Our Mission
This diocesan grant-based program supports small parishes across the Diocese of Raleigh in the construction and furnishing of churches and chapels.
The program places special emphasis on communities where economic circumstances makes it difficult for parishioners to fully fund the building of sacred worship spaces through traditional means such as capital campaigns, loans, or parish savings.
By providing financial assistance, this program helps ensure that all Catholics in the diocese have a reverent place to gather for prayer, worship, and the sacraments.
“I ask for your prayers and support of the Home Mission Society so that we may continue the dream of establishing a strong Catholic community in eastern North Carolina.”
– Luis Rafael Zarama, J.C.L., Bishop of Raleigh
Our History
The growing Catholic population in North Carolina has created a pressing need for the construction of new churches and the expansion of existing parishes to better serve the faithful. For many years, the Diocese of Raleigh relied on the Catholic Extension Society and other external sources to support the building of churches and chapels in mission areas. However, the Catholic Extension Society no longer provides funding to the diocese.
In response to this need, Bishop Michael F. Burbidge established the Diocese of Raleigh Home Mission Society in 2007. Its mission is to support the construction and furnishing of churches and chapels in remote and underserved areas of eastern North Carolina.
Your Generous Support
Many communities in eastern North Carolina are made up of immigrant and working-class Catholics who lack the financial means to build the churches their families need.
The Home Mission Society has provided significant grants to support the construction of four churches in our diocese:
- St. Mary of the Angels (Mount Olive)
- San Isidro (Fayetteville)
- Our Lady of the Rosary (Louisburg)
- St. Joseph the Worker (Warrenton)
A gift to the Diocese of Raleigh Home Mission Society supports the Gospel mandate to proclaim the Good News to all ends of the Earth.
How it came to be: A look at the history of Our Lady of the Rosary
The Catholic community in Louisburg, NC, began in the Rabil family home, later moving to various temporary locations. With parish growth and support from the Home Mission Society, funds were secured for building the current church.
Key figures like Ed Rabil, Eileen Robertson, and Dan Connors recount the parish’s early days, and today, the community thrives, welcoming diverse groups like Hispanic and Filipino Catholics.
Read more here to learn how the Diocese of Raleigh initiatives, The Land Trust and the Home Mission Society, helped their parish evolve.
How to Make a Gift
The Bishop’s Annual Appeal provides partial funding to the Diocese of Raleigh Home Mission Society. However, the Society needs additional funding. There are several ways you may donate to this important ministry:
- Make an outright gift of cash, stocks or other assets. Contributions can be sent to:
Home Mission Society c/o The Foundation, 7200 Stonehenge Dr, Raleigh, NC 27613 - Include the Diocese of Raleigh Home Mission Society in your estate plan. To learn about estate giving options or the appropriate language for your will, please contact The Foundation office at 919-568-1065. We strongly recommend discussing your estate plan with your attorney and financial advisors.
Mission Possible
Building Catholic Churches Throughout Eastern North Carolina
Following the Gospel mandate to proclaim the Good News to all ends of the Earth.