This summer St. John Church in Arcadia, which is part of the which is part of Good Shepherd Parish, will reach a milestone when it marks its sesquicentennial. According to one of the members of the central planning team, Mae Vonnahme, the 150th anniversary celebration is slated for Aug. 30 and 31. Members of the planning committee encourage present and past parishioners, community members and area Catholics to save the date.

The National Child Abuse Prevention Month is celebrated annually in April to raise awareness and build collaboration in efforts to prevent child abuse and neglect. During this month, it’s a fitting time to reflect on steps that continue to be taken by the Catholic Church to help keep children safe. It was in 2002 when the United States Catholic Bishops developed the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People – commonly called the Dallas Charter – which required all dioceses to establish safe environment programs.

A Mass of Reparation and Healing for victims of clergy abuse will be held next month to pray for the healing of all clergy abuse victims. It will be held April 8 at 5:30 p.m. at the Cathedral of the Epiphany in Sioux City, celebrated by Bishop Walker Nickless

(Bilingual) Column by Father David Esquiliano What does the church say about what clergy should include in their homilies? What does your pastor do to ensure his homilies feed your soul? ¿Qué dice la iglesia acerca de lo que el clero debe incluir en sus homilías? ¿Qué hace su pastor para asegurarse de que sus homilías alimenten su alma?

Bishop Heelan Catholic Schools held their annual 'Then Feed Just One' food packaging event on March 20 successfully packaging 19,512 bags of food, equivalent to 117,072 individual meals. Students in grades 5 through 12 from all Bishop Heelan Catholic Schools participated in this meaningful service event, demonstrating their commitment to living out their Catholic faith by serving others.

On Sunday afternoon, Bishop-elect John E. Keehner will receive a bit of Youngstown, Ohio, history at his farewell Mass held at the St. Columba Cathedral. Bishop David Bonnar of the Diocese of Youngstown will preside at the Mass. Bishop Bonnar will present a pectoral cross and an episcopal ring to the bishop-elect that belonged to Bishop James. W. Malone, who was the third bishop of the Diocese of Youngstown and former president of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. He is known as having attended all four sessions of the Second Vatican Council from 1962-65.

The Fort Dodge Marian Home and Village announced that retired priest Father Jim Bruch has accepted the position as the new chaplain for the long-term care center. “With decades of experience in pastoral ministry, Father Bruch brings a compassionate presence and deep commitment to his new role,” said Tracy Trotter, Marian Home executive director. “As chaplain, he will provide spiritual guidance, celebrate Mass, offer sacraments and be a source of comfort for residents, families and staff.”

Although winter weather kept the diocesan permanent deacons from attending their spring training in person, the men participated in a video conferencing session on marriage last weekend. Father David Esquiliano, canon lawyer and judicial vicar for the diocese offered the presentation - Marriage: Theological and Juridical Principles for the deacon training.

“Since the launch of Walking with Moms in Need, Catholics in dioceses and parishes across the country have put the Gospel of Life into action,” said Bishop Daniel E. Thomas, chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Pro-Life Activities.

Catholic Relief Services (CRS) is asking for assistance from the public in light of the federal government’s recent pause of humanitarian aid. The organization is noting that millions of children and adults are at risk.

A modern day Norbertine will be coming to Divine Mercy Parish, St. Cecelia Church, in Algona during the Lenten season, bringing the message of Christ that does indeed remain, ever ancient, ever new. The mission will run from March 23 through March 26, at St. Cecelia. Each evening will begin with the Divine Mercy Chaplet at 6:20 p.m., followed by a talk from Father Ambrose at 6:30 p.m. The mission lasts about one hour each night, with a reception to follow on the final evening. There will also be an opportunity for the sacrament of reconciliation each evening beginning at 5:30 p.m.

Next year will mark the 50th anniversary of the Wernimont Education Fund that was established to help with educational expenses of seminarians in major seminary. George N. Wernimont and his wife, Helen, established the fund in 1976 through the gift of farmland and other assets. According to the couple’s nephew, Hubert Hagemann, the fund is a nonprofit 501(c)3 public foundation. “They were faithful people and were concerned about education for men studying for the priesthood,” said Hagemann.

(bilingual) Parishes throughout the Diocese of Sioux City are participating in a Lenten effort to encourage the faithful to receive the sacrament of reconciliation, especially those who have not been to confession in a while. Las parroquias de toda la Diócesis de Sioux City están participando en un esfuerzo de Cuaresma para animar a los fieles a recibir el sacramento de la reconciliación, especialmente a aquellos que no se han confesado por un tiempo.

In his inaugural address as the 13th president of Briar Cliff University in Sioux City held March 12, Dr. Matthew Draud shared his sentiments about the school and vision for the future. “The ceremonies today represent our collective commitment to one another and co-authoring another chapter in the inspiring story of Briar Cliff University,” said Dr. Draud. “I stand before you today with profound gratitude, humility and a servant heart.”

The Diocese of Youngstown is hosting a farewell Mass for Bishop-elect John E. Keehner at the St. Columba Cathedral. Bishop David Bonnar will preside at the Mass. The Mass will be livestreamed at www.catholicecho.org/live.

Bishop Walker Nickless has announced the retirement of one priest of the diocese and assignments for five others. The following priest assignments will become effective Tuesday, July 8, 2025.

Briar Cliff University is proud to announce the upcoming Sister Muriel Ford Lecture, featuring guest speaker and Briar Cliff alum Barb Newhouse, as part of the celebration of 50 years of accreditation for the Social Work Program. The lecture, titled “Embracing the Change Agent Within,” will take place on March 28 and is free and open to students, professionals, and community members.

(bilingual - Spanish below) Bishop Mark Seitz of the Diocese of El Paso, known as a “border bishop” offered a keynote presentation on immigration March 2 for the Des Moines St. Catherine of Siena Dialogue Series. Several hundred filled the Sheslow Auditorium at Drake University for his “Broken at the Border” presentation. Although immigration and immigration enforcement have long been divisive issues in the United States, concerns became heightened after President Donald Trump declared a national emergency and issued several executive orders on immigration Jan. 20 and 21.

Blizzard conditions, snow and deteriorating road conditions cancel Ash Wednesday Masses in multiple diocesan locations. Although As Wednesday is not a holy day of obligation, many Catholics are drawn to start the penitential season of Lent by attending Ash Wednesday and receiving the sign of ashes upon their foreheads.

More than 150 people attended the School of Healing hosted by St. John Paul II Parish in Carroll at Holy Spirit Church Feb. 28 and March 1 to learn ways to be instruments of God’s healing and words. Facilitated by Gilbert Rodriguez and Jay Jong of Encounter Ministries, Father Patrick Behm, pastor of St. John Paul II, explained they offered catechesis on various aspects of the charism of healing.