Broadcasting the Truth of Jesus Christ
Dec. 23, 2023

From Advent to the Nativity - Christmas is Here!

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Dear Carolina Catholic Family & Friends,

Thank you to everyone who has touched this apostolate since our inception in 2017 with my band of brothers (Fourth Degree Knights) from the Knights of Columbus... Mike Brown (Holy Family), Len Kobylus (Sacred Heart) and Shawn Williams (St. Mark).

The Holy Spirit has taken us on quite the "Wild Goose" ride the past 7 years.  I am grateful for the support and encouragement of dozens of you who have shared your time, talents and treasure to get us to the present day.

When we started, we had no idea except blind faith that the Carolinas were fertile grounds for Catholic Media to grow.  We had the example of Mother Angelica 40 years ago to draw on.  How many times I have said "Mother showed us how so let's go do it!" 

By the grace of God here we are looking forward to serving our vibrant Carolina Catholic Community with the right combination of timely news, information, education and inspiration needed to walk in close relationship with Jesus Christ on our earthly journey to our eternal home.

This Christmas season, may God's precious gift of His Son Jesus Christ, fill our joyful hearts with a renewed faith, hope and love for the new year!   

Peace on Earth!  Goodwill to all!  Merry Christmas!

David Papandrea, OFS 
Founder/Chairman

 
 
 
As we journey from Advent to the Nativity and the Christmas season, we are beginning to gain momentum in our fundraising efforts to keep Charlotte’s first Catholic Radio Station AM1270 WCGC on the air in the new year.  

Conversely, we have had very little response to underwriting expansion of local Catholic Radio across Cabarrus and Rowan counties.  This potentially adds 500,000 souls to our network at an investment of $6000 per month with $0 money down.  Our deadline to make this decision is next Friday December 29.

One other factor impacting our decisions is the upcoming political year which promises to be the biggest political advertising year in history.  This will have a trickle-down effect for us adding revenue we never would have received otherwise.

With our projected $5000 monthly expense budget your donations to date will fund us until March 1.
 Your year-end donations and monthly pledges will allow us to pay our creditors and continue operating the radio station on a bare bone budget.  The success of this pledge drive between now and December 31 will determine how long after March 1 we can continue radio operations.   Please pray for the success of this campaign to keep our Digital and Radio Evangelization efforts going and growing in the year ahead.
 
Regardless of what happens with the radio station, we are prepared and committed to move forward with our 6 other media platforms to deliver strong 3-Diocese (3-D) coverage across the Carolinas. These platforms include:


 
Carolina Catholic Weekly eNewsletter

Carolina Catholic Mobile App

Carolina Catholic YouTube Channel

Facebook/I-Gram/X-Twitter/LinkedIn Social Media

CarolinaCatholic.org website

Internet Streaming/Podcasts/Videos
 

 
2024 Pledge Goal: $5000 per month 
The Drive to 5


On January 31, CAROLINA CATHOLIC MEDIA celebrates 5 years evangelizing the TRUTH of JESUS CHRIST across the Carolinas! 


Will You Join Us as a Monthly Sponsor/Underwriter? 
 Your gift is 100% tax-deductible  

TAX ID # 81-5061992


Carolina Catholic Media is committed to share our Catholic Christian faith in this digital age with Local Evangelization that proclaims the TRUTH of JESUS CHRIST to counter the sinful, disordered, Godless messages of our dark secular culture. 


DOWNLOAD us on your smartphone and ENGAGE with us on the Carolina Catholic App.

PRAY * LEARN * WATCH * LISTEN * SHARE

 
For more information contact
David M. Papandrea, OFS
Phone/Text:  704.880.0260
David.Papandrea@CarolinaCatholicRadio.org
Carolina Catholic Media is a 501©(3) Tax-Deductible Non-Profit
 
THIS WEEK'S FOCUS
 

how many days to christmas, christmas 12 days, christmas 12 days song, christmas 12 days of christmas

Is the "12 Days of Christmas" Really a Secret Code?

CHURCHPOP
Christmas viral ad

This beautiful viral Christmas ad shows the power of virtue

Our Sunday Visitor
 
INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Vatican appears to endorse couples in ‘irregular situations’ receiving blessings that do not ‘validate their status’

The Catholic Herald

Pope Opens Possibility of Blessing ‘Same-Sex Couples,’
Those in ‘Irregular Situations’

Catholic Vote
Under the shadow of war in Gaza, Jesus’ traditional birthplace is gearing up for a subdued Christmas

Under the shadow of war in Gaza, Jesus’ traditional birthplace
is gearing up for a subdued Christmas

CRUX


SYNODAL PERSPECTIVES
NATIONAL NEWS
Israel added that seeing the full impact of pro-life laws will take time, given the period it took for some states to put pro-life limits in place following the Dobbs decision

