This commission promotes Outreach Programs with emphasis on Social Services, Food Pantry, Community Ministries,   and Co-operating Opportunities with other churches and civic organizations in projects aimed at Community   Improvement. It is being combined with the Ecumenism Commission which plans programs and experiences that will   develop a commitment to interfaith dialogue, unity and healing divisions among Christians within the extended   community of the Parish.


 Commissioner:  Position Open.
 For more information on getting involved and volunteering, contact: https://ourladyofconsolation.org/volunteers




 Athletic Association
 We provide competitive athletic programs for the youth of the church and community to play sports in a safe Christian environment.  The   Athletic Association's mission is to put Christian Principles into practice by providing athletic outreach ministry through sports, and to create an   awareness of the importance of physical and mental fitness; to improve self-confidence, skills and knowledge of various sports to learn the   benefits and responsibilities of being a member of a team and to help develop good self-esteem for the youth of the community. We are   committed to instilling honesty, loyalty, integrity, teamwork, discipline, sportsmanship, respect, leadership, trust and commitment in our young   participants. These values and virtues are important to the growth and development of the young Christian athlete.
 Currently some of our youth are participating in the Christian Athletic Association  basketball league. The OLC Wildcats can be followed   here:   http://wearecaa.org
                                                                                                                                          
   







 Prayer Shawl Ministry
 To present shawls or afghans, which are created with love and prayers, to our Consolation family members who are shuts-in,   housebound, in nursing homes, and or terminally ill.

 
 For more information on getting involved and volunteering, contact: https://ourladyofconsolation.org/volunteers


 Shepherds Care HIV/AIDS Ministry
 
 Our mission is to enhance the quality of life of persons, in and outside of our surrounding community, who are affected by HIV/AIDS, through   faith and compassion.
 For more information on getting involved and volunteering, contact: For more information on getting involved and volunteering,   contact:  https://ourladyofconsolation.org/volunteers


 St. Martin de Porres

 Our goal is to serve our church and community through the food pantry providing emergency food assistance. The pantry is supported   by generous donations from our church members, the Diocese of Charlotte, some community organizations and other Catholic   churches. Food is distributed on Tuesdays 11AM to 12:30PM, by appointment only. Call the parish office at 704-375-4339 to make an   appointment as hours are subject to change.
 
 For more information on getting involved and volunteering, contact: https://ourladyofconsolation.org/volunteers

 Parish Life (aka Family Life) Commission - This commission builds an internal parish family spirit, improves Christian Life, identifies   and coordinates social and recreational needs of the parish from which many events are planned. Encompassed within this commission   are the following ministries: Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Golden Wings, Knights of St. John, Knights of St. John Ladies Auxiliary, Ladies   Guild, and the Men's Group.

 Ministry Leader - WENDY CUTTING
 For more information on getting involved and volunteering, contact: https://ourladyofconsolation.org/volunteers


 Boy Scouts
 HARRY SCOTT –
 For more information on getting involved and volunteering, contact: https://ourladyofconsolation.org/volunteers

 Golden Wings

 ROBERT L. DOUGLAS, JR.
 The Golden Wings’ Mission Statement


The Golden Wings is a Ministry for seniors fifty years old and above. Our mission in alignment with OLC’s Mission, is to encourage friendship and to strengthen religious spirituality among retirees and seniors in various communities.


History of  The Golden Wings

 The ministry was started under Fr. Bill Farr in about 1985. Several women, Gladys Hood and Essie Walker, of the Our Lady of   Consolation Parish noticed that there was little to do after Mass and so the formation of the ministry began.

             
                                                Service To  Members, Community and Parish

 We keep members aware of political, health, and other relevant issues by having informed speakers as our guests to provide   information on the issues. Also, members share information that may affect our respective communities.

  Annual tours to cities such as Nashville, Toronto and Niagara Falls, Las Vegas, Chicago are taken. These tours and local state trips, Barn Dinner Theaters  and others, provide funding to assist our parish.

 To name a few of our activities, The Diocesan’s Spring Fling and Fall Reflection are attended by members. Also we have inside games and activities.

