What is “Journey in Faith”?
“Journey in Faith” is the Archdiocese of Dubuque’s pastoral planning initiative designed to renew discipleship, strengthen our Catholic communities, and align parish structures to better fulfill the mission of the Church.

This process calls us to trust in the Holy Spirit, transform our local Church, and together move from maintenance to mission.

What is a synodal process? (Added 9/2/25)
The synodal process is a process where the faithful, including parishioners, lay leaders, priests and the archbishop, are invited to pray, dialogue, listen to one another, and discern together how the Holy Spirit is leading the Church to better fulfill its mission in the modern world. We are using the synodal process to guide our Journey in Faith initiative. 

What are the goals of the pastoral planning process?

• Renew discipleship by forming joyful missionary disciples

• Strengthen parish vibrancy through collaboration and sustainability

• Support our priests in health, holiness, and mission

• Create a sustainable organization of parishes into pastorate groupings

What values guide this process?

The initiative is rooted in our shared values:

• Prayer – Deepening our relationship with God

• Worship – Vibrant sacramental life and love for God

• Charity – Serving others like Christ

• Lifelong Learning – Continuing our faith formation

Who will lead these efforts?
The archdiocese is leading these efforts and has partnered with Catholic Leadership Institute (CLI) to help coordinate our processes for gathering feedback. CLI has assisted many other dioceses in these types of efforts.  All final decisions, however, will be made by Archbishop Zinkula after he has reviewed all feedback and considered recommendations from various advisory bodies. 

How will decisions be made?
The Archdiocese will propose models for groupings of parishes (called pastorates) and gather parishioner feedback. Final decisions will be made in alignment with:

• Church law (canon law)

• Geography, travel times, and demographics

• Parish vitality and financial viability

• Clergy availability and gifts

Pastors, parish leadership and parishioners will have an active role in shaping the recommendations. The Archbishop will make final decisions after extensive consultation and collaboration.


Has the Archbishop already made up his mind? (Added 9/2/25)
No. The Archbishop created this synodal process specifically so we can gather feedback and share ideas as a Catholic, archdiocesan family. The process includes many opportunities for consultation and feedback.There is also a feedback form on our Journey in Faith website.

The Core Team created the models as a starting point for feedback from the priests and faithful. Considerations thus far also include statistical data over two decades for each parish, and data involving the number of priests we have now and will have over the next several years.

After receiving feedback, the Core Team will develop a new set of models to be presented to the Archbishop’s advisory bodies. After receiving additional feedback from those groups, the Archbishop will discern the needs and resources of the parishes, priests, and the Archdiocese of Dubuque.

Will the final result be one of the three models you are presenting? (Added 9/2/25)
Not necessarily. The three models were created to give priests and parishioners a starting point to talk about what works and what doesn’t work when considering the collaboration of parishes. The Core Team will use feedback from the Disciple Maker Index, the statistical analysis, parish meetings and other input to create a suggested model for feedback from the Planning Commission to ultimately send to the Archbishop for his discernment.

What does it mean that my parish is not listed on Model C?
Some parishes have only two models to review.  Not all parishes have a Model C. Those without a Model C will still fall within a pastorate based on other models and feedback received on those models.


What parameters were considered when determining the pastorates and proposed models?  (Added 11-6-25)
In the Journey in Faith process, the formation of pastorates and the proposed models were guided by clear parameters to ensure vibrant parish life, good stewardship, and sustainable pastoral care. The following considerations shaped the recommendations:

• Mission and Pastoral Vibrancy

  • Ensuring inspiring liturgies and sacraments celebrated in fuller churches, thereby strengthening the communal experience of worship.

  • Promoting collaboration among parishes to build stronger, more vibrant faith communities.

  • Aligning resources to mission, so that parishes can focus more effectively on evangelization and discipleship.

• Geographic Access and Travel 

  • Locating weekend Mass sites where at least 80% of parishioners can travel 20 minutes or less.

  • Giving priority to churches in population centers, county seats, or those situated on major roads for accessibility, especially in winter and evenings.

  • Considering proximity to Catholic schools to better integrate parish and school life.

