Holy Spirit Parish brings together three Roman Catholic churches in Dubuque: Holy Trinity Church at 1701 Rhomberg Avenue, Holy Ghost Church at 2921 Central Avenue, and Sacred Heart Church at 2215 Windsor Avenue. Its defining feature is the combination of three historic worship settings with one shared parish life. The congregations preserve distinct identities, buildings, and finances while sharing clergy, formation, music, pastoral care, and social justice ministries across Dubuque's North End and Point.
Three Historic Church Campuses
All three churches trace their common beginning to 1849, when German immigrants asked Bishop Matthias Loras for a parish of their own in a Catholic community then made up mostly of Irish settlers and some French descendants. Their petition produced St. Mary Parish, the root from which Sacred Heart, Holy Ghost, and Holy Trinity eventually grew.
Growth on Dubuque's north end led Bishop John Hennessy to establish Sacred Heart Parish in 1879, dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Its church was built in 1880, with Fr. William Pape as first pastor. As the population continued to grow, Hennessy divided the parish in 1896 and established Holy Ghost Parish under Msgr. F.X. Fuerstein, its first pastor.
Another division followed in 1910, when Fr. Arnold Boeding petitioned Archbishop John J. Keane to establish a parish in the Eagle Point area. Holy Trinity Parish was formed with Fr. Joseph Dupont as first pastor. The Franciscan Fathers of the Sacred Heart Province assumed responsibility in 1911, and Fr. Phillip Marke, O.F.M., became Holy Trinity's second pastor.
These congregations built schools, convents, parish centers, and traditions of parish gatherings and fundraising. Their shared history included generations of baptisms, First Communions, Confirmations, marriages, ordinations, religious vocations, and funerals, with the three parishes remaining distinct even as their needs changed.
As the Catholic population declined and priests became scarce, leaders from all three churches began meeting in 2004. A formal cluster agreement followed in 2007, creating Holy Spirit Pastorate under Fr. Tom Zinkula. On July 1, 2011, the pastorate was dissolved and the churches merged into Holy Spirit Parish under Fr. Dwayne Thoman. Sharing staff and resources allowed the united parish to continue the mission, history, and values inherited from its three congregations.
Mass Across Dubuque's North End and Point
Mass is the center of the parish's shared worship life, with each church keeping a regular schedule. The schedules make weekday and Sunday Mass available at three different addresses.
- Holy Trinity Church: Tuesday at 7:30 a.m. and Sunday at 8:00 a.m.
- Holy Ghost Church: Monday and Thursday at 7:30 a.m., and Sunday at 9:30 a.m.
- Sacred Heart Church: Wednesday and Friday at 7:30 a.m., Saturday at 4:00 p.m., and Sunday at 11:00 a.m.
Confession is available regularly at Holy Trinity and Sacred Heart. At Holy Trinity it is offered Sunday from 7:15 to 7:45 a.m.; at Sacred Heart it is offered Saturday from 3:15 to 3:45 p.m. and after the 7:30 a.m. Friday Mass. Individual confession may also be arranged with a priest.
What to Expect on a First Visit
Visitors are asked to wear respectable, conservative clothing. In summer, sandals, shorts, and a shirt are common, as is traditional Sunday best. Shorts should be of a conservative length, without very short hemlines, and general clothing should be suitable for church.
People who are not familiar with Catholic worship need not feel self-conscious about when to stand, sit, or kneel. Most visitors simply follow parishioners, and each pew has a worship aid showing the order of Mass, the postures, and the words of the prayers. An usher can provide one if needed. Mass and visitor information brings together the three schedules and other practical details.
The parish teaches that the host is the body of Christ, transformed from bread by the priest. Catholics are asked to receive Communion; non-Catholics are asked not to receive it but are invited to come forward with hands crossed over the chest for a blessing.
Visitors are not expected to put money in the offering and may simply let it pass. Those who consider Holy Spirit their parish home may give by check or cash at Mass or through online giving.
Registration involves speaking with the pastor. It places members on the parish mailing list and keeps member information in the parish files.
