Bishop's Dinner returns to diocese

By DAWN PROSSER
Director of Communications
 
After nearly a four-year absence, the major diocesan fundraiser for Catholic schools is returning to the Diocese of Sioux City, with a few changes to involve a wider group.
 
“We are very excited to announce the return of the annual Bishop’s Dinner for Catholic Schools,” announced Heidi Probasco, director of stewardship and development for the diocese. “The theme is Rooted in faith – forming saints and scholars.”
 
The event is set for Oct. 11 at the Marriott Riverfront Convention Center in South Sioux City, Nebraska. Bishop John E. Keehner will serve as the speaker for the returning event.
 
“I look forward to the return of the Bishop’s Dinner for Catholic Schools in October,” he said. “I feel honored to be the featured speaker at this first diocese-wide dinner since 2022 and I look forward to celebrating the quality Catholic education offered in our 15 Catholic school systems. This event will be a wonderful opportunity to meet supporters of Catholic schools from around the diocese.”
 
Fund will be raised later this year through ticket sales and sponsorships. Probasco explained that 100% of the funds are directed to the diocesan Catholic Schools Foundation for school enhancement grants. The diocesan schools can apply for the grants to cover items including staff development, marketing, mental health, technology and other areas.
 
As in the past, the educators and school staff members will be recognized with Excellence in Education and Good Shepherd Awards presented at the dinner.
 
Patty Lansink, superintendent of Catholic schools, encourages school supporters to set aside time to attend the October celebration.
 
“Our office is very excited that we will be able to offer the Bishop’s Dinner for Catholic Schools again this fall to highlight and celebrate our schools,” she said. “It will be a wonderful opportunity for Catholic school supporters to join together and hear Bishop Keehner who is our program speaker. We encourage everyone to save the date on their calendars and join us.”
 
 
New approach
As the Bishop’s Dinner returns to the diocese, organizers are making a few changes. Unlike the past, the event will not be held annually but will take place every other year with the next dinner scheduled for 2028, Probasco said.
 
As the diocese spans 24 counties in northwest Iowa, Probasco explained that the event will be held in different areas in the diocese to make it more accessible.
 
“This gives more people across the diocese the opportunity to attend,” she pointed out. “It allows us to engage even more schools and students along the way. I’m excited about this new approach and hope areas will be excited to host it in different regions of the diocese.”
 
Probasco noted her office is still in the planning stages for some of the details but they are looking at more ways to involve all 15 Catholic school systems throughout the diocese.
 
Tickets will go on sale this summer.

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