• Priest Availability and Wellness

  • Respecting canon law and archdiocesan guidelines on the number of Masses a priest may celebrate (no more than three on a weekend, two on weekdays if justified).

  • Promoting priest wellness by balancing assignments to allow time for relationship-building, pastoral ministry, and personal renewal.

• Capacity and Growth Potential 

  • Selecting church sites that can accommodate projected attendance growth and offer sufficient parking.

  • Ensuring the spaces can handle larger gatherings to support vibrancy in worship and community life.

• Facility Quality and Suitability

  • Assessing the physical condition of buildings and prioritizing those free from significant deferred maintenance.

  •  Considering recent renovations, accessibility for persons with disabilities, and the availability of appropriate restrooms and gathering spaces.

  • Highlighting churches that showcase the beauty of Catholic faith through architecture, art, and music capacity.

  • Availability of other space for ministry and activities

•  Integration of Schools and Weekday Masses

  • Ensuring at least one school Mass per week in pastorates with Catholic schools, ideally woven into the weekday schedule.

  • Placing weekday Masses in locations where parishioners are most likely to attend, and where they can complement other parish or pastorate activities.

What are the primary considerations when creating vibrant and sustainable pastorates for the next 25+ years?

• Evangelization

  • Celebrate inspiring liturgies and sacraments in full churches

  • Engage parishioners in rich and meaningful formation

  • Foster disciples who serve and are sent on mission

• Leadership Formation

  • Nurture God-given gifts 

  • Cultivate lay leadership

  • Amplify clergy strengths through viable pastoral assignments

• Pastoral Planning

  • Create sustainable pastorates

  • Align resources to mission

  • Bolster vibrancy through enhanced collaboration

What is the role of Journey in Faith Parish Team Members? (Added 9/2/25)
Journey in Faith Team Members are parishioners selected by the pastor to help facilitate the feedback process at the parish. Their role is to impartially record and submit the feedback of parishioners at their parish meetings to the Journey in Faith Core Team. They are advocates for parishioners to be engaged in the process.  Local Journey in Faith Team Members are not decision makers in this process.  All decisions will ultimately be made by Archbishop Zinkula.

What other dioceses are doing this kind of pastoral planning work? (Added 9/2/25)
With the ever-changing landscape of the Catholic Church, dioceses throughout the country are undergoing similar pastoral planning processes.  While each (arch)diocese approaches the process differently, Archbishop Zinkula and the Core Team—with support from the Catholic Leadership Institute (CLI)—have sought to learn from the successes and challenges experienced in these other dioceses.  While the number of dioceses that have engaged in pastoral planning increases each year, Peoria, St. Louis, Columbus, Pittsburgh, and Cincinnati as well as Omaha, Madison, and Sioux City were consulted to learn of best practices and challenges experienced by others.

When will we be discussing all of the details of how the new Pastorates will work together? (Added 9/2/25)
In the Fall of 2025, the focus of Journey in Faith is “who”—which parishes will be grouped together in the future and where weekend Masses will be held. In the Spring of 2026, we will focus on planning for new Mass schedules and locations for the six-month interim Mass schedule from July 15 to January 15th. Between August and November of 2026, there will be another set of regional and local sessions centered on “how” the new pastorates will more fully collaborate in the future. Discussions about planning for future needs of ministry, staffing, finances, and timing of mergers will be a focus of this phase.

How will this impact my parish?
Every parish in the Archdiocese will be grouped with other parishes to create a “Pastorate.”  Each Pastorate will have one pastor and usually one or more other priests called “Parochial Vicars” (previously called Associate Pastors). This process will also involve:

• Enhanced collaboration with nearby parishes for operations and ministries

• Sharing clergy and parish staff 

• Adjustments to Mass times and/or locations

• Consideration of future mergers of parishes within the newly formed pastorates

All parishioners are asked to participate in prayer, discernment, and dialogue.

Will churches be closing? (Updated 11-6-25)
No final decisions have been made.  The focus of "Journey in Faith" during 2025-26 is about organizing groups of parishes into pastorates with a designated number of Masses to be held at specific locations.  Due to the goal of having fuller Masses with more vibrant liturgies, not all churches will be able to have weekend Masses.  

