October 2025
Thank you for your prayers and involvement in Journey in Faith, a process of prayer, listening, and discernment for the future of the Catholic Church here in the Archdiocese of Dubuque.
Parish Sessions:
Please plan to participate in your local parish sessions. These gatherings are an important opportunity to learn more, share your thoughts, and walk with others as we discern the path forward together.
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 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.
Feedback:
Please provide your individual feedback through the official feedback form. If you are unable to access the online form, please mail written feedback to Pastoral Planning, 1229 Mount Loretta Avenue, Dubuque, IA 52003. Your perspective matters, and your voice is vital to this process.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Some parishioners believe “the Archbishop already has his mind made up.” Please know that Journey in Faith is truly a process of discernment. No final decisions have been made. The input gathered at parish sessions and through feedback forms is an essential part of shaping the recommendations that will come to me later.
You may also have questions such as:
- What about SCAP (Sunday Celebrations in the Absence of a Priest)?
- Will parishes be closing?
- Why are we undertaking this initiative in the first place?
These and many other questions are addressed in the FAQ, which is regularly updated as new questions arise.
Thank you again for your prayers, participation, and openness to the Holy Spirit’s guidance. Together, we can move forward with hope and trust in God’s providence.
Celebrating Lifelong Learners Who Share the Faith
At the end of September, catechists were celebrated by the Catholic Church during the Jubilee Year 2025. “Catechists” are lay people or clergy who serve as teachers of the faith, using the Catechism of the Catholic Church, to help others understand Catholic teachings and grow in their ...
Photo: Jennifer Lazuta/CRS
Archbishop Meets with Officials from Catholic Relief Services
During a recent trip to Africa, Archbishop Thomas Zinkula met with officials from Catholic Relief Services (CRS) to learn more about the organization’s programs and the many projects it supports on the continent. The conversations Archbishop Zinkula had with these officials highlighted for him the importance of what CRS does in Africa, and around the world. “The work of Catholic Relief Services is truly critical,” he reflected. “It saves lives and transforms ...
Support Catholic Relief Services through the archdiocesan "Our Call to Share" collection
Each year, dioceses throughout the United States participate in the Catholic Relief Services Collection administered by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Administrative Committee. In the Archdiocese of Dubuque, we support this collection and three other global charitable efforts through the Our Call to Share (OCtS) collection. Registered parishioners received OCtS brochures and donation envelopes in early October. Please support the missionary activities of the Church by giving to these important collections and following the directions in the brochure.
Learn more about the annual CRS collection: https://bit.ly/octs-crs
Mercy Medical Center in Cedar Rapids Celebrates 125th Anniversary with Mass
Mercy Medical Center in Cedar Rapids held an anniversary Mass on September 17 to celebrate 125 years of compassionate local care and service. The hospital was first established by the Sisters of Mercy in 1900.
The Mass was celebrated by Archbishop Thomas Zinkula, with local clergy concelebrating and assisting. The Xavier High School choir provided music for the liturgy.
With more than 6,000 Sisters of Mercy around the world, local sisters have been responding to unmet needs and addressing the root causes of injustice for over 150 years in Cedar Rapids and other archdiocesan communities. We thank them for their century and a half of leadership in education, healthcare, and Christ-centered service throughout the Archdiocese of Dubuque.
Photos: Mercy Medical Center
Presentation Sisters Visit Former Motherhouse, Share Memories During 150th Anniversary
The Archdiocesan Pastoral Center staff celebrated the Sisters of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary (PBVM) earlier this year during the 150th anniversary of their founding. Members of the community came to the Pastoral Center (formerly the PBVM Motherhouse) to tour the campus, share memories, and participate in a tree planting/dedication prayer service as part of their "150 Trees for 150 Years" initiative. We thank the PBVMs for 150 years of leadership, faith, service, and commitment to peace and justice, with a special emphasis on serving women and children.
The video below captures highlights of the day.
