If you have been attending a chapel of the Society of Saint Pius X and are now uncertain about your place in the Church, know that you are loved. The Church is your home. I invite you to come speak with one of our priests. We desire to walk with you, answer your questions honestly, and help you experience the peace that comes from full communion with the Catholic Church. The door is open, and you are welcome.
— Bishop Michael T. Martin, OFM Conv.
A Pastoral Letter to the Faithful Associated with the Society of Saint Pius X
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
In recent days, many of you have followed the events surrounding the episcopal consecrations carried out by the Society of Saint Pius X in Écône, Switzerland, on July 1, 2026. On July 2, the Holy See, through the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, formally declared that these consecrations constituted a schismatic act and announced the canonical consequences resulting from that action. The Holy See simultaneously provided a path by which clergy and faithful associated with the Society may be reconciled and welcomed into full communion with the Catholic Church.
I write today especially to those members of Christ’s faithful who worship at chapels of the Society of Saint Pius X within or near our Diocese.
First, I want you to know that I write as your bishop and spiritual father. Many of you were baptized in the Catholic Church, love Our Lord Jesus Christ, and cherish the Blessed Virgin Mary and the Saints. I recognize the sincerity of many who have been drawn to the Society over the years. Your desire for holiness, fidelity, prayer, and devotion is not in question.
At the same time, authentic Catholic faith is never separated from communion with Peter and the bishops united with him. The unity of the Church is not merely an administrative arrangement; it is a gift of Christ Himself. When disagreements and difficulties arise, the answer is not separation from the Church, but deeper communion within her.
After many decades of dialogue and repeated efforts by successive Roman Pontiffs to achieve reconciliation, the Holy See has judged that the recent episcopal consecrations, undertaken without pontifical mandate and contrary to the express will of the Holy Father, have brought about a new and grave rupture in ecclesial communion.
Therefore, I invite all who have been attending Society chapels to prayerfully examine their relationship with the Catholic Church and to consider returning fully and visibly to communion with the Successor of Peter and the Church throughout the world.
In accordance with the guidance recently issued by the Holy See, our Diocese stands ready to assist any member of the faithful who desires to regularize his or her ecclesial status and to enter or reaffirm full communion with the Church.
To those who may be fearful, uncertain, or wounded by these events, I say: do not be afraid. The Church desires not punishment but reconciliation; not exclusion but communion. The Lord who prayed “that they may all be one” continues to call each of us into the unity of His Body.
Catholics in our Diocese should now be aware that attending liturgical rites celebrated at St. Anthony of Padua Church in Mount Holly, NC (or any other SSPX location) could be construed as a schismatic act and should therefore be avoided.
I ask our priests to be available with patience and charity to anyone seeking guidance. I also ask all the faithful of the Diocese to pray for those affected by these developments, for the priests and faithful associated with the Society, and for the restoration of unity in the Church.
Dear brothers and sisters, the door of the Church is open. The heart of Christ is open. As your bishop, I welcome every effort toward reconciliation and assure you of my prayers, my affection, and my pastoral support.
May the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church, intercede for us all and lead us ever more deeply into the unity of her Son.
Fraternally yours in Christ,
Most Reverend Michael T. Martin, OFM Conv.
Bishop of Charlotte
July 17, 2026
Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Full Communion with the Catholic Church
Following the Holy See’s declaration concerning the July 1, 2026, episcopal consecrations conducted by the Society of Saint Pius X and the subsequent norms issued by the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, many faithful have questions about their own situation and the path forward. The following information is offered to assist those seeking guidance and reconciliation.
1. Am I welcome in the Catholic Church?
Absolutely.
The Church desires the reconciliation and salvation of all her children. The Holy See has specifically established procedures to facilitate the return of clergy and faithful associated with the Society of Saint Pius X. The Church’s desire is to welcome, heal, and restore communion.
2. If I have attended an SSPX chapel, does the Church consider me excommunicated?
The Holy See has distinguished between those who have formally adhered to the Society and those whose degree of involvement and responsibility must be assessed individually. The recent guidance from the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith specifically notes that questions of personal culpability and responsibility are to be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. No one should presume his or her own canonical status without speaking to a priest or diocesan representative. However, Catholics are now called to refrain from participation in liturgical celebrations and activities of the SSPX.
3. What should I do if I wish to return to full communion?
Contact your parish priest or the diocesan office designated by the bishop.
A priest will meet with you, listen to your circumstances, answer your questions, and assist you through any necessary steps. For many individuals, the process may be straightforward and pastoral rather than complicated or juridical.
4. Must I accept the authority of the Pope?
Yes.
Full communion with the Catholic Church includes communion with the Successor of Saint Peter and the bishops united with him. Fidelity to the Roman Pontiff is an essential element of Catholic unity. The reconciliation norms issued by the Holy See include an explicit profession of faith and adherence to the Roman Pontiff and the Church’s Magisterium.
5. Must I accept the Second Vatican Council?
Yes.
The Church requires acceptance of the Second Vatican Council as a legitimate ecumenical council of the Catholic Church and adherence to its authentic interpretation within the Church’s continuous tradition. The Holy See’s reconciliation procedure specifically includes acceptance of the Council and of the Church’s Magisterium.
6. Must I believe that the Mass promulgated by Saint Paul VI is valid?
Yes.
The Church teaches that the Mass celebrated according to the liturgical books promulgated by Saint Paul VI and Saint John Paul II is valid and legitimate. The profession required by the Holy See for reconciliation includes recognition of this fact.
7. Will I be judged or treated harshly if I come forward?
No.
The Church seeks to accompany persons with charity, patience, and understanding. Many who attended SSPX chapels did so because of a sincere desire for reverent worship and fidelity to the Catholic faith. The bishop and his priests desire to assist all who seek communion with the Church.
8. May I receive the sacraments while seeking reconciliation?
This depends upon each person’s circumstances and ecclesiastical status. Individuals should speak directly with a priest, who can provide guidance tailored to their situation and, where necessary, seek assistance from the Diocese.
9. What about baptisms, confirmations, marriages, and confessions previously received at SSPX chapels?
Questions concerning the validity and canonical status of particular sacraments can involve important distinctions. Anyone with concerns should consult a priest or the diocesan tribunal so that his or her individual circumstances can be carefully reviewed.
10. What if members of my family wish to remain with the Society?
Continue to love them, pray for them, and maintain family unity whenever possible. Avoid bitterness, arguments, and recriminations. Seek to witness the joy of communion with the Church through charity, humility, and fidelity.