CHARLOTTE – St. Luke Catholic Church in Mint Hill is currently located at 13800 Lawyers Rd and was established some 30 years ago. With church membership at about 100 people, the new church was more than adequate at that time. Over the years, Catholic families have moved to Mecklenburg and Union Counties in great numbers. Today the Parish has over 1600 registered families. Weekend masses are held five times on Saturdays and Sundays to accommodate everyone, and on most holidays, it is standing room only. The parish created a building committee that has been working diligently for over 15 years to create plans and financing for a new church.
After purchasing a wonderful piece of property on Fairview Road between I-485 and Union County, the process began picking up momentum. In 2020-21 the Parish was able to build a new Rectory onsite for Father Paul Gary, who moved him in July of 2021.
Plans for the main church have been thoughtfully prepared with the assistance of the Charlotte Diocese. An architect has been hard at work, and a Principal Contractor has been chosen. Plans have been approved by the Town of Mint Hill and the county.
On Saturday, October 16 at 2:00 pm, the moment everyone has been waiting for came to reality. Ceremonies began with an introduction of guests by the parish leadership team. Guests included Bishop Jugis, Bishop of the Charlotte Diocese; Mayor Brad Simmons; Commissioners of the Town of Mint Hill; Major Scott Hall of Mint Hill Police; and over 200 parishioners. After opening remarks by Mayor Simmons, Father Paul, and Bishop Jugis, the air was filled with the Prayers of the Faithful.
Led by Knights of Columbus Assembly 2208 in full regalia, everyone processed down the side road to the groundbreaking area. Families gathered around as over 20 children “broke ground” using plastic shovels and plastic hard hats and prepared sand piles to dig in. Needless to say, the air was filled with screams of delight from children and families alike. Trying hard to keep a straight face among the merriment, Mayor Simmons, Father Paul, and Bishop Jugis donned hard hats, grabbed real shovels, and “broke ground” in unison. It was a photo-op for hundreds, and most there had tears of joy to shed.
Afterward, guests and parishioners were treated to snacks, hot dogs, and drinks, along with a once in a lifetime opportunity to thank GOD for his love and care for the congregation, and also for the magnificent weather, and for allowing us to progress to this point to build HIS House of Worship.
