Understanding the Pastoral Plan

1. What is a Pastoral Plan, and what is Filling the Jars to the Brim?
A Pastoral Plan serves as a roadmap for our shared journey as a Catholic Christian community, helping us discern where God is calling us and identify the pastoral priorities that will guide our life and mission. Rooted in Sacred Scripture, the living tradition of the Church and prayerful reflection, it invites us to take an honest look at our present pastoral reality, recognizing both the God-given gifts and strengths of our communities and the challenges and needs before us.
A Pastoral Plan also helps us work together more effectively, focus our efforts, make wise use of the gifts and resources entrusted to us, and assess our progress as we respond to the Lord's call.
Filling the Jars to the Brim is the seven-year Pastoral Plan for the Archdiocese of Toronto, guiding our shared journey of prayer, discernment and pastoral renewal from 2026 to 2033. Inspired by the Wedding at Cana (John 2:1–11), it invites us to listen attentively to the Holy Spirit, recognize the needs before us, and respond generously to Christ's invitation, trusting that he alone brings about the transformation.

2. Why is the Pastoral Plan inspired by the Wedding at Cana?
At Cana, Mary recognizes a need and brings it to Jesus. At his instruction, the servants fill six stone jars with water, and Christ transforms the water into wine.
This Gospel encounter offers a model for our pastoral journey. Like the servants, we are called to listen, recognize the needs before us, and offer generously what has been entrusted to us. The transformation belongs to Christ, who brings forth new life through the abundance of his grace.

3. How was the Pastoral Plan developed?
Filling the Jars to the Brim emerged from an extensive process of consultation, prayer and discernment that began in 2023.
Approximately 3,450 people, including lay faithful, clergy, consecrated persons and seminarians, participated in the Archdiocesan consultation. Thirteen recurring pastoral priorities emerged from this process and, through further prayer, reflection and consultation, were brought together into six interconnected areas of pastoral focus.
These six priorities form the foundation of the seven-year Pastoral Plan.

4. What are the six jars?
The six jars represent six interconnected pastoral priorities:

1. Family Life at All Stages - 2027–2028
2. Social Outreach to the Poor, Sick and Vulnerable - 2028–2029
3. Prayer, Spirituality and Sacramental Life - 2029–2030
4. Catechesis and Formation - 2030–2031
5. Vocations and Charisms: Discernment and Promotion - 2031–2032
6. Youth and Young Adults - 2032–2033

Each pastoral year will give particular attention to one jar, while recognizing that all six priorities are interconnected.
For more information, visit The Six Jars tab.

5. Why does the Pastoral Plan extend over seven years?
The seven-year journey provides time for prayerful discernment, preparation and sustained pastoral renewal.
The first year, 2026–2027, is dedicated to listening, assessment and discernment. Each of the following six years focuses on one of the six pastoral priorities.
The journey leads toward the Great Jubilee of 2033, inviting our local Church to grow in faith, communion and missionary discipleship.

6. How will the Pastoral Plan affect my parish?
Every parish has its own God-given gifts, strengths, needs and pastoral circumstances. The Pastoral Plan provides a shared vision for the Archdiocese while recognizing that each parish will respond according to its local reality.
During the Year of Discernment, parishes will listen to their communities and prayerfully assess their pastoral life. The insights gained will help guide their participation in the six Jar Years that follow.
As the Plan unfolds, parishes will be invited to strengthen existing ministries, respond to emerging needs and explore new opportunities for pastoral renewal.

 Participation and Resources

12. What can I do personally to participate in the Pastoral Plan?
Every member of the faithful has a part to play in Filling the Jars to the Brim.
Begin by praying for the Pastoral Plan and reflecting upon the Gospel account of the Wedding at Cana (John 2:1–11). Take time to read the full Plan or its Executive Summary, and consider how the Lord may be inviting you to place your God-given gifts - your time, talents and charisms - at the service of others.
You are also encouraged to participate in opportunities for listening and discernment organized by your parish, and to remain attentive to how God may be calling you to contribute to its life and mission.

13. How can my parish, school or ministry order additional Pastoral Plan materials?
Parishes, communities, schools, associations and other Catholic organizations wishing to obtain additional printed copies of the Pastoral Plan, Executive Summary, Prayer Card or other available materials are invited to contact the Office of Formation for Discipleship for information about availability and ordering. Their contact information is below.

14. Where can I find digital versions of the Pastoral Plan, Executive Summary and other downloadable resources?
The complete Pastoral Plan and its Executive Summary are available to read and download under The Pastoral Plan tab. The Executive Summary provides a shorter introduction to the Plan's vision, seven-year structure and six pastoral priorities.
Additional downloadable materials, including the Pastoral Plan Prayer Card, can be found under Additional Resources.

15. Where can pastors and Parish Pastoral Councils find resources for the Year of Discernment?
Visit the Year of Discernment tab for the Workbook and accompanying materials, including downloadable appendices, the Parish Synodal LDA (Listen-Discern-Act) System and guidance on Parish Pastoral Councils.
The Workbook provides a step-by-step journey through eight meetings, with prayers, Scripture reflections, discussion questions, discernment exercises and practical Action Steps.

16. Are there resources to help parishes communicate the Pastoral Plan to parishioners?
Yes. Appendix F — Communicating with Your Parish, in the Year of Discernment Workbook, provides sample bulletin announcements, parish website and email messages, pulpit announcements, and Prayers of the Faithful for key moments throughout the Year of Discernment.
These materials can be accessed through the Year of Discernment and Additional Resources tabs.

17. How can I stay informed about the Pastoral Plan?
We encourage you to visit this website periodically for updates, new resources and information about the ongoing implementation of Filling the Jars to the Brim.
Parishioners are also encouraged to stay in contact with their local parish for information about opportunities to participate in the pastoral journey.