Lumen Message column by Dawn Prosser, director of communications, on the first year anniversary of the diocesan podcast, Illuminating Catholics.

Marilyn Hoffman, Carroll St. John Paul II Parish member, supported her granddaughter’s career as a social worker. If the children or families her granddaughter worked with were in need, Hoffman stepped in to help. Although she died in February 2024, she is still helping provide for those in need. Amy Halder, Hoffman’s granddaughter, helps families as the student and family advocate for Storm Lake St. Mary School.

Although the Le Mars Copper Coin Thrift Store has only been open for two years, it outgrew its first building in a matter of months. Lorie Nussbaum, chair of the thrift store board, explained when the store opened in an existing storefront on Fifth Avenue it quickly ran out of space and needed to expand twice. “We kept growing and growing and finally we decided we have to do something. When we couldn’t find a space, we talked about building,” she said.

(Bilingual) As the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) gathered for their Fall Plenary Assembly in Baltimore, the bishops issued a Special Message addressing their concern for the evolving situation impacting immigrants in the United States. It marked the first time in 12 years the USCCB invoked this particularly urgent way of speaking as a body of bishops. The last one issued in 2013 was in response to the federal government’s contraceptive mandate. Al reunirse la Conferencia de Obispos Católicos de los Estados Unidos (USCCB) durante su Asamblea Plenaria de Otoño en Baltimore, los obispos emitieron un mensaje especial en el que expresaron su preocupación por la situación cambiante que afecta a los inmigrantes en los Estados Unidos. Fue la primera vez en doce años que la USCCB recurrió a esta forma particularmente urgente de expresarse como cuerpo episcopal. La última vez que lo hizo fue en 2013, en respuesta al mandato federal sobre anticonceptivos.

The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) is meeting in Baltimore this week for their plenary assembly. On Nov. 11, Archbishop Paul S. Coakley of Oklahoma City, was elected as Conference president, and Bishop Daniel E. Flores of Brownsville was elected as Conference vice president. They succeed Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio, the Archbishop for the Military Services, USA, and Archbishop William E. Lori of Baltimore, who are concluding their terms as Conference president and vice president, respectively.

Father Clair Boes, retired priest of the diocese, 86, died Nov. 6 at the Marian Home in Fort Dodge. His funeral was held Nov. 14 at St. Mary Church in Storm Lake.

Members of the St. Therese Study Club in Sioux City gathered Nov. 11 to mark the 100th anniversary of the women’s group that is made up of parishioners of Holy Cross Parish. About 25 women – some dressed in fashion and hats of the 1920s - attended the anniversary event held at Sheryl McGowan’s residence, which included Mass celebrated by Father Roger Linnan, lunch and a program. In opening remarks, the current president of the club, Molly Sokolowski said it was meaningful to be gathered in a member’s home for the celebration as they did in the past.

Briar Cliff University announced the appointment of Dan McDermott as the next director of athletics, effective Dec. 8, 2025. McDermott returns to Briar Cliff with more than 35 years of experience in intercollegiate athletics, coaching and sports administration.

Council 2326 of the Knights of Columbus from St. Mary’s Catholic Church is answering the call in these uncertain times of food insecurity. Once again, the Knights are proving that small efforts can lead to big impacts for our local community. The council has been collecting redeemable aluminum cans, plastic bottles, and glass from residents and businesses across the area, recycling them, and turning the proceeds into community donations.

Siouxland Catholic Radio 88.1 FM is presenting its Fall Pledge Drive, Nov. 11-13, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. This year, the station will broadcast the entire first day from Bishop Heelan High School with a special focus on “Salute to Service” spotlighting many military veterans with a connection to the station.

Helen Erpelding, 84, of Waukee, died Nov. 7. She is the mother of Father Michael Erpelding. Her funeral will be held Nov. 11 at 11 a.m. at St. Boniface Church in Waukee

Decree from Bishop John E. Keehner regarding St. Donatus of Alton

Decree from Bishop John E. Keehner regarding St. Rose of Lima Parish of Denison