Charlotte Bishop Introduces an Extra Year of Priestly Formation
The Diocese of Charlotte, North Carolina, announced a change to its priestly formation programme in an email sent to priests on 15 December, according to the substack.com-account The Pillar.
Beginning in the next academic year, diocesan seminarians will complete a one-year pastoral assignment teaching at a local Catholic secondary school. The teaching year will take place after philosophy studies and before theological studies.
Purpose of the Programme
Seminarians will receive pay, be assigned a lay mentor, and live in local rectories while paying room and board at diocesan rates.
The diocese said the programme is intended to provide sustained pastoral and teaching experience, as well as exposure to the demands of full-time work and daily life.
Priests Tired of Bishop Martin
The article relies largely on anonymous sources. Some priests have raised concerns about the programme’s impact on priestly formation, the lack of formal classroom training, the additional year added to formation, and restrictions on clerical dress during the teaching year.
Priests also reported that the change was implemented without broad consultation with diocesan clergy.
There is growing frustration and "fatigue" among the priests related to the pace and scope of changes introduced by Bishop Michael Martin.
Broader Context in the Diocese
Bishop Michael Martin has led the Diocese of Charlotte since May 2024, following his appointment by Pope Francis and his Prefect for Bishops, Cardinal Robert Prevost.
Charlotte was before Monsignor Martin one of the best dioceses in the USA. Since his arrival, the diocese has introduced multiple administrative and liturgical changes, including restrictions on the Traditional Latin Mass and prohibitions of kneelers for the reception of Communion.
In January 2025, an anonymous open letter circulated among clergy criticising leadership style, speed of change, and a lack of synodal consultation.
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