Bishop Martin Bans Altar Rails, While 75% of Seminarians Come From Parishes With Altar Rails

This weekend the faithful of Charlotte have learned that as of the 1st Sunday of Advent November 30, 2025, Bishop Michael Martin has ordered that altar rails should no longer be used for the distribution of Holy Communion in the Diocese of Charlotte. Additionally, any parishes using kneelers (or unfixed rails) must remove them. This, we have been told, is to remain consistent with the norms established by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.

While just announced, the faithful are already being told that obedience requires submission. However, we have also heard (unconfirmed) that some priests may be reviewing this with canon lawyers or even requesting a clarification from Rome. We hope that more seek this route as the USCCB does not forbid the use of altar rails, but rather simply states that the norm is to receive standing, while fully permitting the faithful to kneel. It would seem to be a matter of both justice and charity for the Church to provide assistance for those who choose to kneel (accomplished by distributing at a rail).

Indeed, the cultural norm at a significant number of parishes in the diocese is for the faithful to receive kneeling and on the tongue. However, it isn’t just the number of parishes that is interesting, but rather, which parishes and what else is happening there.

This past week the USCCB celebrated its annual National Vocation Awareness Week. As stated on their website:

“National Vocations Awareness Week…is an annual week-long celebration of the Catholic Church in the United States dedicated to promoting vocations to the priesthood, diaconate, and consecrated life…”

One of the most healthy and robust areas inherited by Bishop Martin from his predecessor Bishop Peter Jugis is priestly vocations. Currently Charlotte lists 44 seminarians on their website, an impressive number for a diocese of about half a million Catholics. Additionally, the diocese has ordained 13 men to the priesthood in just the past 2 years, with another 7 set to be ordained in 2026.

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