creation
Saint Francis of Assisi
Peace be with you!
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
It is with deep gratitude and great joy that I write to you during my first Easter season as Archbishop of New York. These fifty days invite us not only to celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus, but also to allow its transforming power to shape the way we live out our faith.
In this present moment, the world is carrying many burdens — war, division, economic hardship, and personal suffering. I have reflected that it can feel like we are “stuck in Good Friday,” where darkness and death seem more immediate than light and life. Yet we are never without hope, because as Catholics we are an Easter people. The Risen Christ calls us to go out into the world as missionary disciples, bringing the love of Jesus to those who are suffering and searching. Even amid pain and uncertainty, the joy of the Resurrection becomes visible in how we live, how we treat one another, and how we care for the most vulnerable and for all of God’s creation.
This Easter season also brings moments of reflection and remembrance. We mark the first anniversary of the death of Pope Francis, whose legacy continues to guide the Church with hope and compassion. During this Earth Month, his witness in Laudato Si’ takes on renewed meaning, calling us to rediscover our responsibility for our common home and the care of God’s creation. Inspired by the example of Saint Francis of Assisi, as the Church marks 800 years since his entry into eternal life, let us live our faith fully with peace and all good things.
May this Easter season renew your hearts with hope, deepen your faith, and strengthen your commitment to live as joyful witnesses to the Risen Lord.
With good wishes, I ask God to bless you always.
As I am sincerely yours in Christ, Most Reverend Ron Hicks Archbishop of New York
Turn your phone into a source of daily reflection with these digital prayer cards— keep prayer close at hand wherever you go.
WEEK 1
WEEK 2
This is Easter Season
The Resurrection Changes Everything
He is Risen! The 50 days of Easter begin with the joy of the Resurrection. This season is not just one day—it’s a journey of celebration, transformation, and new life. Just as Lent prepares us through sacrifice, Easter Season invites us into abundant joy and renewal. Alleluia!
Divine Mercy and New Life
The second Sunday of Easter is Divine Mercy Sunday—a reminder that Christ’s Resurrection brings not only new life, but unlimited mercy. In these 50 days, we are called to live in the light of that mercy and share it with others.
Walking with the Risen Christ
WEEK 3
WEEK 4
Like the disciples on the road to Emmaus, we too are walking with Jesus—even when we don’t recognize Him. These weeks help us grow in awareness that Christ is alive and present, especially in the Word and the Eucharist.
The Good Shepherd Leads Us
In Week 4, we reflect on Christ as the Good Shepherd—who lays down His life and leads us to eternal life. Easter is not just about joy; it’s about trust in the One who guides, protects, and knows us by name.
Living the New Commandment
WEEK 5
WEEK 6
Jesus said, “Love one another as I have loved you.” In this season, we are challenged to live the Resurrection by living radical love—within our homes, communities, and Church. Easter joy is meant to overflow into action.
A Promise of the Spirit
As the season progresses, we hear Jesus speak of the Holy Spirit. These days are a time of expectation—preparing us for Pentecost. The Risen Christ doesn’t just leave us with hope; He promises us the power to live it out.
Waiting for Pentecost
WEEK 7
The final week of Easter is one of anticipation and prayer, just as the Apostles gathered in the Upper Room. The season began with the empty tomb and ends with hearts ready to be filled by the Holy Spirit. The Church is being readied to go out into the world.
The Easter Vigil is the “Mother of All Vigils”and Easter Sunday is the greatest of all Sundays. The season of Easter is the most important of all liturgical times, which Catholics celebrate as the Lord’s resurrection from the dead, culminating in his Ascension to the Father and sending of the Holy Spirit upon the Church.
The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, “Easter”
The fifty days between Easter Sunday and Pentecost are known collectively in the Catholic tradition as “Easter.” During this time of the year, we celebrate in a special way the resurrection of Jesus Christ and His victory over death.
Easter
Easter begins with Easter Sunday. In this Easter season, we rejoice in the Resurrection of our Lord, Jesus Christ, and the time He spent on Earth after His Resurrection. Join us as we celebrate this special season! Find a parish near you.
Pray The Exsultet: The Proclamation of Easter with this resource from the USCCB, and meditate on Jesus’ death and triumphant resurrection.
Pentecost
Pentecost is fifty days after Easter, the day the Holy Spirit was unleashed upon the Apostles and the Blessed Mother, who had spent the preceding nine days in prayer.
Join Cardinal Dolan in a Pentecost Novena starting after Ascension Thursday to experience those nine days of prayer and contemplation in preparation for Pentecost.
