Paragraph One of the Catechism of the Catholic Church states: “At every time and in every place, God draws close to man.” God loves us and wants us to know that love deeply and personally. We know that it is Jesus alone who will bring healing to our hurts, hope to our despair and joy to our sorrow.

Here in the Diocese of Duluth, the Holy Spirit is calling us to go out into the mission field, to share with others the love that we have received from God. Our mission field is simple: it is the person in front of us.

In March 2025, individuals from across the mission fields of the diocese were brought together for a day of prayerful conversation and discernment. This representative group engaged deeply with the diocesan goals and began exploring specific strategies for what this could look like in our communities.

Evangelizing Encounter and Accompaniment 

Meeting people where they are, we introduce them to Jesus in a personal way, leading to deeper encounter and bearing fruit in healing, stronger families and a renewed sense of true belonging. How are we going to do this? 

1. Build real, supportive communities: We will become places where people share everyday life together — through friendships, hospitality, and support in both joyful and difficult moments. We will offer hospitality, create welcoming environments, and help establish meaningful connections between people.

2. Make healing and support easy to find: When people are hurting and in need, we will offer prayer, sacraments and ongoing care. We will walk with people through life’s challenges and help them experience God’s healing and mercy.

3. Get all leaders on the same mission: Leaders throughout the diocese will be formed to focus on helping people encounter Jesus and experience a sense of belonging. 

4. Strengthen families as the center of faith: The family is sacred, the primary place where both faith and humanity is lived and shared. But many of our families find themselves in different situations and desperately need support to live this call. 

Evangelizing Catechesis

We help people of all ages to understand that they are loved as God’s sons and daughters, to grow in a personal relationship with Jesus and to share that love with others. How are we going to do this? 

1. Form and send out missionary disciples: Throughout the diocese, individuals will be called to live as disciples on mission. They will know their identity as God’s beloved, live lives of prayer, build relationships, serve others, use their gifts and invite others to know Jesus.

2. Rethink sacramental preparation as a lifelong journey: Every sacrament is a response to Jesus’ invitation. Instead of a one-time event, it becomes an opportunity for accompaniment — inviting individuals or families into lifelong relationship with Christ and His Church and into authentic community. This will shape a more personal approach to sacramental preparation.

3. Keep identity and mission at the center of all teaching: All catechesis will be discerned to ensure that we begin with the core message of God’s love, help people understand who they are in Him and take them deeper in their relationship with Jesus. This is an ongoing process and people are encouraged to live it out daily and share it with others.

As of fall 2025, Mission Implementation Teams had been formed to carry out each goal, with diverse members from across the diocese — spanning regions, vocations, ages and experiences — serving defined terms. The diocese will monitor progress, communicate clearly and build sustainable systems for lasting growth.