Welcome and Greetings! I am Archbishop Jerome Hanus. Since 1995 I have served as Archbishop of Dubuque. Thank you for checking out this site. I rejoice that you are considering that God might be calling you to serve the Church as a priest.

My personal vocation has been a great blessing. When I was 26, I definitively responded to the call of Jesus by being ordained a priest in the Order of Saint Benedict. Twenty years later, Jesus called again, asking me to serve as a bishop.

As you consider whether God may be calling you, please realize that you do not have to make this decision all on your own. Many young men in eastern Iowa are considering a vocation to the priesthood. Others in the Church are ready to support you with prayers and encouragement.

More importantly, know that you can count on the saints for help in your discernment. The Blessed Virgin Mary, the mother of Jesus, is especially ready to help. From the Cross, Jesus asked Mary to look after his disciples. She has been doing that for centuries; she will also do it for you.

Please know that I would be happy to pray for you individually if you send an email to (DBQCVO@arch.pvt.k12.ia.us) giving your name and a short description of how and when you felt called to the priesthood. I will keep you in my prayers.

I pray that you listen to God calling you. Respond with joy and genrosity!

Please contact Fr. David Schatz, Director of Vocation Awareness (DBQCVO@arch.pvt.k12.ia.us), if you would like further assistance in discerning your call from God.