Mission, Vision, and Values

The heart of the Church’s mission is to spread the saving name of Jesus who is the Good News; it is the responsibility and privilege of all the faithful to take up this task anew amidst the increasing challenges of the world today.

In late 2024, Archbishop Zinkula began an envisioning process to gather feedback from across the archdiocese with the goal to clarify the local Church’s mission, vision, and values.

Mission

Empowered by the Holy Spirit through prayer, Sacraments and Scripture, our archdiocesan mission is to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ, thereby transforming our communities to become more like Him in thought, word and deed.

Vision

We are an engaged archdiocesan community of joyful missionary disciples, centered in our Eucharistic relationship with Jesus Christ and united through our legacy of faith.

Values

Prayer
We are continually growing in our relationship with God through conversation with Him. We will:

  • Have personal conversations with God

  • Teach and engage in diverse methods of prayer out loud for and with others

  • Embrace opportunities for Eucharistic adoration

  • Encourage small prayer groups

Worship
We recognize our absolute dependence on God and receive all graces from and surrender our lives to Him. We will:

  • Participate in the sacramental life of the Church especially through the Eucharist and Reconciliation 

  • Recognize our absolute dependance on God

  • Receive all graces from and surrender our lives to Him

  • Love and be devoted to God with all our heart, mind, soul and strength as a way of life

  • Express our love of God through vibrant and enthusiastic participation in communal prayer

  • Respond to the gifts and goodness of God

Charity
We see and respond to the needs of others by imitating Christ. We will:

  • Seek to understand the needs of all of God's people

  • Challenge each other to meet the needs of all God's people through performing the Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy

  • Actively share our gifts of time, talent and treasure

  • Perform acts of service and compassion

  • Love our neighbor as ourselves

Lifelong Learning
We realize our formation as Catholic Christians is never complete. We will:

  • Engage in a variety of opportunities to grow in our faith

  • Commit to a life of continual conversion

  • Identify, invite and cultivate leaders to share the faith

This led to a discernment period to identify how best to prioritize efforts in the coming years in order to fully live out the mission and vision. During this time, three main priorities were identified for the Archdiocese of Dubuque:

  • Evangelization: To share the Gospel with those yet to know Jesus, with those who feel disconnected from their faith, and with those seeking a deeper relationship with Christ and His Church.

    Rationale: Jesus said, "Go forth and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you." (Matthew 28:19-20)

    Goal 1: By July 2026, an evangelization plan will be developed that aligns with the archdiocesan “Framework for Adult Evangelization and Formation” and includes measurable strategies to increase the number of baptisms, receptions into full communion and Mass attendance.

    Goal 2: By July 2027, each pastorate in the Archdiocese will develop and implement at least one outreach initiative that invites and engages each of three specific groups (1) those who have not encountered Jesus, (2) those who feel disconnected from their faith and (3) those seeking a deeper relationship with Christ, resulting in a measurable increase in participation in parish life (e.g., Sunday Mass experience and attendance, small groups, sacramental preparation, or service ministries) across the Archdiocese.

  • Leadership Formation: To identify, invite and form people for leadership roles in ministries and mission throughout the archdiocese, especially in parishes, schools and the Pastoral Center.

    Rationale: Believing that "to each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good" (1 Corinthians 12:7), volunteers, staff members and clergy need to be in continuous formation and supported in their roles to effectively accomplish our mission.

    Goal 1: Archdiocesan and parish leadership formation needs will be identified by December 2026 through a Pastoral Center and parish assessment with 100% participation. 

    Goal 2: By June 2027, plans and resources for pastoral formation will be provided to parishes and the Pastoral Center to support leadership formation needs.

  • Pastoral Planning: To plan for a vibrant and sustainable future for our faith communities.

    Rationale: Increasing secularization, shifting demographics and fewer priest with greater responsibilities require us to be proactive stewards of our human and financial resources to more effectively fulfill our mission.

    Goal 1: By March 2026, each parish will have actively participated in an archdiocesan-wide pastoral planning process to promote a vibrant and sustainable future, thereby fostering our mission.