To all our parishioners and to anyone who may come across these words, I offer a message of hope, peace, and love.
Our Bishop Michael’s words in the accompanying letter beautifully express what is in my heart. I could not say it better myself. Yet, I want to add this: If you are feeling worried or afraid, if life seems uncertain or overwhelming, please do not hesitate to reach out for help. You are not alone.
If you speak Spanish, please call Temoc at 828-773-2353 or Father Jose at 268-912-4357—they are here to support you. If you are from Saint Stephen or the surrounding area and speak English, Sister Janis at 336-908-4192 is ready to listen and assist. And if you are from St. John and speak English, please call me, Father John, at 704-763-2475. The sooner we know of your concerns, the sooner we can respond with care and action.
Above all, if you or someone you know is anxious about the future, remember Bishop Michael’s words: put your trust in Jesus. Lift your prayers to God, for He is our refuge and strength in all things.
May His peace be with you always,
The Very Reverend Fr. John David Hanic V.F.
Office of the Bishop
January 17, 2025
A Message of Hope: Regardless of Status, Catholics Stand with You
Inauguration Day is always special in the United States as the freedom to self-govern is on full display through the seamless transition of power. We are grateful to God for giving our country the grace to celebrate the inalienable rights for which He created us and which we seek for all people to enjoy. It is this freedom that has brought so many of our ancestors to our shores and borders and continues to call to people of goodwill.
With a new administration comes new ways of operating, and any such change can bring anxiety for those who are uncertain about the status of their freedoms. I write today to those who find themselves in this country—and in particular in the Diocese of Charlotte—without the benefit of proper documentation but of no less goodwill to express the solidarity of the Roman Catholic Church. As executive orders are being considered for the early days of the new administration, please know we respectfully call on our leaders to consider the dignity of families and children, regardless of their status, and to take steps that respect and enhance their human dignity.
We stand with you—not to determine your legal status, since that is not our scope, but rather, as our brothers and sisters in Christ who find yourselves in a time of fear and uncertainty. We encourage you to place your trust in Jesus who, with Mary and Joseph, had to flee their homeland in search of security in Egypt.
Regardless of citizenship, as Roman Catholics we see all people as citizens of God’s Kingdom where we are all unworthy to claim any status other than what is given us all by our Creator. With Jesus, in these days of anxiety, we say to you: Do not be afraid!
Michael T. Martin, OFM Conv.
Bishop of Charlotte
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