At the heart of the shield is the Cross, representing the armiger’s faith and dedication to Jesus Christ. Each arm of the Cross ends in a fleur-de-lis, a symbol commonly associated with the Virgin Mary and Saint Joseph, thereby representing the Holy Family. Additionally, the fleur-de-lis honors St. Jean-Marie Vianney, the patron saint of parish priests. The wavy barrulets represent water, symbolizing the armiger's diocese and birthplace in Columbus, Ohio. The spiked "Catherine wheels" allude to the armiger's surname, Carter.

Above the shield sits a black galero with cords and two tassels hanging on each side, signifying the priestly dignity. Below the shield, a scroll bears the motto "Adimple Ea Quae Desunt," translating to "Complete That Which is Lacking." This phrase recalls Colossians 1:24, where St. Paul states, “Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh, I am filling up what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ on behalf of His Body, which is the Church.” The motto serves as a reminder for the armiger to unite his sufferings with Christ’s and a prayer for God to fulfill any inadequacies within him.