 Contact:
  Robert L Douglas, Jr.                       
  Dale Marsh     
  Wendy Cutting 
 For more information on getting involved and volunteering, you may also contact: https://ourladyofconsolation.org/volunteers
 

 Knights of St. John Ladies’ Auxiliary
 
 For more information on getting involved and volunteering, contact: https://ourladyofconsolation.org/volunteers


Ladies Guild

 CATHERINE NIMMONS 
 olcladiesguild@gmail.com
 For more information on getting involved and volunteering, you may also contact: https://ourladyofconsolation.org/volunteers

 The purpose of the Ladies Guild is best stated as follows: We grow spiritually by practicing the gifts of hospitality, service   and generosity. We show our Christian love and seek to follow the example of Our Lady of Consolation by providing help   to our church, comfort in times of hardship, and sorrow; also, together we celebrate joyous occasions. Praying and   working together, we grow spiritually in the pursuit of getting closer to our Lord Jesus Christ. We become sisters in Christ   and with His help will lead others to Him by example.
 The Ladies Guild offers to its members, the opportunity for a prayerful life and a willingness to serve God and His people.   For we are active women in and at our church; we are grandmothers, mothers and daughters, wives, widows and single;   we are sisters and we are friends. Membership in the Ladies Guild is open to all parish females at least eighteen years   old. You can become a member of the Ladies Guild and be a member of another church ministry. Your time, talent and   treasure are welcomed!
 
 Duties/Responsibilities:

1. We open each meeting and event with prayer, and we pray for our members and others;

2. We sponsor an annual dance, the "Chat & Chew Luncheon," and "Service Awareness Event;"

3. We visit members and their families who are experiencing personal challenges;

4. We donate to St. Martin de Porres, Catherine's House (a shelter for women and children), OLC Endowment Fund, Susan B. Komen, the American Red Cross and special church projects and events;

5. We use out time and talent shopping for goods to donate to our community;

6. We partner with the Family Life Commission to support Women's Health Programs;

7. We build our Christian sisterhood through fun, social events (i.e. member parties, family picnics, bowling, dinner, dancing, workshops, etc.);

8. We market our social events to build our "treasure."

Time Commitment:
         1.We attend monthly meetings from August through May;
         2. You will be asked to attend event planning meetings and special workshops;
         3. We reflect on our spirituality during an annual retreat and we worship together;
         4. We share our time and talent across a multitude of church events and community                     groups;                   
         5. Officers and committee members provide administrative time to keep us organized                   and on track!

For more information on getting involved and volunteering, contact: https://ourladyofconsolation.org/volunteers








Men’s Group 


                      …Service to God.  Service to Family.  Service to Church...

 Who We Are

   The Men’s Group at Our Lady of 
   Consolation Catholic Church is a group of
   men who are twenty-one years and older
   who provide leadership, services and
   outreach to the church and local
   community.

 Our History

  The OLC Men’s Group was founded in 2004 and through its fund-raising activity has contributed over $75,000 to support the church          activities. We also furnished the kitchen appliances in the Family Life Center and continue to support the maintenance of the kitchen,        keeping it ready and clean for church events.

 Our Future is Bright
 
  We Support the Growth of our Health Care Ministry; Mentor our youth; Continue to feed the hungry; Lead the effort in helping to                maintain and upgrade our parish campus

 Contact Us

  Phone: 704-375-4339
  Email: olcmensgroup@gmail.com
  Web: www.ourladyofconsolation.org
  Ministry Chair: Shawn Lawrence
 

 DELPHIAN MARSH
 The Liturgical Commission is responsible for planning and assisting with the coordination of all liturgical and sacramental needs of the parish   community, including the renewal of the laity in participation of liturgical celebrations. The Liturgical Commission comprises the following ministries:   Altar Servers, Arts & Environment, Bereavement, Choir, Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion/Proclaimers of the Word, F.L.O.W. Liturgical   Dance, RCIA, Rosary Society, Sacristans, Ushers, and the Welcoming Ministry.