EARTH MONTH: CARING FOR OUR COMMON HOME
Each year, Earth Day invites us to reflect on the gift of creation—our common home entrusted to us by God. In this Easter season, as we celebrate new life, we are reminded that care for creation is not separate from our faith, but a living expression of it.
Inspired by Laudato Si’, the Church calls us to a renewed sense of responsibility—one that recognizes the dignity of all creation and our role as faithful stewards. This call continues to be echoed by Pope Leo XIV, who invites the Church to deepen its commitment to caring for our common home.
This Earth Month, we encourage you and your family to:
• Pray through the intercession of St. Francis of Assisi
• Explore the Care for Creation Activity Book for children
• Take time to reflect, pray, and renew your commitment to stewardship
LIVING OUT THE CALL
Care for creation begins with simple, faithful actions:
• Incorporate creation-themed prayers and intentions into daily life and worship
• Spend time in nature, encountering God through His creation
• Organize or participate in a parish or neighborhood clean-up
• Practice sustainable habits: reduce waste, conserve energy and water, and limit single-use plastics
• Use resources thoughtfully—bring reusable bags, avoid food waste, and live with greater simplicity
Care for creation also means care for one another:
• Support those most affected by environmental challenges
• Volunteer or contribute to parish outreach efforts
• Advocate with compassion for policies that protect both people and the environment
GET INVOLVED
• Join or start a parish “Green Team”
• Share Care for Creation resources within your parish community
• Deepen your understanding of Church teaching through Laudato Si’ and related formation materials
A FRANCISCAN JUBILEE YEAR
Pope Leo XIV has proclaimed a Franciscan Jubilee Year (January 10, 2026 – January 10, 2027), marking the 800 th anniversary of the death of Saint Francis of Assisi.
Saint Francis is honored as the patron saint of ecology for his profound love of God’s creation. He saw all of creation as a reflection of God’s goodness—calling the sun, moon, water, and all living things his brothers and sisters. His life of humility and simplicity continues to inspire the Church’s call to care for our common home.
During this Jubilee Year, the faithful may receive a plenary indulgence under the usual conditions, including pilgrimage to a Franciscan church or a place dedicated to Saint Francis. This year invites us not only to honor his legacy, but to follow his example
REMEMBERING POPE FRANCIS
This Earth Month also marks the first anniversary of the death of Pope Francis, whose leadership profoundly shaped the Church’s commitment to care for creation.
EPED QUE EUMQUASI ABORIO UDIPSUM EATUR
Tis vellam, occus es mi, ommodi simo te vent.
Modi dis aspidem recae. Luptaque nonsedi blab im eium quibusape cus vellor aut re qui quiatur aperfer spellati aut ut rectur rem quiasit audis vernam lique cuptate mporrovid mi, quatur, commole sectur?
Iminimolor simi, utat faccuptiis aliam evero blabo. Natque suntem num re nit laborem et quam qui rest, nonet repudaniatent.
Puditatatem. Itatae omnihil luptatisque eatur sit et int. Es ad mod maiorem aborpostem qui dolore pre et aspere, nosantiis evelectatium sundi conserum rerchil mo cum fugit, simus.
His choice of the name “Francis” reflected a vision rooted in humility, simplicity, and reverence for creation. This vision was expressed in Laudato Si’ and later reinforced in Laudate Deum, which calls for urgent and shared responsibility in addressing today’s environmental challenges.
We invite you to revisit these teachings and reflect on how they can take root in your life and community:
• Laudato Si’
• Laudate Deum
As we remember Pope Francis, may his legacy inspire a deeper conversion of heart—recognizing that care for creation is inseparable from care for one another.
EVENTS
Share With Your Community
Click items below for more information on each event.
Miracle on South Division Street Sheen Center
TUESDAY, APRIL 21 – SUNDAY, MAY 10
Mass for Artists
Office of Youth Ministry | Young Adult Ministry | University Apostolate
FRIDAY, APRIL 24
Young Adult Night in Yonkers
Office of Youth Ministry | Young Adult Ministry | University Apostolate
FRIDAY, APRIL 24
Young Adult Retreat
Office of Youth Ministry | Young Adult Ministry | University Apostolate
SATURDAY, APRIL 25 – SUNDAY, APRIL 26
Militia Immaculatae Young Adult Night (Orange County)
Office of Youth Ministry | Young Adult Ministry | University Apostolate
THURSDAY, APRIL 30 | THURSDAY, MAY 14
Young Adult Mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral
Office of Youth Ministry | Young Adult Ministry | University Apostolate
SUNDAY, MAY 3 | SUNDAY, MAY 17
EVENTS (cont.)
Share With Your Community
Click items below for more information on each event.
