Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin of the Archdiocese of Newark has launched a multi-year pastoral planning initiative titled "Somos Sus Testigos." Announced on January 6, 2025, this initiative aims to prepare the archdiocese for future opportunities and challenges as a missionary Church with synodal and co-responsible pastoral leadership.

The cardinal emphasized the importance of following the guidance of the Holy Spirit while listening to God's Word and the voices within the community. He stated, "We hope to be faithful witnesses to our Redeemer, Jesus Christ."

In his previous bulletin dated January 10, Cardinal Tobin reflected on pastoral conversion and missionary discipleship. These reflections were inspired by Pope Francis' 2013 Apostolic Exhortation Evangelii Gaudium (The Joy of the Gospel) and discussions from the three-year Synod on Synodality held from 2021-24.

The Final Document titled “For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation, Mission” references both The Joy of the Gospel and Lumen Gentium (Light of Nations), summarizing the Synod's work. Cardinal Tobin participated in meetings in Rome and various sessions within Newark's Archdiocese as well as national and continental discussions throughout the Universal Church. Pope Francis noted in his closing speech that this document "contains very substantial indications that can guide the mission of Churches in different continents and particular contexts."

Bishop Michael Saporito has been tasked with overseeing this planning initiative alongside a formed commission. Their focus will be ensuring activities align with principles of synodality, subsidiarity, and solidarity as outlined in Cardinal Tobin’s pastoral letter.

"Somos Sus Testigos" seeks to address questions about current positions, future calls from God, necessary changes for ministries, systems, structures for pastoral conversion, missionary discipleship demands now and in coming years.

Each area will be explored through prayerful discernment, attentive listening, respectful dialogue without preconceived judgments or solutions. The aim is responding wholeheartedly to Christ’s Great Commission: “Go therefore make disciples all nations baptizing them name Father Son Holy Spirit teaching them observe all commanded behold I am with you always end age.” (Mt 28:19–20).

Cardinal Tobin concluded by urging participation: "I ask you pray success Somos Sus Testigos commit actively participating process appropriate way." Together they aim respond faith changing circumstances continue being people God calls Newark Archdiocese trusting Holy Spirit guidance intercession Blessed Virgin Mary saints proclaiming joy Gospel.