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Diocese

Statements to the Faithful & Pastoral Letters

Statements to the faithful and pastoral letters are released regularly regarding important events, policies, and other official matters. Below are current and past statements and pastoral letters. For more information, please contact the Diocesan Communications Director.

Click on the sections below to expand them and view more information.

 

2025

2024

12-2-2024
Holy See’s Decree of Suppression of the Carmelite Monastery and Letter from the Holy See to Bishop Olson; Bishop Olson’s Statement to the Faithful regarding the Suppression of the Carmelite Monastery

English  Español  tiếng Việt

11-19-2024
Statements to the Faithful of the Diocese of Fort Worth by Bishop Michael Olson and the Diocese of Scranton regarding Reverend Christopher R. Clay

English

10-31-2024
Pastoral Letter to the Faithful of the Diocese of Fort Worth by Bishop Michael Olson regarding questions about the Society of Saint Pius X (SSPX)

English  Español  tiếng Việt

10-28-2024
Statements to the Faithful of the Diocese of Fort Worth by Bishop Michael Olson and Reverend Mother Marie of the Incarnation regarding the Arlington Carmelite Monastery

English

10-24-2024
Statement to the Faithful of the Diocese of Fort Worth by Bishop Michael Olson regarding the former Reverend Jeffrey J. Poirot

English  Español

10-1-2024
Mother Marie of the Incarnation, the legitimate superior of the Arlington Carmel, has asked Bishop Olson to share the following message to the Faithful of the Diocese of Fort Worth

English

9-24-2024
Statement to the Faithful of the Diocese of Fort Worth by Bishop Michael Olson regarding Reverend Vincent Young and the Arlington Carmelite Monastery

English  Español  tiếng Việt

9-17-2024
Statement to the Faithful of the Diocese of Fort Worth by Bishop Michael F. Olson regarding the Arlington Carmelite Monastery

English  Español  tiếng Việt

9-7-2024
Statements to the Faithful of the Diocese of Fort Worth by Bishop Michael Olson and Reverend Mother Marie of the Incarnation regarding the Arlington Carmelite Monastery

Statement by Bishop Olson
Statement by Mother Marie of the Incarnation

7-18-2024
Statement to the Faithful of the Diocese of Fort Worth by Bishop Michael F. Olson regarding the Arlington Carmelite Monastery

English  Español  tiếng Việt

5-22-2024
Statement to the Faithful of the Diocese of Fort Worth by Bishop Michael F. Olson in response to the Dicastery for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life upholding decisions regarding the Arlington Carmel

English

Decree rejecting recourse against the Investigation
Decree rejecting recourse against Leave of Absence
Decree rejecting recourse against warning to the Community
Decree overturning Dismissal of Mother Teresa Agnes

4-20-2024
Statement to the Faithful of the Diocese of Fort Worth

English

4-18-2024
Statement to the Faithful of the Diocese of Fort Worth by Bishop Michael F. Olson Regarding the Holy See’s Decree Entrusting the Arlington Carmel to the Association of Christ the King

English

Vatican Entrustment Decree
Vatican Letter to Bishop Michael Olson
Vatican Letter to Carmelite Nuns

2-2-2024
Pope Francis Bestows Honors on 15 Persons for Exceptional Service to the Diocese of Fort Worth

English

2023

12-21-2023
Pastoral Letter to the Faithful of the Diocese of Fort Worth regarding “The Pastoral Meaning of Blessings”

English | Español | tiếng Việt

8-19-2023
Statement to the Faithful of the Diocese of Fort Worth by Bishop Michael F. Olson regarding the Arlington Carmel

English

8-10-2023
Pastoral letter to parents of Catholic school students

English | Español | tiếng Việt

6-1-2023
Decree of Dismissal of Reverend Mother Teresa Agnes (Gerlach) of Jesus Crucified, O.C.D.

