Radio station shares St. Gabriel story with schools

Tim Swedean, executive director for Siouxland Catholic Radio, based in Sioux City, said the station wanted to reach a younger demographic, such as young parents. They brainstormed introducing and reading book about St. Gabriel (the station's patron saint) to second graders in the greater Sioux City area.
 
“Working through Superintendent of Catholic Schools for the Diocese of Sioux City Patty Lansink, we reached out to the Sioux City, Le Mars, and Remsen Catholic grade schools to gauge their interest. They were on board with the idea. We also got St. Michael Grade School, South Sioux City, and St. Augustine Grade School, Winnebago, to join us.” Swedean said.
 
The Trinity Heights Queen of Peace shrine gift shop found St. Gabriel the Archangel by Abigail Gartland for the project. Once reviewed by station leadership, they ordered 200 books. They will give approximately 177 books to second graders in the participating schools.
 
“The reason for doing this at this time is that the feast of Sts. Gabriel, Michael and Raphael (Archangels) is Sept. 29. The Feast of the Holy Guardian Angels is celebrated on Oct. 2 and October is designated as the Month of the Holy Angels. We view it as the trifecta,” Swedean explained.
Volunteers associated with Siouxland Catholic Radio will be visiting schools in their area to read the book and present it to the students.

In addition to reading the book to the students, the volunteers will discuss St. Gabriel, who was the first "broadcaster," announcing to Mary that she would be the Mother of Jesus. They will be encouraged to take the St. Gabriel books home and share with their parents.

School visit and volunteer schedule:

• Sept. 26 at 10:30 a.m., Joanne Fox will be at Sacred Heart School in Sioux City, distributing 37 books.

Sept. 29 at 10:45 a.m., Molly Sokolowski will be at St. Michael School in South Sioux City, Nebraska, distributing 15 books. 

• Sept. 29 at 10:45 a.m., Julie Keane will be at Mater Dei School, Immaculate Conception Center in Sioux City, distributing 27 books.

 Sept. 30 at 11:35 a.m., Betty Pratt will be at Holy Cross School, St. Michael Center in Sioux City, distributing 24 books.   

Oct. 1 at 10:30 a.m., Swedean will be at St. Augustine School in Winnebago, Nebraska, distributing 14 books. Oct. 1, Deacon Dan Goebel, who serves at Gehlen Catholic School in LeMars, will distribute 24 books. 

Oct. 2, at 12:15 p.m., Swedean will be at St. Mary School in Remsen, distributing 13 books. 
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