A former electrical engineer is student teaching a variety of science courses at Bishop Heelan High School in Sioux City this semester. And a big bonus – she happens to be a Missionary Benedictine. Sister Sarah Elizabeth McMahon, OSB, is teaching Physical Science Principles, Honors Chemistry and Honors Physics at Bishop Heelan as she completes her bachelor’s degree in 7-12 science education at Wayne State College in Wayne, Nebraska.

Throughout the Diocese of Sioux City, active and retired priests work together to provide ample opportunities for Catholics to cleanse their souls through the sacrament of reconciliation. As the Advent season approaches, such opportunities will increase for the faithful to spend a little time in quiet reflection and to prepare one’s soul for the birth of our Lord again at Christmas. “I think it’s one of the most life-changing sacraments that we have,” said Father Thomas Hart, retired priest living in Humboldt.

(bilingual) One of the most diverse high schools in Iowa has been the focus of national, statewide and local media attention for their successful mariachi music program. Denison High School was featured in October by NBC News for their bands. Nine St. Rose of Lima grade school graduates are members of the DHS mariachi groups, sharing their love of music and culture. Una de las escuelas secundarias más diversas de Iowa ha sido el enfoque de atención de los medios de comunicación nacionales, estatales y locales por su exitoso programa de música de mariachi. En octubre, NBC News presento a Denison High School por sus bandas. Nueve de esos músicos de mariachi son graduados de la escuela Santa Rosa de Lima y también miembros de la parroquia, confirmó la escuela.

Earlier this month, a diocesan decree announced the canonical merger of the three parishes in Alton, Granville and Hospers in the Diocese of Sioux City into the newly established St. Donatus Parish of Alton. According to Father Dan Greving, pastor, it was more than five years ago when the diocese announced a pastoral plan and the pastors were told that all parishes would be impacted in some way.

Lumen Message column by Dawn Prosser With a nod to both National Vocations Week and Veterans' Day, we look at military chaplains, including one with roots in the Diocese of Sioux City.

Briar Cliff University in Sioux City held its 8th Annual First-Generation College Celebration in the Heelan Atrium, bringing together students, faculty, and staff to honor the accomplishments of the University's first-generation students and recognize the dedication of first-generation faculty and staff.

Pocahontas Catholic celebrated Red Ribbon Week last week. On Oct. 30, the students had Tourist Day - Life is a Movie, be drug free. PCS janitor, Troy Bindel joined in the fun and dressed the part.

A picture-perfect day allowed students, parents and staff to tackle jobs inside and out for the annual Kuemper Service Day. Projects were completed around Carroll ast week, including at the Animal Rescue of Carroll, the Carroll Children's Museum and the Catholic churches and schools.

Decree merging the parishes of Saint Mary in Alton, IA, Saint Joseph in Granville, IA, and of Saint Anthony in Hospers, IA, and at the same time, erecting the Parish of Saint Donatus, Alton, IA

A new podcast from the Diocese of Sioux City will launch later this month to shed light on topics of faith important to Catholics in northwest Iowa. Illuminating Catholics will be co-hosted by Dawn Prosser, diocesan director of communications, and Karmen Bower, diocesan director of formation. Plans are to release the first episode Nov. 19 and it will appear on various podcast hosting sites.

On Nov. 13, 2024, the Sisters of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary (PBVM) in Dubuque, Iowa, announce the congregation’s 150th anniversary of their foundation in Dubuque. This significant milestone celebrates 150 years of unwavering faith, dedicated service and a deep commitment to peace and justice, with special emphasis on serving women and children. The journey of the Presentation congregation traces back to the remarkable Honora Nagle, affectionately known as Nano, who founded the Sisters of the Presentation in 1775, in Cork, Ireland.