Holy Family of the Bluffs Merger Decree from Archbishop Zinkula - March 6, 2025

Please click HERE or the the image below to read the decree from Archbishop Zinkula regarding the merger of our parishes.

Please click HERE to read the accompanying letter from Archbishop Zinkula.

Good People of Holy Family of the Bluffs,

Over the past year, we have prayerfully discerned, discussed, and developed a pastoral plan—not as individual parishes fighting for survival, but as united disciples working together to strengthen our shared future and advance the Kingdom of God in eastern Allamakee County.

On February 18th, I met with Archbishop Zinkula and the Archdiocesan Priest Council to formally present our proposal. The Archbishop has been actively involved throughout this process, providing guidance and feedback. With this decree, the formal process of merging our parishes begins.

Currently, the Holy Family of the Bluffs linkage consists of four parishes with five churches (including Cherry Mound).

Moving forward, we will become one parish—Holy Family of the Bluffs Parish—while maintaining our five churches:

• St. Joseph Church (New Albin)
• Immaculate Conception Church (Lansing)
• Immaculate Conception Church (Wexford)
• St. Ann-St. Joseph Church (Harpers Ferry)
• St. Pius V Church (Cherry Mound) --- Cherry Mound Church

All of our churches will remain open. This is great news for our people. In July, we will officially unite as One Parish with Five Churches, continuing to serve the faithful of eastern Allamakee County. As Archbishop writes, this merger "will enhance the collaborative ministry in the parish as well as the vitality of parish life. The new parish can unite, consolidate and strengthen the Catholic presence in eastern Allamakee County, while allowing for the best use of available priest personnel."

Please take the time to carefully read the Archbishop’s letter and decree. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out—I am happy to explain any details.

In Christ,
Fr. Joseph