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In a society that often strives to numb itself against the reality of death, one diocesan priest said the Catholic Church has always made preparing for death a focal point. “The church doesn’t hide the fact that we’re all mortal and we’re all going to die, so there’s a real spirituality about preparing for our death,” said Father Zach Jones, parochial vicar at Divine Mercy Parish and chaplain at Bishop Garrigan Schools of Algona. “Even when you’re young and healthy, it’s good to keep these things in mind so we can live well and therefore die well.”

Students in grades 7-12 had the chance to reflect on “But who do you say I am?” – exploring not only who Jesus is but who they are in the eyes of God - during the Turn Conference held Feb. 28 in Jefferson.

The Iowa Catholic Conference (ICC), the public policy voice of the Catholic bishops of Iowa, has been following several pieces of legislation during this session at the Iowa statehouse. These items and their progress through the legislative system are shared by the ICC in weekly updates during the session: WIC restrictions, preschool access to state program, mid-year ESA signups, affirmative action affecting non-citizen professionals, black market abortion pill restrictions.

Lumen Media Report – The Diocese of Sioux City announced recipients of the 2026 Bishop’s Scholarships to attend Briar Cliff University this fall. The 2026 Bishop’s Scholars include: Emily Grell of Danbury, Corvin Griffin of Holstein and Sindy Rios of Sioux City. The scholarship is available to all high school seniors in the diocese. The scholars are eligible to renew their scholarships annually by maintaining a 3.0 cumulative GPA to receive a total of $30,000 over four years. The students receive $7,500 per year.

Three of the Society of Our Lady of the Trinity (SOLT) community from Willey participated in a new type of foreign mission with young families in tow. Sister Anne Marie Walsh, Sister Marie Hesed Champagne and Sister Jean Marie Walker spent nine days in Belize on mission with three young families through the SOLT Family Mission Experience.

Anthony Vera of Le Mars and seminarian studying at the Pontifical North American College in Rome received the Ministry of Acolyte March 1 as the next step in his priestly formation.

Dr. John Flanery of Bishop Heelan Catholic Schools in Sioux City will be recognized with a Lead. Learn. Proclaim. Award from the National Catholic Educational Association at the April 6 Convention and Expo in Minneapolis.

The diocesan Catholic Schools Office is accepting nominations for the annual Catholic school leadership awards. Winners will be honored at the Oct. 11 Bishop’s Dinner for Catholic Schools, which is returning to the diocese after a short hiatus.

The Light is ON for You confessions will be held March 3 in parishes throughout the Diocese of Sioux City. Father Andrew Galles explained that this special block of confession time is intended primarily for those who needed to be invited back to the sacrament.

A large crowd of Catholic Charities supporters, staff, board members, clergy and community members gathered in Sioux City Feb. 23 for the grand opening, blessing and Siouxland Chamber of Commerce ribbon cutting for the new 7,200 square foot Angeline’s Wing for Children and Families.

A unique bottle of bourbon will shine a light on a local parish and raise funds for a diocesan Catholic school. S & B Farms Distillery in Bancroft is donating a bottle of White Collar “wheated” bourbon to their Catholic school with a label sporting an image Father Zach Jones, parochial vicar, and Deacon David Penton of Divine Mercy Parish.

Gathered for the Rite of Election held Feb. 22, 65 catechumens – unbaptized seeking to become members of the Catholic Church – were reminded that while they chose to take the necessary steps to join the faith, it was God who first chose them. Bishop John E. Keehner was celebrant and homilist for the rite celebrated for catechumens from parishes throughout the diocese. “Today you have come to this Cathedral, the mother church of the Diocese of Sioux City, guided, I dare say, by the Holy Spirit, in order to proclaim your desire to enter into the mystery of the life, the death and resurrection of Jesus through the waters of baptism,” he said.