Dear Brothers and Sisters:

It is my privilege to welcome you to our diocesan website.  I hope that the information contained here will be interesting and useful to you.

As you visit with us, the Diocese of Providence is observing a special Year of Evangelization.  In this time we recall first of all that the work of evangelization is an essential characteristic of the Church in every age.  And yet we also recognize there are special moments that call for a renewed commitment to this special work.

Our Year of Evangelization has three purposes. The first is to renew our personal enthusiasm about, and our commitment to, our Catholic Faith. The second is to reach out to those many, many Catholics who have drifted away from the Church, people who were baptized Catholics but who, for a variety of reasons, no longer practice the faith. The third goal is to invite individuals who have no religious affiliation, the “unchurched,” to visit us and learn more about our Catholic Faith.

As Catholics, we should be proud of our faith and aware of the good things, the great things, the Church does everyday – for individuals, families and the entire community – by providing social assistance, pastoral ministry, and spiritual support.  In that spirit, we are proud of the wonderful work that takes place in the Diocese of Providence.  We are working hard to build the Church, spread the Gospel of Christ and proclaim the Kingdom of God.  I am profoundly grateful to the priests, deacons, religious and laity of Providence Diocese who make it happen – they too carry on the work of evangelization!

I extend my prayers and blessings to you and your families, and I ask your prayers for me and the entire Church in the Diocese of Providence.  May we be united in faith, hope and love as we seek to live our faith and share the Good News of Jesus Christ.

+Thomas J. Tobin, Bishop of Providence