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 to arrange an orderly transition to the new instructions. That temporary extension expires this year, and I am now ready to finish the diocese’s implementation of the norms established in Traditionis Custodes.
Effective July 8, 2025, the Traditional Latin Mass will no longer be celebrated at parish churches in the Diocese of Charlotte. In accordance with Traditionis Custodes Art. 3 §2, I am designating a chapel in the diocese where faithful adherents may gather for the celebration of the Eucharist on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation using the Roman Missal of 1962. The chapel set aside for this purpose is located at 757 Oakridge Farm Hwy., Mooresville, North Carolina 28115. The name of the chapel is yet to be determined.
A priest of the diocese will be appointed as chaplain, to be responsible for celebrating two Sunday Masses and Holy Day Masses using the 1962 Roman Missal at this site. Those who are interested in participating in the Eucharistic celebration in this form will remain active members of their current parishes, where they may continue receiving the sacraments.
It is my heartfelt desire and prayer that this implementation of Traditionis Custodes will further “promote the concord and unity of the Church” among the People of God in the Diocese of Charlotte so that, as Jesus prayed to His Father, we “may all be one” (John 17:21).
+ Most Reverend Michael T. Martin, OFM Conv.
Bishop of Charlotte