About St. James the Greater · Concord, North Carolina
St. James the Greater is a Catholic parish in Concord, North Carolina, with a rich history dating back to 1842. Founded by early converts including Joseph Barnhardt, the parish grew from a small mission into a vibrant, culturally diverse community serving thousands. The parish moved through several locations, including a rebuilt church on Union Street and finally settling on Manor Avenue in 2004. It is known for welcoming all, offering Mass in English and Spanish, and supporting ministries for youth, families, and the elderly. The parish is active in evangelization, education, and community service, guided by the mission of Jesus Christ and the teachings of the Catholic Church.
- Established
- 1842
- Patron
- St. James the Greater
- Rector
- Father Joseph Dionne
- Diocese
- Diocese of Charlotte
Why belong here
Join St. James the Greater to be part of a welcoming, culturally diverse community dedicated to growing in faith and spreading love. You’ll find active ministries for families, youth, and the elderly, as well as opportunities to serve through sacraments, stewardship, and evangelization. The parish offers Mass in both English and Spanish, and welcomes all who seek a deeper relationship with God through prayer, worship, and fellowship.
Mass times at St. James the Greater
Weekly Mass schedule
Confession times
- Saturday 2:00 - 3:30pm
- By appointment
Adoration times
- Monday 10:00am–6:45pm (Except Holidays)
Pastors & rectors through the years
- Father Joseph Dionne2008–present
Welcomed as new pastor in August 2008.
- Father James Geiger2007
Dedicated the new youth center in spring 2007.
- Father George Kelly, C.Ss.R.1974–1981
First Redemptorist pastor.
- Father Michael Hopkins, C.Ss.R.1981
Served as pastor.
- Father Eugene Daigle, C.Ss.R.1987
Served as pastor.
- Father Daniel Carboy, C.Ss.R.1993–1994
Pastor; Parish Center dedicated in 1994.
- Father Thomas Curran1946–1947
First resident pastor; St. Thomas Hall named for him.
- Father James Cowan1934–1946
First Diocesan Pastor.
- Father William Pharr1969
Served as pastor.
- Father Joseph Showfety1969
Served as pastor.
- Father Michael J. Begley1969
Became Bishop of Charlotte in 1969.
- Father Francis Connolly1971
Served as pastor.
- Father Edward Beatty1968
Served as pastor.
- Father Richard Allen1963
Served as pastor.
- Father James C O’Brien1962
Served as pastor.
- Father Edward L. Gross1960
Served as pastor.
- Father Joseph Keller, OSB1876–1879
Served as pastor.
- Father Stephen Lyons1880–1882
Appointed by Bishop Keene; administered Confirmation in 1882.
- Father Julius Pohl1887–1888
Served as pastor.
- Father Patrick Doulon, OSB1885
Served as pastor.
- Father Walter Leahy, OSB1886
Served as pastor.
- Father John Hill1887
Served as pastor.
- Father Bernard1891
Served as pastor.
- Father Joseph Mueller1892
Served as pastor.
- Father Albert1901
Served as pastor.
- Father Peter1903
Served as pastor.
- Father Matthew1904
Served as pastor.
- Father William1906
Served as pastor.
- Father Gregory Windschegl1908
Served as pastor.
- Father Leo Kuny1911
Served as pastor.
- Father Celestine Bache1913
Served as pastor.
- Father Mark Cassidy1914
Served as pastor.
- Father Maurus Buckert1915
Served as pastor.
- Father Gerard Rettys1920
Served as pastor.
- Father Herman J. Goines1925
Served as pastor.
- Father L.P. O'Connell1854–1865
Vicar General; served as pastor.
- Father J.J. O'Connell1848
Served as pastor.
- Father A.J. McNeal1854
Served as pastor.
- Father Joseph P. O'Connell1855
Served as pastor.
- Father Gifford1842
Received Joseph Barnhardt and family into the Church.