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Archbishop Bernard Hebda and Bishop Joseph Williams Invite You to Read the Pastoral Letter
You Will Be My Witnesses
Gathered and Sent From the Upper Room
Dear sisters and brothers in Christ, the blessings experienced throughout our Archdiocesan Synod journey have given us confidence that Christ Our King has wonderful plans for this local church. We are both so grateful for how you, the faithful of this Archdiocese, have gathered together over the past three years in prayer, learning and respectful listening to one another and the Holy Spirit. You have generously shared your experiences as well as your ideas, hopes and dreams for the future. Now it is time for us to join you in considering the question asked so many years ago by the disciples of John the Baptist: “What then should we do?” (Lk 3:10) The Pastoral Letter issued today, You Will Be My Witnesses, reflecting on our Synod journey as well as the mysteries that took place nearly 2,000 years ago in the Upper Room, is a first response to that question, outlining a plan for the next three years aimed at helping us to be more vibrant witnesses to all that Jesus has lovingly done for us. An annual priority has been identified to guide not only the activity of the Archdiocese but also the efforts of our parishes and schools. Our shared experience throughout these last three years has led us to the truth of Jesus’ conclusion that “The harvest is abundant…” (Mt 9:37). We invite you to believe with us that there is indeed an abundant harvest in this local church – so abundant, in fact, that we need more laborers. Jesus’ response to a similar situation in his day was simple: “So ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest” (Mt 9:38). Heeding that advice, we ask you not only to join us in praying for more laborers, but also in being open to the call to serve as co-workers with Jesus in the rich fields that are our local church, opening your hearts to the power of the Holy Spirit. Our hope is that a prayerful reading of the Pastoral Letter might increase your desire to labor alongside Jesus. We recall with joy that Jesus expressed his heart’s desire for us, his co-workers, so clearly in the days following his Resurrection: “You will be my witnesses!” (Acts 1:8). It is to make us witnesses that he continues to pour out his Holy Spirit so generously upon this local church. Please read the Pastoral Letter and take it to prayer! Share the letter and discuss it with your pastors, your family and your fellow parishioners and friends! And then be open to the great surprises God has in store for us as we continue to walk, pray, listen and discern together. To view it online or download a printable copy, go to archspm.org/synodletter or scan this QR code.