Adult Evangelization and Formation Initiative

The Archdiocese of Dubuque is undertaking an initiative to provide further formation and guidance for pastoral leaders in methods of adult evangelization and formation to help them equip their parishioners to share the Gospel and make disciples. This webpage will provide resources and opportunities for pastoral leaders related to this Adult Evangelization and Formation Initiative.

This initiative is being led by a task group of pastoral leaders under the direction of Matt Selby, Director of Adult and Marriage Formation. The task group members include:

• Fr. John Haugen, Pastor, Emmaus Pastorate
• Deacon Bill Biver, Deacon, St. Joseph the Worker, Dubuque
• Joel Bittner, Former Director of Faith Formation, Archangels Cluster
• Maggie England, Pastoral Associate, Blessed Sacrament, Waterloo
• Trish Lokmer, Faith Formation Director, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, Hiawatha
• Jarrett Wendt, Pastoral Associate, St. Cecilia, Ames
• Tyler Wheeler, Pastoral Associate, St. Benedict, Decorah

This task group developed a Framework for Adult Evangelization and Formation document that was approved by Archbishop Thomas Zinkula. The document articulates the principles and vision for this initiative. It is available in both English and Spanish (see below).

If you have any questions or would like to discuss this initiative, or if you would like any print copies of the framework document, please fill out the Contact Us form. For upcoming formation opportunities related to this initiative, see the section below. For video recordings of past formation events, click here.

Upcoming Virtual Sessions
To RSVP to receive the Zoom link, please email Matt Selby.
For video recordings of past formation events, click here.


September 19 - "The Eucharistic Revival’s Year of Mission and Walk with One Initiative"
After the National Eucharistic Congress in July, we have entered into the third year of the Eucharistic Revival, which is the Year of Mission. Walk With One is the flagship initiative of the Year of Mission, calling and guiding individuals to personally accompany others in discipleship. This virtual session took place on Thursday, September 19 from 1:30-2:30 PM. Fr. Joseph Sevcik, the archdiocesan point person for the Eucharistic Revival, presented on implementing the Year of Mission and Walk With One initiative at your parish, especially as it coincides with the archdiocesan Adult Evangelization and Formation initiative. Click HERE ​to access the recording ​of the session.


October 17 - "How to Foster Missionary Discipleship in Your Parish"
The "Process of Evangelization" section of the Framework for Adult Evangelization and Formation utilizes the discipleship methodology from the USCCB's Living as Missionary Disciples document that is articulated with four elements: Encounter, Accompaniment, Community, and Mission. Kristin Bird, from Burning Hearts Disciples ministry, has a breadth of experience speaking and consulting with parish leaders on that methodology. Join us for a virtual session on Thursday, October 17 from 1:30-2:30 PM at which Kristin will share insights on how to foster the four elements in your parish.


November 21 - "Four Models of Parish Evangelization"
In her book, The Four Ways Forward: Becoming an Apostolic Parish in a Post-Christian World, Susan Windley-Daoust, from the Mark 5:19 Project, articulates four models of parish evangelization: 1) Radical hospitality and proclamation; 2) The practice of spiritual multiplication; 3) Organizational mission (re)focus; and 4) Highlighting divine signs and wonders in our midst. She shows that for evangelization efforts to be effective and fruitful, parishes need to embrace at least three of the four models. Join us for this virtual session on Thursday, November 21 from 1:30-2:30 PM at which Susan will share how to implement the four models and be "an apostolic parish in a post-Christian world."


December 12 - "Building a Clear Path of Discipleship in Your Parish"
The mission of the Church is to make disciples, but how do we do that in a parish setting? In his book, A Clear Path: How to Make Missionary Disciples in Your Parish, Jim Jansen provides practical guidance for how to build a clear path to discipleship in a parish. Jim draws from his experience as a coach and consultant for parish leaders, along with his past work as a FOCUS missionary and his present work for the Archdiocese of Omaha. Join us for this virtual session on Thursday, December 12 from 1:30-2:30 PM at which Jim will share how to develop pathways of missionary discipleship in your parish.