English | Español | tiếng Việt

6-1-2023
Reinstatement of daily Mass at the Carmel for the nuns of the Monastery

English | Español | tiếng Việt

5-31-2023
Bishop Olson Recognized and Acknowledged as Pope’s Representative in Carmelite Matter

English | Español | tiếng Việt

5-16-2023
Statement to the Faithful of the Diocese of Fort Worth Concerning the Monastery of the Most Holy Trinity in Arlington, Texas

English

2022

12-31-2022
Statement to the Faithful of the Diocese of Fort Worth and Request for Prayers at The Death of Pope Benedict XVI

English | Español | tiếng Việt

12-13-2022
Statement to the Faithful of the Diocese of Fort Worth on Community Response to Issues Surrounding the Trial of Aaron Dean for the Murder of Atatiana Jefferson

English

9-16-2022
Statement to the Faithful of the Diocese of Fort Worth on St. John the Apostle Catholic School being named a 2022 National Blue Ribbon School

English

8-1-2022
Statement to the Faithful of the Diocese of Fort Worth on Establishment of St. Teresa of Calcutta Parish

English | Español

6-24-2022
Statement to the Faithful of the Diocese of Fort Worth on The Supreme Court’s Decision Overturning Roe v. Wade

English | Español | tiếng Việt

5-6-2022
Call for Peace and Vigilance at Mass by the Diocese of Fort Worth

English | Español | tiếng Việt

4-13-2022
Bishop Michael Olson joins Bishop Daniel Flores of Brownsville to request district attorney stop execution for Melissa Lucio

English

3-23-2022
Statement to the Faithful of the Diocese of Fort Worth on Act of Consecration of Russia and Ukraine to the Immaculate Heart of Mary and praying for peace

English

3-5-2022
Pastoral Letter Regarding Changes to Current COVID-19 Protocols for the Celebration of Mass

English | Español | tiếng Việt

1-13-2022
Pastoral Letter Regarding COVID-19 Omicron, Flu Season, and Continued Safety Protocols

English | Español | tiếng Việt

2021

9-28-2021
Pastoral Letter Regarding Proposed Mandates and Religious Exemptions for Covid-19 Vaccinations and a Proper Formation of Conscience

English | Español | tiếng Việt

8-20-2021
Pastoral Letter Regarding Continued Safety Protocols and Renewed Vigilance

English | Español | tiếng Việt

5-31-2021
Pastoral Letter Regarding Support for Hyde Amendment Protecting Americans from Funding Abortion

English | Español | tiếng Việt

5-20-2021
Pastoral Letter Regarding Alteration of Protocols, Guidelines, and Other Liturgical Celebrations

English | Español | tiếng Việt

3-4-2021
Pastoral Letter Regarding Gov. Abbott's Executive Order and Maintaining of Current Protocols

English | Español | tiếng Việt

2-12-2021
Statement to the Faithful of the Diocese of Fort Worth Regarding the Death of Father Stephen Jasso, TOR

English | Español

1-6-2021
Statement to the Faithful of the Diocese of Fort Worth Regarding Disruption of Certification of Presidential Election at U.S. Capitol

English | Español | tiếng Việt

2020

12-14-2020
Statement to USCCB Addressing Ethical Concerns on The New Covid-19 Vaccines

English | Español | tiếng Việt

12-2-2020
Statement to the Faithful of the Diocese of Fort Worth Regarding the Moral Permissibility of The Use of The Recently Released Vaccines for Covid-19

English | Español | tiếng Việt

11-10-2020
Statement to the Faithful of the Diocese of Fort Worth on McCarrick Report

English | Spanish

11-8-2020
Statement to the Faithful of the Diocese of Fort Worth Regarding the Presidential Election

English | Español | tiếng Việt

10-21-2020
Statement to the Faithful of the Diocese of Fort Worth Regarding Pope Francis’ comments recorded in the film Francesco

English | Español | tiếng Việt

9-25-2020
Pastoral letter regarding updated protocols, COVID-19 pandemic, and coming flu season