- 0:20 – 6:03: Sr. Lynn Fangman and Msgr. Tom Toale share memories
- 6:03 – 7:12: Footage the chapel, now used by Seminarians attending Loras College
- 7:13 – 10:19: Chapel memories: Sisters Lynn Fangman, Maura McCarthy, Damian O'Brien, Joy Peterson
- 10:19 – 26:07: Tour of Seminary and Pastoral Center with shared memories
- 26:08 – 46:22 : Reception with shared memories of life in the former motherhouse, prayer, and hymns
- 46:22 – 48:51: Tree planting/dedication prayer service
Diaconate Class XXII Celebrates the Rite of Admission to Candidacy for Holy Orders
The twelve men of Diaconate Class XXII celebrated the Rite of Admission to Candidacy for Holy Orders during a Mass presided over by Archbishop Thomas Zinkula on Sept. 23 at St. Patrick Parish in Clear Lake.
In the Archdiocese of Dubuque, this rite occurs after two years of formation, which includes their first year of classwork and theological studies. During the rite, the one who aspires to ordination publicly manifests his will to God and the Church. Candidacy is the first official recognition that the aspirant desires ordination and is being received into the ranks of candidates for the diaconate.
Those who wish to become permanent deacons submit a personal, handwritten and signed letter to the bishop requesting admission to the path of formation and the reception of the Rite of Admission to Candidacy. If those seeking admission are married, their wives also give handwritten, signed consent stating that they support their husband’s call to this vocation.
The men and wives of Class XXII: Front row, left to right: Jaime and Jessica Williams, Santa Monica and Luis Cisneros, Amanda and Paul Lee, Kara and Michael Becker, Kelly and Steve Schnieders. Back row, left to right: Mike and Kris Walker, Chris and Mindy Clark, Jayson and Darci Wagner, Mandy and Kirt Norris, Loras and Vicki Lansing, Brett and Julie Merfeld, Boyd and Stephanie Turnbull
Members of Diaconate Class XXI Instituted as Acolytes
Seven men from Class XXI were instituted as acolytes by Rev. Msgr. Thomas Toale, Archdiocesan Vicar General, at the Basilica of St. Francis Xavier on October 7.
The institution of an acolyte is an important step in the formation process. The institution calls for the acolyte to make their life worthy of service at the table of the Lord and of His Church. The acolyte is permitted to assist the priest and deacon in a particular role, including the purification of the sacred vessels.
Photo: Front row, left to right: Joel Rogers, St. Cecilia, Ames; Pat Keenan, Epiphany, Mason City; Todd Holverson, All Saints, Cedar Rapids; Jarret Heil, St. Francis of Assisi, Marshalltown. Back row, left to right: Dave Nienhaus, St. John Nepomucene, Fort Atkinson; Josh Sundstrom, St. Isidore, Springville; Brent Honerichsen, Basilica St. Francis Xavier, Dyersville; Rev. Msgr. Thomas Toale. Not pictured: Jeff Lampe, Church of the Resurrection, Dubuque. Mr. Lampe was instituted as an acolyte in another diocese before moving to the Archdiocese of Dubuque.
Bringing Faith to the Farm - Rural Life Mass Recap
Article courtesy of the Marshalltown Times-Republican, and Managing Editor Robert Maharry
HAVERHILL — Over 300 Catholics of all ages from around the area gathered at the Stalzer Century Farm just north of Haverhill on..
Photos: Christine Murphy Photography
Upcoming Archdiocesan Events
Couples Date Night Event
Married and engaged couples are invited to a Couples Date Night Event, sponsored by the Archdiocese of Dubuque, on Friday, November 14th from 6:00-8:00 PM at St. Pius X Catholic Church in Cedar Rapids. Join us to enrich your relationship through an evening that will include dinner, a talk by internationally recognized marriage speakers Ryan and Mary-Rose Verret, and time for conversation with each other and other couples. Learn more and register at www.dbqarch.org/couples-event.
Upcoming Events at the Cathedral of St. Raphael in Dubuque:
- November 1 – 9:00 AM - Jubilee Year Event: All Saints Mass
- December 20 – 10:00 AM - Ordination to the Diaconate: Peter Binder, Jacob Francois, Thiet Hoang and Joshua Krischel have been called to ordination to the diaconate as they continue their journey to priesthood.
- December 28 – 9:00 AM Jubilee Year Closing Mass with the Archbishop Zinkula