(LifeSiteNews) — Bishop Michael Martin of the Diocese of Charlotte has banned the use of altar rails during the reception of Holy Communion, effective the first Sunday of Advent. Father John Putnam, the pastor of St. Mark Catholic Church, announced the new rule on Friday, embracing it as the “liturgical norm” of the U.S. In a letter to his parish, Putnam said he “personally” believes altar rails foster “reverence and devotion” but nevertheless endorsed Martin’s instruction to abandon altar rails that has not yet been officially promulgated. “At the same time, obedience is a virtue, and I think it is important to be united with other parishes in the diocese and return to the normative practice as noted above,” wrote Putnam, citing a statement by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) that “(t)he norm … is that Holy Communion is to be received standing.” Everyone “retains the right to kneel to receive the Eucharist,” he added, again citing the USCCB. “I simply believe …