As the Jubilee Year of Hope draws to a close, Archbishop Richard Smith is calling Catholics to carry the spiritual graces of the Jubilee into the year ahead through renewed prayer, service, and evangelization.
In his New Year’s message dated Jan. 1, 2026, Archbishop Smith said the hope received during the Jubilee must now be lived as he urged Catholics to become “diligent stewards” of that hope in their daily lives.
Looking ahead to 2026, the Archbishop asked for the coming year to be marked by concrete action, including strengthening parish renewal, deepening prayer and discipleship, fostering healing, and accompanying others in returning to the Church.
He emphasized the central role of the Eucharist, noting that the paschal mystery celebrated at Mass provides the strength needed to sustain evangelization and service.
Archbishop Smith encouraged Catholics to enter the new year with confidence in Christ, openness to the Holy Spirit, and a willingness to witness to the hope they have received. He said the hope kindled during the Jubilee should not remain private, but spread outward to transform lives and renew the world through the Church’s shared mission.
The Archbishop ended his message by entrusting the Archdiocese to the intercession of Our Lady of Hope, asking for her to continue guiding parishes, schools, and ministries in the year ahead.
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