 Altar Servers
 The primary role of the altar server is to assist the priest/celebrant in the celebration of all liturgies during the mass.  This is done through   specific action and setting an example to the congregation by active participation in the liturgies (hymn, responses, etc.).  An underlying goal   of this ministry is to expose young men and women to the religious life and ultimately serve as a catalyst for the promotion of religious life.   Altar Servers serve God on his altar.
For more information on getting involved and volunteering, you may also contact: https://ourladyofconsolation.org/volunteers

The mission of the Arts and Environment Ministry of Our Lady of Consolation Church is to strive to decorate the worship space by the presence of flowers, green plants and other ornamentation: as a visual expression of God’s peace and Love to all worshippers, and at every Mass add quiet visual support of the liturgy and the mission of the parish.

What We Do:
Arts and Environment members prepare the sacred space, the church, for all Masses following the Liturgical Calendar, (Ordinary Time, Christmas Seasons, Easter Season, Solemnities and Feast days,) We strive to show gratitude through sharing of our creative and artistic gifts, and thus prayerfully provide a visual worship setting that promotes and speaks to a Peaceful and Joyful awareness of the Creator at each Mass.

We meet to plan and set work dates for the Liturgical seasons; Members volunteer for weekly preparation of church and care of the plants and others provide support during Christmas and Easter Seasons, when all hands are needed.

Arts and Environment Ministry is open to all Parish Members; (more ideas and hands are welcome).  If you are interested or would like more information, please contact
Mary Joseph:  Parish Office: 704-375-4339  or
OLC website: https://ourladyofconsolation.org/volunteers.
 

 Arts & Environment

The Arts and Environment ministry strives to decorate the worship space by the presence of flowers, green plants and other ornamentation:   to visually express God’s peace and Love to all people worshipping with us in their journey of faith, while in support of the mission of our   parish.

Bereavement Ministry
Our Bereavement Ministry assists the Parish community in the difficult and emotional process of grief. We wholeheartedly respond to the call of the Catholic Church to minister to the individual who is going through this transitional season. We assist with the Liturgical preparation for funerals so as to deepen our faith and the faith of those we serve. We strive to support and comfort our brothers and sisters as they go through time of sorrow. 


DEBORAH WADSWORTH 

Music Ministry - Choir
The Choir's mission is to enhance the Mass and use our voices to thank God and minister through song. The choir strives to minister to all sectors of our parish by leading the song in a professional and uplifting manner. Providing the church with an inspiration to participate in worship through song, we seek to develop the musical talent of the church.     
A summary of some of the highlights of the Choir in recent years:                
Finalist in “How Sweet The Sound” Gospel Competition
2019 - Invited to sing in Italy and Ireland for Music Festival
2018 - Invited to sing in Paris and Germany for Music Festival
CURRENT CHOIRS:

Perpetual Hope Gospel Choir (ages 26+)
Men’s Choir
Women’s Choir
Voices of Worship (audition group)
Mass Choir
New Generation (ages 5-14)
New Young Adult Choir (ages 15-25)

Extraordinary Ministers of Communion

Embrace the new and everlasting covenant by reverently assisting the priest in distributing Holy Communion to the faithful. We commit ourselves to the belief that Jesus is fully present in the body and blood of Christ. 


Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion are more commonly referred to as “Eucharistic Ministers.”


Description:
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion embrace the new and everlasting covenant by reverently distributing Holy Communion to the faithful believing Jesus is fully present in the Host and Chalice (Cup).

Purpose:
The ministry of Holy Communion is the sharing of the body and blood of Jesus. The celebration of this Sacred meal unites us to Jesus and His suffering. In this meal we become one body and one spirit with Jesus.
Activities:  Our activities primarily consist of training and workshops.              
                 

SUSY TILLEY 
TONY BARNETT 
 

Ministers of the Word
(Proclaimers of the Word) 

Ministers of the Word are more commonly referred to as “Lectors, Readers or Proclaimers of the Word”.


Description:
Ministers of the Word serve as an instrument of God’s grace becoming a channel through which God touches and changes all who hear His Word proclaimed.



Purpose:
The Ministry of the Word is the sharing of God’s Word with His people. The proclaimer by faith enables the written Word of the Lord to come alive in our midst.

