January 2026
Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
Thank you for being part of our Journey in Faith. Over the past year, thousands of you have prayerfully shared your thoughts, hopes, and dreams for the future of our Church in the Archdiocese of Dubuque. This process has truly been guided by the Holy Spirit and enriched by your deep love for your parishes and for the mission of the Church.
After months of listening, gathering feedback, and discernment, I am pleased to share that the Journey in Faith Core Team has now developed the first version of a final pastorate plan. It reflects significant changes shaped directly by your feedback and that of your pastors. In fact, not a single pastorate from the earlier models (A, B, or C) made it into this new version—an encouraging sign of how seriously your voices have been heard. In some cases entirely new models were given and in others the parishes were grouped like a previous model, but there were changes in Mass locations or the number of Masses. I am grateful for the careful and thoughtful work the Core Team has done in creating a recommendation that best represents the feedback we received.
The Archdiocesan Planning Commission reviewed this first version of the final pastorate plan this January, and the priests will review it in early February. Based on their feedback, we will continue to refine the plan prayerfully and collaboratively in the months that follow. This next phase represents the right work at the right time in the right way, working together to ensure vibrant, sustainable communities of faith across our Archdiocese.
As we prepare for the next steps, I also want to highlight the ongoing Journey in Faith Prep Series, which is being sent weekly to priests and parish staff. These important resources are helping the parishes prepare for tasks and processes prior to the announcements this spring.
I know that change can bring both hope and heartache. New beginnings stir excitement for what God is making possible, yet they also can awaken a sense of loss for what is familiar. Both experiences are natural and part of our shared journey. The Holy Spirit is guiding us toward renewal. Together, we are discerning how to bring the light of Christ more fully into our parishes and communities.
To stay informed and connected, please visit dbqjourneyinfaith.org, where you will find helpful updates, accurate information, and resources for ongoing engagement.
Thank you again for your faith, your trust, and your willingness to embrace this journey. I am filled with great hope for the Church in northeast Iowa and for what God is doing among us.
Walking with you on this Journey in Faith,
Archbishop Thomas Zinkula
Archdiocesan Catholic Relief Services Chapter Promotes Rice Bowl
As Lent approaches, the local Archdiocese of Dubuque Catholic Relief Services (CRS) chapter is busy promoting the annual CRS Rice Bowl efforts. Since its formation in 2024, the archdiocesan chapter has been furthering the mission and initiatives of CRS at a local level.
Week of Prayer for Christian Unity
Join Bishop Amy Current of the ELCA Southeastern Iowa Synod, Bishop Betsey Monnot of the Episcopal Diocese of Iowa, and Bishop William Joensen of the Catholic Diocese of Des Moines for a celebration of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity.
Four Seminarians Ordained to the Diaconate
Seminarians Peter Binder, Jacob Francois, Thiết Hoàng and Joshua Krischel were ordained for service in the order of the diaconate by Archbishop Thomas Zinkula at the Cathedral of St. Raphael in Dubuque on December 20, 2025. See photos from the ordination at the link below.
2025 Jubilee Year Closing Mass
Archbishop Thomas Zinkula presided at a Mass to close the Jubilee Year in the Archdiocese of Dubuque on Sunday, December 28 at the Cathedral of St. Raphael in Dubuque. See photos from the Mass at the link below.
Upcoming Public Events
- January 31 – Women's Conference at Parishes Throughout the Archdiocese
- March 28 – 9:00 AM - Men's Conference at St. Pius X Catholic Church in Cedar Rapids
- March 31 – Chrism Mass at the Cathedral of St. Raphael
Archdiocesan Conferences
Catholic Women's Conference
Registration is now open!
Please consider joining women at the 2026 Archdiocesan Women’s Conference: Grace for the Journey! Saturday, January 31, 2026!
For more information and to register: https://www.archwomensconference.org/registration/
Catholic Men's Conference
Save the date for the 2026 Archdiocese of Dubuque Catholic Men's Conference on Saturday, March 28th. The 30th annual conference will focus on how we can be inspired by the saints to be rooted in prayer and will feature Gabriel Castillo as the keynote speaker and Keith Nester as a breakout session speaker. It will take place at St. Pius X Catholic Church in Cedar Rapids.
Learn more at