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St. Andrew Catholic Daughters presented certificates and ice cream coupons to all of the students who completed the learning of required prayers during religious education classes in Sibley. Four members of the CDA Court assist the children in learning their prayers during their classes. Pictured are Jeni Sarringar, DRE and Father Siby Punnoose, CDA Chaplain, and the students.

St. Andrew Catholic Daughters of Sibley presented certificates to the winners of the Catholic Daughters of the America's Poetry and Poster State Contest following Mass on May 3. Pictured are Chaplain Father Siby Punnoose; Bonnie Gregg, Regent; Maddison Thole, 3rd Place at state; Amy Thole, First Place Winner in three categories at State and Yvonne O'Leary, Education Chairperson. Thole's three first place entries will go on to be judged at National CDA.

Actor Jim Caviezel who portrayed Christ in Mel Gibson's The Passion of the Christ will provide the keynote for the Nov. 21 Pulse Live Advocates 16th annual fundraising dinner at the Iowa Event Center in Des Moines.

Richard, "Dick" Seivert, longtime teacher and coach at Le Mars Gehlen Catholic High School and leader of the Then Feed Just One program to feed the poorest of the world, died April 27. He was responsible for helping numerous diocesan parishes and schools conduct food packaging events and shipping the food to Honduras and other places experiencing poverty. He also helped the diocese send food and supplies to the border.

To celebrate the 250th birthday of the United States, The National Shrine of Our Lady of Champion – the first and only approved Marian apparition site in the U.S. – is hosting the Catholic Saints of America exhibit July 1-9, 2026. This first-of-its-kind Carlo Acutis-inspired exhibit will honor the holy men and women of America Saints, Blesseds, Venerables, and Servants of God who have shaped our faith and serve as powerful examples of Christian virtue.

The Catholic Daughters of the Americas Court Our Lady of La Salette #1585 of Milford hosted a Salad Luncheon on April 18. The theme was “Spring Flowers Bring May Flowers.” Fashion Formula of Spirit Lake provided the Style Show. Profits from the salad luncheon and raffle items are used to fund court projects.

Members of Knights of Columbus Council 2326 at Storm Lake St. Mary's Catholic Church have successfully raised $17,000 to help purchase a new ultrasound machine for Hope For Life, a local pregnancy resource center serving Storm Lake and surrounding communities.

With the increase in families using the local UDMO food pantry and the popularity of the Lakes Area Senior Center, the Iowa Great Lakes Knights of Columbus Council 5043 saw a need in the community and donated to these valuable organizations.

Sister Eleanor Ann Ortmann is celebrating her 70th anniversary as a Sister of Christian Charity this year. On Aug. 23, 1955, Eleanor Ann traveled from her hometown in LeMars to Maria Immaculata Convent, the Motherhouse of the Sisters of Christian Charity in Wilmette, Illinois.

Briar Cliff University will host its final event in the Franciscan Values Lecture Series for the 2025-2026 academic year on Earth Day, April 22 at 7 p.m. The lecture is titled, "Reverencing Creation: Climate Change and Laudato Si'," and it will take place in Meis Recital Hall.

On Divine Mercy Sunday, Father Siby Punnoose celebrated a first Communion Mass at Sheldon St. Patrick Parish. Seven received the Eucharist for the first time.

Dubuque Archbishop Thomas Zinkula released a letter to the faithful April 11 outlining the Journey in Faith plan that organizes the archdiocese into 24 pastorates or groups of parishes sharing leadership, ministry and resources.

Father Dan Greving, pastor of St. Donatus Parish, Alton and Deacon Fred Karpuk of Sioux City Holy Cross Parish received honors at last weekend's Iowa Knights of Columbus State Convention in Des Moines.

The April 13 Monday morning update from the Iowa Catholic Conference, the public policy voice of the Iowa Catholic Bishops.

Each year, from early March through mid-December, Silver Roses are stewarded by Knights of Columbus councils along routes from Canada to Mexico. Every stop the Silver Rose makes throughout the pilgrimage is a rosary-centered occasion for Knights, parishioners and community members to pray for respect for life, for the spiritual renewal of each nation, and for the advancement of the message of Our Lady of Guadalupe. It will be in the Sioux City Diocese April 19 through 25.

The Society of Our Lady of the Trinity sisters in Carroll are hosting a discernment retreat in May.

St. Andrew Court of Catholic Daughters #1540, Sibley, presented 50 year pins to members for their years of service.

Mater Dei Parish in Sioux City will host a one-day women’s retreat titled “Remain in Me” on April 18. This retreat invites women of all ages into a deeper encounter with Jesus Christ through Scripture, prayer, and reflection.

Father Mark Beran of the Archdiocese of Omaha will be recognized nationally for his work in boosting St. Augustine Indian Mission School in Winnebago. The National Catholic Educational Association will honor Father Beran as one of its five President’s Award winners April 6 at its 2026 Convention & Expo in Minneapolis. The NCEA named Father Beran winner of the Msgr. John F. Meyers Award, which “recognizes an individual who has significantly supported Catholic education through contributions in development, public relations, scholarship programs, financial management or government relations.”

T.J. Schneider, member of Ascension Parish is hosting the fourth annual Extreme Way of the Cross for men this Lent. The rugged 6-mile hike starts in Madrid at 8:30 p.m. on March 27, just prior to the Palm Sunday weekend. It will conclude with Mass at St. Malachy Church at midnight. All priests, men and any sons capable of making the hike are encouraged to participate.