Carolina Catholic Newsletter – This Week

FIRST AMERICAN POPE IN HISTORY! LET US REJOICE, HABEMUS PAPAM!

Pope Leo XIV or the then-Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost was a former missionary to Peru. Before becoming the Pope, he served as one of the most important leaders in the Catholic Church as Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops — the office that appoints new bishops around the world.

 With a degree in Mathematics and a Doctorate in Canon Law, he served as a mentor, pastor, and leader of Augustinians. He was also elected twice as the head of the ENTIRE Augustinian Order. In Peru, he became bishop of Chiclayo and was part of the fight for stability in the midst of a political crisis.

He was close to Pope Francis’ aspirations: caring for nature , helping the poor , and having a Church open to all. According to him, “A bishop is not a prince in his kingdom, but a servant of the people. “

Let the faithful rejoice, for a shepherd has been chosen! Let us all pray for the new Holy Father!

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 M. Papandrea, OFS

Founder/Chairman

Carolina Catholic Media Network

Federal Tax ID: 81-5061992

PH/TX: 704.880.0260

DONATE HERE

3:30 PM Daily