Charlotte bishop grants Mass dispensation amid migrant crackdown in North Carolina

Washington, D.C. Newsroom, Nov 19, 2025 / 16:23 pm (CNA).

Bishop Michael T. Martin of the Diocese of Charlotte issued a Mass dispensation for any person who fears he or she may be subject to deportation and called for a day of prayer and fasting for migrants as immigration enforcement ramps up throughout North Carolina.

The bishop published the statement on Nov. 18 telling those “who are afraid to come to church” out of fear they could be deported “are not obligated to attend Mass.” These conditions, he said, are “circumstances beyond your control.”

Martin said the Church has always taught that the normal Sunday Mass obligation does not apply when a person cannot attend due to situations he or she does not control.

“I encourage you to take consolation in Jesus’ refrain when the disciples were in the boat being swamped by stormy seas: ‘Do not be afraid!’ (Mt 14:27),” Martin added. “Your brothers and sisters are praying with you, and on your behalf, to God who desires our citizenship together in heaven and longs to see us live in harmony with each other on earth.”

The diocesan statement comes after the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) launched Operation Charlotte’s Web late last week, which escalated immigration enforcement in North Carolina.

Tricia McLaughlin, the assistant secretary for public affairs at DHS, said in a statement that the operation was launched to “ensure Americans are safe and public safety threats are removed” and said “Americans should be able to live without fear of violent criminal illegal aliens hurting them, their families, or their neighbors.”

DHS announced more than 130 arrests from the operation as of Nov. 17. A DHS spokesperson said the operation is “removing the worst of the worst.” The department published the names of 11 detainees, which it alleged included known gang members and people charged with assault, larceny, intoxicated driving, and other crimes.

President Donald Trump’s administration eliminated guidelines that previously treated churches as “sensitive locations” for immigration enforcement in January.

Nate Madden, principal deputy assistant secretary for communications at DHS, told CNA on Nov. 17 that “when we are pursuing the worst of the worst” who have criminal histories, some suspects “run to places where they think they will be able to evade law enforcement or where they think that law enforcement will be afraid to pursue them because of the appearance.”

A DHS spokesperson said in a statement to CNA in July that enforcement in houses of worship would be “extremely rare” and “our officers use discretion.” She said officers still need approval from a secondary supervisor before taking action at a church.

Nov. 21: Day of prayer and fasting for migrants

In the diocesan statement, Martin asked his diocese to observe a day of prayer and fasting on Friday, Nov. 21, in solidarity with migrants around the world.

The bishop asked people to contact loved ones at risk of deportation to “assure them of our love and care for them” and asked Catholics to contact lawmakers in both parties to encourage them to pass immigration reform that adheres to the common good.

He also asked people not to vilify federal agents.

“While I have no words to practically address the fear and uncertainty that many are feeling with the increased presence of federal immigration officials in the Charlotte metro area, I want to call upon all Catholics and people of goodwill to give witness to the message of Jesus,” Martin said.

“Our faith teaches us to come to the aid of the poor, marginalized, and most vulnerable,” the bishop continued. “‘For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me’ (Mt 25:35).”

Martin is currently in Rome and said yesterday that he planned to meet with Pope Leo XIV today and ask him to pray for the people of the diocese and migrants, “especially during this challenging time.”

“Please be assured that we will get through this together, if we focus our attention on the only one, Jesus Christ, who can save us all,” Martin said.

The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops approved a special message on Nov. 12 at its Fall Plenary Assembly that affirmed: “We oppose the indiscriminate mass deportation of people.” More than 95% of bishops approved the message, with 216 voting in favor, just five voting against, and three abstaining.

Pope Leo XIV on Nov. 18 urged Americans to listen to the message from the nation’s bishops.

“When people are living good lives, and many of them for 10, 15, 20 years, to treat them in a way that is extremely disrespectful, to say the least — and there’s been some violence, unfortunately — I think that the bishops have been very clear in what they said,” Leo said.

Source: https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/267947/charlotte-bishop-grants-mass-dispensation-amid-migrant-crackdown-in-north-carolina