Catholics and communities across the Diocese of Charlotte may notice a shift or renewed emphasis on certain priorities of the Church, as Bishop Peter Jugis announces an ambitious agenda following more than 400 listening sessions with the faithful during last year’s diocesan synod.
In a letter to the faithful read during Masses on April 16, the second Sunday of Easter, Bishop Jugis touches on “busy lives bombarded by distracting and worldly messages” and calls for increased unity, outreach and focus on the Holy Eucharist – especially important in an ever-growing diocese that now has more than 500,000 Catholics.
The bishop has instructed priests throughout the diocese to join him in committing to six pastoral priorities, spelled out below, after reflecting on testimonies and needs highlighted during the diocesan synod, or assembly, held in conjunction last year with the worldwide synod convened by Pope Francis.
More than 7,000 Catholics participated in the diocesan synod from October 2021 to June 2022, prayerfully listening to the Holy Spirit and to one another and speaking out on the theme “For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation, and Mission.”
The synod included listening sessions in five languages among 76 parishes, 19 schools, nearly every diocesan ministry and office, St. Joseph College Seminary, 16 lay associations and groups, and more – culminating with a report published June 30, 2022, and sent to the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.
The bishop’s letter serves as a special Easter message, presented on Divine Mercy Sunday, which celebrates Christ’s gift of mercy and love through His death and resurrection:
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
Christ, our hope, has risen. Peace be with you.
Like Thomas in today’s Gospel, surrounded by a world of doubts and uncertainties, we have experienced the Lord in our midst, and proclaim with Easter joy, “My Lord and my God!”
This past year Pope Francis invited us to participate in a global synodal process in which we shared our faith, fears, hopes, and concerns. Although the national Catholic participation rate was only slightly above 1%, the Diocese of Charlotte exceeded the national average. After prayerful discernment and having listened to the lay faithful and the clergy of the diocese, I would like to share with you six pastoral priorities moving forward.
First and foremost, I earnestly desire all to renew and anchor their lives in the Most Holy Eucharist. Busy lives bombarded by distracting and worldly messages can only truly find the peace for which they yearn in the paschal mystery.
Second, while strengthening our communion with Christ, we must in turn allow Him to strengthen the communion within our families and the Church. Unlike the secular world in which we live, the Church cannot allow herself to be fractured by partisanship. The forces that seek to divide are not greater than the Holy Spirit who unites. We must follow Our Lord who prayed at the Last Supper, “that they may be one, as we are one.”
Third, as a family of faith we must inspire the youth to find their home in the Church. Inherently drawn to authenticity, it is our responsibility to speak to the meaning of a true Christian life.
Fourth, in a time of moral confusion, we must inspire lives of personal holiness highlighting the beauty of chaste love.
Fifth, we must learn to proclaim the faith in a digital age, that we may better evangelize a culture teeming with secular and contrary messages.
Sixth, we must meet the challenges of an ever-growing diocese. In just 50 years the Diocese of Charlotte has grown from 34,000 Catholics in 75 parishes to more than 500,000 Catholics in 92 parishes and missions spread across 46 counties.
As a diocesan family, relying upon the grace and mercy of God, I ask for your help as I shepherd the diocese to meet the challenges of our day. Finally, I entrust these pastoral priorities to the maternal care of the Most Blessed Virgin Mary Mother of God, our diocesan patroness.
May the peace and joy of Easter be with you all.
Sincerely yours in Christ,
Most Reverend Peter J. Jugis
Bishop of Charlotte
April 16, 2023
PASTORAL PRIORITIES
