News - August 2026 RSS Feed

“The church is not a business, but the church has business to do,” Bishop John E. Keehner said after attending the recent Church Management and the Diocesan Apostolate program at Villanova University, in Philadelphia.

Deacon Garrett Hugeback, a seminarian for the Diocese of Sioux City, was the guest speaker for The Road to Emmaus offered Aug. 5 in Humboldt. The Road to Emmaus is a new offering by St. Mary Parish in Humboldt and Holy Trinity Parish of Webster County. The transitional deacon spoke about his vocation, his ministry as a deacon and steps toward the priesthood in the diocese.

In coordination with the Office of Vocations for the Diocese of Sioux City, parish catechetical leaders recently organized a retreat for young women. The Ave retreat for young women was held July 30 to Aug. 1 at Domus Trinitatis Retreat Center in rural Carroll. It was open to high school and college-age young women.

Back in January, it was announced that after a four-year hiatus the Bishop’s Dinner for Catholic Schools is returning this fall and the event will be held every other year. Slated for Oct. 11, two couples have been selected to serve as chairs of the event: Jeff and Jackie Arens of Le Mars as well as Matt and Allyson Dirksen of Danbury. “We are excited for the return of the Bishop’s Dinner and happy to help promote the recognition of our many educators and volunteers in the diocese,” said Jackie, who has worked as a paralegal and currently serves at the Plymouth County Attorney’s Office.

Although St. Mary School in Humboldt had a dress code, at times it had become somewhat relaxed. When students head off to school later this month, they will be wearing uniforms. According to Principal Sara Bormann, the school board came to the decision to adopt a stricter dress code as a result of many years of conversation, prayer and reflection - not a sudden change. “St. Mary School had been working to more consistently enforce its existing dress code, but feedback indicated that it was still too loose and did not fully reflect the school’s Catholic identity,” she said.

St. Anthony Regional Hospital in Carroll is one of only 183 hospitals nationwide – and one of eight in Iowa – to earn five-star ratings for both nurse and physician communication, according to patient experience data reported by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and highlighted by Becker's Hospital Review. The recognition highlights hospitals where patients consistently report exceptional communication with both their nursing staff and physicians during their hospital stay.

Narrated by Academy Award® Nominee Martin Sheen, “American Martyr: The Stanley Rother Story” is a feature-length documentary that will debut in theatres nationwide for a special two-night release on August 26-27, 2026. “American Martyr: The Stanley Rother Story” is produced by Lampstand Story Company and distributed by Fathom Entertainment, the leading specialty distributor of content to theatrical partners worldwide.

The 34th anniversary Danbury Catholic School BBQ and Auction will be held on Aug. 30. The BBQ will begin at 11 a.m. with the auction to kickoff at noon.

Four men were ordained as permanent deacons by Bishop John E. Keehner at the Sioux City Cathedral of the Epiphany on Aug. 1. The new deacons include Kevin Holzman of St. Donatus Parish of Alton, Granville and Hospers, Jeff Schoep of Mater Dei Parish in Sioux City, Will Swanson of St. Mary Parish in Storm Lake and Jeff Zyzda of Mater Dei Parish in Sioux City.

Yvonne O'Leary, chairperson of the Catholic Daughters of the Americas Education Contest for the court in Sibley, was recognized for 30 years of service serving as the chairperson. Lila Hatting, regent for CDA Court St. Andrew, #1540, presented a plaque to O'Leary at Mass on Aug. 2 to congratulate her on this service.

Yvonne O'Leary, chairperson for the Education Contest for the Catholic Daughters of the Americas St. Andrew Court in Sibley, presented Amy Thole with a first-place award for Computer Art from the National Catholic Daughters Contest. The award was presented to Thole at Mass on Aug. 2.

Trinity Heights Queen of Peace Shrine in Sioux City recently announced that it will once again hold a pro-life memorial service on Sept. 12 at 11 a.m. in conjunction with the National Day of Remembrance for Aborted Children. On that day, pro-lifers from around the country will simultaneously hold solemn prayer services at gravesites where victims of abortion have been buried and memorial sites dedicated in their honor.

St. Sebastian Parish of Pocahontas and Fonda held an altar server appreciation event.