A Pastoral Vision Rooted in the Wedding at Cana

The Pastoral Plan takes its inspiration from the Wedding Feast at Cana (John 2:1–11), where Mary recognizes a need, brings it to Jesus and instructs the servants: “Do whatever he tells you.”

At Jesus' direction, the servants fill six stone jars with water. Through their faithful cooperation, they offer what has been asked of them, trusting in the Lord who alone brings about the transformation.

This Gospel encounter offers a pattern for the life and mission of the Church: to recognize the needs of the present moment, listen attentively to the Holy Spirit, respond faithfully to Christ, and generously offer what has been entrusted to us.

The six jars symbolize the interconnected pastoral priorities of the Plan. Together, they call us to renewed communion, participation, evangelization and missionary discipleship, always trusting that it is Christ who brings forth the new wine.

 From Consultation to Pastoral Renewal

The Pastoral Plan emerged from an extensive process of listening and discernment that began in 2023. Approximately 3,450 participants, including lay faithful, clergy, consecrated persons and seminarians, contributed their experiences, hopes and concerns for the life and mission of the Church in the Archdiocese of Toronto.

Through further prayer, reflection and consultation, thirteen recurring pastoral priorities were brought together into six interconnected areas of pastoral focus, represented by the six stone jars at Cana.

This process of listening and discernment does not end with the publication of the Plan. Rather, it establishes the foundation for a continuing journey of pastoral renewal.

Beginning with the Year of Discernment (2026–2027), parishes are called to listen, assess their pastoral realities and discern their priorities. The following six years will give particular attention to each of the six pastoral priorities, as we journey together toward the Great Jubilee of 2033.