Holy Family Traditional Catholic Church

Charlotte Diocese Announces Major Restructuring for Traditional Latin Mass

by

Toledo

CHARLOTTE, NC – Parishioners devoted to the Traditional Latin Mass (TLM) in the Diocese of Charlotte are facing significant changes following a new decree from Bishop Michael Martin, OFM Conv. Effective July 8, 2025, the celebration of the TLM will be consolidated to a single, non-parish location, and will no longer be permitted in parish churches.

This decision implements Pope Francis’ 2021 apostolic letter Traditionis Custodes, which called for restrictions on the pre-Vatican II liturgy. While former Bishop Peter Jugis had secured temporary extensions, Bishop Martin’s directive marks a definitive shift for the traditional Catholic community in the diocese.

Key Changes:

  1. End of TLM in Parish Churches: As of July 8, 2025, the TLM will cease at the four parishes previously granted permission:
    • St. Ann Catholic, Charlotte
    • St. John the Baptist Parish, Tryon
    • St. Thomas Aquinas, Charlotte
    • Our Lady of Grace Parish, Greensboro
  2. New Designated Location & Schedule:
    • All diocesan-approved TLM celebrations will be moved to a single site:  757 Oakridge Farm Hwy., Mooresville, NC
    • At this Mooresville location, the TLM will be permitted only on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation. Daily TLMs will no longer be offered.
  3. Priest Authorization: Only priests who receive explicit authorization from Bishop Martin will be permitted to celebrate the TLM.

Bishop Martin’s Rationale:

In a pastoral letter accompanying the decree, Bishop Martin cited Pope Francis’ call for “unity” within the Church as a primary motivation. He stated the changes are intended to align the diocese with the directives of Traditionis Custodes and the liturgical vision of the Second Vatican Council.

What This Means for Those Parishioners:

These changes will undoubtedly require significant adjustments. For many, the move to a single, centralized location in Mooresville will mean longer travel times and the loss of daily access to the traditional liturgy. The cessation of TLMs in established parish communities like St. Ann’s and Our Lady of Grace will be particularly felt.

The limitation to Sundays and Holy Days also marks a substantial shift from the previous allowances, which included more frequent celebrations in some locations.