Pro-Life Laws Continue to Have an Impact:
What the Numbers Are Saying About Births
and Abortions Post-Dobbs

National Catholic Register
 
LOCAL NEWS AROUND THE CAROLINAS
Diocese of Charlotte
 

Catholic Family News Article on the Latin Mass in the Diocese of Charlotte

December 19, 2023

Further Traditional Latin Mass and sacraments crackdown
in Diocese of Charlotte reportedly imminent

‘Without silence, we lose our bearings’

Diocese of Raleigh Facebook Page

Hope, Heartache, Joy and Sorrow
Mark the Octave of Christmas


The Catholic Miscellany
 

2024 Diocesan Eucharistic Congress

April 6, 2024

Columbia Convention Center, Columbia, SC

Our diocesan Eucharistic Conference planning is underway.
Join us April 6, 2024, in Columbia for music, speakers,
Eucharistic Procession, Adoration and so much more!

Diocese of Charleston Facebook Page 

Carolina Catholic Media

Facebook Page

Parish/School/Ministry highlights across the Carolinas! 

PARISH AND SCHOOL NEWS

St. Ann Catholic School


Please enjoy this message from our superintendent, Dr. Gregory Monroe, on behalf of our entire team at the Office of Catholic Schools, our Chaplains and Bishop.

The Diocese of Charlotte Catholic Schools would like to wish our parents, students, teachers and staff a blessed Advent and Christmas and a restful and joy-filled break with family and loved ones! Our Catholic Schools are truly a treasured gift this year to us. πŸ«ΆπŸ»πŸŽ„πŸŽ #stannsaints #raisingsaints #catholiceducation #merryCHRISTmas
 
Immaculate Heart of Mary School performed a Christmas Musical.

Scenes of the Season
Catholic News Herald

St. Gabriel Catholic School

· Our 3rd graders had two special Christmas performances this week! They wowed on the stage for our school with the story of Christmas, then they dazzled the parents on the big stage at the Fine Arts Center. πŸŒ  Thank you 3rd graders, their teachers, and Mrs. V for reminding us all the reason for the season πŸŽ„ @nccatholicschools
#stgabejaguars #christmas #reasonfortheseason #catholicschools
 

Saint Michael Catholic School

Last Thursday, staff and students filled our halls with Christmas carols,
spreading joy this Advent seasonπŸŽ„βœ¨
 


Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School

Over the weekend, members from Bishop McGuinness Music Honors Society, performed three concerts for the three main facilities at the Pennybyrn senior living community in High Point. There was a wonderful turnout from the residents and everyone enjoyed the beautiful performances from our students.

Christ the King Catholic High School

 Crusaders are warming hearts and homes this Christmas season! Special thanks to all who donated blankets to Project WARM. The blankets were delivered last weekend to individuals in the Charlotte area. Project WARM (Winter Apparel Recycling Mission) was started by CTK Senior Aidan Rush. πŸ’™πŸ€πŸ’™πŸ€#CTK #goCrusaders #serveothers #servicecommittee @nccatholicschools
 

Sacred Heart Catholic School

 
πŸ“£Today is the day! πŸ“£
We are so excited to kick off the 5th Annual 1882 Fund Campaign Preview!πŸ‘πŸ‘
β˜€οΈSpend 82 Days in the Light with Sacred Heart!β˜€οΈ
Follow us as we highlight the many ways our entire SHCS community spreads and shares the light of Christ with others. Look for your favorite superstars! πŸ€©πŸ€©

Did you Know?
The 1882 Fund directly supports and enhances all aspects of our entire school community including the following and MORE:
Faculty and staff retention, recruitment, and appreciation
Continuation and enhancement of our Co-Curriculum programs
Tuition Assistance for Families in Need

#82DaysInTheLight πŸ¬β˜€οΈ
#shcsdolphins

ST. JOSEPH COLLEGE SEMINARY

SJCS Facebook Page

 

CAROLINA CATHOLIC CALENDAR

 

Spiritual Exercises for the New Year

New Year’s Retreat
Two Nights: December 30, 2023, to January 1, 2024
Add a third-night for just $50!


Living the Beatitudes
Retreat
Two Nights
ALL NEW DATES: January 26-28, 2024
 
St. Francis Springs Prayer Center in Stoneville, NC is a
non-profit, interfaith retreat center. All people, all denominations
are welcome to use our Center for their spiritual formation. 

Find out more about the many events held throughout the year! 
Update just released

 
 
 
FAMILY LIFE
Holy Innocents Pro-Life Holy Hour:

Thursday December 28, 7-8pm (St. Mark Parish)

 
Please save the date for Thursday December 28 from 7-8pm, for St. Mark Parish’s annual pro-life Holy Hour of Reparation for the feast of the Holy Innocents. 
 