We are to serve as instruments of God's grace, becoming a channel through which God touches and changes all who hear his Word proclaimed. 


SUSY TILLEY
TONY BARNETT 

F.L.O.W. Liturgical Dance

Dancing to turn movement into prayer which expresses itself, engaging the whole being, soul and body. Generally, when the spirit raises itself to God in prayer, it also involves the body.
                               
CRISTEN NIMMONS

Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA)

The mission of the Our Lady of Consolation RCIA process is to explore and recognize God’s action and presence in our lives, in scripture and in the life, faith and worship of the church.  RCIA explores the meaning of Jesus’ life, death and resurrection leading to a personal and communal relationship with the living God encountered in Jesus Christ through the Holy Spirit.
RCIA is also the process developed by the Catholic Church for prospective converts to Catholicism who are above the age of adult majority. Candidates are gradually introduced to aspects of Catholic beliefs and practices.


DEACON CURTISS TODD 704-375-4339 (PARISH OFFICE)
For more information on getting involved and volunteering, you may also contact: https://ourladyofconsolation.org/volunteers

The primary purpose of the rosary Society is to praise and honor the Blessed Virgin Mary and to secure her patronage by the recitation of the Rosary.  We are an organization of women and men from all ages following Mary’s example of service aiming to assist our church and outreach programs in the face of war, violence and tension, praying the Rosary is a conscious expression of faith.  By meditation on the life of Christ, through praying the Rosary, we seek the intercession of Mary, asking her for the strength to be a peace maker.

Greeters

The Welcome Committee of Our Lady of Consolation Catholic Church wishes to cultivate a welcoming spirit within the OLC community by personally reaching out to new parishioners and enabling existing parishioners to establish richer connections to the church and its members. 


For more information on getting involved and volunteering, you may also contact: https://ourladyofconsolation.org/volunteers

Young Adult Ministry (YAM)

Mission Statement:
The Young Adult Ministry seeks to connect young adults to Jesus Christ through peer faith formation and community. This takes three primary forms: spiritual, social, and service activities.
Our normal activities include monthly meetings that include praying the rosary, summer and winter socials, and supporting the breakfast between masses.

SHAWN LAWRENCE 
Devin Hairston 
For more information on getting involved and volunteering, you may also contact: https://ourladyofconsolation.org/volunteers





Youth in Action (YIA)

DENISE GITTENS-DULIEPRE -olcyianc@gmail.com


For more information on getting involved and volunteering, you may also contact: https://ourladyofconsolation.org/volunteers

Youth Advisory Council
 For more information on getting involved and volunteering, you may also contact: https://ourladyofconsolation.org/volunteers


 

OLC is now accepting membership to the stewardship ministry and we welcome your time, talent and treasure. 
 
The Bishops’ Pastoral Letter of 1992,  Stewardship: A Disciple’s Response, defines stewardship in the following way:

“A Christian steward is one who receives God’s gifts gratefully, cherishes and tends them in a responsible and accountable manner, shares them in justice and love with others and returns them with increase to the Lord.”

The Pastoral Letter goes on to say:

“Each member of the Church shares in responsibility for its mission; each is called to practice Stewardship of the Church.  Christians are also called to look outward and to place themselves at the service of the entire human community, especially those who are most in need.”

Stewardship is a way of life, a way of thanking God for all of His blessings by returning a portion of the time, talent and treasure allotted to us.
Stewardship engenders a spirituality that deepens our relationship with the Lord.  Stewardship involves intentional, planned and proportionate giving of our time, talent and treasure.




Stewardship addresses both individual parishioners as well as parishes themselves.
Our Lady of Consolation Stewardship Commission Goals are as follows:
 

• • • Develop and enhance ongoing stewardship through consistent and timely information, communication and programs that increase parish commitment to time, talent and treasure

    • Increase parishioner registrations, stewardship and community involvement by opening doors and programs of the OLC campus to the local community and through outreach to the greater Charlotte community.

    • Establish partnerships and contacts with community/city groups that will help sustain stewardship efforts and support the financial needs of the parish.

