Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, Archbishop of Newark, has announced a new pastoral initiative titled "We Are His Witnesses," which aims to rejuvenate parish life and mission in response to the evolving landscape of the Archdiocese. This initiative was launched on Pentecost in June 2025 and draws inspiration from Pope Francis's Evangelii Gaudium (The Joy of the Gospel).

The initiative comes at a time when the Archdiocese is experiencing significant changes, including a decline in parish membership, Mass attendance, and sacramental participation. The number of priests available to serve as pastors is also decreasing. Despite these challenges, Cardinal Tobin sees opportunities for evangelization due to the growing population in northern New Jersey.

Cardinal Tobin emphasized that Saints Peter and Paul serve as examples for this mission. He stated, "Peter and Paul were both Spirit-filled evangelizers, missionary disciples who allowed the Holy Spirit to enter into their minds and hearts." He encourages all members of the Church to be open to the Holy Spirit and discover what God is calling them to do.

The goals of "We Are His Witnesses" include renewing a sense of purpose as missionary disciples, deepening parish vitality through evangelization and pastoral care, and engaging all Church members in listening, discernment, and shared action. The initiative will focus on areas such as evangelization outreach, pastoral care, and sustainability.

In addressing how decisions will be made during this process, Cardinal Tobin assured that everyone would have a chance to be heard—bishops, priests, deacons, religious leaders, laypeople—and that while everyone's voice is important, he will make the final decision.

This initiative also responds to changes over the last two decades within the Archdiocese. Key areas have seen declines: Mass attendance by 53%, baptisms by 61%, marriages by 75%, and funerals by 56%. Additionally, there are currently 381 priests in active ministry with a significant portion aged 50 or older.

To support this journey of renewal across parishes in Bergen, Essex, Hudson, and Union Counties within Newark's Archdiocese territory requires collaboration among clergy members (bishops/priest/deacons), religious/lay leaders along with parishioners/community participants under guidance from Bishop Michael Saporito alongside an Archdiocesan Commission on Pastoral Planning

Pope Leo XIV highlighted that “in every age,” it remains essential for churches worldwide “to read signs” interpreting them via gospel teachings answering questions about present/future life relations between one another according To Gaudium et Spes’ fourth section quote included here

As part Of his message regarding upcoming transformations needed throughout regional church structures/services cardinal urges believers actively participate prayerfully supporting each other amidst challenging transitions ahead encouraging everyone involved continue living/sharing gospels joyously filled hopefulness even amid uncertainties faced together

For more information about ongoing developments related specifically toward implementing aspects associated with "We Are His Witnesses," individuals can visit WeAreHisWitnesses.org where they may access additional resources view updates directly communicated via brief video messages provided periodically from Cardinal himself