Students and Mass-goers at Charlotte Catholic High School in North Carolina have been told they may no longer use the altar rail for the reception of Holy Communion at daily Mass.
The instruction was issued by Bishop Michael Martin of Charlotte, even though the rail itself had been installed in the school chapel in 2017 under his predecessor, Bishop Peter Jugis. According to reports circulated on social media, pupils and staff now kneel directly on the floor to receive the Sacrament.
The rail, which was installed eight years ago, was the result of a fundraising initiative led by a teacher at the school in memory of his younger brother, who had died. The project was warmly welcomed by families, clergy, and students, who saw in it a visible sign of continuity with the Church’s tradition.
