*Corrected to include Bishop Garrigan: Three boys basketball teams from diocesan high schools saw tournament action in Des Moines this year with St. Edmond High School of Fort Dodge capturing the state title in Class 1A and Kuemper Catholic School of Carroll taking second place in Class 2A. Algona Bishop Garrigan High School lost 58-55 to Marquette Catholic in the Class 1A state quarterfinals.

Most parishes in the Diocese of Sioux City are experiencing steady numbers or at least a modest increase in the number of those joining the church. Overall, there's an increase of non-infant baptisms and several parishes are seeing growth in youth wanting to receive their sacraments outside of the traditional timeline. Parish leaders share insight into their individual situations in this article.

In gratitude for their dedicated service over the years and in an effort to provide for the needs of priests no longer in active ministry, the Diocese of Sioux City established the Retired and Infirm Priest Collection (RIPC) at the Easter weekend Masses throughout the parishes.

Sacred Heart School in Spencer recently learned that it received a grant to support hands-on nutrition education that will allow students to learn about gardening and healthy food choices from seed to table. “To be one of seven schools chosen in the state of Iowa, it’s a pretty big deal for us,” said Tyler Horkey, principal at Sacred Heart. The grant will not only support the school’s effort to connect students with local food systems through hands-on learning but will enable the school to develop outdoor garden spaces, expand nutrition education and increase access to fresh produce.

Several parishes in the Diocese of Sioux City host adult faith formation gatherings that feature a speaker in a casual environment. While some have hosted traditional Theology on Tap events held at bars or restaurants for young adults, many parishes have initiated their own programs that have similar vibe but are often designed for a broader age range. Thirsty Souls, Curious Catholics and The Catholic Sun are some of the offerings. Working in collaboration with Sacred Heart Parish in Spencer, The Great Hall of Royal hosts Ponderings at the Pub.

Mater Dei Parish in Sioux City will host a one-day women’s retreat titled “Remain in Me” on April 18. This retreat invites women of all ages into a deeper encounter with Jesus Christ through Scripture, prayer, and reflection.

The March 14 Storm Lake St. Mary Ball and Auction helped the Catholic school reach $1.3 million for their building renovation campaign. The project will renovate the community entrance to the gym and the first floor of the building.

Father Mark Beran of the Archdiocese of Omaha will be recognized nationally for his work in boosting St. Augustine Indian Mission School in Winnebago. The National Catholic Educational Association will honor Father Beran as one of its five President’s Award winners April 6 at its 2026 Convention & Expo in Minneapolis. The NCEA named Father Beran winner of the Msgr. John F. Meyers Award, which “recognizes an individual who has significantly supported Catholic education through contributions in development, public relations, scholarship programs, financial management or government relations.”

T.J. Schneider, member of Ascension Parish is hosting the fourth annual Extreme Way of the Cross for men this Lent. The rugged 6-mile hike starts in Madrid at 8:30 p.m. on March 27, just prior to the Palm Sunday weekend. It will conclude with Mass at St. Malachy Church at midnight. All priests, men and any sons capable of making the hike are encouraged to participate.

After the school announced it will no longer be in operation after the conclusion of the 2025-26 academic year, Sheldon St. Patrick School supporters participated in last weekend's annual auction fundraiser.

Two diocesan Catholic high schools made it to the girls' basketball state tournament in Des Moines earlier this month with Bishop Garrigan High School taking runner-up and Bishop Heelan High School making it to the semifinals.

After 70 years of providing a Catholic education for families in the Sheldon, Ashton and Sibley areas, the Sheldon St. Patrick Catholic School Board of Education and leadership made the difficult decision to permanently close the school at the end of the current academic year, Due to low and declining enrollment and other factors, it was determined that it was not feasible to continue to operate.

Last week, Iowa ACE (Alliance for Choice in Education) marked 20 years of school choice with hundreds attending an Education Celebration rally in the capitol building and a fundraising dinner in the evening for about 110 supporters. The contemporary school choice movement kicked off in 2006 when the Education Opportunity Act passed the Iowa legislature and was signed by then Gov. Tom Vilsack. The act provided for a state tax credit to be offered for contributions to school tuition organizations (STOs).

(Bilingual) The Diocese of Sioux City recently announced that as of March 9, Catholic Charities will serve as the Victim Assistance Coordinator for the diocese. La Diócesis de Sioux City anunció recientemente que, a partir del 9 de marzo, Caridades Católicas actuará como Coordinador de Asistencia a las Víctimas para la diócesis.

The search is on for a new superintendent of Catholic schools in the Diocese of Sioux City to lead the 14 Catholic school systems serving nearly 6,300 students. According to Juli Singer, diocesan director of human resources, Bishop John E. Keehner appointed a Search Committee to assist with this process and also enlisted the help of a recruiter, Grundmeyer Leadership Services (GLS).

(Bilingual) In a few days, we will celebrate the Feast of St. Joseph, one of the patron saints of the Diocese of Sioux City. We celebrate his Feast as a solemnity, which means that the rigors of Lent are suspended so that we can celebrate this great saint with joy. En unos días celebraremos la fiesta de San José, uno de los santos patronos de la Diócesis de Sioux City. Celebramos su fiesta como solemnidad, lo que significa que se suspenden las exigencias de la Cuaresma para que podamos celebrar con alegría a este gran santo.

Grace Notes column by Sister Anne Marie Walsh, SOLT The greatest anxiety of our age often hides beneath more obvious fears about money, health, politics or family. Many people can name what keeps them awake at night—but underneath, there is a quieter, deeper question: Does my life actually matter, and what is all this for?

Siouxland Catholic Radio 88.1 FM is preparing for two significant events next week. The 2026 Juried Youth Art Festival with the theme "Thankfulness for God’s Gifts” will be held at St. Boniface Parish Hall in Sioux City from March 17 to 19, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. This will occur during the same time as the Spring Pledge Drive at the KFHC studios, 701 W. 5th Street in Sioux City. These events are free and open to the public.