St. Edmond School in Fort Dodge offered a Blue Mass Sept. 18 to honor area first responders. Father Jake Rosenmeyer, school chaplain and parish parochial vicar, offered prayers for their safety and expressed appreciate for their service to the community.

Father Tim Pick, president of St. Mary School in Remsen announced that the new elementary building is now fully funded. They will begin their next phase for the middle and high school renovation. "Kim (Phillips, principal), and I all remain inspired and humbled at the same time for the love of this school in the Remsen community. It is very impressive and touching to the RSM Family's heart that this campaign success just started on Jan. 30 - just 8 months ago!! and yes, the school addition site has endearingly become known as the 'hole!'" Father Pick said.

Briar Cliff University is proud to announce it has reached its Victory Goal of $12 million in the Foundations for the Future Comprehensive Campaign. This total does not include federal grant dollars awarded. Now stretching its goal to $15 million, the campaign focuses on enhancing affordability, improving the on-campus student experience, and helping make a BCU education affordable.

Tim Swedean, executive director for Siouxland Catholic Radio, based in Sioux City, said the station wanted to reach a younger demographic, such as young parents. They brainstormed introducing and reading book about St. Gabriel (the station's patron saint) to second graders in the greater Sioux City area.

Briar Cliff University announced that 24 students joined campus this fall through the Iowa Tuition Commitment, a program designed to provide qualifying Iowa residents with tuition-free access to higher education.

Briar Cliff University in Sioux City is pleased to welcome the new faculty, staff, and athletic hires to campus for the 2025-26 academic year. The additions bring a wide range of expertise, experience, and energy to the Briar Cliff community.

Chairs of the 2026 Storm Lake St. Mary Ball and Auction, Jeff and Amanda Foell, announced that Adam and Kate Friedrichsen will serve as co-chairs for the March 14, 2026 event.

Denison St. Rose of Lima School educator earns a $1,000 classroom grant.

Briar Cliff University invites alumni, students, families, and the Siouxland community to join in the 2025 Homecoming celebration, taking place September 22 – 28. This year’s celebration will include a blend of classic favorite and reimagined events for all ages. Throughout the week, students will enjoy on-campus activities, while the weekend welcomes alumni and the broader community to campus for social gatherings, athletic competitions, and special performances.

Gehlen Catholic School in LeMars will celebrate homecoming next week with the homecoming game Sept. 12 versus Sioux Central. The court has been selected with coronation at noon Sept. 12, followed by the 1:45 p.m. parade. This year's theme is Around the World.

The town of Danbury in Woodbury County has approximately 315 residents while the Danbury Catholic School has 63 students. Thanks to a generous community, big things are happening in the small elementary school from six-figure improvement projects to homemade meals.

Recognizing the financial pressures facing homeschool families, Briar Cliff University has expanded its partnership with TEL Education to provide homeschool students throughout the Midwest with an on-demand, affordable pathway to college success. The Briar Cliff University Courses On-Demand program offers regionally accredited college courses at just $100 per credit hour – approximately half the cost of online alternatives.

Briar Cliff University is proud to announce it has reached its initial Celebration Goal of $10,000,000 in the Foundations for the Future Comprehensive Campaign. Now stretching its goal to $12,000,000, the campaign focuses on enhancing affordability, improving the on-campus student experience, and securing Briar Cliff’s position as the most affordable private university in the tri-state region.

Father Brent Lingle, president of Storm Lake St. Mary Schools, blessed the school's brand-new bus last Wednesday. The bus was purchased through proceeds of the 2025 St. Mary Ball and is the first time in the school's history that a new bus was purchased - several used busses were acquired in the past.

Gehlen Catholic School in Le Mars is pleased to announce an elementary expansion and significant investment in campus upgrades. Later this fall, the Legacy Campaign: Honoring our Tradition. Building His Future is set to launch. This initiative was set in motion by the extraordinary generosity of Paul Brauch, whose bequest has inspired renewed vision and opportunity for the school.

Briar Cliff University in Sioux City has been awarded a five-year federal Student Support Services (SSS) grant though the U.S. Department of Education, totaling an expected $1.75 million. The initial funding for year one is $346,845 and will allow the university to launch a comprehensive initiative aimed at improving college access, retention, and graduation for underserved students.

The FIRE Foundation of Northwest Iowa is inviting the community to save the date for its annual fall fundraiser. The 5th Annual Fire and Flights Event will be held from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. on Sept. 10 at Marto Brewing Co. in downtown Sioux City with beverages and some light bites. A message from the FIRE Foundation will be presented at 5:30 p.m. Dr. Ryan Allen, president of the FIRE Foundation board, said this event will help the organization work to achieve its goal to bring inclusive education to the area’s Catholic schools.

Briar Cliff University in Sioux City announced the launch of a new centennial documentary project, A Most Unlikely Place: A Century of Faith, Service, and Learning, which will chronicle the university’s 100-year history. The project is beginning its initial development phase this summer and has received a $10,000 grant from The Gilchrist Foundation to support this effort.

The Catholic Schools Office of the Diocese of Sioux City and the Faith Formation Office both held orientation sessions at the Central Catholic Offices last week to kick off the new academic year and religious education year.

St. Ambrose University in Davenport and Mount Mercy University in Cedar Rapids reached a major milestone June 27 in their journey to fully combine, one that their presidents believe serves as a model for Catholic higher education. The two universities are located about 85 miles apart in eastern Iowa.