TOGETHER IN MISSION I M PAC T R E P O RT
CATHOLIC SCHOOLS
DEAR BROTHERS AND SISTERS IN CHRIST
SACRAMENTS
945 Baptisms (Birth - 17 years) 89 Baptisms (18 years and older) 134 Professions of Faith (children and adults) 1,239 First Communions 1,098 Confirmations 138 Marriages (Catholic) 81 Marriages (Interfaith) 815 Deaths
It is with great joy and gratitude that I present to you
1 University 2,418 Total University Students 5 High Schools 1,447 Total High School Students 13 Elementary Centers (PreK-8th Grade) 3,869 Total Elementary Center Students 5,162 Parish Faith Formation Students (Elementary-High School) 1 Full-Time Teaching Priests (at St. Ambrose) 0 Full-Time Teaching Sisters 475 Full-Time Lay Teachers (St. Ambrose and diocesan schools)
the Diocese of Davenport’s first Diocesan Impact Report. As I travel throughout the parishes and communities
CATHOLIC HOSPITALS & MEDICAL CENTERS
of Southeast Iowa, I am continually moved by the extraordinary hospitality I encounter and the deep affection our people hold for their parish homes. These communities are places where faith has taken root for generations, shaping lives through prayer, service, and shared mission. Time and again, I meet parishioners whose lives have been formed by the witness of their parish, and I see how these same communities have made lasting, transformative contributions to their towns and counties. Their commitment to the Gospel is not only sustaining the Church but enriching the civic and social fabric of
Christ and to build up a Church capable of serving Southeast Iowa with faith, hope, and love. My hope is that as you read this report, you will recognize your own place within this story. The Church is formed by your faith, your service, and your witness.
commitment to Christ and His Church. Please
As I continue learning the life of this diocese, my
I ask for your prayers for me.
the foundations of discipleship in every parish. I am especially committed to forming our young people in the beauty and demands of the Catholic faith;
May God bless you abundantly. Sincerely yours in Christ,
ties; supporting families as they grow in their iden‑ tity as domestic churches; and fostering a culture the diaconate, and holy matrimony can flourish. These priorities reflect the heart of our mission: to draw people into a deeper relationship with Jesus 1
83,259
Total Population of the Diocese of Davenport
791,740
2 Homes for invalid & aged 1,000 Number assisted
know of my prayers for you and your families, and
building vibrant, mission‑driven parish communi‑
in which vocations to priesthood, consecrated life,
162,911 Number of in-patients and out-patients assisted annually
Catholic Population
Thank you for your continued generosity and
Southeast Iowa in remarkable ways.
priorities as Bishop are centered on strengthening
2 Hospitals/ Medical Centers
HOMES FOR INVALID & AGED
CLERGY, RELIGIOUS & SEMINARIANS
PARISHES
85 Priests of the Davenport Diocese 13 Priests of other dioceses in the diocese 2 Brothers 70 Sisters 11 Seminarians 48 Permanent Deacons
73 Total parishes in the Davenport Diocese 34 With resident pastor 37 Without resident pastor, administered by priests 2 Without resident pastor, administered by permanent deacons
Most Reverend Dennis G. Walsh Bishop of Davenport
Diocesan Statistics as of December 31, 2025 2
Pastors and key stakeholders interviewed since 2023 FAITH FORMATION
40
The Office of Faith Formation serves the Diocese of Davenport by helping carry out Bishop Walsh’s vision of discipleship throughout the diocese. Through catechesis, evangelization, youth ministry, marriage and family life, family formation, leadership development, and parish accompaniment, the office works to support parishes as they form disciples of Jesus Christ.
$100,000+
Forming DISCIPLES
Family formation grant support
FAMILY FORMATION AND MARRIAGE MINISTRY The office continued strengthening its focus on families as the primary place where faith is lived and handed on.
