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My dear brothers and sister in Christ,

We stand at a sacred threshold — a time for reflection, imagination and faithful courage. For generations, our parishes have been homes of worship, service and cherished memories. Yet, Christ’s mission is ever unfolding. The Gospel moves, transforms and calls us into deeper discipleship and wider service.

At the start of Holy Week, I shared a vision for a diocese “Remade for Mission” — “a call to action” — turning our hearts, resources and efforts beyond our church walls to sustain a future in service to the Gospel. Beginning in the fall 2025, each parish network, or neighboring parishes, will enter a journey of discernment, asking: What do we have? What do we need? What must we let go of? What are we being called to become? “No one pours new wine into old wineskins. Otherwise, the wine will burst the skins, and both the wine and the skins are ruined. Rather, new wine is poured into fresh wineskins.” (Mk 2:22).

This process will stir emotions, challenge attachments, but more importantly inspire new dreams. It’s not about forgetting our past but honoring it by shaping a sustainable, faithful future. Jesus reminds us: “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:21). Our treasure must be Christ’s mission — to make disciples, transform lives and serve the world.

Through a synodal process we must ask honestly: Are we stewarding our gifts — our buildings, programs and energy — in service to the Gospel? Can our parishes become vibrant centers of outreach, learning and compassion? What if we were known not only for Sunday worship, but daily witness to Christ’s love?

This synodal process is not about preservation, but purpose. We are not merely registered parish members — we are the Body of Christ, brought forth from our baptisms, to be carriers of His light meant to shine far beyond our walls. With every voice coming together, we need to dream boldly while we seriously self-reflect on our current focus and realities. Parishes can all become “beacons of hope” going out to serve ever growing and changing needs in our communities. Refocusing on mission we can feed the hungry, comfort those in need, evangelize through encounter and building relationships … we can become parishes where strangers are truly our neighbors. Christ calls us to go and make disciples, not just hold onto what has been our history, but to make history. We can be a people actively seeking who Christ calls us to become.

Some may be tempted to reduce this refocus on mission to just parish church closures, overlooking the deeper call to spiritual renewal of change of mind and heart. But the core of this effort is conversion — a return to mission rooted in faith, trust and openness to God’s will. Beginning in the fall 2025, together, we will assess our structures, ministries, resources, efforts and even identity, listening to the Spirit and one another, seeking a unified vision where new life can grow and flourish. 

This is a moment of hope, not loss, of discernment, not despair.  May we stay rooted in Christ, trusting the Spirit to lead us forward — honoring our past, embracing our present, and stepping boldly into the future.

With deep gratitude and hope for what lies ahead,

Bishop Scharfenberger

Bishop of the Albany Diocese

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