We Are His Witnesses is a pastoral initiative launched by Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, C.Ss.R., Archbishop of Newark, on Pentecost in June 2025. It invites all of us to walk together on a journey called We Are His Witnesses—a path of pastoral conversion inspired by the Word of God, rooted in Pope Francis’s Evangelii Gaudium (The Joy of the Gospel). This initiative invites the entire Church to reimagine parish life, mission, and ministry in response to a changing world.

• Renew our sense of purpose as missionary disciples.
• Deepen parish vitality through evangelization, pastoral care, and sustainability.
• Engage all members of the Church in listening, discernment, and shared action.

The landscape of the Archdiocese of Newark has changed. Parish membership, Mass attendance, and Sacramental participation have all declined. The number of priests to serve as pastors is decreasing. Yet our region’s population is growing—offering new opportunities
for evangelization. Faith is no longer a dominant cultural influence. In this new era, each of us—bishops, priests, deacons, religious, and laypeople—shares responsibility to live as disciples and bring Christ to the world.

Over the last two decades, the Archdiocese has experienced significant changes in participation, sacramental life, and clergy availability:

Decline in Key Areas (Since 1998):

• Mass attendance has decreased by 53% 
• Baptisms are down 61% 
• Marriages have declined by 75%
• Funerals are down 56% 

Fewer Priests Available to Serve:

• There are currently 381 priests in active ministry (including religious order and retired priests) 
• 254 priests (66%) are age 50 or older  
• 127 priests (34%) are under age 50 
• By 2044, most priests currently 50+ will have retired (assuming retirement at age 70–75)
• In 2023, 205 priests were available to serve as pastors
• By 2044, that number is projected to drop to between 104 and 131, depending on ordinations (estimated at 1–4 per year). 

A Growing Opportunity for Evangelization:

This means more people—Catholic and non-Catholic alike—offering a renewed opportunity for outreach and evangelization

While Church participation has declined, the overall population in the Archdiocese’s territory is expected to grow by 3% or more in every county.

• Where are we now?
• Where is God calling us to go?
• How will we get there together?

• Synodality: Walking together, listening deeply, and discerning the Spirit’s voice.
• Subsidiarity: Trusting local communities to shape their own future.
• Solidarity: Embracing our unity as one family of God, responsible for one another.

• Evangelization & Outreach
  • Inviting people into intentional discipleship
  • Reaching beyond parish walls (e.g., schools, campuses, marginalized communities)
  • Providing formation and training for discipleship
  • Promoting intercultural understanding and inclusion
• Pastoral Care 
  • Celebrating vibrant and inclusive liturgies
  • Supporting lifelong faith formation and Catholic education
  • Strengthening collaboration across ministries and cultures
  • Ensuring the presence of trained and compassionate leaders
  • Engaging youth, young adults, and families
• Sustainability 
  • Embracing collaborative leadership in response to fewer priests
  • Responding to demographic changes and sacramental trends
  • Aligning parish facilities and resources with mission
    Encouraging inter-parish cooperation and shared services

Each one of us is involved in this journey, including:

• Clergy (bishops, priests, deacons)
• Religious and lay leaders
• Parishioners of all ages and backgrounds
• Community members

Bishop Michael Saporito and an Archdiocesan Commission on Pastoral Planning will help guide collaboration across the Archdiocese, but this effort belongs to the whole Church. Cardinal Tobin is eager to hear from as many people as he can. 

Everyone will have a chance to be heard—bishops, priests, deacons, religious, and laypeople. This process is meant to include listening, sharing, and working together. While everyone’s voice is important, Cardinal Tobin will make the final decision.

We are His Witnesses will focus on how we evangelize, care for one another in our parishes, and ensure our parishes are strong and sustainable for the future. This process calls for an honest evaluation of current practices and structures. Some ministries will be renewed; some parish alignments may change. Over time, mergers or closures will be necessary. These conversations and decisions will not always be easy, but as members of one body—the Church—we will support one another throughout this journey.

• Take part in parish discussions and listening sessions when they are announced
• Share your feedback with your pastor and parish leaders, especially when new models or ideas are presented
• Be open to change and support the efforts of your parish community’s efforts
• Encourage and support one another through this process
• Pray for the guidance of the Holy Spirit
• Live and share the Gospel with renewed joy and hope

Stay connected to your parish and the Archdiocese to follow the progress of this important initiative. Visit WeAreHisWitnesses.org to:

• Watch a brief video message from Cardinal Tobin.
• Learn more about the goals and purpose of the initiative.
• Explore helpful resources and see the latest updates.