A parish is a group of people worshiping together in a specific place. A church is a sacred structure used by the people for worship.  A parish can have more than one church used for weekend Mass.  Not all churches must have weekend Mass.  

Not having weekend Masses is not the same as "closing" a church, as those churches may still be used for other liturgical celebrations, such as funerals, weddings, and other special occasions.   Since all parishes within a pastorate will be working very collaboratively together, there is an expectation that over time all parishes within a pastorate will ultimately "merge" into one parish.

At this stage of the process, we are focused on determining which parishes can work best together for the next 25+ years based on data analysis and feedback from priests and parishioners. However, as new pastorates begin to merge into single parishes during 2027 and beyond, local leadership at the newly formed parishes will need to continually assess their worship and ministry space needs along with their financial ability to support and maintain multiple churches.

What will happen to church buildings?
No final decisions have been made.  As newly formed pastorates begin to merge into single parishes during 2027 and beyond, local leadership at the newly formed parishes will need to continually assess their worship and ministry space needs along with their financial ability to support and maintain multiple buildings.

What will a “vibrant and sustainable” parish look like?
A vibrant and sustainable parish will:

• Celebrate inspiring liturgies in full churches

• Offer strong faith formation for all ages

• Foster community and outreach

• Support the health and holiness of priests

• Be financially and operationally sustainable

In the proposed models, why wouldn’t we use more church buildings for weekend Masses?  (Added 11-6-25)
Weekend Masses are defined as Sunday Masses and the Saturday Vigil.  Journey in Faith desires to align our parish structures and schedules to better utilize resources so that those resources can be directed towards renewing evangelization and discipleship efforts. 

Good stewardship
The proposed models represent a sustainable balance of parishioner travel times, church capacity usage, and utilization of priest time for travel and community building.  Good stewardship stirs a strong consideration about maintaining several church buildings with spaces that are under-utilized.

Liturgy
Reducing weekend Mass locations allows for fuller, more intentionally planned and celebrated liturgies.  

Community Building
Bringing a broader pastorate community together for celebration of Holy Mass fosters relationships and uses resources (people, planning, financial)  for the maximum impact of parishioners.  It also allows for priests to turn “windshield” time into creating relationships and shepherding their flock.


How will Mass Schedules within the new pastorates be determined?  (Added 11-6-25)
In April, once Archbishop Zinkula has announced the composition of the new pastorates and which priests will be assigned to serve within them, the current pastor(s) and newly assigned pastor will meet to begin consideration of many transitional matters, including the times that Mass is celebrated at designated churches on weekends and weekdays.  They will benefit from the counsel and advice of parish leaders, such as pastoral council members and staff.  A provisional Mass schedule will be implemented in July 2026 and considered by the pastor and parish leaders throughout the fall.  If any changes in the schedule need to be made, these would take place in January 2027.  Priests will celebrate no more than three Masses for the weekend.


Why can’t we use Sunday Celebration in the Absence of a Priest (SCAP) or Word and Communion Services in our churches if we no longer have Sunday Mass? (Updated 11/6/25)
According to canon law, churches are more than gathering spaces for an occasional Mass, for SCAP liturgies, or for Word and Communion services. They are sacred places meant for a regular, stable, sacramental life. A building in which Mass is not celebrated on a consistent basis does not meet that definition. Our parish communities are to be welcoming, alive and thriving centers of faith that are deeply rooted in Christ.  

This is why there are a limited number of Mass sites in the models. The current situation of priests trying to cover Mass at every location is not working for mission and evangelization. The models are not created to take something away, but to bring priests and parishioners together for vibrant, life-giving liturgies that reflect the heart of our faith. This is difficult to achieve when on a typical weekend, our churches are only 37% full.

Weekend Mass is not only about receiving Communion, but also about our full, active, conscious participation in the sacrifice of the Mass, which requires a priest to preside. A deacon plays an important role in proclaiming the Gospel and assisting at the altar, but he cannot preside at Mass. 

