Archdiocesan Liturgies

Rite of Election and Call to Continuing Conversion
First Weekend of Lent Every Year:
Saturday, St. Edward, Waterloo.  10:00 a.m.
Sunday, Cathedral of St. Raphael, Dubuque. 2:30 p.m.

Easter Vigil Time
The Easter Vigil begins and ends in darkness. It is a nocturnal vigil, retaining its ancient character of vigilance and expectation, as the Christian people await the Resurrection of the Lord during the night.

A new fire is blessed and the paschal candle is lit to illumine the night so that all may hear the Easter proclamation and listen to the Word of God proclaimed in the Scriptures. For this reason, the Solemn Beginning of the Vigil (Lucernarium) takes place before the Liturgy of the Word.

Since sunset varies at different locations throughout the country, local weather stations can be consulted as to the time of sunset in the area, keeping in mind that twilight concludes (i.e., nightfall occurs) somewhat later.

Presbyteral (Priest) Ordinations
Saturday of Memorial Day weekend, 10:00 a.m.  Cathedral of St. Raphael, Dubuque

Transitional Diaconate Ordinations
Friday of Memorial Day weekend, 7:00 p.m. Cathedral of St. Raphael, Dubuque

Permanent Diaconate Ordinations
2021 date TBD. Cathedral of St. Raphael, Dubuque