Bishop John E. Keehner participated in discussions and a vote on the “special message” issued by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) at his first Plenary Assembly as Bishop of Sioux City. The USCCB pointed out in the press release that a special message had not been issued in 12 years. The bishops issued a special message Nov. 12, addressing “their concern for the evolving situation impacting immigrants in the United States” due to the surge in enforcement “prompting anxiety and fear in communities across the country.” Bishop Keehner said it was “the most weighty issue we dealt with,” at the November Plenary Assembly.

Statement in response to requests for making financial contributions to assist victims of the vehicle accident involving Remsen St. Mary students.

About 160 women attended the first Women’s Gathering held in Fort Dodge at St. Edmond School and Holy Trinity Church. Author, and retreat leader Elizabeth Kelly served as speaker for the day with the theme of Love Like a Saint, based upon her book of the same name. Bishop John E. Keehner offered a welcome and blessing for the women to kick off the all-day event. In addition to Kelly’s talks, Women’s Gathering attendees participated in small group discussions, confessions and adoration.

A native of Whittemore, retired diocesan priest Father Merle Kollasch has lived near his old stomping grounds since retirement in 2009 – in the rectory of St. Joseph Church in Bode that is part of Divine Mercy Parish. “It’s about 20 miles from Whittemore – a beautiful home… with an attached garage,” said the 91-year-old priest. “People here are so kind to me.” Another plus of his current location is that Bode is only 30 miles from his last assignment at then Resurrection of Our Lord Parish in Pocahontas (now part of St. Sebastian) where he served from 1995 to 2009.

Bishop John E. Keehner was the principal celebrant for the Red Mass on Nov. 18 at Cathedral of the Epiphany in Sioux City to honor those working in the legal profession, including members of the judiciary, attorneys, those working in the legislative offices and those working in church law. The Red Mass is so named due to red vestments worn as not only a remembrance of the martyrs Thomas More and John Fisher but also in invocation of the Holy Spirit to shed his wisdom on all members of the judiciary, including legislators, judges, attorneys, legal assistants and all members of the legal and governmental professions.

A two-vehicle crash just before 1 p.m. on Nov. 15 at the intersection of Highway 75 and C-80 near Hinton, just north of Sioux City, sent several people to the hospital including members of the Remsen St. Mary’s School girls’ basketball team. According to a press release from the Plymouth County Sheriff’s Office, the accident involved a 2014 StarCraft Prodigy bus that carried two coaches and seven players from Remsen St. Mary’s and a 2016 jeep with four passengers. In response to the numerous requests from the public to financially assist the students and their families, Remsen St. Mary School administration has established accounts at two financial institutions to accept donations.

It was in the spring of 2023 when Father Ross Caniglia, pastor of Our Lady of the Plains Parish of Lake City, Manson and Rockwell City, had two of his musical works published – a prayer set to music and a complete Mass setting. Later that year, in November of 2023, the priest began working on another melody. “If I recall correctly, I came up with the melody and then found the text which fit it well,” said Father Caniglia.

The Knights of Columbus Council 6249 recently made a charitable donation to Trivium Life Services (formerly Crossroads of Western Iowa) in Onawa to help support their projects. The funding for the donation comes from the generous parishioners at Blencoe St. Bernard, Onawa St. John and Salix St. Joseph through the Knights’ Campaign for Persons with Intellectual Disabilities (C.P.I.D.).

Our Lady of Good Counsel CDA 216 of Fort Dodge welcomed 18 new members to its court, CDA Court # 216.

Catholic educational leaders from across the United States have issued an open letter expressing their gratitude and support for Cardinal Blase Cupich of the Archdiocese of Chicago, in light of his recent leadership and pastoral witness regarding immigration challenges in the Chicagoland area. The statement reaffirms the church’s enduring commitment to the dignity of every person, solidarity with immigrants and refugees, and the pursuit of justice and mercy in public life. Patty Lansink, superintendent of the Catholic schools for the Diocese of Sioux City was one of the signers.

Press statement on behalf of Remsen St. Mary Parish and School following the Nov. 15 vehicle accident involving students and staff.

Press statement regarding vehicle accident involving Remsen St. Mary coaches and athletes.

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.