July News from the Archdiocese of Dubuque Pastoral Center
Welcome to the new official newsletter of the Archdiocese of Dubuque. Through this newsletter, you'll receive regular updates on important news from around the Archdiocese, messages from Archbishop Zinkula, and information about upcoming events. May this newsletter be a source of encouragement, inspiration, and unity as we grow together in Christ.
Thank you for your heartfelt prayers as we continue together in the Journey in Faith pastoral planning process. The energy and reflection brought to this journey are truly inspiring.
The work isn’t easy. It asks us to look honestly at the present and future of our parishes, our ministries, and our shared mission. But it is necessary—and profoundly hopeful.
Journey in Faith is about more than today. It’s about laying a strong, Spirit-led foundation for our children, grandchildren, and generations still to come. By embracing this process now, with open minds and faithful hearts, we ensure that the Church in the Archdiocese of Dubuque remains vibrant and mission-focused far into the future.
Each parish should be in the process of identifying key leaders who will help guide local discernment. If you feel called to serve, step forward—or support those who do with your prayers and encouragement.
Your parish workbooks are now available at dbqjourneyinfaith.org online. These workbooks contain important data and trends. But they are more than numbers—they tell the story of who we are, where we’ve been, and where we may be called to go. Please spend time with these resources, which will help us all make informed, Spirit-guided decisions.
Still, numbers alone are not enough.
Archbishop Zinkula wants to hear from you. As your shepherd, he deeply values your experiences, your joys, your concerns, and your hopes. Your voice matters. Whether through parish leadership, upcoming small group discussions, or direct feedback, you are encouraged to share your story. Throughout this process, feel free to go to our Journey in Faith website dbqjourneyinfaith.org and share your feedback. Your participation is essential to the success of Journey in Faith.
Let us keep our eyes fixed on Christ, our source of unity and peace, and trust in the Holy Spirit to lead us forward. Together, we can shape a future that is faithful, sustainable, and joyfully alive in mission.
Celebrating Priests During Jubilee Year 2025
The Archdiocese of Dubuque is honoring priests during the Jubilee Year of 2025. And for a select number of priests, this is an especially significant year because they are also celebrating their priesthood jubilees – in other words, when they were ordained a priest. Fr. Mark Osterhaus is one such priest. In 2025, he is celebrating his 40th year jubilee, the Jubilee Year 2025, and his retirement from active priesthood.
Read an interview at the link below with Fr. Mark Osterhaus as he reflects on this monumental year in his priesthood.
Read an interview at the link below with Fr. Mark Osterhaus as he reflects on this monumental year in his priesthood.
Rural Life Award Nominations Now Being Sought
The Archdiocesan Rural Life Committee is now seeking nominations for three awards, which will be presented following the Rural Life Mass on Thursday, September 18th at the Stalzer family farm in Haverhill, Iowa. The St. Isidore and Maria Award, going to a worthy farm couple or family, and The Friend of Rural Life Award, recognizing those who support farming and rural life, are open to nominees in the Marshalltown deanery. The Father Norm White Award is an Archdiocesan-wide award recognizing a lifetime of dedication to rural life and support of Catholic Social Teaching. If you’d like to learn more about these awards or to nominate a worthy potential recipient, visit dbqarch.org/rural-life. Nominations are due August 15th.
Special Events for Men in Formation
Save the date for two special events taking place this fall for the men in formation for the Permanent Diaconate:
1. September 23, 2025 - Admission to Candidacy - Class XXII, St. Patrick, Clear Lake, 6:30 pm. This is a class of twelve men and their wives.
2. October 7, 2025 - Institution of Acolyte - Class XXI, Basilica St. Francis, Xavier, Dyersville 6:30 pm. This class of eight are scheduled to be ordained next summer, Saturday June 27, at the Cathedral of St. Raphael, Dubuque.
All are invited to attend these masses.
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Upcoming Archdiocesan Events
Upcoming Jubilee Events at the Cathedral of St. Raphael in Dubuque:
Monthly events scheduled are:
August 2 – 9:00 AM Ecumenical Prayer Service at the Cathedral
September 20 – 9:00 AM Speaker on Justice at the Cathedral
October 18 – 9:00 AM Speaker on St. Luke, Praying the Rosary at the Cathedral
November 1 – 9:00 AM All Saints Mass
December 28 – 9:00 AM Mass with the Archbishop - Closing Jubilee Year