September 2025
Over 3,600 parishioners have already attended the first 13 regional information sessions offered by the Archdiocese of Dubuque. The participation and prayerful consideration being given during the sessions is greatly appreciated. The Holy Spirit is certainly present in our Journey in Faith process.
There are 21 September Regional Journey in Faith Information Sessions remaining from which to choose. In order to assist us in planning, parishioners are asked to RSVP using https://tinyurl.com/JIFSeptSignUp.
The next step of the process includes parishes hosting local parish Journey in Faith Sessions #2 and #3.
What are these meetings?
Each parish will be holding two local input sessions for parishioners about the Journey in Faith process and proposed models for their parish. These meetings are a follow up to the information released on September 2nd and the regional meeting #1.
When and where are the meetings?
Every parish in the archdiocese will be hosting meeting #2 from late September through October and meeting #3 from late October through November 15th. Check your local bulletin and other parish communication for the specific dates, times, and locations.
What is the difference between meeting #2 and meeting #3?
Parish Session #2 offers parishioners the chance to reflect on and engage in discussion on the strengths and challenges of each model, sharing their own experiences and insights while also listening to the perspectives of others.
Parish Session #3 invites parishioners to look ahead and reflect on “where do we feel called to belong in a pastorate”, creating space to consider the proposed models, share new ideas and models, and discern together the future of our parish communities.
How can I prepare for these meetings?
- Spend time in prayer, especially invoking the Holy Spirit for guidance and wisdom.
- Review the FAQs, maps, and other resources found at dbqjourneyinfaith.org.
- Consider what your thoughtful verbal feedback will be at the meetings concerning the proposed pastorate models and other other ideas/suggestions you want to share.
- Submit feedback and questions via the feedback form on the website through November 21st or take written letters to your parish office to be uploaded for you.
Why should I attend?
Journey in Faith is about setting forth a course to have vibrant and sustainable parishes focused on evangelization for the next 25+ years. This is your opportunity to be engaged and offer valuable feedback and information which will be considered prior to decisions being made by Archbishop Zinkula in the Spring of 2026.
Do I need to sign up to attend?
Most parishes are not doing advanced registration for participants. If your parish is, please follow their local instructions so that they can plan for the number of anticipated attendees.
Thank you for your prayers and participation in Journey in Faith. To learn more, review the proposed pastorate models, and read the FAQ, please visit dbqjourneyinfaith.org.
2025 Rural Life Mass This Thursday, Sept. 18
The 2025 Rural Life Mass will be held on Thursday, Sept. 18th, in Haverhill. This year's hosts will be Bob, Dick, Dale Stalzer, and Families of Stalzer Land LLC. The Mass will be held on their home farm at 2737 Oaks Avenue. This late morning Mass, presided over by Archbishop Zinkula, will also include a brief recognition program, followed by a luncheon.
This special celebration will be held rain or shine, with facilities available indoors in case of inclement weather. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, as seating will be limited. Plentiful parking will be available on-site.
Archbishop Visits Ghana
The Archdiocese of Dubuque has benefited in recent years from the ministry of international priests, the majority of whom have come from the country of Ghana in West Africa. In August, Archbishop Thomas Zinkula traveled to Ghana for a six-day visit that focused on forging new friendships, deepening longstanding relationships, and celebrating a faith that bridges continents and cultures...
Follow the archdiocese on Facebook, Instagram, and X to learn more about Archbishop Zinkula's trip to Africa. Additional content from this series will also be provided at dbqarch.org/news.
Seminarians Participate in Rite of Candidacy
Archdiocese of Dubuque Configuration 1 seminarians Jayden Burke and Sam Moore participated in the Rite of Candidacy at Mundelein Seminary on Wednesday, September 3. Candidacy is a public declaration of one’s intention to pursue Diaconate and Priesthood and implies a personal willingness to spiritually prepare for the calling to ordained ministry. It also symbolizes a commitment to one’s own Archdiocese and a determination to serve the people with joy and enthusiasm.
Jayden is from Immaculate Conception in Elma and Sam is from St. Elizabeth Ann Seton in Hiawatha. They are both in their first year at Mundelein Seminary.
Candidacy class photo - Jayden is fourth from the left and Sam is the last one on the right, both in the front row.
Jayden is pictured on the left, Sam is on the right.
L-R: Fr. Robert Gross, Kelsey Kaiser, Archbishop Zinkula, and Fr. Jeff Dole
Fr. Jeff Dole with his mother and father
Archbishop Zinkula, Fr. Dole and Fr. Robert Gross with the St. Pius X seminarians
Archbishop Zinkula presides over Solemn Vespers
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:
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
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