Sacraments and Pastoral Care
Baptism and Reconciliation
Holy Spirit Parish presents Baptism as the beginning of Christian life and the gateway to the other sacraments. Baptism may be celebrated at any weekend Mass at any of the three churches on the second and fourth weekends of each month. Preparation consists of one one-hour class, generally offered in December, March, June, and September, with Fr. Jeff Frieden helping families schedule preparation and baptism.
The sacrament of Penance is described as reconciliation with God and the Church through the mercy of God. In addition to the regular confession times, individual confession may be arranged with a priest. Communal reconciliation services are held each year during Advent and Lent, and families preparing children for First Reconciliation receive instruction through the parish's sacramental formation.
Eucharist and Confirmation
The Eucharist is the source and summit of Christian life in the parish's teaching. Children prepare for First Holy Communion through parish faith formation, while adults and older children prepare through the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults. Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion, commissioned for three-year terms, assist at Mass and bring Communion and prayer to sick and homebound members of the parish.
Baptism, Eucharist, and Confirmation together form the sacraments of Christian initiation. Confirmation completes baptismal grace and binds the baptized more firmly to the Church through the Holy Spirit. The parish works with the Dubuque Area East Pastorate on sacramental preparation for First Reconciliation, First Communion, and Confirmation.
Marriage, Anointing, and Holy Orders
Couples seeking the sacrament of Marriage begin the process at least six months before the wedding. The parish uses FACET, or Foundations Applied Conversation and Education Tool, to facilitate discussion between couples. Preparation includes the Parish Preparation Program and the Archdiocesan Pre-Cana Program, combining parish guidance with the wider preparation offered across the Archdiocese of Dubuque.
Anointing of the Sick is not limited to the final moments of life. The parish teaches that it is appropriate when a person is seriously ill, facing surgery, or advancing in age. The sacrament is celebrated communally at least once each year during regular weekend Masses, and an individual celebration may be arranged with a priest. Holy Orders continues the mission entrusted by Christ to the apostles through the ordained ministry of the Church.
Care for Those Unable to Attend Mass
The pastoral team and assigned parishioners make regular visits to area hospitals during the week, with weekend visits available in emergencies or when requested. The parish also provides regular care in long-term care facilities and nursing homes, including fellowship, prayer, parish information, and the sacraments. Homebound members receive visits with Holy Eucharist, prayer, and fellowship, keeping them connected to the parish community.
Pastoral care extends to Sunnycrest Manor and Bethany Home. At Sunnycrest Manor, Mass is celebrated on the first, third, and fifth Tuesdays of each month, with a Word and Communion Service on the second and fourth Tuesdays. At Bethany Home, Mass is celebrated on the second and fourth Tuesdays, while a Word and Communion Service is offered on the first, third, and fifth Tuesdays.
Formation for Children, Adults, and Young Adults
Children and families participate in religious education and sacramental preparation shared with the Cathedral and St. Patrick's in the Dubuque Area East Pastorate. The formation program supports preparation for First Reconciliation, First Holy Communion, and Confirmation, while parish music and liturgical ministries give young people ways to participate in worship.
Adult faith formation is presented as a central part of catechesis: a process of growing in the life of Christ through experience, reflection, prayer, and study. The parish offers faith-sharing groups, Bible studies, book-study groups, retreats, the Living Christ Retreat, Christian Experience Weekend, That Man Is You, and Women of Worth. Women of Worth brings women together to grow in faith, family, and community through weekly themes, witness from national speakers, and reflections from parishioners.
RISE! serves adults ages 20 to 35 through the Cathedral and St. Patrick's in Dubuque. It emphasizes personal relationship with Christ, intentional discipleship, and service through social, spiritual, and service events. Weekly small groups help participants deepen their faith together.
A Charismatic Prayer Group meets from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. on the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month in the multipurpose room at Sacred Heart Church. Its gatherings include spontaneous prayer, singing, Scripture, study of the Christian faith, personal testimony, and intercessory prayer. The group is predominantly Catholic, but members of other faith traditions attend and are welcome.
