Greetings in the healing, hope and joy of Jesus!

Today, I proclaim that the Diocese of Duluth stands at a providential moment — a Paschal Mystery moment. We are experiencing both the reality and impact of decline in many of the patterns that once sustained Catholic life in our diocese, but also the unmistakable signs of a Catholic revival emerging in our midst.

Even as old patterns fade, the Holy Spirit is stirring hearts. Men and women are seeking Christ. Adults are entering the Church in increasing numbers. Families are searching for meaning, truth and purpose. These are only a few examples of the growing evidence of a Catholic revival in our diocese.

Therefore, I proclaim that the Diocese of Duluth must become a diocese of revival readiness. Revival readiness is our willingness to prepare the soil before the shower of blessings and fruition arrives. We must commit ourselves to becoming a Church that welcomes seekers, forms disciples, strengthens families and proclaims the Gospel with conviction and joy.

I call upon our priests, deacons, religious and lay faithful to embrace anew our mission of bringing the healing, hope and joy of Jesus to ALL people. I call upon our parishes and mission fields to move from maintenance to mission, from preservation to evangelization, and from decline to trust in the Holy Spirit.

As we become a diocese of revival readiness, there will be sacrifices to be made. There will be difficult decisions to be had. Yet we do not fear this Paschal Mystery moment of revival, for we know that in the midst of decline and death, God always brings revival and resurrection! 

Let us prepare our hearts. Let us prepare our parishes. Let us prepare our mission fields. Let us prepare our diocese. The Holy Spirit is moving among us and we must be ready to receive what God is about to do — a Catholic revival in our diocese beyond our wildest imaginings!

Given at the Chancery of the Diocese of Duluth,

Most Reverend Daniel J. Felton

Bishop of Duluth