Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, Archbishop of Newark, has issued a pastoral letter urging the faithful to embrace Pope Francis' call for a "profound pastoral conversion 'in a missionary key.'" The letter reflects on the apostolic exhortation Evangelii Gaudium ("The Joy of the Gospel"), emphasizing the need for reliance on the Holy Spirit to achieve this transformation.

Pope Francis' message in Evangelii Gaudium challenges believers to adopt a life filled with joy and purpose, contrasting it with an anxious and superficial existence. He writes: “Life in the Spirit, which has its source in the heart of the risen Christ,” is essential for living a dignified and fulfilled life (#2). The pope calls for enthusiasm in evangelization, driven by fervor, joy, generosity, courage, boundless love, and attraction (#261).

The exhortation emphasizes that all members of the Church are called to be "Spirit-filled evangelizers," who actively proclaim the Good News (#259). This mission is rooted in baptism and confirmation where believers receive gifts from the Holy Spirit. Cardinal Tobin notes that many Catholics may not see themselves as missionaries or evangelizers due to traditional reservations about openly sharing their faith.

Despite these reservations, Pope Francis urges Catholics to embrace their role as missionaries: “to regard ourselves as sealed, even branded, by this mission of bringing light, blessing... healing and freeing” (#273). This shift requires stepping out of comfort zones and adopting a missionary zeal inspired by the Holy Spirit.

Pope Francis describes his own mission as integral to his identity: “My mission... is not just a part of my life or a badge I can take off... I am a mission on this Earth; that is why I am here” (#273). He reassures believers that Christ’s resurrection provides hope and strength needed for this mission (#275).

Cardinal Tobin highlights Mary’s example at Pentecost (Acts 1:14) as pivotal in inspiring missionary zeal. He encourages prayer for Mary’s intercession in seeking pastoral conversion.

In an excerpt from Evangelii Gaudium included in Cardinal Tobin's letter, Pope Francis stresses continuous missionary efforts within ecclesial structures. He calls for parishes to adapt creatively while maintaining contact with their communities. Each local Church must undergo discernment and reform to better serve its evangelical mission.

Pope Francis also addresses necessary changes within Church leadership structures. He advocates for greater participation from episcopal conferences and warns against excessive centralization hindering missionary outreach.

Concluding his message, Cardinal Tobin invites everyone to pray alongside him using words from Pope Francis:

“Holy Mary... help us to 'devote the necessary effort to advancing along the path of a pastoral and missionary conversion which cannot leave things as they presently are.' Mother of the Church, let us be 'permanently in a state of mission' throughout the world.”