English | Español | tiếng Việt

9-18-2020
Pastoral Letter Regarding Any Possible Invalid Baptisms

English | Español | tiếng Việt

9-4-2020
Pastoral Letter Regarding A Day of Prayer

English | Español | tiếng Việt

6-26-2020
Statement to the Faithful of the Diocese of Fort Worth Regarding the Clarification of Covid-19 Protocols

English | Español | tiếng Việt

6-18-2020
Statement to the Faithful of the Diocese of Fort Worth Regarding Supreme Court DACA Decision

English

6-13-2020
Pastoral Letter Regarding Church Teaching on the Sin of Racism

English | Español | tiếng Việt

5-21-2020
Pastoral Letter Regarding Second Phase of Public Masses

English | Spanish | tiếng Việt

4-29-2020
Pastoral Letter Regarding Beginning Public Masses

English | Spanish | tiếng Việt

4-17-2020
Pastoral Letter Regarding the Return to Public Masses

English | Spanish | tiếng Việt

4-2-2020
Pastoral Letter Regarding Gov. Abbott and Mass

English | Spanish | tiếng Việt

3-28-2020
Pastoral Letter to Priests of the Diocese of Fort Worth

English | Spanish | tiếng Việt

3-24-2020
Pastoral Letter Regarding COVID-19 and Three Special Plenary Indulgences

English | Spanish | tiếng Việt

3-19-2020
Pastoral Letter Regarding New Additional Liturgical Adaptations

English | Spanish

3-18-2020
Pastoral Letter Regarding Coronavirus Updates

English | Spanish

3-13-2020
Pastoral Letter Regarding Coronavirus Updated Protocols

English | Spanish

3-12-2020
Pastoral Letter Regarding Coronavirus

English | Spanish

2-17-2020
Statement to the Faithful of the Diocese of Fort Worth Regarding New Director of Security

English

1-28-2020
Pastoral Letter to the Priests, Deacons, Consecrated Religious, and the Baptized Faithful

English | Spanish

1-28-2020
Statement to the Faithful of the Diocese of Fort Worth Regarding Father Richard Kirkham Dropping Two Baseless Lawsuits

English

1-23-2020
Statement to the Faithful of the Diocese of Fort Worth from Bishop Michael Olson Regarding His Ad Limina Visit

English

1-10-2020
Statement to the Faithful of the Diocese of Fort Worth Regarding Governor Abbott’s Decision to No Longer Allow Refugees to Resettle into Texas

English

1-2-2020
Statement to the Faithful of the Diocese of Fort Worth Offering to Assist the Family of Baby Tinslee Lewis In Seeking Compassionate and Appropriate Care

English

2019

10-16-2019
Fort Worth Diocese Respect Life Mass to Be Celebrated on Feast Day of the Saint for Unborn

English

8-26-2019
Statement to the Faithful of the Diocese of Fort Worth Confirms Alleged Apparitions of “Mystical Rose–Our Lady of Argyle” are Fabricated

English
Spanish

8-26-2019
Pastoral Letter to All Priests, Deacons, Seminarians, Religious Women and Men, and All Lay Faithful

English
Spanish

8-8-2019
Statement to the Faithful of the Diocese of Fort Worth Regarding Alleged Apparitions

English

7-19-2019
Pastoral Letter to All Priests, Deacons, Seminarians, Religious Women and Men and All the Lay Faithful

English
Spanish

7-1-2019
Statement to the Faithful of the Diocese of Fort Worth Regarding Father Richard Kirkham

English

5-9-2019
Statement to the Faithful of the Diocese of Fort Worth Regarding Pope Francis’s Motu Proprio Ordering Worldwide Response to the Evil of Sexual Abuse

English

5-1-2019
Statement to the Faithful of the Diocese of Fort Worth Opposing Texas Legislation Destructive to the Least Among us: The Poor and the Working Poor

English

3-21-2019
Continued effort to strengthen the safety posture at our parishes and schools

English | Spanish

2-27-2019
Statement to the Faithful of the Diocese of Fort Worth Regarding Conviction of a Volunteer for Sexual Abuse of a Minor

English

2-16-2019
Pastoral Letter Regarding the Laicization of Theodore E. McCarrick

English

1-31-2019
Pastoral Letter Regarding the Release of Names by Other Texas Dioceses and Why the Diocese of Fort Worth Has Made Public...

