Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, Archbishop of Newark, has called for a renewed focus on missionary work within the Church in a recent pastoral letter. Drawing from Pope Francis' apostolic exhortation, "Evangelii Gaudium" (The Joy of the Gospel), Cardinal Tobin emphasized the need for the Church to be outward-facing and inclusive.

"We are not to be closed in on ourselves," Cardinal Tobin stated. He urged against using sacraments or teachings as tools to alienate people from the faith community. Instead, he advocated for mercy, humility, and a welcoming spirit.

Pope Francis' vision includes what he describes as a "missionary option" aimed at transforming Church customs and structures to better serve evangelization efforts. "I dream of a 'missionary option,' that is, a missionary impulse capable of transforming everything," Pope Francis wrote.

Cardinal Tobin echoed this sentiment, stating that parishes and dioceses must prioritize evangelization over self-preservation. "Our goal is not self-preservation... Our stewardship of the Church’s resources is never an end in itself," he said.

The Holy Father also highlighted the flexibility and potential of parishes to adapt and renew themselves according to their mission. “The parish is not an outdated institution; precisely because it possesses great flexibility,” he noted.

In addition to addressing parish roles, Cardinal Tobin acknowledged the importance of support for priests and deacons who often face loneliness and isolation. He encouraged Christian communities to offer prayer, friendship, and collaboration to these ministers.

A key challenge identified was clericalism—a distortion of priestly vocation seen as privilege rather than service. This issue needs addressing from early stages of formation by fostering close contact with communities and service-learning experiences among those most in need.

Pope Francis further discussed temptations faced by pastoral workers amid globalized culture pressures, emphasizing that their work should remain deeply connected with their spiritual identity rather than being treated as mere tasks.

He warned against selfishness and spiritual sloth among pastoral workers which could lead to a crisis of identity and diminished commitment to evangelization. “Let us not allow ourselves to be robbed of missionary enthusiasm!” he urged.

Cardinal Tobin concluded his message by invoking the Holy Spirit's guidance for all parishes and dioceses in their mission as missionary disciples who witness Gospel joy.

Sincerely,

Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, C.Ss.R.

Archbishop of Newark

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