Bishop Lucia Releases Pastoral Letter “In You All Find Their Home” on Ash Wednesday

SYRACUSE, NY — On Ash Wednesday, February 18, 2026, the Most Reverend Douglas J. Lucia, Bishop of Syracuse, released a new pastoral letter titled In You All Find Their Home,  inviting the faithful of the Diocese of Syracuse to renew parish life as places of welcome, worship, encounter, and mission.

Issued at the beginning of the Lenten season, the letter reflects on the Church’s call to help all people find a spiritual home in God and within parish communities. Drawing from Psalm 87 and the Lenten theme “Remain in Me,” Bishop Lucia emphasizes that parishes must be places where people feel welcomed, encounter Christ in the Sacraments and the Word of God, and are sent forth to carry Christ’s light into the world. 

In You All Find Their Home is Bishop Lucia’s third pastoral letter and builds on a theme he first shared at the beginning of his episcopal ministry in 2019. In the letter, he highlights the importance of strengthening parish life through:

• Evangelizing catechesis that forms missionary disciples of Jesus Christ

• Strong sacramental preparation that engages families and fosters deeper conversion

• Greater focus on Sacred Scripture in personal and parish life

• Pastoral hospitality and accompaniment so all who seek the Church encounter Christ’s love

The Bishop also calls clergy, parish leaders, catechists, and lay faithful to work collaboratively to ensure parishes remain vibrant centers of faith formation and sacramental life. He underscores that welcoming and accompanying individuals and families is essential to the Church’s mission and reflects Christ’s own invitation: “Come to me.”

The full pastoral letter, along with diocesan sacramental guidelines referenced in the text, is available on the Diocese of Syracuse website.