This year marks an extraordinary milestone for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Raleigh as it celebrates 100 years of growing in the Body of Christ and becoming “The Best Diocese in the World,” a praiseworthy phrase coined by the sixth bishop of the Diocese of Raleigh, Bishop Luis Rafael Zarama.
Bishop Luis said, “We have been given a treasure … so many before us have brought their faith to North Carolina and worked hard to see that their faith was formed and grown. We are all stewards of that gift. We need to celebrate it. We need to fall in love with our Catholic faith. But we must also be a little hungry. Each of us has a part to play in growing the Church and bringing others to the faith. Each of us is a part of what makes this the best diocese in the world.”
To commemorate this historic moment, Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Raleigh hosted the Centennial Ball on November 9, 2024. The ball symbolized gratitude, celebration, and hope while ushering in the next chapter of the diocese’s spiritual and community endeavors.
Father Michael Burbeck, vicar general, began the blessed evening with an opening prayer and reflections on the history of the diocese. He reminded guests of Pope John Paul II who, at the turn of the millennium, called on Christians to “Remember the past with gratitude, to live the present with enthusiasm and to look forward to the future with confidence: ‘Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.’ (Hebrews 13:8)”
Following this call, the Centennial Ball was much more than a celebration of past accomplishments, but a call to action to support Catholic Charities, the Office of Education, and the Office of Vocations, raising over $625,000 for these three vital ministries. Bishop Luis, whose leadership continues to inspire and guide our community, viewed the gathering as an opportunity to strengthen these programs that reach deep into the lives of those served in the region.
“Catholic Charities is such a blessing not only in the work they do, but that it is work that we see. They provide relief from disasters; they feed the hungry. As we look ahead to the next 100 years, we all need to see and serve. We need to serve spiritual hunger and to invest in things beyond what we see every day. In our schools… we are forming young people. We are building a Catholic foundation, and we must have priests to serve that spiritual hunger through the sacraments. Without the sacraments, there is no Diocese, there is no Church,” said Bishop Luis.
As the charitable outreach arm of the Catholic Church, Catholic Charities embodies the mission of Christ through its service and compassionate care for our neighbors in need. The funds raised at the Centennial Ball will empower Catholic Charities to expand its vital programs, which include healthy food distribution, disaster services, and immigration legal services. These core programs exemplify how Catholic Charities is transforming lives and building stronger, healthier communities across our diocese.
Catholic Charities CEO Lisa Perkins said, “At Catholic Charities, our staff and volunteers demonstrate their love for our neighbors in need, serving nearly 250,000 individuals each year. We uplift and strengthen communities, providing help where it’s needed most and creating hope when it’s been lost.”
Another vital ministry of the Diocese is the Office of Education, led by Superintendent of Catholic Schools Lytia Reese. The Office of Education plays a crucial role in nurturing both faith and intellect of the next generation. By supporting Catholic schools and religious education programs, this ministry ensures that students are not only academically enriched but also spiritually grounded.
“We are truly blessed with dedicated leaders throughout Catholic Charities, the Office of Education, the Office of Vocations, and all the vital ministries which contribute to our vibrant and growing diocese,” said Perkins.
The Office of Vocations encourages and supports individuals discerning their path to priesthood, religious life, or married life. Father Michael Schuetz, director, is committed to traveling throughout the diocese to help young men discern where God is calling them. By dedicating resources to this essential ministry, the Centennial Ball helps ensure that the diocese continues to flourish with dedicated leaders to guide the diocese through the next 100 years and beyond.
After Hurricane Helene this year, Western North Carolina experienced loss of life, unprecedented flooding, and destruction.
Perkins shared how those attending the ball directly impact relief efforts at home and in neighboring communities. “Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Raleigh, in collaboration with Catholic Charities USA, the Knights of Columbus, and Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Charlotte, responded immediately to provide aid. Our love for others far surpasses the barriers caused by natural disasters and distance. We stand by these survivors, providing strength when they need reassurance and celebrating their accomplishments as they rebuild.”
Stories of community triumph and resilience will echo through the mountains for decades as families rebuild with help from dedicated staff and volunteers from Catholic Charities.
The evening concluded with Father Burbeck leading the room in a touching rendition of “Happy Birthday” with guests joyfully adding their voices and coming together as one to celebrate an amazing 100 years of our Catholic community. As the Diocese of Raleigh nears the conclusion of its yearlong celebration of 100 years growing together in the Body of Christ, the Centennial Ball will forever shine, reflecting the glow of “The Best Diocese in the World.”