EVANGELIZATION
accompanied through NCCL family 10 Parishes formation support
The Office of Evangelization helps parishes and schools across the Diocese of Davenport place mission at the center of everything they do. By partnering with lay and ordained leaders, the office fosters prayerful discernment, creative thinking, and a deeper response to the signs of the times through the lens of the Gospel.
faith formation participation in 12 Family Catholic Extension Society listening sessions and programming grants
This past year, a key initiative supported the distribution of more than 500 copies of Becoming the Good News: A New Approach to Parish Evangelization by Michael Sanem, engaging parish councils, evangelization teams, and other leaders in meaningful conversations about how the Holy Spirit is calling their communities to grow in faith and outreach. The office also led a diocesan-wide consultation on Baptismal Identity and Lay Ministry that resulted in the Living Out Our Baptism report. More than 3,600 Catholics across the diocese shared their experiences, hopes, and challenges, providing valuable insight into how the faithful understand their baptismal call to mission, leadership, and evangelization. 3
Couples accompanied in marriage preparation
219
Active Sponsor Couples across the diocese
200+
New Sponsor Couples trained
40
Parish Accompaniment and Stewardship
YOUTH, CATECHESIS, AND LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT Through NCYC, ICYC, Totus Tuus, JPII-related programming, and ongoing youth ministry support, the office reached approximately 1,326 young people. Totus Tuus served approximately 720 youth, while NCYC and ICYC together reached approximately 566 youth, helping connect parish youth ministry with broader diocesan and national expressions of Catholic faith. Leadership development also remained a major focus. More than 40 catechetical leaders gathered for the diocesan Catechetical Leader Summit in Riverside with Mike Patin. The office also coordinated 26 regional catechetical leader meetings from September through May and hosted the Diocesan Youth Ministry Leaders Gathering through a rhythm of in-person and Zoom meetings.
In-person parish consultations
24+ Approx.
Parish and ministry consulting meetings
Regional presence also remained important. From September through May, regular regional support involved approximately 3,170 miles of travel for catechetical leader meetings and youth ministry leadership support in Oskaloosa, Burlington, Iowa City, and other parts of the diocese.
48+
Informal catechetical leader consultations
15+
26
1,326
5
The office also developed and shared practical resources to support parish ministry, including resources for Totus Tuus coordination, youth ministry communication, adult supervision, incident documentation, catechetical leader formation, marriage preparation, family formation, and parish-based implementation of diocesan initiatives. Together, these efforts reflect the Office of Faith Formation’s commitment to listening carefully, forming leaders, supporting families, accompanying young people, and helping parishes build up the Body of Christ.
3,170 MILES
Regional catechetical leader meetings
Youth reached through major youth initiatives
Much of the office’s work happens through direct accompaniment of parish leaders. This year, the office held more than 48 parish and ministry consulting meetings, with approximately half taking place in person at parishes. More than 15 additional informal consultations with catechetical leaders provided direct support, encouragement, and practical accompaniment.
Regional leadership travel
Catechetical leaders at diocesan summit
40+
6
CATHOLIC SCHOOLS
“I remain grateful to my parents for the gift of a Catholic school education.” Their decision, made with love and faith, required sacrifice but it instilled in my five siblings and me a strong foundation rooted in both academics and Catholic values. That gift of Catholic education shaped who I am today and inspires me to pass on the faith within my own vocation. As principal of St. Joseph Catholic School, one of my greatest joys is witnessing the learning that happens in our classrooms each day. Teachers, staff, and students work together to achieve academic excellence while also living out the values that make our school community unique. Every day brings moments of growth, joy, and discovery—reminders of the mission we share to form both minds and hearts. Faith formation is an important part of our school day. Over the years, our teachers have worked to weave the Catholic faith into everyday routines, helping students move beyond simply knowing about faith to truly living it out with their hands and feet. At St. Joseph School, teachers and I remain dedicated to showing our students that academic learning and faith are not separate, but inseparable—shaping not only their minds, but also their hearts and their futures.
