Cardinal Tobin

The Archdiocese of Newark is launching a new pastoral initiative, We Are His Witnesses, to inspire all Catholics to embrace their baptismal call as missionary disciples who share Christ’s love, truth, and hope with the world. To deepen your understanding and join this journey of faith, please continue reading.

A Message from Cardinal Tobin

An image of Cardinal JW Tobin.

A Letter to the Faithful from Cardinal Tobin

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.

Click here to read the full letter. [English] [Spanish] [Korean]

Frequently Asked Questions

WHAT IS WE ARE HIS WITNESSES?

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.

WHAT ARE THE GOALS OF THIS INITIATIVE?

• 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.

WHY ARE WE DOING THIS? WHY NOW?

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.

HOW IS THE LANDSCAPE OF THE ARCHDIOCESE CHANGED OVER THE PAST 20 YEARS?

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.

WHAT QUESTIONS ARE GUIDING THIS RENEWAL?

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

WHAT VALUES GUIDE WE ARE HIS WITNESSES?

• 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.

WHAT ARE THE FOCUS AREAS OF THIS MISSION?
  • 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
WHO IS INVOLVED?

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. 

HOW WILL DECISIONS BE MADE?

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.

IS THIS INITIATIVE ABOUT CLOSING PARISHES?

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.

HOW CAN I PARTICIPATE?
  • 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
WHAT’S NEXT AND HOW CAN I STAY INFORMED?

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.

Prayer

God of Mercy, you call the Archdiocese of Newark to witness to our faith in Jesus Christ.
As we undertake the journey of pastoral conversion, endow us with your gifts of communion, courage and compassion.
Help us to fulfill the mission of Jesus and his Church through convincing outreach, vibrant parishes and effective ministries.
Raise up selfless and energetic leaders to serve the Church with fidelity and zeal.
May we, the Church of Newark in Bergen, Essex, Hudson, and Union Counties, be sustained and strengthened by your grace.
May we the People of God discern and follow the promptings of your Holy Spirit.
May we your holy people dedicate our lives as firm disciples of Jesus Christ, Son of God and Son of Mary, wherever we go.
We ask this and all our prayers through Christ our Lord. —Amen

[Download the prayer] [ Descargue la oración]

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Links

Rejoice in The Lord: We Are His Witnesses Launch

Cardinal Tobin’s biweekly newsletter invites all to embrace pastoral conversion and missionary discipleship, following Christ’s call to be His witnesses, spread His love, and serve others in faith.

Evangelii Gaudium (The Joy of the Gospel)

Stay informed with Jersey Catholic

Read the latest stories and announcements about We Are His Witnesses throughout the Archdiocese and worldwide.

An image of Cardinal JW Tobin.

We Are His Witnesses:
A Pastoral Letter from Cardinal Tobin

January 6, 2025

As we welcome the New Year, Cardinal Tobin invites all Catholics in the Archdiocese of Newark to read We Are His Witnesses, his pastoral letter outlining new pathways for the future of the Archdiocese. Rooted in Pope Francis’ call for pastoral conversion, missionary discipleship, and synodality, the letter reflects on our shared journey of faith and calls us to embrace renewal, collaboration and missionary outreach. This multi-year initiative will guide us in shaping a vibrant, hopeful future for our Church community.

Click here to read the full letter and join us in shaping the future of our Church. [English] [Spanish] [Korean]