Music, Prayer, and Service at the Liturgy
Holy Spirit Parish's liturgical ministries cover the practical and prayerful dimensions of worship. Music ministers lead and accompany the congregation in sung prayer as cantors, accompanists, ensemble members, and instrumentalists. New youth and adult music ministers are always welcome.
- Sacristians prepare liturgical books, vestments, and other necessities for Mass.
- Lectors proclaim the word of God after careful preparation.
- Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion assist with distribution and bring Communion and prayer to sick and homebound members.
- Music ministers include cantors, accompanists, choir members, and instrumentalists.
- Gift presenters bring forward the bread and wine, and the ministry is open to Catholic families or individuals.
- Altar servers assist the priest and deacon and may begin serving after entering fourth grade, with required training.
- Ushers and greeters welcome people, help them find places, and assist with an orderly procession.
- Environment ministers prepare the worship space for the liturgical season with a focus on sacredness and hospitality.
- Funeral ministers assist with music, Communion, lectors, servers, and hospitality during funeral liturgies.
Music opportunities include the children's choir, Mass cantors, parish chorale, and accompanists who play piano or guitar. These ministries allow people to contribute their talents while helping the congregation participate fully in the prayer of the liturgy.
Serving Marginalized Neighbors
The Social Justice Ministry exists to continue the ministry of Jesus through service to marginalized people and people with special needs. It promotes and coordinates programs focused on justice and charity while giving parishioners practical ways to respond to the social needs around them. The work connects the parish's worship with service in the wider Dubuque area.
- Volunteers manage the ongoing provision of food and support through three councils of the St. Vincent de Paul Society.
- Parishioners support the St. Patrick's Meal Site, the Dubuque Rescue Mission, and the Bridges Out of Poverty initiative.
- Holiday outreach provides food, gifts, and support to multiple families and older adults.
- A deacon supports people with disabilities through Hills & Dales and Albrecht Acres, providing spiritual direction and religious education.
- Parish youth identify and organize service projects both locally and beyond Dubuque.
The parish's 2nd on the 2nd program adds education and volunteer opportunities to a charitable collection on the second Sunday of most months. Faith formation also connects learning with service, allowing students to encounter the corporal works of mercy and put their faith into action.
Shared Leadership and Parish Life
The parish team includes Pastor Rev. Gary Mayer; Very Rev. Dennis Quint, Sacramental Priest; Rev. Robert Gross, Rev. Martin Coolidge, and Rev. Jacob Francois, Parochial Vicars; Raegan Reid, Pastoral Associate; Fr. Jeff Frieden, Director of Worship; Monica Steinbrech, Director of Music; and Deacon Jim Thill. Together they shepherd worship, sacraments, formation, music, pastoral care, and administration across the three churches.
A network of councils and committees gives parishioners ways to share their time and talents. The Pastoral Council assists the pastor in mission, policy, planning, and stewardship; the Finance Council advises on personnel, facilities, and finances. Committees oversee liturgy, lifelong faith formation, social justice, parish life, and evangelization. The Knights of Columbus also contribute volunteer service and charitable support to families and community programs.
Three parish vitality goals guide this shared life: Service to Others, Sense of Belonging, and The Mass. Efforts within those goals include stronger participation in liturgy, education about charitable organizations, programs that help people feel connected to the parish, and a deliberate effort to welcome and support the Marshallese and Filipino communities within Dubuque's Catholic community.
Parish communication and participation are supported by a weekly bulletin and a WeConnect app for phones and tablets. Giving can be arranged through recurring weekly or monthly online gifts, with funds directed to different parish purposes and donation histories kept in one account. Electronic Funds Transfer also provides a regular monthly giving option. Online giving and the parish app are both part of that practical support for Holy Spirit Parish.
From its common origin in 1849 to the union of three churches in 2011, Holy Spirit Parish has continued to live out its mission as a community of believers led by the Holy Spirit. Its North End and Point churches remain distinct places of worship while sharing prayer, study, action, sacramental life, and service across Dubuque.