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VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Pope Leo XIV advanced the sainthood cause of Father Edward Flanagan, the Irish-born founder of a pioneering home for at-risk boys in the United States, recognizing that he lived the Christian virtues heroically.

About 150 men attended the March 21 diocesan Men’s Conference, co-hosted by All Saints Parish Men’s Group in Le Mars. Keynote speaker Dr. Ray Guarendi, psychologist, national speaker and host of “The Doctor is In” EWTN radio program. Standing Strong as a Man, Parent and Grandparent was the conference theme.

UPDATED Several parishes in the Diocese of Sioux City are holding Divine Mercy Sunday services on April 12. Many of the services include reflections, adoration, confession and the Chaplet of Divine Mercy.

The FIRE Foundation of Northwest Iowa recently announced that six Catholic schools in the Diocese of Sioux City were awarded major grants to strengthen inclusive education and expand support for students with diverse learning needs. According to Dr. Ryan Allen, president of the foundation, a combined total of $80,000 was awarded. “It’s just a testament to how much energy, effort, heart and soul has gone into this effort – not for the five or so years that FIRE has been in existence but for the years leading up to that,” he said. “I’m so grateful, so humbled by what we’ve been able to accomplish together with an all-volunteer base.”

(Bilingual) Bishop John Keehner provides an update on an upcoming surgery and how that would affect his duties and upcoming confirmations. El Obispo John Keehner ofrece información acerca de una cirugía que se llevará a cabo próximamente y de cómo afectará sus funciones y las próximas confirmaciones.

Remsen St. Mary announces Gospel Award recipients for Transitional Kindergarten through fourth grade.

As the Mass of Reparation and Healing opened at the Cathedral of the Epiphany in Sioux City on March 23, Bishop John E. Keehner set aside his miter and crosier – symbols of the episcopal office – as a sign of penance. The entrance antiphon, “Be merciful, O Lord, for we have sinned,” set a tone for the liturgy and that same psalm, Psalm 51, was used for the responsorial. Serving nearly 11 months as bishop, this was Bishop Keehner’s first time to preside at the Mass of Reparation in the diocese. He was joined by 12 priest concelebrants – a mix of active and retired priests some of whom traveled two hours to be at the Mass.

Bishop Heelan Catholic Schools announced the six outstanding individuals who will be inducted into the Bishop Heelan Hall of PRIDE during a special celebration scheduled for Oct. 16 and 17. The Hall of PRIDE recognizes alumni whose accomplishments in athletics, leadership, and service reflect the lasting impact of Bishop Heelan Catholic Schools and the values of faith, perseverance and excellence.

St. Andrew Court of Catholic Daughters #1540, Sibley, presented 50 year pins to members for their years of service.

*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.