Last spring, nearly 50,000 parishioners across the Archdiocese participated in the Disciple Maker Index. This survey provided valuable data and feedback to the Archdiocese as we move forward in the processof pastoral conversion. The information has been fruitful as we continue to ask ourselves what our parishes,ministries, and institutions need to look like as we journey together on our path of pastoral conversion and reimagine parish life, mission and ministry in response to a changing world.

Over the course of the past few months, numerous meetings have been held with pastors, priests and key parish leaders. The next step in this multi-year process is to hear from parishioners about their specific parish. The Archdiocese of Newark will host over 400 listening sessions throughout our 212 parishes.

Listening Sessions here at St. Mary’s will be held on Monday, October 20th and Wednesday, October 22nd, 6:00pm –8:00pm in Szelest Hall.

You must register to participate in these Listening Sessions at the website; Archdiocese of Newark-Parish Session Registration or use the QR code below.

Each listening session will be facilitated by volunteer parishioners from a different parish. These trained facilitators will share pre-recorded messages from Cardinal Tobin and Auxiliary Bishop Michael Saporito, with an overview of We Are His Witnesses, a planning area overview and multiple draft model options to consider for the respective planning area. Time will be allowed for small group discussion and facilitated large group feedback. The same information will be presented at both sessions so you only need to attend one of these sessions.

The goals of the listening sessions are to engage as many parishioners as possible in understanding the current state of our parishes and archdiocese, and to solicit feedback from as many parishioners as possible about the draft model options for their planning area.

Whether you attend one of these sessions or not, all parishioners are encouraged to submit their feedback on the draft models through an online survey which will remain open until November 30, 2025.

Parishioner feedback to the models is critical as it will be used to help shape the future of the Archdiocese of Newark. The link to give feedback will be found on www.WeAreHisWitnesses.org once the parish sessions begin.

Please continue to pray for the gift of true discernment so that we may continue to do the Will of God in all things.

Fr. Carey

Direct Link to the Registration Site

https://www.catholicleaders.org/archdiocese-newark-parishsessionregistration