SCAP liturgies and Word and Communion services are not what Jesus had in mind when he said to “keep the Sabbath Holy.” Christ intended the celebration of Mass as the memorial of his death and resurrection, not simply as consuming Holy Communion. Even when Communion is offered, SCAP liturgies and Word and Communion services fail to capture the full meaning of the Eucharist as a banquet (food and drink are consumed) and sacrifice (the Lamb of God is offered).  

In the Archdiocese of Dubuque, SCAP liturgies are permitted only in true emergencies when Mass was anticipated but could not be celebrated because, for example, the presiding priest suddenly became gravely ill. They also can be celebrated with the prior permission of the Archbishop when a substitute priest could not be found for the local priest who, for example, is away on retreat. Suffice it to say, SCAP liturgies cannot be used as a regular substitute for Weekend Mass. 

Word and Communion services may be appropriate when, for example, people are unable to attend Mass because they live in a care center or they are elderly sisters who live in a motherhouse. These services, likewise, are not intended as a regular alternative to Mass, but as a last resort to provide a way for a community to receive Communion in the absence of Mass.

Can we just watch Mass on a livestream instead of attending in person?  (Added 11-6-25)
Watching a livestreamed Mass can certainly help us stay connected when we can’t be there in person — for example, when someone is ill or homebound. But for those who are able to come, participating in person is something much deeper.

At Mass, we don’t just watch — we join in the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. The priest invites us to “Pray, brothers and sisters, that my sacrifice and yours may be acceptable to God, the almighty Father.” In that moment, we unite our own sacrifices — our struggles, joys, and prayers — with the perfect sacrifice of Christ on the cross.

When we watch a Mass, we fail to fully, consciously, and actively participate in the Eucharistic sacrifice and banquet - the heart of what Jesus commanded when He said, “Do this in memory of me.” In the Mass, bread and wine are taken, blessed, broken, and shared — reminding us of the Last Supper, the multiplication of the loaves, and the meal on the road to Emmaus.

When we worship at Mass, we share in a sacred banquet that foreshadows the heavenly wedding feast — eating and drinking with the Lamb of God. For those who can, it is both a privilege and a responsibility to gather with our community to celebrate the full mystery of the Eucharist — the sacrifice and the meal.

Jesus Christ gave us the sacraments as outward symbols that engage our sight, hearing, touching, tasting and smelling to bestow grace upon us.  Livestreaming fails to afford this wonderful engagement.


Why can’t we keep all the churches open and just have priests celebrate Mass at the smaller churches once or twice a month? (Added 9/2/25)
According to canon law, churches are more than gathering spaces for an occasional Mass —they are sacred places meant to have a regular, stable liturgical life. They are meant to be a place of community. A building that has Mass only once every several weeks does not meet that definition.

In addition, priests are responsible not only for celebrating Mass but also for ministries such as charity, worship, faith formation, parish administration, and spiritual care. Spreading them too thin undermines their quality of ministry and spiritual leadership.

Why can’t we rotate Masses among churches, like having one weekend Mass at Parish A and then the next weekend Mass at Parish B? (Added 9/2/25)
This approach is already occurring at nearly 20% of our parishes, where Masses are rotated on a bi-weekly or other rotation. These rotations focused on building utilization aren’t necessarily effective in building long-term consistent relationships. Mass rotations can deplete necessary human and financial resources to keep the church buildings operating to the detriment of more important mission-driven endeavors.  We want parishes to be thriving and focused on evangelization, leadership formation and pastoral planning in order for all of us, together, to fully live out the vision and mission of the Archdiocese of Dubuque.


