The Vatican court advised Bishop Nickless that two petitions for recourse were accepted for further study. Both were regarding the St. Donatus merger from last fall.

Today, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) announced its decision not to renew the cooperative agreements with the federal government related to children’s services and refugee support. Citing the government’s suspension of the cooperative agreements to resettle refugees, Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio, president of the USCCB explained how the government’s decisions have forced the Conference to reconsider the best way to serve the needs of those seeking safe harbor from violence and persecution.

When the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops released the National Directory for the Formation – Ministry and Life of Permanent Deacons in 2022, the diocese started reorganizing the Office of the Diaconate. Father Brent Lingle, pastor of Storm Lake St. Mary Parish and president of St. Mary School was named director of the office. Deacon David Penton of Divine Mercy Parish in Algona was hired as full-time coordinator of formation. Once the deacon started his duties in September 2024, the retooling to meet the standards of the directory began.

Bishop-elect John E. Keehner returned to Iowa this week for a few days to prepare for his move from Ohio. He will be ordained as eighth bishop of Sioux City on May 1. The ordination will be livestreamed and broadcast on KTIV.

The Catholic faithful in the Diocese of Sioux City - and those anywhere throughout the world for that matter – will be able to have a bird’s eye view of the episcopal ordination of Bishop-elect John E. Keehner on May 1. According to Dawn Prosser, diocesan director of communications, the 2 p.m. ordination will be broadcast live from the Cathedral of the Epiphany in Sioux City on the local NBC-affiliate, KTIV, and for those outside of this viewing area it will be livestreamed on the Diocese of Sioux City YouTu​be channel.

As Catholics celebrate the joy of the risen Christ at Easter, for those in the Diocese of Sioux City it’s also a time to express appreciation for priests who have served them through the years. The Retired and Infirm Priests Collection will be held in the diocese on Easter weekend, April 19-20. According to John Schmitz, diocesan director of stewardship and development, there will be a second collection to benefit retired priests of the diocese.

After 243 episodes over 4.5 years and 173,000 downloads, the last Outcast Catholic episode was released April 2. Co-hosts Father Shane Deman and Father Travis Crotty announced the end of their podcast project in their March 19 episode, “The Hardest Part – An Important Announcement.”

When Erin-Jane Stevens and Kayla Venner were teaching together at Kuemper Catholic School in Carroll, they had the idea to write a prayer book for ages five to nine. Their idea is now a reality in the form of Growing in Grace: A Children's Prayer Book. The back cover describes the book as one that "beautifully portrays virtues through relatable childhood events. It intertwines everyday experiences like friendship, kindness and curiosity with heartfelt prayers, nurturing a child's spiritual growth with each turn of the page."

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.