From the Parochial Vicar - August 19, 2018

August 20, 2018

Pastoral Pondering - August 19, 2018

“Are you a minister?” a stranger timidly asks.

“A Roman Catholic priest, yes!” I reply. “I sometimes come here with our Young Adult Group after our gatherings.”

“That’s cool. I was raised Catholic; went to Catholic school,” the man offers willingly.

“Well, I think it’s time you come back,” I say with a smile and offering my business card. “Here’s my card. There’s a Catholic church right down the road. It’s Saint Mark Catholic Church. We have confessions every day but call me to set up an appointment if you are more comfortable coming at a different time. We have Masses throughout the day on Sunday.”

Astonished, the man pipes up, “I didn’t even know there was a Catholic church in Huntersville!”

That line always gets me: I didn’t know there was a Catholic church in Huntersville. I hear it more frequently than I’d care to admit. It amazes me how busy people get with life that they don’t even hop on “the interwebs” (hat tip to Fr. Becker) to look for a Catholic church when they move here. I just smile, order my beer, and head back to the group of local Catholic young adults at the bar.

It’s a Tuesday night. We have had a handful of young adults reply to the MeetUp.com invitation to join our discussion at the Ranson Road House. There are over 100 young adults that get a weekly invitation to join us for this or that event. Many times, we have around ten people, and sometimes we get upwards of 15 or 20. It interests me when a newcomer walks in. We have had people walk in who were just passing through visiting family or friends and just wanted to spend an evening with other Catholic young adults. Others may be involved in another parish, but just wanted somewhere wholesome to be on Tuesday night because they had no plans. Many times, a “newbie” joins us because they have no other connection to the Church outside of Sunday Mass. Sometimes they come because I hear the loneliness in their voice during Confession and reach around the grille to hand an invitation card to the penitent.

Youth Ministry, as I have written about the last two weeks, is about accompanying our youth and guiding them into an intentional relationship of love. Young Adult Ministry (adults in their 20’s and 30’s) keeps the spark of love for the faith in the hearts of our young adults. It brings together adults who are all at a different place in their faith journey in order to “fan into flame the spiritual gift” (1 Tim 1:6) of their choice to remain Catholic, but sometimes do not know where they belong. Young Adult Group revolves around two main principles. First, in different and engaging ways we encourage one another to “let no one despise your youth, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity” (1 Tim 4:12).

When I returned from my conversation at the bar with a beer in my hand, one of our group said, “Evangelizing again, Father?” It is not uncommon for them to witness the power of the little, white Roman collar in public.

What transpired while I was getting a drink and talking to this gentleman who had fallen away from the faith was a continuation of a conversation that began during our young adult meeting, which twice a month is called PATH (Paschal Adoration through History). There were many questions about the Sacrament of Confession and how to approach it. What do you do if you haven’t been in a long time? How can I get over my nerves? I had a bad experience in confession one time when the priest was very hard on me. How can I be sure the confessor will be helpful and kind? When does a feeling become sinful? Little by little, the conversation naturally progressed from the sacraments and faith to society and politics. There was a passionate discussion as I piped in briefly at times to guide the conversation according to principles of Catholic Social Teaching. I encountered a very serious problem, however. I had an empty glass. I excused myself, offering to others who had an empty glass to grab another drink since I was making the walk back to the bartender. Taking the two or three orders, I left the group as they were approaching the subject of immigration.

“That’s really inspiring,” says a familiar voice behind me as I waited for the bartender who was tediously attending to the taps behind the bar. I turned and saw the same man with whom I was conversing with before. “I have been listening in to your conversation. I don’t agree with everything I’m hearing, but I have never heard such intelligent conversation at a bar before. I wish I had a young adult group when I came out of college. I felt like there wasn’t a place for me until I started a family and needed something for my kids. By then, I was getting by just fine without the Church. But now I see that my family is missing something.”

That man came back to the Church. His wife came into the Church. His children will be receiving the sacraments. And the young adults got their beer. Again, they noticed I had been talking to the same man as before.