Held in the church with Adoration, this is organized to commemorate the feast of the Holy Innocents (December 28), the little ones who were slaughtered by King Herod in the name of Christ, while also offering reparation for today's innocent little babes killed by abortion. 
 
Please consider attending and invite any friends or family who may be visiting over the Christmas week.
 
Thursday December 28, 7-8pm
St. Mark Parish
14740 Stumptown Road, Huntersville, NC

 
Catholic Action for Faith and Family is an association of Catholics that strives to uphold and defend Christian values inspired by the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church. The organization works in a legal and peaceful manner in the realm of ideas to promote these values. It aims to provide a network of resources and activities for clergy and laity to inspire them to reach out to others in an active way to defend these values. Catholic Action for Faith and Family's current initiatives include Operation Storm Heaven. 
 
 


🌟Build a New Life Workshop: Catholic Divorce Support & Healing Program🌟
Are you seeking healing and guidance due to separation or divorce?
I wish I had this help during my own tragic divorce.
That's why I created Build a New Life Workshop, your key to healing and a brighter future. Receive guidance to survive and thrive before, during & after divorce... emotionally, spiritually, interpersonally, physically, and as a parent!

πŸ—“οΈ Starts January 4th! Act Now for the Early Bird Special until December 15th!
πŸ”— Register Here

Unleash the potential for profound transformation with our proprietary 12-week Catholic virtual program, designed to offer hope and heart healing in every aspect of your life.

What the BNLW Program Includes:
✨ Digital Access to Expert Insights: 12 videos featuring priests, psychologists, and divorce survivors. 
πŸ“˜ Comprehensive Workbook: Receive a program workbook in both digital and print formats.
πŸ” Personal Needs Assessment: Identify areas for tailored support.
🀝 Weekly Group Coaching Sessions: Join 90-minute sessions addressing your specific needs with supportive friends.
πŸ’¬ 1 on 1 Coaching Sessions: Two transformative 60-minute sessions for personalized guidance with an expert Divorce Coach.
🌐 Private Catholic Facebook Support Group: Connect for 24/7 Support and Encouragement!
πŸ“© Direct Support: Personal access on weekdays via Messenger.
πŸ“š Support Guides, Assessments, Exercises, Tools: Everything you need for balance, healing, and living your best new life.

BNLW Program Highlights:
Closer to God and Your Faith: Rediscover spiritual connections.
Reduced Pain and Unstuck: Break free from emotional pain and burdens.
Resolve Challenges: Effectively navigate interactions with your spouse/ex-spouse and others.
Protect Your Kids: Create a supportive co-parenting relationship.
Comprehensive Support: We've covered every detail to help you maintain balance, heal, hear God's voice clearly, and embrace your best new life!
🚨 Act Now - Register Before the 50% Discount Expires!
πŸ”— Secure Your Spot
 
 "I highly recommend Carolyn Klika’s Build a New Life Workshop. We felt closer to God and connected to our group in the first 30 minutes! What a beautiful, supportive experience it has been. We didn't want the 12 weeks to end!" A.B.

Embark on a journey of healing, growth, and renewal.
Take control of your next chapter of life with Build a New Life Workshop.

To your brighter future,

CAROLYN KLIKA
Founder & Divorce Coach
Abounding Joy Life Coaching
Carolyn@aboundingjoyministry.com
608-547-9484
Charlotte, NC
aboundingjoyministry.com

FEATURE VIDEOS & PODCASTS

PODCASTS ON-DEMAND
VIDEOS ON-DEMAND

HUMAN TRAFFICKING AWARENESS

This Holiday Season…. Shop to Help, Not Harm

Do you ever wonder who works behind your favorite products? Are they suffering? Are they children?

Start early this Christmas season and buy handcrafted, ethically and sustainably-made products that support workers and their community.


Fair and ethically sourced products guarantee that no child labor or forced labor is in the supply chain.

Please shop fair and ethical trade to help support and provide dignity to all workers as well as care for the environment.

We have the power to support greater causes through our purchases.

To learn about purchasing ethical trade and consuming with a conscience, go to the CCDOC Ethical & Fair Trade Webpage:
https://ccdoc.org/fairtrade
 
NOTES, QUOTES & VOTES 
CatholicVote.org is a lay-led movement of committed Catholics who are passionate about living out the truths proclaimed by Christ and His Church in the modern world. We are joined in this mission by many individuals of other faith traditions (and no faith tradition) because the common good we seek is universal to all men and women of good will.  

For today's headlines and more information, please use this link.

CHARLOTTE LATIN MASS NEWS

PRAYER/LEARNING

The Heart of Joseph: A Contemplation on the Nativity
The Catholic Miscellany - Diocese of Charleston


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Pray More Novenas

Schedule reminders for your favorite Novenas.


Saint of the Day
See the complete list of Saints for December