English / Spanish

2018

12-15-2018
Pastoral Letter Addressing Recent Decisions

English / Spanish

11-5-2018
Statement to the Faithful of the Diocese of Fort Worth Regarding Father Genaro Mayorga Reyes

English

11-5-2018
Statement to the Faithful of the Diocese of Fort Worth Regarding Father Gary Picou

English

11-5-2018
Statement to the Faithful of the Diocese of Fort Worth Regarding Father Jeff Poirot

English

10-10-2018
Letter to the Priests, Deacons, Consecrated Religious, and the Baptized Faithful from Bishop Michael F. Olson...

English / Spanish

9-20-2018
Statement to the Faithful of the Diocese of Fort Worth on the Administrative Committee of the USCCB Plan of Action

English / Spanish

8-16-2018
Statement to the Faithful of the Diocese of Fort Worth on USCCB’s Effort to Address Sexual Abuse by Clergy

English / Spanish

8-14-2018
Statement to the Faithful of the Diocese of Fort Worth on the Release of Pennsylvania Grand Jury Report Regarding Sexual Abuse Claims

English / Spanish

7-28-2018
Letter to the Faithful of the Diocese of Fort Worth Regarding Former Cardinal McCarrick and the Protection of Minors and the Vulnerable in the Diocese of Fort Worth

English / Spanish

6-20-2018
Statement to the Faithful of the Diocese of Fort Worth on the Executive Order Allowing Family at the U.S. / Mexico Border to Remain Together

English / Spanish

6-19-2018
Statement to the Faithful of the Diocese of Fort Worth on the Use of Family Separation at the U.S. / Mexico Border

English / Spanish

5-18-2018
Statement to the Faithful of the Diocese of Fort Worth on Santa Fe High School Shooting

English

3-28-2018
Statement to the Faithful of the Diocese of Fort Worth Commemorating 50th Anniversary of the Assassination of the Rev. Doctor Martin Luther King, Jr.

English

2-22-2018
Message from Diocese on Lenten Action for Dreamers: Congressional Call in Campaign

English

2-20-2018
Joint Statement of TCCB, Catholic Diocese of Fort Worth

English

1-10-2018
Liturgy Adaptions and Restrictions during the Flu Season

English

2017

11-6-2017
Statement to the Faithful of the Diocese of Fort Worth on Sutherland Springs Shooting

English

8-28-2017
Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund Special Collection

English

6-19-2017
Synod 2018: Young People, Faith, Vocational Discernment

English

5-8-2017
Statement to the Faithful of the Diocese of Fort Worth on Anti-Sanctuary Cities Legislation

English

4-6-2017
Bishop Appoints New President of Nolan Catholic High School

English

2-2-2017
Pastoral Letter on Moratorium on Refugee Admittance

English / Spanish

2016

9-14-2016
Statement to the Faithful of the Diocese of Fort Worth on Ads by Catholics for Choice

English / Spanish

7-8-2016
Statement to the Faithful of the Diocese of Fort Worth on Dallas Attacks

English

6-27-2016
Statement to the Faithful of the Diocese of Fort Worth on Supreme Court Abortion Clinic Ruling

English

6-7-2016
Statement to the Faithful of the Diocese of Fort Worth on Proposed Federal Predatory Lending Rules

English

3-4-2016
Our Mother of Mercy Catholic School to Transition to Cristo Rey College Prep High School

English

2015

12-16-2015
Bishop Olson Congratulates Dallas Diocese Bishop-elect Kelly

English

11-24-2015
Our Mother of Mercy Church principal church for Year of Mercy Celebration

