It’s been two years since Divine Mercy Parish in Algona initiated a new format of faith formation classes for students in seventh to 12th grades – a model built on small discipleship groups. Delores Huemiller, director of discipleship for the parish, said this new format has been effective as the students are engaged and interacting.

Although the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage did not pass directly through the Diocese of Sioux City, the St. Junipero Serra Route passed close enough that several diocesan parishioners participated in this historic journey that is accompanying Jesus from city to city enroute to the National Eucharistic Congress in mid-July in Indianapolis.

(bilingual) Numerous communities throughout the 24 counties of the Diocese of Sioux City were affected by historic flooding due to heavy rains in mid-June which led to swollen rivers and lakes. The massive water amounts have flooded and closed roadways, destroyed homes and businesses and affected the lives of thousands.

Algona Divine Mercy parishioner Jacob Rosenmeyer was ordained to the transitional diaconate June 1 by Bishop Walker Nickless at the Sioux City Cathedral of the Epiphany. Rosenmeyer is a seminarian studying at Kenrick-Glennon Seminary near St. Louis, Missouri. “Jacob, my son, now you are ready to be ordained a deacon,” Bishop Nickless addressed the seminarian in his homily.

As retirement nears for Father Brian Hughes, reflecting on his priestly ministry brings back fond memories. “The priesthood has been more delightful, more fun and more rewarding than I ever thought possible,” said the pastor of Milford St. Joseph and Spirit Lake St. Mary Parishes. “I have had a wonderful life as a priest and I’ve enjoyed every bit of it.” Father Hughes called the priesthood a wonderful adventure and a beautiful challenge. As he has served God’s people, the priest mentioned he has tried to personally grow spiritually and become a holier man each year – a lifelong process.

"The principal function of the deacon, therefore, is to collaborate with the bishop and the priests in exercise of a ministry which is not of their own wisdom but of the Word of God, calling all to conversion and holiness." - Congregation for the Clergy, Directory for the Ministry and Life of Permanent Deacons, no. 23.

Raised on a farm south of Roselle, a new seminarian for the Diocese of Sioux City said faith and attending Mass were priorities for his family. Anthony Sibbel, the son of Scott and Martha Sibbel, attended Kuemper Catholic School in Carroll from preschool through graduation in 2022.