Young Adult Mass (Holy Hour and Confessions)
Office of Youth Ministry | Young Adult Ministry | University Apostolate
WEDNESDAY, MAY 6
St. Gianna Mass
Respect Life Office
THURSDAY, MAY 7
United Youth Group Bake Sale and Bowling (Dutchess County)
Office of Youth Ministry | Young Adult Ministry | University Apostolate
SATURDAY, MAY 9
Rosary Procession at Iona Prep
Office of Youth Ministry | Young Adult Ministry | University Apostolate
WEDNESDAY, MAY 13
Jesuit Silent Retreat for Young Adults
Office of Youth Ministry | Young Adult Ministry | University Apostolate
FRIDAY, MAY 15 – SUNDAY, MAY 17
Pentecost Vigil | Vigilia de Pentecostés
Cultural Diversity Apostolate
SATURDAY, MAY 23
EVENTS (cont.)
Share With Your Community
Click items below for more information on each event.
Mass for Our Lady of Manaoag Cultural Diversity Apostolate
SUNDAY, MAY 24
Our Lady of Lujan Mass | Misa en honor a Nuestra Señora de Luján Cultural Diversity Apostolate
SUNDAY, MAY 24
Approaching the Threshold of Eternity
Respect Life Office
SATURDAY, MAY 30
Confirmation for Youth with Disabilities Office of Youth Faith Formation
SUNDAY, MAY 31
Inside the Sistine Chapel Sheen Center
TUESDAY, JUNE 2
Primer Encuentro Eucarístico Hispano
Cultural Diversity Apostolate
SATURDAY, JUNE 27
EVENTS (cont.)
Share With Your Community
Click items below for more information on each event.
Corpus Christi and Notre Dame Pilgrimage to France
Archdiocese of New York
OCTOBER 7–17
The Good Newsroom
The Good Newsroom TM is the digital newsroom of the Archdiocese of New York. Follow our content at theGoodNewsroom.org, on our app, through our social media channels, or through our newly launched e-newsletter. Visit our Connect page to stay connected with us.
INITIATIVES
Office of Adult Discipleship and Marriage Formation
Encounter School of Ministry NYC Upcoming Events
Join us for upcoming events at St. Michael the Archangel Church, 765 Co-Op City Blvd., Bronx, NY (parking lot available). There will be a Transformation Night on Friday, June 5 and a Summer Intensive on Friday, July 24 and Saturday, July 25. Follow the link to sign up to the email list for more updates. You can contact nyc@encounterschool.org for more info.
View flyer View signup form
Formed
Formed guides and supports you along your spiritual journey. With an immersive experience, new content added daily, and a community of like-minded individuals, at Formed, we’re forming Catholics for life. So, start exploring today and discover the faith anywhere, anytime.
Signing up for Formed is easy!
• Go to formed.org/signup
• Enter your name and email
• Enter your parish name
View flyer
Preparing for Catholic Marriage
Marriage Formation offers a comprehensive program consisting of various components to prepare you for marriage. These include an online relationship inventory, online learning modules, and a Pre-Cana session, which can be attended in person or online using a hybrid model. Follow the steps on this brochure and contact your local parish to begin to take steps towards marriage in the Catholic Church.
View brochure View Action Guide More info
Preparación para un Matrimonio Católico
Formación Matrimonial ofrece un programa integral compuesto por diversos componentes para prepararlos para el matrimonio. Estos incluyen un inventario de relación en línea, módulos de aprendizaje en línea y una sesión Pre-Cana, a la cual pueden asistir de forma presencial o en línea mediante un modelo híbrido. Sigan los pasos indicados en este folleto y comuníquense con su parroquia local para comenzar a dar los pasos hacia el matrimonio en la Iglesia Católica.
View brochure More info
Repect Life Office
Walking with Moms in Need for Mother’s Day
This Mother’s Day, consider supporting pregnant and parenting mothers in your local community by getting involved in Walking with Moms in Need! This initiative works to ensure that any woman who finds herself unexpectedly pregnant, or parenting in difficult circumstances, can turn to her local Catholic Church and be connected with the resources she needs. Visit walkingwithmoms.com for more information and resources, and contact us at respect.life@archny.org if you would like to be involved.
INITIATIVES (cont.)
Building Momentum Together
St. Joseph’s Seminary
Graduate Theology Course Offerings – Summer Registration 2026 is Now Open
Join us this summer at St. Joseph’s Seminary, either in-person or online! Classes begin Wednesday, May 27.
View flyer More info
Youth Faith Formation
ArchNYLAB
We continue to develop ArchNYLAB, our updated online faith formation platform, throughout the Archdiocese. ArchNYLAB is an all-in-one tool designed to provide Catechists Formation, Safe Environment training and many more resources. We are excited to announce that we have added four asynchronous classes from the Augustine Institute to make formation more accessible. It can also be used by Pastors and DREs to monitor their catechists’ progress toward their certification. We have a resources section that can be used by pastors, OCIA and other ministry leaders, parents, catechists, and DREs.
