Jan. 20, 2026

01-20-26 CC EDITION * FUNDRAISER #3 UPDATE

January 19, 2026

The Catholic Herald

Exclusive: Diocese of Charlotte reacts to first Sunday after altar rail ban

Niwa Limbu

THE LITURGY GUY

As this is the first weekend that Bishop Martin’s altar rail ban goes into effect, we are hearing of a variety of responses from the priests and pastors of the Diocese of Charlotte. Some are making no change at this time as they wait for Rome’s response to the dubia. Others have already removed temporary rails from their parishes and have announced additional stations to receive communion. At least one parish is already recruiting Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion in their bulletin, as they will apparently no longer use the rail. We have even heard a pastor publicly advise his parishioners that he will deny them communion if they go to the rail to receive.

 

Earlier today I received this open letter, written by a priest and addressed to the Priests and Pastors of the Diocese of Charlotte.

While addressed to his brother priests, it also provides a reminder to all that no one in good standing should be denied Communion, even if they go to an altar rail.

 

OSV News

Pope Leo warns against chasing approval, calls for deeper spiritual focus

by Paulina Guzik  11:02 AM January 18, 2026

Focus on approval, the pope warned, can lead to personal suffering, social division and relationships that are fragile and ultimately disappointing.

National Catholic Register

Why 2026 Will Be the Year of Leo

Lifesite News

Traditional priest proposes special Latin Mass jurisdiction in letter to cardinals

Fr. Louis-Marie De Blignières believes that creating a special jurisdiction would ultimately end liturgical divisions created by Pope Francis' 2021 motu proprio Traditionis Custodes.

National Catholic Register

Vice President Vance to Headline 2026 March for Life

The VP will join House Speaker Mike Johnson and U.S. Rep. Chris Smith at the Jan. 23 rally.

National Catholic Register

Looking at Venezuela Through a Catholic Lens

COMMENTARY: Truth matters, means matter and human beings are never mere instruments — not even when the target is guilty and the temptation to ‘finally do something’ is overwhelming.

CHURCHPOP

12 Fascinating Facts About Saint Francis of Assisi, in Honor of the 2026 Franciscan Jubilee Year

During this Franciscan Jubilee Year, let’s learn more about Saint Francis of Assisi. Here are 12 fascinating facts about his amazing life.

National Catholic Register

10 Reasons It’s a Great Time to Be Catholic

COMMENTARY: In an age of cultural confusion and spiritual hunger, the Church’s ancient faith, sacraments and moral clarity remain a compelling answer for modern Catholics.

 

4 Habits to Help You Get Along Better With Others

An excerpt from ‘How to Get Along With (Almost) Everybody’ by Dr. Ray Guarendi

Lifesite News

Diocese of Charlotte will require seminarians to spend extra ‘pastoral year’ teaching, living as laity

Each seminarian will receive full pay and benefits, but they will be required to pay bills out of their teaching salary, and they won't be permitted to wear clerical garments.

Catholic Grandparents Association of Charlotte Diocese

CGA Charlotte Shares Mission at Grandparents Day & St. Nicholas Celebration

The Catholic Grandparents Association (CGA) of Charlotte Diocese was delighted to host an information table at St Ann Catholic School’s combined Grandparents Day and St. Nicholas Day celebration last week—a joyful gathering that brought faith, family, and tradition together under one roof.  Grandparents stopped by the CGA table throughout the event to learn more about the association’s mission: supporting grandparents in their vital role of passing on the gift of faith. Kathy Consler (right) and Teresa Sanctis (left), CGA Charlotte Diocese Leaders, shared brochures, handed out Prayer Cards for Grandparents, written by Pope Benedict at the request of CGA. They answered questions and spoke with grandparents about upcoming CGA meetings.  The festive atmosphere of St. Nicholas Day added a special touch, with many guests reflecting on the importance of generosity and faithfulness—values deeply connected to the CGA’s work. Grandparents appreciated the opportunity to learn how the association can help them strengthen their spiritual influence in the lives of their grandchildren, while staff welcomed the chance to collaborate more closely with the organization.  The CGA extends heartfelt thanks to the school for providing a welcoming space to share its mission and for fostering a strong partnership between home, school, and parish. The event was a wonderful reminder that when generations come together in faith, the entire community is enriched.  The association looks forward to future opportunities to support families and continue celebrating the important role grandparents play in nurturing the faith of the next generation.