From its establishment on July 28, 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 persistent hard work of Bishop Mathias Loras, first bishop of Dubuque, the diocese slowly began to take shape in terms of parish structures and priest personnel. Although the very first priests were invited into this newly formed diocese from Bishop Loras’ home country of France, the tides of time would have Catholic immigrants from Ireland and Germany begin to settle in the diocese and produce priests, coming forth from within their own families. 

Through the invitation and encouragement of Bishop 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. They also became places which produced the seemingly endless supply of religious sisters and brothers who taught Catholic education in the various parish schools. Their strong presence influenced many young men and women of the Archdiocese to enter the religious orders to continue the charism of their respected founders or foundresses. 

Throughout its history, forty-two religious orders and congregations have ministered in the Archdiocese. To this day, of those forty-two, twenty-five still have a presence within the life of the Catholic Church in the Archdiocese. Five communities of women religious have their motherhouses established in the Archdiocese, including the Dubuque Franciscans, the Sisters of Charity, the Sisters of Mercy, the Sisters of the Presentation, and the Sisters of the Visitation. The Trappistine Nuns  and the Trappist Monks have their monasteries in our midst. One missionary order, the Society of Divine Word, has its college seminary established in the Archdiocese.

Undoubtedly, the strong Catholic identity of the area, the exceptional leadership given by the Church, and the deep devotion of the faithful planted the seeds of vocation within the rich soil of this predominantly agrarian landscape. From thenceforth came bountiful vocations to the priesthood. The Archdiocese was once known as the diocese having more priests per capita than any other diocese in the country. Many holy and upstanding men served the Catholic Church of Dubuque as priests and many still do today. Perhaps you are called to be one among them. 

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 generational rootedness and a lived 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. 

If you meet these basic qualifications, I invite you to browse through the remaining portion of this website. If you so desire, I encourage you to contact me for further information.