Journey in Faith Pastoral Plan is released impacting a number of Parishes in the area

Complete plan for the Archdiocese of Dubuque...https://www.dbqjourneyinfaith.org/final-pastorate-plan

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

This weekend, as we celebrate Divine Mercy Sunday, we hear in the Gospel how the risen Jesus comes to His disciples, speaks peace into their fear, and breathes His Spirit upon them. Even in their uncertainty, even behind locked doors, the Lord meets them with mercy—and sends them forth on mission.

It is in that same spirit of trust in God’s mercy that I write to you today.

Over the past year, our archdiocese has been engaged in the Journey in Faith process—a time of prayer, listening, and discernment about how we are called to live the mission of the Church in the years ahead. Thousands of you participated generously, sharing your hopes, concerns, and deep love for your parishes. I am profoundly grateful.

Like the first disciples, we find ourselves at a moment of both challenge and opportunity. We face real changes in our Church: fewer priests, shifting populations, and a decline in Mass attendance. Yet the Risen Christ still stands among us and says, “Peace be with you.” He continues to call us forward in faith.

After much prayer and consultation, I have made decisions that will guide the next phase of this journey. The Archdiocese of Dubuque will be organized into 24 pastorates—groups of parishes working together more closely, sharing leadership, ministries, and resources so that we can strengthen our mission and better serve our communities.

You can now read a Parish Announcement specific to your parish, which includes information about your specific pastorate, priest assignments, and weekend Mass locations at dbqjourneyinfaith.org. I encourage you to take time to read this carefully and prayerfully. I have also asked all priests to read their Parish Announcement in its entirety at every Mass this weekend.  

I recognize that this news may bring questions or concerns. Our parish communities are places of deep meaning, filled with memories of faith, family, and sacrifice. Change is not easy. Yet on this Divine Mercy Sunday, we are reminded that God meets us precisely in these moments—with compassion, with understanding, and with grace sufficient for what lies ahead.

Beginning this fall, each pastorate will enter into a process of discerning how to live and work together more fully as one community in Christ. Although it will be a challenging task, I am confident that, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, this will be a time of renewal and growth for our archdiocese.

I ask you to continue walking this journey with faith and trust. Please pray for your priests, deacons, and parish staff. Pray for one another. And please pray for me, that I may be guided always by the Holy Spirit in serving you.

Entrusting this next step to the mercy of God, I invite us to move forward together—with hope, with courage, and with hearts open to the work the Lord is doing among us.

Walking with you on this Journey in Faith,

Archbishop Zinkula