Password-Protected “Pastoral Vision” - A Diocese-Wide Ego-Show?
Priests were unable to preview the video until receiving the password at noon on Saturday - a precaution that drew questions across the diocese.
The video was filmed at St. Peter’s parish, run by the Jesuits. It is considered one of the most liberal churches in the diocese and reportedly held homosexual-themed events some 25 years ago.
Football Talk
The video lays out a refrain the bishop repeats: “Everyone so loves Jesus, we share him with others.”
The bishop acknowledges the reality that “two thirds of U.S. Catholics don’t regularly practice their faith,” arguing that the Church must move beyond producing “believers” to forming disciples:
“The difference between being a believer and being a disciple is the difference between being a Carolina Panthers football fan and being a Carolina Panthers football player. Fans are nice. The world needs players.”
Local Catholic Brian Williams called the video on social media unimportant and wondered why the bishop insisted on projecting his face and voice onto screens in churches. He could have sent out a letter or distributed a pamphlet instead.
The Bishop Looks for $150M
The video arrives amid ongoing tensions in the diocese. Since his arrival in 2024, Bishop Martin has sparked controversy over liturgical directives, including consolidating the Roman Mass into a single chapel and ordering the removal of kneelers for Communion by January 2026.
Independently of the video itself, the Diocese of Charlotte is exploring a capital campaign potentially totaling around $150 million to support parish and diocesan needs.
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