Bishop Martin announces priest assignment changes at Pennybyrn, Morganton parish
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 […]
Bishop Martin issues pastoral letter on norms for Holy Communion
Guidelines for the reception of Holy Communion in the Diocese of Charlotte to strengthen unity in worship, uphold the Church’s liturgical norms, and encourage active participation by the faithful. December 17, 2025 Prot. No. B 339/25 Pastoral Letter on Holy Communion Our Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, said during a Wednesday Audience about the disciples […]
Statement of the Catholic Bishops of the Metropolitan Province of Atlanta
Reflection on Pope Leo XIV’s first apostolic exhortationDilexi Te (I have loved you) The Catholic Bishops of Georgia and the Carolinas gathered recently and reflected on Pope Leo XIV’s first apostolic exhortation Dilexi Te (I have loved you). The heart of his message and the fruit of our conversation is to call Catholics beyond simply […]
Bishop Martin calls for day of prayer and fasting following immigration actions in Charlotte
My brothers and sisters in Christ, While I have no words to practically address the fear and uncertainty that many are feeling with the increased presence of federal immigration officials in the Charlotte metro area, I want to call upon all Catholics and people of goodwill to give witness to the message of Jesus. Our […]
Bishop Martin lends ‘strong support’ to USCCB immigration statement
He expressed solidarity with immigrants and challenged people to think about their perspective on immigration in light of Church teaching. Bishop Martin’s message to the people of the Diocese of Charlotte: My Brothers and Sisters in Christ, I write to you at this unique moment in the life of our diocese when so many in […]
Bishop Martin: Fed up with the news lately? Ask yourself: What will I do?
In response to recent national and local tragedies, Bishop Michael Martin, OFM Conv., offers the following reflection, urging people of faith to reject despair and choose concrete acts of peace: In the wake of recent tragedies – a random stabbing here in Charlotte, a mass shooting at a Minneapolis church, and the assassination of a […]
Bishop Martin updates St. Matthew parishioners on pastoral leadership
Dear St. Matthew parishioners, I am writing to share news about Father Patrick Hoare and the pastoral leadership of St. Matthew Parish. As Bishop Peter Jugis shared with you in 2020, Father Hoare was removed as your pastor after the diocese’s Lay Review Board (LRB) reviewed specific claims of boundary violations with minors by Father […]
Completing the Implementation of Traditionis Custodes in the Diocese of Charlotte
May 23, 2025 In July of 2021, +Pope Francis published his motu proprio Traditionis Custodes, which restored limits on the celebration of the Traditional Latin Mass in the Universal Church to promote ecclesial communion. My predecessor, Bishop Peter Jugis, requested and received from the Holy See an extension for the Diocese of Charlotte in order […]
N.C. Catholic bishops issue joint statement: Immigration is “a moral concern” affecting dignity and human rights
The more prosperous nations are obliged, to the extent they are able, to welcome the foreigner in search of the security and the means of livelihood which he cannot find in his country of origin. Public authorities should see to it that the natural right is respected that places a guest under the protection of those […]
Bishop Michael Martin issues statement: “A Message of Hope: Regardless of Status, Catholics Stand with You”
As Roman Catholics we see all people as citizens of God’s Kingdom where we are all unworthy to claim any status other than what is given us all by our Creator. Inauguration Day is always special in the United States as the freedom to self-govern is on full display through the seamless transition of power. […]