If Mass is no longer celebrated at our church on weekends, can we fulfill our obligation by worshipping at a weekday Mass offered at our church? (Added 11-6-25)
Since the resurrection of Jesus Christ, the Christian community has assembled on the Lord’s Day to celebrate the Lord’s meal, the Eucharist.  From the earliest days of Christianity, the faithful made sacrifices to gather together in one place. Sunday is the day of resurrection, post-resurrection appearances, and Pentecost.  Early Christian martyrs indicated that they could not even live without celebrating the Eucharist on the Lord’s Day.  The importance of worship on the weekend is recognized in the church’s recent creation of the Sunday Celebration in the Absence of a Priest liturgy, which can be utilized in our Archdiocese when an emergency arises (perhaps the priest suddenly becomes sick) and an anticipated Mass will not be celebrated.  This liturgy is not intended for use when the faithful could travel a reasonable distance for a celebration of the Eucharist.  Jesus Christ rose from the dead on a Sunday and so, as his followers, that is the day we assemble to worship at Mass. Vigil Masses on Saturday night anticipate Easter joy and likewise fulfill our obligation.  Worshipping at Mass on a weekday, such as Wednesday, would be no substitute for celebrating the paschal mystery within the Mass on a weekend.


Why are parishes that serve non-English-speaking communities not subject to the same attendance capacity guidelines as English speaking churches? (Added 11-6-25)
The 50–70% capacity guideline is a general benchmark used to help evaluate
the long-term vitality and sustainability of parishes. However, parishes that serve non-English-speaking or multicultural communities often have unique pastoral needs that go beyond attendance numbers. These communities may require specific language ministries, cultural outreach, and sacramental preparation in their native languages—services that are not easily duplicated elsewhere.

Because of this, Journey in Faith recognizes that these parishes play a vital role in ensuring all Catholics in the Archdiocese can worship and receive pastoral care in a way that reflects their culture and language. Even if their attendance numbers are smaller, their mission impact is significant. 

What will be the impact of Journey in Faith on parishioner donations? (Added 9/2/25)
When people believe in the mission, see the value of the work being done, and understand the importance of stewardship in promoting their Catholic faith, they actually give more! Donors appreciate giving to organizations that have a well-defined strategic plan and mission-driven goals.

Won’t we lose a lot of people by going through this process? (Added 9/2/25)
Currently the archdiocese is losing more than 2% of Mass attendees per year by staying with the status quo. We must build on our strengths and also reinvigorate our ministries to make sure we have vibrant liturgies and engaging communities. Other dioceses that have done this kind of work report an average diocesan dip of 3-5% in the first year, which then levels off as participation begins to increase. The Archdiocese of Dubuque is conducting this process proactively, using a process of significant feedback and transparency, so we hope to have a minimal decline in participation. To do nothing, however, is not an option as we want to move from “managed decline” to mission. 


How will the revised pastorates affect Catholic schools?  (Added 11-6-25)
Catholic schools are an essential ministry of the parishes, and their role within the Journey in Faith pastoral planning process is being carefully considered. Each school operates within a unique relationship to the parishes that support it—some are directly tied to one parish, while others are regional or shared across multiple parishes. Because of this diversity, the way schools are reflected in the revised pastorates will not be “one size fits all,” but will instead be responsive to local realities.

The future structure and governance of each Catholic school will depend on decisions made at the local level within pastorates. Pastors, parish leaders, and school communities, with very specific guidance and options from the Office of Catholic Schools,  will need to discern together how best to support and sustain Catholic education, whether through shared resources, collaborative leadership, or creative models of governance and funding. The flexibility of the pastorate model allows for schools to remain responsive to the needs of families and the wider community while ensuring alignment with the Church’s mission.

How will Journey in Faith support our priests?
By ultimately reducing the number of parishes each priest must serve, the new structure aims to:

• Allow more time for pastoral care and sacramental ministry as the faithful unfold their gifts in leadership 

• Build stronger relationships with parishioners

• Foster vocational discernment 

• Prevent burnout 

How will priest assignments be made?  (Added 11-6-25)
Archbishop Zinkula ultimately determines priest assignments.  However, he receives counsel and guidance from a group of priests who are elected by their peers to the Personnel Advisory Board, which is composed of six priests.  These advisors already have had weighty discussions with our priests to listen to their hopes and concerns.  Consideration is given to their strengths and experience. When assignments are proposed to them, they will have an opportunity to offer feedback.  Most pastorates will have more than one priest.  Priests will be encouraged to live together, in community, but will not be required to do so.   


