Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

As we begin the holy season of Lent, we enter once again into a time of prayer, reflection and renewal—a time to draw nearer to Christ and allow His grace to transform our hearts. This sacred season invites us to trust more deeply in God’s plan for our lives and for His Church. It is in that same spirit of faith and trust that I share this latest update on our Journey in Faith.

Over the past months, your steadfast prayers, thoughtful feedback, and deep love for your parishes have continued to guide our discernment. The Archdiocesan Journey in Faith Planning Commission and our priests have each met again to review and offer additional insights on the final pastoral plan. With their guidance, and in light of all we have heard from thousands of parishioners, the Journey in Faith Core Team and I are now prayerfully discerning how best to structure our Archdiocese into pastorates—groupings of parishes that will collaborate more closely in mission and ministry.

Please know that no parishes will be closed or merged in July. However, there will be changes to priest assignments, Mass schedules and to how parishes share staff, ministries and outreach. These adjustments will help us serve one another more effectively and ensure that every parish remains vibrant and mission-focused.

We expect to announce the final pastorate plan this spring. At that time each parish will know which parishes they will be working with, and the pastor and parochial vicars assigned to their pastorate to accompany them in the next phase of this journey.

I also want to offer special gratitude to our deacons, who have been called upon again and again to take on additional duties and responsibilities over the past few months. Their faithful and joyful service is a true witness to Christ the Servant, and they have been an incredible blessing to our Archdiocese.

As we walk together through Lent, may our hearts be open to the movement of the Holy Spirit—renewing our faith, deepening our unity, and guiding us toward Easter joy and resurrection hope.

Please visit dbqjourneyinfaith.org for ongoing updates, accurate information and resources to help you stay connected.

Thank you for your faith, patience and trust. May this Lent be a time of grace and growth for all of us.

Walking with you on this Journey in Faith,

Archbishop Thomas Zinkula

All are invited to join Archbishop Thomas Zinkula, priests, parish staff and Catholics from throughout the archdiocese for the Chrism Mass on Tuesday, March 31, at 2 p.m., with a simple reception to follow. This annual celebration of unity and sacrament takes place each year during Holy Week at the Cathedral of St. Raphael in Dubuque, the mother church of our archdiocese.

At the Chrism Mass, the archbishop concelebrates with his priests, who renew the promises they made at ordination — a moving witness to their communion in Christ’s priesthood and ministry.

Archbishop Zinkula then blesses the holy oils used within the archdiocese throughout the year: the oil of catechumens for those preparing for Baptism; the oil of the sick for Anointing; and consecrates the chrism for Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Orders. These oils symbolize the Holy Spirit’s outpouring, flowing from Christ’s paschal mystery to sanctify our sacraments.

Your presence makes this a family celebration of the diocesan Church, manifesting our shared baptismal priesthood. Come to participate in vibrant liturgy, receive holy Communion, pray for your priests and be renewed as partners in mission.