Church services changed, canceled as winter storm approaches North Carolina

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — As a winter storm approaches North Carolina, churches and places of worship are altering plans for weekend services.

The Dioceses of Charlotte and Raleigh are not requiring Catholics to attend Mass Saturday evening or Sunday.

“We want to make sure that folks stay safe and do not put themselves in any kind of harm’s way,” Diocese of Charlotte Bishop Michael Martin said.

Bishop Michael Martin dispensed Catholics in Western North Carolina from attending Mass this weekend — a decision he does not make often or lightly.

“The Lord wants us to be safe,” Bishop Martin said. “For any of us, in any given circumstance for whatever reason, if we’re sick or we can’t, God understands that. We want our folks to do what they have to do and to not worry that God’s somehow not loving them, gracing them or giving them all that they need.”

Bishop Martin is allowing each pastor or administrator to cancel or change their Mass schedule amid the storm. Some are planning to stream Mass online.

“I think most of our parishioners who can’t come will be able to access Mass from their local parish, or if their parish isn’t live streaming, there are so many other options from around the country and around the world where they can, and are encouraged to, to prayerfully attend mass online,” Bishop Martin said

First United Methodist Church in Charlotte canceled its Sunday service and has recorded a service that will play online in its place.

“We’re glad to be able to offer that,” Rev. Dr. Valerie Rosenquist of First United Methodist Church in Charlotte said. “My message to my people is stay home, stay warm and take care of yourselves and each other.”

While the threat of the storm is making some feel uneasy, spiritual leaders are encouraging North Carolinians to maintain their faith over the coming days.

“I certainly want everyone in Western North Carolina, no matter whatever their faith affiliation, to know that God is watching them,” Bishop Martin said. “My prayers are with all of our people that they might know God’s presence and that they might be blessed by God’s grace with safety during these days. Amen.”

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