Sharon Rolling Principal, St. Joseph Catholic School, Dewitt, IA
7
Diocesan Catholic Schools All Saints Catholic School, Davenport Assumption High School, Davenport Holy Trinity Catholic Elementary School, West Point Holy Trinity Catholic Jr./Sr. High School, Ft. Madison John F. Kennedy Catholic School, Davenport Keokuk Catholic Schools (St. Vincent School), Keokuk Notre Dame Elementary School, Burlington Notre Dame Jr/Sr High School, Burlington Prince of Peace Catholic School, Clinton Regina Elementary School, Iowa City Regina Jr./Sr. High School, Iowa City Saints Mary and Mathias Catholic School, Muscatine Seton Catholic School, Ottumwa St. James Elementary School, Washington St. Joan of Arc, Bettendorf St. Joseph Catholic School, DeWitt St. Paul the Apostle Catholic School, Davenport
Diocesan College Campus Ministry Newman Center, University of Iowa, Iowa City St. Ambrose University, Davenport
CAMPUS MINISTRY
To make disciples for the Church and the world. 8
Supporting PARISH LIFE
FINANCE The Finance Office for the Diocese of Davenport oversees the temporal goods and business operations that support the ministry of the Bishop and the mission of the Diocese. Our responsibilities include accounting, accounts payable and receivable, budgeting, forecasting, asset management, financial reporting, gift processing, and the development and promotion of diocesan fiscal policies.
HUMAN RESOURCES & RISK MANAGEMENT This office supports the mission of the Diocese of Davenport by fostering a faith-filled, respectful, and service-oriented workplace where employees can flourish in faith, hope, and charity. Serving parishes, schools, clergy, and diocesan ministries, the office works to ensure that people, policies, and resources are aligned with Catholic values while promoting excellence, accountability, and stewardship.
In addition to serving the diocesan offices, the Finance Office provides guidance, support, and financial leadership to parishes, schools, and other affiliated entities throughout the Diocese of Davenport. Grounded in faithful stewardship, we are committed to managing the resources entrusted to us with integrity, accountability, and transparency. Through our work, we support the Diocese’s mission to live out Jesus’ call to “go and make disciples of all nations and to love God and our neighbor”.
SAFE ENVIRONMENT We are committed to fostering a culture of safety, trust, and dignity where all people—especially children, youth, and vulnerable adults—are protected and respected. Guided by the Diocese’s mission and rooted in faith, hope, and charity, we promote awareness, accountability, and compassion through education, prevention, and responsive care.
COMMUNICATION The Office of Communication serves as a vital bridge connecting the Diocese of Davenport with parishioners, clergy, staff, media, and the broader community. Through newsletters, press releases, social media, website management, and public relations, the department shares the stories, ministries, and mission of the local Church while fostering engagement and transparency. Behind the scenes, the office also provides critical technology support that enables parishes and diocesan ministries to carry out their work effectively. 9
Information Technology: Total time for remote support sessions
443 HOURS +25 MINUTES
Parish visits Number of remote support sessions
884
38
Making a career pivot after three decades in healthcare to become a Parish Secretary was a daunting transition. I felt entirely out of my element, but Tiara completely changed that experience for me. Her responsiveness is unmatched; she is always quick to return a call or email, providing clear and patient guidance. Tiara consistently goes above and beyond, helping me navigate even non-HR matters by connecting me with the right resources. Her mentorship, combined with the fantastic HR/SE Support Day in February, has fast-tracked my learning curve and made me feel welcome and capable. Cathy Radzinski
Parish Secretary, St. Mary Catholic Church, Pella, IA 10
“I am incredibly grateful for the faithful who make this journey possible.” Cameron Costello Seminarian
SEMINARIANS The Diocese of Davenport is blessed with 15 seminarians who are discerning God’s call to the priesthood and preparing to serve the Church with faith, compassion, and dedication. Through the prayers, encouragement, and generosity of parishioners across the diocese, these men are receiving the formation they need to answer God’s call.
Raising up LEADERS LITURGY The Office of Liturgy’s mission is to support everyone taking part in our worship as fully, consciously, and actively as possible. In 2025-2026, the Liturgy Office helped over seventy parishes and schools celebrate around thirty Confirmations or other special events with Bishop Walsh. We also serve as a resource to pastors and other ministers in their communities by keeping them informed of updates regarding the Church’s rites.