“Still evangelizing, Father?” one asked again, adding, “Oh, and thanks for grabbing another beer for me.”

I smiled approvingly at the group and said, “Not me this time. You all. You all have been evangelizing.”

That man perceived in his 20’s that the Church lacked a place for him. He simply decided to just get on with his life and leave religion behind only to discover his mistake years later. I think his local parish community was a little at fault, too. This points to the second principle for the Young Adult Group: it is the ministry of John the Baptist. Part of John the Baptist’s mission was to catch disciples and then pass them off to Jesus when he came. The Young Adult Ministry is a “feeder group.” The members frequently participate together in different parish activities and, as a result, individual members discover their own personal interests, gifts, and talents that they can use individually within the community.

I am so very grateful to the young adults who are a part of our group. Each one is there for a different reason. And each one discovers faith, fellowship, fun, and renewal. Whether we are talking about some aspect of the faith, or just getting together at an Escape Room or River Jam, it is the love of Christ that binds them together and to the parish. If you or someone you know is a young adult that would benefit from a crazy group of peers who all desire holiness and truth, reach out to us. Pop in for a visit and bring a friend. Nobody can say that something “isn’t their thing” until they try it.

From the Pastor

From the Pastor - 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time

By John Putnam • November 14, 2025
As we approach the end of the liturgical year, our readings offer a sober reminder that this life is not our aim and that God’s justice will triumph in the end. Now is the time to get our priorities in order, putting God above all else as his faithful stewards. Our Lord brings home the urgency of right priorities in our Gospel passage from Luke, reminding the people around him who were looking at the temple nearby, “All that you see here—the days will come when there will not be left a stone upon another stone that will not be thrown down.” Our Lord reminds us that all in this world is passing. We must keep our focus on eternity. Yet before the eternal bliss of heaven, we should expect to be tried and tested. “Before all this happens, however, they will seize and persecute you, they will hand you over to the synagogues and to prisons and they will have you led before kings and governors because of my name.” Sounds scary. But if you are living a stewardship way of life, there is nothing to fear. You have a plan in place. All you need to do is stick with it. Put our Lord first in your time, with your talents, and through your use of treasure. This way of life is not easy. But Jesus promises it will lead to eternal salvation and the joy of union with Him. “You will be hated by all because of my name, but not a hair on your head will be destroyed. By your perseverance, you will secure your lives.” Onward, Christian stewards, the struggle is worth the joy that awaits! Pastoral Pondering On November 4th the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith released Mater Populi Fidelis, a 20-page doctrinal note which was approved by the Holy Father. The Document addresses longstanding requests for clarification on Marian titles related to Mary’s cooperation in salvation. It emphasizes Mary’s unique role as Mother of believers while safeguarding Christ’s sole mediatorship, aiming to foster authentic devotion, Catholic fidelity, and ecumenical dialogue. The Note responds to decades of proposals, including petitions for new Marian dogmas, often amplified via social media and private revelations. It draws on Scripture, Tradition (e.g., St. Augustine), and prior papal reflections, including Joseph Ratzinger's 1996 and 2002 critiques of certain titles as unclear or prone to misunderstanding. The document appreciates popular piety but cautions against expressions that could confuse the faithful or obscure Christ's centrality. It promotes "participated mediation"—Mary's supportive role in union with Christ—without equating her to the Redeemer. The document goes on to underscore “approved titles/expressions” and “discouraged titles/expressions.” Those that are encouraged include: Mother of God (Theotokos), Mother of Believers, Spiritual Mother, Mother of the Faithful People of God, and Mediatrix (in a general sense of intercession). It notes that these underscore Mary's maternal bond with Christ and the Church, directing devotion to the Son. They are biblically rooted (e.g., John 19:26-27) and foster hope, tenderness, and unity. Those titles discouraged are Co-redemptrix and Mediatrix of All Graces. It notes that these risk eclipsing Christ's unique mediation (1 Tim 2:5) and redemption; not explicitly in Scripture or early Tradition; potential for confusion or imbalance in faith, especially ecumenically. I know in my own discussions over the years; it is very easy (especially for my non-Catholic relatives) to get confused over certain Marian titles. They can certainly be explained, but as the DDF points out, those titles that require greater explanation for common understanding should be discouraged. To be sure, you can find both titles used in various Catholic resources, and the document certainly does not forbid their use. Nonetheless, it approaches the topic in a balanced and pastorally sensitive way that recognizes the importance of Marian devotion and piety while, at the same time, reminding us all of the importance supporting and encouraging doctrinal harmony.