Log in to
ArchNYLAB
Confirmation for Youth with Disabilities
This year, on Sunday, May 31, Archbishop Ronald Hicks will administer the Sacrament of Confirmation to a group of young people with disabilities. This celebration will take place at a special mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral, starting at 2:00 PM. While the traditional place for the reception of the Sacrament is the parish, this is a special opportunity for these young people to come together with our new Archbishop. It is also the moment for us to celebrate and recognize the wonderful presence, giftedness, and witness to the faith that these young people have.
We are reminded in the Guidelines for the Celebration of the Sacrament with Persons with Disabilities, “the Church seeks to support all in their growth in holiness, and to encourage all in their vocations. Participating in, and being nourished by, the grace of the sacraments is essential to this growth in holiness.” Celebrating the Sacrament of Confirmation with these young people deepens their relationship with God and the Church. What a joy it is for these young people, their families and for all gathered to partake to witness the power and work of the Holy Spirit.
Please bring this special celebration to the attention of any parent of a young person with a disability who is preparing for Confirmation, or who has not been confirmed at the usual age because of their disability. In cases where there is concern about suitable preparation or where the youth is severely impaired, the Office of Youth Faith Formation will work with the family, formation leaders and catechists to provide a simple appropriate preparation program.
If you have any possible candidates, please have their parent visit our website to register for the celebration and inform their parish Director of Religious Education. Pastors/Priests are welcome to concelebrate.
For any additional information, please contact Brandon Price at (646) 794-2859 or brandon.price@archny.org.
Thank you for all you do for these young people and their families, and for all you do to proclaim the good news.
INITIATIVES (cont.) Building Momentum
Youth Ministry | Young Adult Ministry | University Apostolate
Parish Youth and Young Adult Nights
Our pastoral office is hosting parish youth and young adult nights for parishes interested in starting a new youth ministry (for middle and high schoolers) and/or young adult ministry (18-35 year olds). For more info, please contact Pjetër Nilaj, Coordinator of the Office of Youth Ministry, Young Adult Ministry and University Apostolate at archny.org/young-catholics.
Youth and Young Adult Ministry Leadership Formation
Our pastoral office is hosting youth ministry and young adult ministry leadership formation for young adults interested interested in growing in their Catholic faith and leadership. For more info, please contact Pjetër Nilaj, Coordinator of the Office of Youth Ministry, Young Adult Ministry and University Apostolate at archny.org/young-catholics.
AROUND THE ARCHDIOCESE
Time to Step Outside and Enjoy God’s Creation Together
Mass for Artists
Followed by a reception with performances and opening of the FEAST gallery exhibition in McGuire Hall.
St. Joseph’s Church in Greenwich Village | 371 6th Ave., New York, NY
FRIDAY, APRIL 24 | 7:00 PM
Italian Mass celebrating St. Joseph the Worker
Reception with light refreshments and live music will follow.
Church of the Assumption | 920 First St., Peekskill, NY
THURSDAY, APRIL 30 | 7:00 PM
Taize Prayer at Epiphany
Epiphany offers a monthly experience of the beautiful prayer form called Taize, a distinctive style of meditative prayer developed by an ecumenical community of monks in rural France. This quiet, moving reflective prayer combines elements of the Church’s traditional Liturgy of the Hours with elements of contemplative meditation. A typical Taizé prayer service incorporates periods of silence with meditative readings from Scripture, prayers of praise and intercession, and the frequent repetition of simple, contemporary chants based on the Psalms or other parts of Scripture.
Church of the Epiphany | 239 E. 21st St., New York, NY
MONDAY, MAY 4
St. Gianna Mass
Mass will be followed by the veneration of the relics of St. Gianna, a reception, and the opportunity to meet privately with physicians and practitioners from the Gianna Center who specialize in assisting couples with infertility. Después de la Misa seguirá la veneración de las reliquias de Santa Gianna, una recepción, y la oportunidad de reunirse en privado con profesionales del Centro Gianna que se especializan en asistir a parejas con infertilidad. Consultas en español estarán disponibles.
Church of St. Catherine of Siena | 411 E. 68th St., New York, NY
THURSDAY, MAY 7 | 6:30 PM
Pilgrimage to National Shrine of the Divine Mercy
Dinner, talk, guided tour, Mass, Confessions, prayer and group reflection. Departing from St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Manhattan at 7:00 AM.
National Shrine of the Divine Mercy | Stockbridge, MA
SATURDAY, MAY 16 | 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
