What is a Priest?

A Dedicated Catholic

• who cherishes the fullness of the Catholic Tradition
• who is enthusiastic about the current reality of the Church
• who embraces with loyalty the institutional Church
• who is open to the changes in the future Church
• who appreciates his relationship to the universal Church

A Spiritual Person

• who seeks to grow closer to God by imitating Jesus Christ and being open to the Spirit
• who values spiritual growth through prayer, study, and continuing education
• who develops his spiritual life through daily prayer and retreats
• who meets with a spiritual director on a regular basis
• who celebrates throughout the liturgical year with a worshiping assembly

A Leader Among Leaders

• who inspires others to serve through leadership
• who shares leadership with all members of the Church
• who values the efforts of volunteers
• who exercises authority with concern for others

A Healthy Person

• who enjoys good physical health
• who is emotionally stable and mature
• who has a sense of flexibility about his life
• who possesses a basic confidence in himself and trust in God

Is this you?

The History of Vocations in the Archdiocese of Dubuque

From its establishment in 1837 and through its existence into modern times, the Archdiocese of Dubuque has been a fertile ground for vocations to the priesthood and consecrated life.  In its infancy, during the mid part of the 19th century, the diocese of Dubuque was a frontier.  It was considered missionary land and frontier territory which was inhabited by roaming Native American tribes, fur traders, soldiers and a few white settlements. 

Through the invitation and encouragement of our first bishop, Bishop Mathias Loras and his successors, religious communities of men and women began to migrate to the diocese in order to establish monasteries and motherhouses. The influx of these holy men and women provided a strong sense of Catholic identity to this new territory.  Their strong presence influenced many young men and women of the Archdiocese to enter priesthood and religious life. 

Priesthood in the Archdiocese of Dubuque

Today the Church continues to call forth men from its midst to give their lives in service as priests.  We particularly look for men who have a connection that tells of a steadfast familiarity with the Catholic Church in the Archdiocese of Dubuque.  We look for candidates who are no more than forty-five years of age; single or at least free from the bond of marriage; of average or above average intelligence; in good standing with the Church and active in their parish community, and have a desire to be of service. 

In the Archdiocese of Dubuque, diocesan priests work primarily in the parishes of thirty counties in the northeastern part of Iowa.  An individual priest might, at one time or another, serve as a chaplain in a hospital or prison, teach in a high school or college, work as a missionary overseas or as a military chaplain.  Neverthe less, parish life defines the ministry of most diocesan priests.

The ancient call to the priesthood continues today in a fresh, exciting, deeply fulfilling way to serve God’s people.  Diocesan priests lead through compassionate pastoral care and by preaching and teaching the richness of Scripture and Catholic tradition.  In all of these tasks, a priest is someone who bears the imprint of the Gospel in prayer and action in a world of very secular values.

The diocesan priest represents Christ among the faithful.  Through his priestly ministry, he leads people to Christ.  He gathers the Christian community around the Eucharistic table to become the living body of Christ.

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