October Newsletter #2
Learning, Loving, Lighting the Way
Grandparents and special friends play such an important role in shaping not only a child’s future, but also their faith, values, and the way they see the world. Your example of love, prayer, and guidance leaves a lasting impact on their hearts. Thank you for taking the time to share in this day with us on Friday. We are blessed by your presence and honored to celebrate the special bond you share with your grandchild.
Our school and parish have the opportunity to have St. Carlo Acutis’ Eucharistic Miracle exhibition from October 13th - October 19th.
Parishioners and SPCS families may view the Eucharistic miracle posters in the school gym after school Tuesday-Thursday from 3:30 - 4:30pm
Carlo Acutis (May 3rd, 1991 – October 12th, 2006) was an English-born Italian Catholic teenager who was known for his devotion to the Eucharist and his use of digital media to promote Catholic devotion. Born in London and raised in Milan, he developed an early interest in computers and video games, teaching himself programming and web design and assisting his parish and school with digital projects. His favorite sport was soccer.
Active in parish life, he served as a catechist and helped inspire several people to convert to
Catholicism. He later created a website documenting Eucharistic miracles and Marian
apparitions. He was diagnosed with acute promyelocytic leukemia and died at the age of
fifteen. Since his death, his relics have been displayed in Assisi and his exhibitions on
Eucharistic miracles have traveled worldwide.
Acutis was canonized as a saint on September 7th, 2025, alongside Pier Giorgio Frassati.
Acutis has been referred to as the ";patron saint of the Internet", "God's
Influencer", and the "first millennial saint".
It is well worth your time to visit the display with your children, talk about their reactions to the miracles, etc. One viewer stated: “If you have trouble believing in the true presence of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist, this will make you a believer.”
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
As your archbishop – and as someone who grew up in this archdiocese – I am deeply moved by the faith, courage, and hope I see in you as we continue our Journey in Faith. This is a Spirit-led invitation to renewal, vitality, and growth, and together we are discerning how God is calling us forward.
Last fall, more than 22,000 of you across the Archdiocese of Dubuque shared their reflections through the Disciple Maker Index. Along with important demographic and sacramental data, this input has helped us form several proposed models for future parish groupings. These are not final decisions – they are starting points, designed to spark prayer, listening, and dialogue.
Now, the next step begins: Regional Meetings will soon take place in every region of our
archdiocese.
At these gatherings, you will:
● Learn more about the rationale, process, and timeline for Journey in Faith.
● Reflect on the importance of prayer and synodal listening in this process.
● Review proposed pastorate models for your area.
● Share your insights, questions, and hopes online at dbqjourneyinfaith.org .
If you are unable to attend in person, please explore the resources on our website,
including maps, videos, and opportunities for written feedback.
I know that conversations about parish life and change can be difficult. And yet, I believe with all my heart that this journey is worth it – because it can re-energize our parishes, draw back our children and grandchildren, and strengthen our mission to proclaim the Gospel. Please join me in this important next step of Journey in Faith. Let’s be honest, courageous, hopeful, and faithful, trusting that the same Christ who walked with the disciples on the road to Emmaus is walking with us now.
May God bless you, and may God bless the Archdiocese of Dubuque. Walking with you on this Journey in Faith,
Archbishop Thomas Zinkula
Archbishop of Dubuque
