In pastoral letter, Bishop Martin calls diocese to deeper faith, evangelization
CHARLOTTE — Bishop Michael Martin, OFM Conv., announced his pastoral vision for the Diocese of Charlotte on Feb. 14-15 in video messages played at Masses and in a pastoral letter titled “Everyone so loves Jesus, we share Him with others.”
“These few words describe my prayers and hopes for the Catholic Church in western North Carolina,” the bishop wrote. “I want them to serve as the inspiration and guide for how we embody our faith in everything we are and do here in our diocese.”
Published in English and Spanish, the vision notes the rapid growth of the diocese, now home to more than 565,000 Catholics, and calls on everyone to deepen their relationship with Jesus through word and through deed. It details ways in which people can find joy, help others, and build strong families and communities of faith.
“In proposing this vision, I follow in the footsteps of the recent Popes, who have all emphasized the need for a new evangelization,” wrote the bishop, who was installed in May 2024. “This vision also draws on what I have learned from visiting many parishes and communities across the diocese, reflecting on the fruits of the diocesan synodal process, working on the findings of the Catholic Leadership Institute’s surveys and interviews, and consulting with diocesan leaders, lay experts, religious, and priests.
“I am grateful for all the help I have received along the way,” he wrote. “Therefore, I offer, as your bishop, a vision for the Diocese of Charlotte that can help us grow in faith, plan for the future, and allocate our resources well.”
Read Bishop Martin’s pastoral letter and watch his full homily message: https://charlottediocese.org/pastoral-vision/