From the Pastor - Dedication of Lateran Basilica

By John Putnam • November 7, 2025
Today, the Church celebrates the Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica in Rome — the cathedral church of the Pope and the mother church of all Christendom. While this feast honors a sacred building, it also reminds us of a deeper truth: we, the People of God, are the living temple of His presence. In the first reading, Ezekiel describes life-giving water flowing from the temple, bringing renewal wherever it goes. This image calls us to be channels of God’s grace in the world. St. Paul tells us, “You are the temple of God, and the Spirit of God dwells in you” (1 Cor 3:16). As stewards, we are entrusted with the sacred task of caring for this temple — our own hearts and our parish community — so that God’s presence may shine through us. In the Gospel, Jesus cleanses the temple, declaring that His body is the true dwelling place of God. Through our baptism, we sare in this mystery and are called to reflect God’s holiness in all we do. Today’s feast is an invitation to renew our commitment to the Church — to participate actively in her mission, to serve generously, and to let our lives be signs of God’s living presence in the world. © Catholic Stewardship Consultants, 2025 Pastoral Pondering Last year, I noted that the norm for the distribution of Communion in the United States is standing and on the hand. I brought it up because parishioners were questioning why Bishop Martin, when he visited the parish, did not utilize the altar rails. This is not the norm universally, but each conference of bishops is asked to adopt that posture which is to be normative. The USCCB website states the following: The General Instruction asks each country's Conference of Bishops to determine the posture to be used for the reception of Communion and the act of reverence to be made by each person as he or she receives Communion. In the United States, the body of Bishops has determined that "[t]he norm... is that Holy Communion is to be received standing, unless an individual member of the faithful wishes to receive Communion while kneeling" and that a bow is the act of reverence made by those receiving (no. 160). The right to receive Communion on the tongue or on the hand and whether to receive kneeling or standing belongs to the individual. The normative practice, however, is clear and is set by the body of bishops. https://www.usccb.org/prayer-and-worship/the-mass/order-of-mass/liturgy-of-the-eucharist/the-reception-of-holy-communion-at-mass When we began offering the Traditional Latin Mass a number of years ago, we added the altar rails to meet the requirements of that particular celebration. The use of the rails gradually became the norm at the parish because more and more people started to use them. Many believe it promotes reverence and devotion. At the same time, obedience is a virtue, and I think it is important to be united with other parishes in the Diocese and return to the normative practice as noted above, which we will implement here at St. Mark on the First Sunday of Advent, November 30. ( Correction: The previous sentence was updated to clarify that this change applies only at St. Mark .) As noted above, each individual retains the right to kneel to receive the Eucharist. I also want to be clear that love and devotion for the Eucharist can be expressed in any number of ways within the life of the Church. No one can argue that the Diocese of Charlotte does not have a deep love for the Eucharist. It is the center of our lives, and it is certainly the center of our parish here at St. Mark. From our love for the Eucharist flows our commitment to effective catechesis, evangelization, and our tremendous outreach to the poor. Those things remain unchanged. Any time changes are made, especially in the liturgy, it touches people deeply. My hope is that after almost 11 years as your pastor, you know how much I love and care for you and for the liturgy entrusted to us. I simply believe that it is better that we are faithful to the liturgical norms given to us by legitimate Church authority as outlined in the General Instruction of the Roman Missal. Personal preferences, including my own, which go beyond these norms should not encroach on the liturgical celebration. As our Holy Father reminds in his pontifical motto, In Illo Uno Unum (In the One (Christ) we are one), in the liturgy and in our Catholic life.