CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Catholic churches across the state are participating in pre-Easter celebrations during Holy Week. 

What You Need To Know

  • Catholic churches are holding pre-Easter celebrations throughout Holy Week
  • The services and events commemorate the last days of Jesus 
  • One service included Chrism Mass in Charlotte
  • The Mass included over 100 priests renewing their vows, right before Easter

The high religious holiday week includes services and events commemorating the last days of Jesus, beginning on Palm Sunday and culminating on Easter. 

The services include Chrism Mass, a sacred Easter tradition in the Catholic faith. During the Mass, over 100 priests renewed their vows as priests to the Lord, at St. Patrick's Cathedral in Charlotte.

Besides the vows, Bishop Peter Jugis blessed vats of sacramental oils that will be used at 92 parishes throughout the coming year. 

Msgr. Patrick Winslow serves as vicar general and chancellor for the Diocese of Charlotte.

He assists the bishop in the diocese's administration and acts administratively in the bishop’s name. 

“We have a vast territory,” Winslow said. “We have an army of priests. We have over half a million Catholics.” 

Winslow says the priests renew their vows every year, a tradition that reignites their devotion to their priestly promises. 

“We spend anywhere between six to eight years in formation and discernment, thinking about the promises we’re going to make. This is a lifetime commitment,” Winslow said.

Winslow is inviting the community to take part in their Easter celebrations in Western North Carolina.

What You Need To Know