As graduation nears for Briar Cliff University students, members of the university’s Catholic Daughters received their senior graduation Honor Cords. Father Travis Crotty, chaplain, blessed the members of Court Lady of Grace.

Julie Flattery is a woman of intentionality. When she and her husband, Anthony Flattery, moved to Fort Dodge with their newborn daughter, Sophie, two years ago, she purposefully began looking for young moms like herself. “It’s not good for a mom to be alone,” Flattery said. “Women need friendships. Moms need other moms in the same season of life.” Flattery is spearheading a new moms group at Holy Trinity Parish to bring like-minded young, Catholic moms together.

Deacon Ron Forrest, 84, of Harrisburg, S.D. and formerly of Sioux City, died May 1. Visitation will be held on May 9 from 9 ​to 11 a.m. at Immaculate Conception Church in Sioux City. The funeral Mass will follow at 11 a.m.

The annual jubilee Mass to honor clergy celebrating milestone anniversaries was held on May 4 at St. Mary’s Church in Storm Lake with Bishop Emeritus Walker Nickless as principal celebrant and diocesan priests concelebrating. The primary jubilarian honorees were Father Allan Reicks who is celebrating 50 years of priesthood and Father John Thomas who is marking 60 years of priesthood. They concelebrated at the altar. Thirteen additional priests who have served for more than 60 years were also honored.

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Even though Pope Leo XIV is not visiting the United States this year, the popemobile is! The white, custom-built Hyundai vehicle will go on a 13-city tour of the U.S., covering 3,700 miles from New York to California. Dubbed the "Hopemobile," Pope Francis wanted the popemobile to be used after his death to benefit those who are poor and vulnerable. This week it was given to Cross Catholic Outreach, the U.S.-based Catholic relief and development organization, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year.

St. Andrew Catholic Daughters presented certificates and ice cream coupons to all of the students who completed the learning of required prayers during religious education classes in Sibley. Four members of the CDA Court assist the children in learning their prayers during their classes. Pictured are Jeni Sarringar, DRE and Father Siby Punnoose, CDA Chaplain, and the students.

St. Andrew Catholic Daughters of Sibley presented certificates to the winners of the Catholic Daughters of the America's Poetry and Poster State Contest following Mass on May 3. Pictured are Chaplain Father Siby Punnoose; Bonnie Gregg, Regent; Maddison Thole, 3rd Place at state; Amy Thole, First Place Winner in three categories at State and Yvonne O'Leary, Education Chairperson. Thole's three first place entries will go on to be judged at National CDA.

Briar Cliff University in Sio City is hosting a variety of activities this week to celebrate the Class of 2026.

Emmetsburg Catholic School has announced the hiring of Brittney Andreassen as its next principal. Andreassen will officially begin her role on July 1, 2026. “Brittney brings a thoughtful and student-centered approach to leadership, along with a strong background in instruction and collaboration,” said Laura Reinders, Emmetsburg Catholic School Board President. “We are confident in her ability to lead our school forward while continuing to build on the strong foundation that is already in place.”

Bishop John E. Keehner announced today the hiring of both an interim superintendent and a director of Catholic schools. James Murray, current superintendent of both Humboldt and Twin Rivers community school districts, will begin serving as an interim superintendent for the diocesan Catholic Schools Office as of July 1. Dr. Dora Jung, director of student services and Title IX coordinator for the Sioux City Community School District, will serve as director of Catholic schools as of July 1.

(Bilingual - Spanish available at the link) When a teacher at the Cathedral Dual Language Academy in Sioux City reached out to the principal about the possibility of starting a traditional dance group for students, Jody Ferris’ response came quickly. “It was an immediate and enthusiastic yes,” said Ferris, who is in her first year serving as principal of the school. “It aligned so naturally with our school community.” Erika Garcia, who teaches fourth and fifth grade students reading, writing and religion in Spanish, had pitched the idea of starting the dance group because it is her hope “our students don’t just become bilingual in language and literacy, but also bi-culturally."

More than 500 students from diocesan Catholic schools across the diocese attended the Mass for fifth graders celebrated April 30 at the Cathedral of the Epiphany in Sioux City. Given that Bishop John E. Keehner continues his recovery from foot surgery, Bishop Emeritus Walker Nickless presided. “Welcome all of our fifth graders from throughout the diocese. Thank you for coming so we could all be together for this special Mass,” said Bishop Nickless opening comments. Not long after he became bishop 20 years ago, he initiated the annual tradition of having this Mass.

Members of various Seven Sisters Apostolates throughout the diocese gathered for an annual meeting in Sioux City hosted by the apostolate’s diocesan contact Mary Stevens. Sister Marie Hesed Champagne, SOLT, was the program speaker, presenting Strengthen the Hands that Serve, held in the Mater Dei Parish - Immaculate Conception Church parish center.

Bishop John Keehner announced a new assignment for one diocesan priest effective Aug. 5.

It has been one year since a native of Youngstown, Ohio, sat in the cathedra at the Cathedral of the Epiphany to take possession of the Diocese of Sioux City. Bishop John E. Keehner was ordained as bishop of the diocese May 1, 2025, by Dubuque Archbishop Thomas Zinkula. It’s been a whirlwind since that day. Bishop Keehner said in some ways, it doesn’t feel like a year has gone by. He pointed out numerous highlights in that time, things that surprised him, challenges and his support system.

Bishop John E. Keehner names a diocesan priest as parish administrator.

Actor Jim Caviezel who portrayed Christ in Mel Gibson's The Passion of the Christ will provide the keynote for the Nov. 21 Pulse Live Advocates 16th annual fundraising dinner at the Iowa Event Center in Des Moines.

Richard, "Dick" Seivert, longtime teacher and coach at Le Mars Gehlen Catholic High School and leader of the Then Feed Just One program to feed the poorest of the world, died April 27. He was responsible for helping numerous diocesan parishes and schools conduct food packaging events and shipping the food to Honduras and other places experiencing poverty. He also helped the diocese send food and supplies to the border.

To celebrate the 250th birthday of the United States, The National Shrine of Our Lady of Champion – the first and only approved Marian apparition site in the U.S. – is hosting the Catholic Saints of America exhibit July 1-9, 2026. This first-of-its-kind Carlo Acutis-inspired exhibit will honor the holy men and women of America Saints, Blesseds, Venerables, and Servants of God who have shaped our faith and serve as powerful examples of Christian virtue.

The Catholic Daughters of the Americas Court Our Lady of La Salette #1585 of Milford hosted a Salad Luncheon on April 18. The theme was “Spring Flowers Bring May Flowers.” Fashion Formula of Spirit Lake provided the Style Show. Profits from the salad luncheon and raffle items are used to fund court projects.