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(CNS) Pope Leo XIV's much-anticipated encyclical, "Magnifica Humanitas," (“Magnificent Humanity”) on the protection of the human person in the age of AI, will be released May 25, 2026, with Pope Leo attending the document's presentation at the Vatican.

When the bell rang for the final time before summer break this week at Sacred Heart School in Boone, Emmetsburg Catholic and Pocahontas Catholic – the schools’ principals were not only wrapping up another school year but their long-time careers in Catholic education.

The diocesan Office of Vocations is offering three events this summer for youth and young adults for faith and prayer opportunities alongside their peers. - June 1 to 4 – Quest pilgrimage for young men - July 30 to Aug. 1 - Ave retreat for young women - July 30 to Aug. 2 – Quo Vadis discernment retreat for young men

When Jimmy Fitzsimmons is ordained a transitional deacon by Bishop John E. Keehner on June 6, the seminarian will not only be taking a big step closer to the priesthood but continuing his journey of drawing closer to Jesus.

Wall Lake native Garrett Hugeback said the excitement is “incredible” as he and his Kenrick-Glennon Seminary classmates prepare for ordination to the transitional diaconate. Hugeback and fellow diocesan seminarian Jimmy Fitzsimmons will be ordained at the Cathedral of the Epiphany in Sioux City June 6. (See related article.)

The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) will gather for the 2026 Spring Plenary Assembly in Orlando, Florida, June 10-12. The public sessions on June 10 and 11 will be livestreamed on the USCCB website.

(Bilingual) La Oficina de Formación en la Fe de la Diócesis de Sioux City organiza un taller para padres en español el 25 de junio en la parroquia de Santa María, en Storm Lake. La presentadora del programa es Luisa Wendt, de Familias Conectadas. The Diocese of Sioux City Office of Faith Formation is hosting a parenting workshop in Spanish on June 25 at St. Mary’s Parish in Storm Lake. The program presenter is Luisa Wendt of Familias Conectadas.

(Bilingual) Reflection on the Consecration to the Sacred Heart by Archbishop Alexander K. Sample, chairman of the Committee for Religious Liberty. Reflexión sobre la Consagración al Sagrado Corazón Por el Arzobispo Alexander K. Sample, Presidente del Comité para la Libertad Religiosa

On July 7, 2021, the seven Catholic faith communities in Kossuth County and Sts. Peter and Paul in West Bend were canonically merged and the mammoth Divine Mercy Parish was erected. The combined parish ministers to around 2,000 registered families. Father Matthew Solyntjes, pastor, and Father Zach Jones, parochial vicar, realized that the fifth anniversary of the merged parish would be in July and that somehow, it should be celebrated.

A few weeks ago, Storm Lake St. Mary’s School announced that due to a lack of coaches and an insufficient number of players interested in softball that the school would not have a Panther softball team for the 2026 season. Thanks to a warm welcome from Remsen St. Mary's, the Storm Lake girls have an opportunity to play high school competitive softball this summer.

(Bilingual) As the final days of the school year quickly tick away, the long awaited summer vacation nears. Summer can provide a great chance for needed downtime, but therapist Denys Azpeitia of Catholic Charities pointed out that the transition to summer and changes with routine can sometimes create stress, anxiety or feelings of loneliness for students. Mientras los últimos días del curso escolar pasan rápidamente, se acercan las tan esperadas vacaciones de verano. El verano puede ser una gran oportunidad para disfrutar de un descanso muy necesario, pero la terapeuta Denys Azpeitia, de Caridades Católicas, señaló que la transición al verano y los cambios en la rutina pueden, en ocasiones, provocar estrés, ansiedad o sentimientos de soledad en los estudiantes.

Jerry Mathine was in his mid-20s when he became a catechist for the religious education program at St. Elizabeth Seton in Glidden. After 57 years of service, the 83-year-old recently retired as a catechist. “I love teaching young people and I just stayed with it,” said Mathine, a Nebraska native who moved to Glidden with his wife Rita in August of 1967 to teach at Glidden-Ralston High School. He was a business teacher and coach for 33 years at the school and is the father of two daughters.

Guest column: Art Cullen, Pulitzer Prize winning Storm Lake Times Pilot editor was asked to speak to the Sisters of the Presentation last month. Following the presentation, he penned a column giving a nod to the religious order whose sisters provided a Catholic education for the Cullens and made a lasting impact upon the author.

After a lifetime of teaching, social work and volunteerism, Sister Shirley Fineran, OSF, is preparing to leave Sioux City after 35 years of service to the community. The former Briar Cliff University professor and founder of Lila Mae’s House is 81 and is ready to return to the Dubuque Franciscan motherhouse. “It’s time. I’m realistic – I’m in the last journey and I want to spend more time in prayer and contemplation. I’m looking forward to it,” she said, noting 12 of her original 47 classmates are currently living at the motherhouse. “It’s bittersweet to leave. Sioux City has been such a blessing for me. I just bless all that has happened, bless the memories and look forward to the journey, preparing myself and being with the sisters I know…and spend time with God.”

Just about five months after Father David Esquiliano became a citizen of the United States, he was the guest speaker at a Naturalization Ceremony in Sioux City where 24 candidates from various countries took their final step to citizenship. “Today is one of the great days of your life,” said Father Esquiliano, diocesan judicial vicar and rector of the Catholic, at the Mary J. Treglia Community House on May 1. “You did not arrive at this day by accident. For you this day has been years in the making. It has involved sacrifice, patience, uncertainty, hope and perseverance.”

Julie Flattery is a woman of intentionality. When she and her husband, Anthony Flattery, moved to Fort Dodge with their newborn daughter, Sophie, two years ago, she purposefully began looking for young moms like herself. “It’s not good for a mom to be alone,” Flattery said. “Women need friendships. Moms need other moms in the same season of life.” Flattery is spearheading a new moms group at Holy Trinity Parish to bring like-minded young, Catholic moms together.

Deacon Ron Forrest, 84, of Harrisburg, S.D. and formerly of Sioux City, died May 1. Visitation will be held on May 9 from 9 ​to 11 a.m. at Immaculate Conception Church in Sioux City. The funeral Mass will follow at 11 a.m.

The annual jubilee Mass to honor clergy celebrating milestone anniversaries was held on May 4 at St. Mary’s Church in Storm Lake with Bishop Emeritus Walker Nickless as principal celebrant and diocesan priests concelebrating. The primary jubilarian honorees were Father Allan Reicks who is celebrating 50 years of priesthood and Father John Thomas who is marking 60 years of priesthood. They concelebrated at the altar. Thirteen additional priests who have served for more than 60 years were also honored.

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Even though Pope Leo XIV is not visiting the United States this year, the popemobile is! The white, custom-built Hyundai vehicle will go on a 13-city tour of the U.S., covering 3,700 miles from New York to California. Dubbed the "Hopemobile," Pope Francis wanted the popemobile to be used after his death to benefit those who are poor and vulnerable. This week it was given to Cross Catholic Outreach, the U.S.-based Catholic relief and development organization, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year.

Bishop John E. Keehner announced today the hiring of both an interim superintendent and a director of Catholic schools. James Murray, current superintendent of both Humboldt and Twin Rivers community school districts, will begin serving as an interim superintendent for the diocesan Catholic Schools Office as of July 1. Dr. Dora Jung, director of student services and Title IX coordinator for the Sioux City Community School District, will serve as director of Catholic schools as of July 1.