Bishop Michael Martin, OFM Conv., announces that effective Jan. 13, 2026, Father Patrick Hoare will return to active ministry as chaplain of Pennybyrn in High Point, Father Stephen Hoyt will become temporary administrator of St. Charles Borromeo Parish in Morganton as its longtime pastor Father Ken Whittington retires.
December 19, 2025
Prot. No. B 346/25
My Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
I want to thank you for your patience and concern regarding the status of Father Patrick Hoare, and offer an update about his ministry in the Diocese of Charlotte.
Father Hoare was removed as pastor of St. Matthew Parish in 2020 after the Lay Review Advisory Board (an independent entity organized for such purposes) found allegations of boundary violations with minors observed in group settings to be credible. The Review Board recommended multiple steps, including an independent assessment and boundary counseling, he could follow for a possible return to ministry – recommendations that Bishop Peter Jugis accepted.
Father Hoare appealed the authority of Bishop Jugis to remove him as pastor through the Church’s canonical processes, and in May 2025, the Holy See declined to overturn that decision. During this five-year appeals process, Father Hoare remained on administrative leave, engaging in a period of reflection and counseling and taking the other steps laid out for him by the Review Board to be considered for reinstatement to public ministry.
Father Hoare has repeatedly shared with me his remorse, unaware in those moments that his actions with minors might be perceived as boundary violations. He has also acknowledged the events of the past five years, including completion of the assessment, counseling and course work in respecting healthy boundaries, have helped him understand these perceptions and concerns. He also has faithfully participated in the non-pastoral life of the Church throughout this period, and his fellow priests recently elected him to the diocese’s Presbyteral Council, which represents all priests in the diocese’s administrative and policy discussions.
Father Hoare is committed to resuming a ministry that will enable him to help others and spread the Good News of Jesus by fostering safe environments and healthier boundaries for all. He has addressed the cautions and concerns that were raised, completed the course of action recommended by the Review Board, including a multi-week professional assessment, and has committed to an ongoing plan of professional counseling, reflection and review. After consideration of all of this, I can now affirm that he meets the standards for public ministry.
For these reasons, I have decided to appoint him Chaplain at Pennybyrn retirement community in High Point, effective January 13, 2026, where the diocese serves as spiritual sponsor. In this role, Father Hoare will work with seniors and will be responsible for ministering to residents, visiting the sick, administering last rites, and demonstrating Catholic values as well as the ecumenical spirit for which Pennybyrn is known.
He will succeed Father Stephen Hoyt, who has done a marvelous job helping to steer the sponsorship transition of Pennybyrn to the diocese from the Sisters of the Poor Servants of the Mother of God, who founded the retirement facility almost 80 years ago. Father Hoyt will be assigned as temporary administrator of St. Charles Borromeo in Morganton.
Please keep Father Hoare and Father Hoyt in your prayers during this transition and know that I am praying for all of you.
Peace,
The Most Rev. Michael T. Martin, OFM Conv.
Bishop of Charlotte