BARTINA EDWARDS/RUSSELL MARTIN
ourladyofconsolation.roc@gmail.com
For more information on getting involved and volunteering, you may also contact: https://ourladyofconsolation.org/volunteers

Buildings/Facilities Commission

Commission Chair
WILLIIS JOSEPH 

 
“Worthy of special respect and praise in the Church are the laity, single or married, who in a definitive way or for a period, put their person and their professional competence at the service of institutions and their activities. It is a great joy to the Church to see growing day by day the number of lay people who are offering the personal service to associations and works of the apostolate,.” 34
 

• This commission inspects and inventories all parish properties, equipment, furnishings and facilities; it reviews and recommends needed additions, repairs, replacements and servicing, to be actuated, if needed, under a schedule to be submitted with the recommendation for the work. 

• It discerns the use of parish talent where safety and performance do not require the use professional services.

•  It prepares and recommends policies or guidelines to the parish pastoral council for the use of parish facilities, including security, utilities, services, and personnel. It is responsible to publish the approved guidelines.  

•  It prepares and recommends, in coordination with the other commissions, facility plans and improvements. 

•  It reviews parish insurance needs and makes suggestions with special reference to diocesan policies. 

•  It must prepare, carry out, and evaluate a yearly action plan based on the long-range goals set by the parish pastoral council (in conjunction with all the commissions) as part of the parish pastoral plan 

•  It is responsible to prepare and propose to the parish pastoral council an annual budget for those supplies, equipment, and expenses necessary to carry out that plan.

For more information on getting involved and volunteering, you may also contact: https://ourladyofconsolation.org/volunteers

Our Lady of Consolation Catholic Church
Black Culture Commission
 Mission Statement

The Black Cultural Commission of Our Lady of Consolation Church plans, prepares and implements a calendar of cultural events, workshops, liturgies and inter-cultural dialogues aligned with the U S Black Bishops’ Pastoral Letter on Evangelization: “What We’ve Seen and Heard” and Catholic Social Teaching while celebrating the rich heritage of both the African Diaspora and the African American experience represented in this unique Roman Catholic parish.


Examples of Commission Work
 

• Encourage spiritual and cultural unity within the OLC Community through culturally authentic and respectful programs, liturgies and conversations that uplift our lives in Christ as unapologetically Black and faithfully Catholic;

• Design and incorporate, as guided by the Liturgical Commission, the infusion of authentically black cultural components into special liturgies such as (but not limited to) 5^th Sunday Harambee Masses, Black Catholic History Month, Black History Month, MLK Celebration, St. Martin de Porres Celebration, Celebration of our Internationally diverse parish at Pentecost, etc.;

• Support research and informed dialogue on issues of social justice, racial equity, acceptance and disparities throughout the OLC, Charlotte Diocese and general Charlotte Faith Community and to especially continue inter-cultural relationships with sister parishes like St. Peter Catholic Church;

• Re-establish and grow the Kabaka Drum Circle and dance tradition at OLC with training from regional master drummers as instructors as needed;

• Designing, sponsoring or collaborating with other OLC Commissions on workshops on black historical and cultural initiatives or concerns – including speakers, projects, KWANZAA events, Black History Month Events, etc.;

• Encourage and promote OLC clergy and lay leadership study at the Institute for Black Catholic Studies at Xavier University of LA; and

• Develop and/or participate in programs and initiatives that highlight and expand OLC’s uniquely rich culture that includes many of the traditions of Africa and the African Diaspora. 

TONI TUPPONCE 
For more information on getting involved and volunteering, you may also contact: https://ourladyofconsolation.org/volunteers

OUR LADY OF CONSOLATION

2020 CAPITAL CAMPAIGN

The Parish Council and The Finance Council

The Parish Council  primarily collaborates with the pastor, addresses parish concerns as defined by the pastor and implements the pastoral plan and its maintenance; and

The Finance Council - reviews and advises on matters pertaining to the financial affairs of the parish.


"There are different kinds of spiritual gifts, but the same Spirit; there are different forms of service but the same Lord; there are different workings but the same God who produces all of them in everyone."
1 Corinthians 12:4-6

For more information on getting involved and volunteering, you may also contact: https://ourladyofconsolation.org/volunteers