If priests will be celebrating fewer Masses, what else will they be doing?
The majority of our pastors currently serve more than one parish, which limits the amount of time and energy they can spend celebrating the other sacraments, caring for their parishioners and staff, helping us form our faith, teaching us to grow deeper in our relationship with Jesus and reaching out to those who have left the Church or who are not Catholic. We anticipate they will be able to spend more time and resources caring for people as the administration and governance of pastorates is streamlined and coordinated. Last but certainly not least, we hope it will give them a better work-life balance.

What is the benefit of having multiple priests serve in a single pastorate? Why do these models incorporate multiple priests in a pastorate? (Added 9/2/25)
The Archdiocese of Dubuque, like many (arch)dioceses across the country, is facing a shift in where parishioners live and a decline in the number of available priests. Assigning multiple priests to a single pastorate allows for coverage across a wider area, while still respecting each priest's workload and capacity. It also supports fraternity among priests and collaboration between priests, such that pastoral responsibilities like Masses, sacraments, funerals, and pastoral visits can be shared. This helps reduce burnout and allows each priest to contribute based on their strengths. 

How many Masses can a priest celebrate in one day? (Added 9/2/25)
Canon law stipulates that a priest is not permitted to celebrate or concelebrate the Eucharist more than once a day except in cases where the law permits him to do so. If there is a shortage of priests, the Archbishop can allow priests to celebrate twice a day for a just cause, or if pastoral necessity requires it, even three times on Sundays and holy days of obligation.

This limitation primarily exists to ensure the dignity and devotion with which the Eucharist is celebrated, and relatedly, to support the physical, emotional and spiritual health of a priest.

When a parish merges with another parish, what happens to the assets of each parish? (Added 9/2/25)
Church law mandates that money, assets and liabilities go to the parish where the people are assigned after their parish merges with another. It does not go to the Archdiocese of Dubuque. Donated funds previously designated for a restricted use will have those restrictions honored.

What if our church needs some immediate capital improvements or maintenance? Will the Archdiocese of Dubuque approve the work? (Added 9/2/25)
Because the Archbishop and Vicar General are part of the corporate board of each parish, their approval is required for any capital improvements or maintenance over $10,000. Each request will be looked at on a case by case basis, and will include consideration of the pastoral planning process.

I work in a parish office. Can we still hire people and create budgets if we don’t know the future of our parish?
We will know more when the Archbishop makes his decision public in spring 2026. Best practices would include conservative budgeting, hiring essential positions, and delaying hiring for newly created positions. You should continue with your parish plans, but carefully review whether your ministries, events and resources are truly focused on building a vibrant, sustainable parish and evangelization.

How can I get involved?
All parishioners will be invited to provide verbal and written feedback through a series of meetings and surveys.  No final decisions have been made. All feedback and ideas are important.  During the fall of 2025 the focus will be on “who”: which parishes will be grouped together in pastorates. During the fall of 2026, the focus will be on “how” the newly formed pastorate can promote evangelization and grow in vibrancy through enhanced collaboration. 

Each pastor will identify 3-6 parish leaders to serve as your parish’s “Journey in Faith” Parish Team.  The pastor and team will be trained by CLI. They will facilitate local parish sessions to gather your responses to proposals and compile your ideas about additional options for consideration. 

What can I do now?

• Pray for the Holy Spirit’s guidance

• Be open to change and trust in God’s providence

• Stay informed through parish communications

• Support your parish through service and stewardship

• Join a small group or faith formation opportunity

• Encourage and support your parish leaders

• Pray for our Archdiocese and clergy

Where can I learn more?
Talk to your pastor or local Journey in Faith Team members, check parish bulletins, and/or visit the Journey in Faith website at dbqjourneyinfaith.org for updates, timelines, and resources. 

How will I know my feedback was received? (Added 9/2/25)
We value your feedback and want to make sure we hear from as many people as we can. When you submit your feedback through dbqjourneyinfaith.org, you will receive an email response indicating the Journey in Faith Core Team has received it. Because of the volume of submissions we expect to receive, we will not be able to personally respond to all submissions. Be assured that your response will be read by the Journey in Faith Core Team and considered, with all the other feedback received and collected, as the Archbishop discerns the future of the Archdiocese of Dubuque.