St. James the Greater Catholic Church in Concord, NC is a truly unique catholic experience. When you arrive as a newcomer, you are immediately greeted by warm hellos and handshakes. The atmosphere is one of joyful gathering, different from what I had experienced at other parishes.
The exterior is made of gray rock of some sort and is truly beautiful. The interior is typical of what you would expect for a church built in the 2000s, functional with gorgeous stained glass, but without the awe-inspiring architecture of older catholic churches.
If the warm, welcoming community is the heart of St. James the Greater Catholic Church, then Father Jerome Chavarria, the parish priest, is its soul. Father Jerome offers sermons that are understandable and relatable. He truly believes in the saving power of faith...not just in the eternal way, but in a palpable, practical way. He emanates peace and love. Confession with Father Jerome is a time of recommitment and gentle accountability. He is a great shepherd of his flock.
Father Charlie Donovan, the parochial vicar, is the brain of St. James the Greater Catholic Church. His intellectual prowess is best shown by his thought-provoking, humorous sermons. Father Charlie is a "four Pope priest" with hundreds of amazing stories to tell, but he is an even better listener.
St. James has Sunday Mass at 8:00 am, 10:00 am (Children's mass), 11:30 am, 1:30 pm (Spanish) and 5:00 pm (Teen Mass). The Sunday obligation can also be met by attending Saturday night mass at 5:00 pm (Contemporary) and 7:00 pm (Spanish). There is a Monday Novena Mass at 7:00 pm. Tuesday through Saturday has Mass daily at 8:00 am. read more