In a pastoral letter issued Dec. 17, Bishop Michael Martin of the Diocese of Charlotte, North Carolina, formally outlined updated liturgical norms for the reception of Holy Communion at Catholic churches in the western half of the state.
The norms — a version of which was previously leaked in draft form — sparked significant debate and controversy in May shortly after Bishop Martin announced his plans to end parish-based offerings of the Traditional Latin Mass in the diocese, developments CatholicVote has followed closely.
Now officially released, the norms are characterized in the letter as being in keeping with the Church’s liturgical tradition, the National Eucharistic Revival, and the Jubilee Year of Hope. Bishop Martin details the reasoning behind the changes, stating that they are grounded in theology and pastoral sensitivity. The bishop also states his aim is to restore clarity and foster deeper Eucharistic unity.
Receiving Holy Communion: Standing as the norm, kneeling as an exception
The letter affirms that in the United States, the normative posture for receiving Holy Communion is standing, accompanied by a reverent bow. However, individuals may choose to kneel, and they may not be denied Communion for doing so — a protection codified in Redemptionis Sacramentum (n. 91).
Bishop Martin warns against pastors or catechists promoting kneeling as “better,” however. Encouraging a preference for kneeling undermines the Church’s intention for unity in liturgical posture, the bishop argues. Instead, pastoral leaders are instructed to teach the normative posture without favoritism and encourage respect for liturgical harmony.
Removal of portable fixtures used for kneeling, discontinued use of permanent altar rails
In line with these norms, the bishop mandates the removal of kneelers and prie-dieus used for Communion by Jan. 16, 2026. Their presence, the bishop says, contradicts the normative posture and distorts the Eucharistic procession, which symbolizes the Church as a pilgrim people journeying to the Lord.
Communion under both bread and wine
The bishop noted that while the diocese suspended the reception of the Precious Blood in response to COVID-19, many parishes have not resumed the practice. He encouraged its restoration as a “fuller sign” of the Eucharist.
Still, the bishop clarifies that Christ is fully present — Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity — in either species. Thus, reception under one kind remains complete participation in the Eucharist. This doctrine guards against confusion or scrupulosity among the faithful, he noted.
Applying the liturgical principle of “progressive solemnity,” Bishop Martin explained that not all Masses require the same degree of festivity. Offering both species may be fitting for major solemnities and feasts, reinforcing their special significance in the Church’s life. The letter then outlines when parishes are expected to offer both species, including during at least one Mass on Sundays and feasts such as Christmas, Corpus Christi, Easter, and parish patronal feasts. He noted that intinction, the practice of dipping the host into the chalice, is not permitted during public Masses.
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion
Noting that distributing Communion is a function primarily reserved to clergy, Bishop Martin emphasized the value of Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion in situations with large congregations or where Communion under both kinds is offered. Their service should support — not replace — that of ordained ministers, he wrote.
Extraordinary Ministers are to be commissioned using the “Book of Blessings” and serve a renewable three-year term, according to the letter. Parishes must provide annual invitations and training for this ministry, according to the norms. Regular reviews are encouraged to ensure proper formation, reverence, and decorum.
Bishop Martin concluded that the liturgy of the Church is the “work of God and the work on behalf of God in the life of the Church,” noting that it falls to every member of the faith to facilitate unity in liturgical celebrations. He pointed out that as bishop he is the moderator of the liturgy in the Diocese of Charlotte and that he will continue to “facilitate ‘peace and unity’” in the diocese’s liturgy, signaling the possibility of continued changes during his episcopate.
The bishop also referred broadly to statements by Pope Leo XIV earlier this year, saying that the norms move the diocese “toward the Church’s vision for the fuller and more active participation of the faithful,” as the Pope articulated at the beginning of his pontificate.
>> North Carolina bishop bans use of altar rails at diocesan high schools <<