DIACONATE The Diaconate is a visible sign of Christ the Servant at work throughout the Diocese of Davenport. Called to ministries of Word, Liturgy, and Charity, deacons serve in parishes, hospitals, prisons, schools, and community organizations, bringing the Gospel to people where they live and work. In their work, our deacons help to connect the Church’s worship with its mission of service. 11
Seminarian Cameron Costello reflects on the impact that support has had on his own vocational journey:
MEET OUR SEMINARIANS
“One of the most meaningful experiences from my time in seminary was my pilgrimage to Rome this past January. It was a profound privilege to carry the prayer requests of so many back home with me to those holy sites. That experience truly highlighted the deep sense of support I feel from the continuous prayers of the people of the Diocese of Davenport. Their e ncouragement sustains me daily, both in my academic studies and in the incredible connections I am building at my teaching parish. Also, the support of the diocese has allowed me to spend this summer focused on Spanish language immersion in Peru. For years, Jesus has placed a deep desire on my heart to minister to the Latino community, and it is a blessing to practically prepare for that calling. I am incredibly grateful for the faithful who make this journey possible, and I look forward to bringing these experiences home to serve our diocese.”
12
Accompanying PEOPLE THROUGH LIFE TRIBUNAL The Tribunal serves an important pastoral and judicial ministry within the Diocese of Davenport, helping individuals seek clarity and healing through the Church’s canonical processes. Through its work, the Tribunal upholds the teachings of the Church while accompanying individuals with compassion, respect, and dignity. By providing a fair and thorough process rooted in both justice and mercy, the Tribunal helps members of the faithful navigate significant moments in their spiritual lives and remain connected to the life of the Church.
THE CATHOLIC MESSENGER ARCHIVES The Office of Archives serves as the living memory of the Diocese of Davenport, preserving the rich history, faith, and mission of the local Church for future generations. Under the leadership of the Chancellor, the office safeguards the official records of the Diocese, including ecclesiastical acts, decrees, dispensations, and historical documents that chronicle the life of our parishes, schools, ministries, and faithful. Through its stewardship of the Diocese’s documentary legacy, the Office of Archives helps preserve the stories of faith that continue to shape our communities today. 13
Sharing THE GOOD NEWS
For more than a century, The Catholic Messenger has served as a trusted source of information, inspiration, and connection for Catholics throughout the Diocese of Davenport. Through compelling stories of faith, service, and community, the newspaper brings readers closer to the people, ministries, and events that shape the life of the local Church. By informing, educating, and inspiring the faithful, The Catholic Messenger strengthens the bonds of our diocesan community and helps share the Good News in an ever-changing media landscape. catholicmessenger.net
16 14
PARISH PLANNING Parish planning accompanies parish communities in listening, discerning, and building a shared vision for the future. In Bettendorf, more than 1,300 parishioners participated in surveys, focus groups, and listening sessions that led to the formation of St. Joan of Arc Parish, bringing two faith communities together as one parish.
“Our people felt heard and respected. We didn’t just create a strategic plan — we built a shared vision for the future.”
Serving COMMUNITIES
Deacon Ryan Burchett St. Joan of Arc Parish
SOCIAL ACTION The Social Action Office, in supporting the Bishop of the Diocese of Davenport, helps promote the charitable
STEWARDSHIP Stewardship is rooted in the belief that everything we have and everything we are is a gift from God. Across our diocese, individuals, parishes and schools are responding to this gift with gratitude, sharing their time, talent, and treasure in service to God and one another. This year, stewardship was visible in countless ways. Parishioners volunteered in ministries, supported outreach programs, strengthened faith formation, and generously contributed resources that helped sustain the mission of the Church. Through these acts of service, communities were enriched, lives were touched, and faith was deepened. Diocesan stewardship efforts have encouraged people to recognize their unique gifts and embrace their baptismal call to discipleship.
