, being interviewed by Divine Mercy Radio as the March for Life rally gets underway in Raleigh Saturday.

Catholic News Herald

Eyewitness to history

Charlotte seminarians were there when Pope Leo XIV was announced

VATICAN CITY — Three seminarians from the Diocese of Charlotte – John Harrison, Gabriel Lugo and Ronan Ostendorf – have been studying at the Pontifical North American College in Rome since last fall. Along with other once-in-a-lifetime experiences, they had the opportunity to be at St. Peter’s Square when Pope Leo XIV was announced. Here are their reflections on that historic moment.

Catholic News Herald

Bishop Martin 'thrilled' about new Pope Leo XIV

Catholic News Herald

Bishop Martin urges Catholics to seize the moment offered by new pope

Charlotte Bishop Michael Martin shares the following statement upon the election of the 267th pope to lead the Catholic Church.  

It is with great joy that the people of the Diocese of Charlotte celebrate the election of Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, the first American pope, who is taking the name Pope Leo XIV. We pledge our loyalty to and prayers for the 267th Vicar of Christ. While the world may look for clues to anticipate the new Holy Father’s approach to one topic or another, we look to the Holy Spirit to inspire our new shepherd and to give us all a desire for deep communion which is at the heart of Jesus’ desire for His Church. I invite all Catholics of our Diocese to some small act of charity in the days to come to be in solidarity with Pope Leo XIV, who will need our prayers, support and sacrifices to fulfill the great commission! Ad Multos Annos, Pope Leo XIV.

Catholic News Herald

Bishop Martin, others reflect on the life and legacy of Pope Francis

Catholic News Herald

Bishop Martin tells priests: Proclaim the Good News to a world in need

The 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 Do

FAQs

Resources

Find a Parish - Diocese of Charlotte

Catholic News Herald

Celebrate the Jubilee Year close to home

St. Joseph College Seminary

Catholic News & Events in Raleigh

Diocese of Raleigh FACEBOOK Page

Confirmation: A Journey of Discovery and Grace

Catholic News & Events in South Carolina

Priest Assignments - May 2025

Diocese of Charleston FACEBOOK Page

The magazine of the Catholic Diocese of Charleston

MAY 2025

May 1, 2025

By Bishop Jacques Fabre-Jeune

My dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

Mary appeared to three little children on May 13, 1917. A little over a century later, their encounter and Mary’s message at Fatima remain teaching moments on how we relate to our mother and her role in our lives…

READ MORE

Roman Catholic Diocese of Charleston

Bishop 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

Catholic News Agency

Honoring Mary in May

Photo Gallery

ST. THOMAS AQUINAS CATHOLIC CHURCH

Pro-Life Charlotte Facebook Page

Kara Griffin

Charlotte Diocese CCDOC Human Trafficking Awareness Committee

CCDOC Human Trafficking Awareness Webpage 

CCDOC Ethical & Fair Trade Webpage

For upcoming events and social media posts go to the 

CCDOC Human Trafficking Awareness Facebook Group

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This Week’s Facebook Feature Page

Sacred Heart Catholic School

Our 7th and 8th graders took a trip to Colonial Times! 🏛️🔨 They traveled to Williamsburg and learned how colonists lived in the Virginia Colony during the American Revolution. 🇺🇸 They visited the Governor’s Palace, which was home to various governors of Virginia, including both Patrick Henry and Thomas Jefferson, until the capital was moved to Richmond. We are grateful for a fun, safe trip for these students! 💙💛

READ MORE

Carolina Catholic Media Archives

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JOYFUL ECHO

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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