Newark Archdiocese Pauses Parish Merger Plan After Pushback

Cardinal Tobin cites need for more time and consultation amid concerns from parishioners.

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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The Catholic Archdiocese of Newark has paused its 'We Are His Witnesses' review process that aimed to consider potential consolidations or closures of some of its 211 North Jersey parishes. Cardinal Joseph Tobin, the archbishop of Newark, cited the need for more time and deeper reflection after receiving pushback and confusion from many parishioners about the initiative's goals.

Why it matters

The Newark Archdiocese is the largest of New Jersey's five Catholic dioceses, serving approximately 1.3 million people. The review was launched in response to declining church membership and a shortage of priests, but many parishioners feared it was a precursor to widespread church closures. The pause reflects the archdiocese's need to better communicate its intentions and address community concerns.

The details

Last June, the archdiocese launched the 'We Are His Witnesses' review to consider potential parish consolidations or closures. Many parishioners incorrectly believed the goal was to close churches, leading to confusion and pushback. In a letter, Cardinal Tobin said the review is 'not driven by downsizing, but by mission' to strengthen parish life. He announced the archdiocese will extend the review process to allow for more study and conversations with parishioners before any decisions are made.

  • The 'We Are His Witnesses' review was launched in June 2025.
  • Cardinal Tobin announced the pause in the review process on March 4, 2026.
  • A follow-up announcement is expected on June 12, 2026.

The players

Cardinal Joseph Tobin

The archbishop of Newark who announced the pause in the parish review process.

Catholic Archdiocese of Newark

The largest of New Jersey's five Catholic dioceses, serving approximately 1.3 million people in Bergen, Essex, Hudson and Union counties.

Msgr. Richard Arnhols

The pastor emeritus of St. John the Evangelist Roman Catholic Church in Bergenfield and a member of a committee of pastoral leaders helping to guide the review.

Gregory Hann

A religious instructor at St. Vincent Academy in Newark who applauded Tobin's decision to pause the review.

Nicholas Grillo

A parishioner from Bloomfield who attended listening sessions at Holy Rosary Church in Jersey City and approved of the decision to pause the review.

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What they’re saying

“This work is not driven by downsizing, but by mission: by the call to strengthen parish life so that it can truly form disciples and reach those who are not yet engaged in the life of the Church.”

— Cardinal Joseph Tobin, Archbishop of Newark (Archdiocese website)

“If we continue to do things the way we have been doing them, we become a stagnant Church and we allow the comforts of our culture and the outside to keep us from moving from the Cross to glory.”

— Gregory Hann, Religious instructor at St. Vincent Academy in Newark (NorthJersey.com)

“Hopefully the pause will give them time to reevaluate this going forward.”

— Nicholas Grillo, Parishioner from Bloomfield (NorthJersey.com)

What’s next

Cardinal Tobin said a follow-up announcement on the parish review process will come on June 12, 2026.

The takeaway

The Newark Archdiocese's decision to pause its parish review process reflects the need for Catholic leaders to better communicate their intentions and address community concerns, rather than risk further alienating parishioners during a time of declining church membership.