There is concern in the Catholic community with respect to the decline in active participation at mass and the sacraments and the withdrawal from organized participation by many of our adults, youth and young families. In recent years this has been part of an overall decline in civic engagement. However, many communities in North America have been working to reduce the downward trend, with a focus on encouraging people to become re-engaged with their faith, particularly our youth, and inviting Catholics to come home. Our Bishop has asked all Catholics to work together to preserve our past, revitalize our present and reinvigorate our Catholic Faith.

To enhance the excellent work being carried out in the Parishes, the Huron Superior Catholic District School Board and other Catholic organizations, this ambitious plan is being put forward to rally the faithful, call out those who have become disengaged, embrace those that feel isolated and invite those who are not yet an active part of our Catholic community to come on board. As a Catholic people, we need a gathering place that is an inviting, restorative, healing place. It is time to honor our past and recognize the blessing of our faith. It is time to renew and be renewed and to speak proudly of our heritage.

We have taken up the challenge of Pope Francis and Bishop Jean Louis in developing a plan that serves all Catholics and will provide significant benefit to all members of the community of Sault Ste. Marie. We have named the initiative of all Catholics to bring this plan to reality – ‘The Journey’.