English

11-17-2015
Statement to the Faithful of the Diocese of Fort Worth Regarding Terrorist Attacks in Paris and the Plight of Refugees

English

7-1-2015
Pastoral Letter Regarding U.S. Supreme Court Decision

English / Spanish

5-4-2015
Statement to the Faithful of the Diocese of Fort Worth on Serving the Homeless in the Fort Worth Area

English

1-30-2015
Bishop Olson Erects New Parish

English

1-2-2015
Bishop Forms New Parish

English

2014

12-22-2014
Statement to the Faithful of the Diocese of Fort Worth on the Opening of the South Texas Detention Facility

English

11-21-2014
Statement to the Faithful of the Diocese of Fort Worth on Federal Immigration Action

English

10-15-2014
Liturgical Adaptation (Regarding The Flu and Communicable Diseases)

English

8-22-2014
Statement to the Faithful of the Diocese of Fort Worth on ALS Association Bucket Challenge

English

8-8-2014
Statement to the Faithful of the Diocese of Fort Worth Regarding Ecclesia Dei’s Closing of Fisher More College Matter

English / Spanish

7-10-2014
Pastoral Letter on Unaccompanied Immigrant Minors Crisis

English / Spanish

6-30-2014
Statement to the Faithful of the Diocese of Fort Worth on U.S. Supreme Court Ruling on Hobby Lobby Suit

English

6-16-2014
Funeral Services Set for Bishop Olson’s Mother

English

4-17-2014
Marianists Departing Nolan Catholic High School

English

3-7-2014
Statement to the Faithful of the Diocese of Fort Worth Regarding Settlement of Claims Against the Diocese Involving James Reilly

English

1-15-2014
Rev. Msgr. Stephen J. Berg Named New Bishop of Pueblo Diocese

English

2013

11-19-2013
Rev. Msgr. Michael F. Olson Named New Bishop of Fort Worth Diocese

English / Spanish

5-1-2013
Lowering Age Limit for Single-Dose Emergency Contraception Irresponsible, a Disappointment, Says Bishops' Pro-Life Spokesperson

English

4-18-2013
Statement to the Faithful of the Diocese of Fort Worth by Diocesan Administrator on West Explosion

English

4-15-2013
Diocese of Fort Worth Settles Claim Involving James Reilly

English

3-13-2013
Statement to the Faithful of the Diocese of Fort Worth by Diocesan Administrator on the Election of Pope Francis

English / Spanish

2-11-2013
Statement to the Faithful of the Diocese of Fort Worth by Diocesan Administrator on Pope Benedict’s XVI Resignation

English / Spanish

2012

12-13-2012
Msgr. Berg Selected Fort Worth Diocese’s Diocesan Administrator

English

9-21-2012
Settlement of Claims Regarding Rev. William Paiz, CMF

English

2-11-2013
Bishop Kevin Vann on Appointment As Fourth Bishop of Diocese of Orange

English / Spanish / Vietnamese

6-15-2012
Bishop Urges Faithful to Observe "Fortnight for Freedom"

English

6-14-2012
Statement to the Faithful of the Diocese of Fort Worth Regarding Settlement of Claims Against the Diocese Involving James Reilly

English

6-14-2012
Diocese of Fort Worth Statement Regarding Religious Freedom Lawsuit

English / Spanish

Lawsuit Background
Filed Lawsuit / English / Spanish

2-15-2012
Statement to the Faithful of the Diocese of Fort Worth to Contact Elected Officials

English / Spanish

1-27-2012
Bishops Call for First Amendment to be Upheld in Latest HHS Ruling

English / Spanish / Vietnamese

1-27-2012
Statement to the Faithful of the Diocese of Fort Worth Regarding Fr. Joseph Tu Nguyen

English / Spanish / Vietnamese

2011

12-5-2011
Largest U.S. Catholic Vietnamese Church Dedication Set in Arlington

English

11-15-2011
Bishop Kevin Vann Named Ecclesiastical Delegate for Pastoral Provision

