When the Most Rev. Jerome Hanus became archbishop of Dubuque about 12 years ago, he assumed spiritual leadership of 220,000 Catholics in Northeast Iowa. There were nearly 220 parishes. Today, he leads 213,000 faithful. Thirty-seven parishes closed or consolidated along with a number of schools. Archdiocesan Catholic school enrollment has declined by 20 percent, or 3,000 students.
The numbers follow the general population trends this area has experienced since the recession in the 1980s, particularly the loss of population in rural areas. Less than 50 percent of Catholics within the archdiocese regularly attend church. But that's a good showing compared to less than 30 percent of Catholics nationwide.
Additionally, the Catholic Church in Northeast Iowa is beset by some of the same social issues as the rest of the country. WCF Courier
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