Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Thank you for your thoughtful participation in the Journey in Faith process. Your feedback—shared through regional and parish meetings, online forms, and letters—has been invaluable. Our team is now prayerfully reviewing and synthesizing everything you’ve shared as we prepare for the next steps in this important discernment.
Beginning in January and the months ahead, we will begin identifying how the insights gathered can help strengthen our parishes and further our mission to bring Christ to others. Rather, this is about building a vibrant and sustainable future for our faith communities. After reviewing all the feedback and data collected, the Core Team will present an updated model for the Archdiocese of Dubuque to the Planning Commission and then to the priests of the Archdiocese for one more round of input. After that process, I will make a decision concerning the future of the Archdiocese.
As we continue through Advent, I invite you to remain grounded in prayer. Please join me for a special Novena from the Feast of the Most Holy Name of Jesus (January 3) through the Baptism of the Lord (January 11), asking the Holy Spirit to guide our discernment and renew our unity as one Church.
We are also setting aside a Day of Prayer each month dedicated to the Journey in Faith intentions. Details and prayer resources can be found at dbqjourneyinfaith.org.
You will find newly added FAQs on that same site. These are updated frequently to reflect questions we receive from parishioners across the Archdiocese. I encourage you to check them regularly for accurate and up-to-date information.
Thank you once again for your faith, your engagement, and your openness to the Holy Spirit. May this Advent season deepen your hope and prepare your hearts to welcome Christ anew.
Walking with you on this Journey in Faith,
Archbishop Thomas Zinkula