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 other, 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. Nevertheless, 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 priesthood is defined by leadership 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 who then, in turn, is sent forth to transform the world.