English

10-24-2011
Bishop Announces Papal Honors to 16 Outstanding Members of Diocese

English / Spanish

9-23-2011
Fort Worth Anglicans to be Received into the Catholic Church

English

6-9-2011
Statement to the Faithful of the Diocese of Fort Worth on Victim Assistance Ministry and Safe Environment Training

English / Spanish

4-7-2011
Statement to the Faithful of the Diocese of Fort Worth on the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People

English / Spanish

2010

7-2-2010
Statement to the Faithful of the Diocese of Fort Worth Regarding Settlement of Claim Against the Diocese Involving Rudy Renteria

English

4-9-2010
Bishop on the Appointment of Archbishop Gomez as Coadjutor in Los Angeles

English

2009

12-11-2009
Statement to the Faithful of the Diocese of Fort Worth on Nguyen Sexual Abuse Lawsuit

English

10-26-2009
Guidelines to All Parishes In Order To Help Mitigate the Effects of the Flu

English

2008

10-8-2008
Joint Respect Life Statement from Bishop Vann and Bishop Farrell

English / Spanish

9-15-2008
Follow Up News Release: Two Additional Credible Accusations of Sexual Abuse

English

9-8-2008
Credible 1978 Sexual Abuse of Minor by Deceased Priest Is Investigated by Fort Worth Catholic Diocese

English

8-13-2008
Magaldi Passes Away

English

8-8-2008
Bishop Announces Plans for Spiritual Renewal To Commemorate Diocese of Fort Worth’s 40th Anniversary

English

8-8-2008
Bishop Extends Condolences to Victims of Bus Crash

English

6-23-2008
Statement to the Faithful of the Diocese of Fort Worth Regarding Settlement of Claim Against the Diocese Involving James Reilly

English

5-10-2008
Father Michal Olson Appointed New Rector of Holy Trinity Seminary

English

2-15-2008
Statement to the Faithful of the Diocese of Fort Worth Regarding Settlement Agreement of a Third Lawsuit Against the Diocese Involving Thomas Teczar

English

2-14-2008
Magaldi Confirms He Is HIV Positive

English

2-10-2008
Bishop Kevin Vann Book on Marriage Set for Release

English

2007

12-20-2007
Statement to the Faithful of the Diocese of Fort Worth Regarding Settlement Agreement of a Lawsuit Against the Diocese Involving Thomas Teczar

English

10-18-2007
Statement to the Faithful of the Diocese of Fort Worth On Galveston-Houston Archbishop Daniel N. DiNardo’s Elevation to Cardinal

English

9-20-2007
Statement to the Faithful of the Diocese of Fort Worth on Removal of Pastor at Vietnamese Martyrs Catholic Church in Arlington

English

5-18-2007
Teacher Fired for Improper Conduct with a Minor Six Years Ago While Serving as a Youth Minister

English

4-4-2007
Statement to the Faithful of the Diocese of Fort Worth on Sexually Abuse Lawsuits

English

3-5-2007
Texas Catholic Bishops Statement on the HPV Vaccine Mandate

English

2-7-2007
Update of Recent Activity Regarding Allegations and Responses

English

2006

12-14-2006
Fr. Gil Pansza Removed From Ministry

English / Spanish

11-29-2006
Press Conference on Release of Cleric Files

English

11-22-2006
Bishop Comments On Settlement with 11 Victims and the Upcoming Release of Accused Priests’ Files

English

8-11-2006
Diocese Will Not Appeal Court Ruling to Release Accused Priests’ Personnel Files

English / Spanish

8-11-2006
Opening Statement by Bishop Concerning July 25th Order of Tarrant County District Court Judge Len Wade

English

8-10-2006
Media Backgrounder II: Safe Environment Training Program

English / Spanish

8-10-2006
Media Backgrounder I: Names of Priests and Their Status

English / Spanish

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Contacts:

John Cuccaro
Director of Communications
817-945-9420
817-940-1129

Rosa Rosales
Administrative Assistant
817-945-9424

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