The Year of Discernment marks the beginning of our seven-year pastoral journey, Filling the Jars to the Brim. It is a time for parishes throughout the Archdiocese of Toronto to pause, pray, listen attentively to the Holy Spirit, and discern how the Lord is calling them to respond to the gifts and needs within their communities.

Before new initiatives are undertaken, before priorities are established, and before decisions are made, the Church first listens. This foundational year invites us to recognize the Signs of Life already present within our parishes, attend to the Signs of Need that call for our response, and prayerfully discern where God is inviting us to focus our attention.

Guided by their pastors and Parish Pastoral Councils, parishes will undertake a shared journey of listening, assessment and discernment, preparing them to participate more fully in the six Jar Years that follow.

Year 2 | 2027–2028

Jar One: Family Life at All Stages

The family is the first school of faith, love and discipleship. This pastoral priority seeks to strengthen marriage and family life at every stage, support parents in their role as the first educators of their children, accompany families experiencing difficulties, and foster intergenerational relationships within our parish communities.

Year 3 | 2028–2029

Jar Two: Social Outreach to the Poor, Sick and Vulnerable

The Gospel calls us to recognize and respond to Christ in those who are poor, sick, vulnerable, isolated or forgotten. This pastoral priority invites parishes to cultivate a culture of encounter, compassion and accompaniment, reaching beyond familiar boundaries to recognize hidden suffering and respond to the needs of those who may otherwise go unseen.

Year 4 | 2029–2030

Jar Three: Prayer, Spirituality and Sacramental Life

Prayer and the sacraments are at the heart of the Church's life and mission. With the Eucharist as the source and summit of Christian life, this pastoral priority seeks to deepen our relationship with Jesus Christ through the celebration of the sacraments, personal and communal prayer, and a renewed appreciation of the Church's rich spiritual and liturgical life.

Year 5 | 2030–2031

Jar Four: Catechesis and Formation

Growing in faith is a lifelong journey. This pastoral priority seeks to strengthen catechesis and formation for children, youth, adults and families, supporting a deeper understanding of the Catholic faith and helping the faithful grow in their relationship with Christ, their participation in the Church, and their call to missionary discipleship.

Year 6 | 2031–2032

Jar Five: Vocations and Charisms: Discernment and Promotion

God calls each person to a particular vocation and entrusts gifts and charisms for the building up of the Church. This pastoral priority seeks to foster a culture of vocational discernment, encourage vocations to the priesthood, consecrated life, marriage, single life and other forms of Christian service, and help all the faithful recognize and place their God-given gifts at the service of the Church and the world.

Year 7 | 2032–2033

Jar Six: Youth and Young Adults

Youth and young adults are not merely the future of the Church; they are an essential part of its life today. This pastoral priority seeks to foster belonging, accompaniment, leadership and lifelong discipleship, helping young people deepen their relationship with Jesus Christ, discern their vocations, and take an active part in the life and mission of the Church.