Archbishop Paul D. Etienne opened the new year with his annual letter summarizing the happenings of 2025 and sharing the vision for 2026. Here is an excerpt from his letter about Partners in the Gospel:
“This Partners in the Gospel process is our highest priority this year. Creating a strong faith community in the new parish family, celebrating the sacraments, proclaiming God’s Word and practicing charity in all its forms — this is what we are called to do amid today’s world and realities. The world changes, but Christ and his Church are always one and the same through the ages. But in every age, we must be sensitive to how the Holy Spirit seeks to form us into the Body of Christ in specific places and concrete situations — and those are the changing realities we are facing.
I encourage everyone to participate in the parish family consultation sessions that will take place over the next few years. Conversations may be difficult, but respectful, prayerful listening and dialogue provide the opportunity to rethink this present moment – to think about the larger Catholic community and the capacity of our resources, human and spiritual. We will need to let go of some of our own desires and comforts to courageously embrace a new way of fulfilling the Church’s mission. In the coming year, we will be asked to set aside our personal desires and listen attentively to the voice of the Holy Spirit. In the process, we will discover God’s dream for us and make that dream our new reality!”
(UPDATED 2/2/2026)
This updated Q&A is a compreshensive list of questions that have been asked about Partners in the Gospel. Click on the button below to explore topics like, What does the final plan look like?; Are other dioceses doing this?; Why are we doing it this way?; Does this mean churches/parishes are closing?; How will naming work?; What does Partners in the Gospel mean for priests?; What does this mean for deacons?; How will Partners in the Gospel help us better cultivate priestly vocations?; What can we do now?; and more...
Click here to learn more about Partners in the Gospel