15
Grant funding over the last 3 years
$1
MILLION+
efforts undertaken in the diocese as well as working towards systemic change to address poverty and injustice. Part of this is accomplished by supporting collections mentioned elsewhere, Catholic Relief Services Rice Bowl and the Catholic Campaign for Human Development campaign. Additionally, the Social Action Office helps distribute issues information and action alerts when matters of charity and justice intersect with public policy. Both the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops and the Iowa Catholic Conference are our primary sources for information and means of expressing social concern.
16
IMMIGRATION For more than 50 years, the Diocese of Davenport’s Office of Immigration has walked alongside individuals and families seeking safety, stability, and a new beginning. One family’s journey illustrates the life-changing impact of this ministry. After their home in Burma was destroyed during decades of civil war, a young family was torn apart while fleeing for safety. The parents escaped with two children, while the children’s grandmother fled in another direction carrying their newborn. For 16 years, they did not know if one another had survived. Through the dedicated work of the Office of Immigration, the family was eventually reunited in the United States as legal permanent residents.
Building A CHURCH FOR ALL
Behind every case is a story of courage, perseverance, and hope. Over the past five decades, the Office of Immigration has helped tens of thousands of individuals and families navigate the legal immigration process, transforming lives and strengthening our communities.
MULTICULTURAL MINISTRIES The Multicultural Ministries office is not just an office within the Diocese; it is a force that is renewing faith in every corner of Southeast Iowa. Given the significant growth of Hispanic families, our ministry serves as a key point of unity that allows us to walk together and strengthen the life of the Catholic Church in our region. Through 10 parishes offering services in Spanish, the Multicultural Ministries office is dedicated to integrating and strengthening the spiritual life of the more than 50,000 Hispanics living across the 22 counties that comprise the Diocese of Davenport.
Families reunited via support of Office of Immigration 17
10,000+ in the last 50 years
Hispanics hosted at Hispanic Catholic Conference
1,000
Mujer Valiente has been an amazing and enlightening experience. I am truly grateful for this opportunity. God has a unique plan for each of us, and this journey alongside these brave women has been beautiful and inspiring. I look forward to continuing to grow in my faith and helping others do the same through God’s guidance. Veronica Tapia
Diocese of Davenport Multicultural Ministry Admin. Assistant and parishioner at St. Anthony Parish, Davenport
18
Thank you UPON THIS ROCK The Diocese of Davenport extends its heartfelt gratitude to the thousands of faithful parishioners who have supported the Upon This Rock Capital Campaign. Your generosity is a profound expression of faith and stewardship that continues to strengthen the Church today while investing in its future. Because of your support, the campaign has provided critical funding for the Priests Aid Society, helping ensure that retired priests who have faithfully served our communities receive the care and support they deserve. Campaign gifts have also helped form the next generation of clergy by supporting seminarians as they discern and prepare for priestly ministry. Equally important, Upon This Rock has returned a significant share of campaign proceeds directly to participating parishes, empowering local communities to address their most pressing needs and pursue projects that enhance worship, ministry, education, and outreach. Your commitment is creating a lasting legacy of faith across southeast Iowa, strengthening both diocesan ministries and parish communities for generations to come.
Highlights ST. THOMAS MORE: EXPANSION CORALVILLE, IA
SACRED HEART CATHEDRAL: FRONT DOORS UPGRADED DAVENPORT, IA
ST. PATRICK: NEW FURNACE DELMAR, IA
As you reflect on this report, I invite you to see in these pages the living work of God among us. The stories shared here are not only accounts of ministry, they are signs of a Church alive in Christ and active in mission. Each parish, ministry, and act of service contributes to the life of our diocesan family. Thank you for the many ways you live your faith and support the mission of the Diocese of Davenport. May God bless you always. Sincerely yours in Christ, Most Reverend Dennis G. Walsh Bishop of Davenport
LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR DIOCESAN IMPACT
Exceeded goal with more than
$28
MILLION raised
davenportdiocese.org