Press Releases

Bishop John E. Keehner will promulgate his first pastoral letter tomorrow - Sic Deus Dilexit Mundum, God So Loved the World, a pastoral reflection on the meaning of the Sacred Heart of Jesus for our world today. The letter was authored ahead of the June 11, 2026, consecration of the nation to the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus as the United States celebrates the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

After 70 years of providing a Catholic education for families in the Sheldon, Ashton and Sibley areas, the Sheldon St. Patrick Catholic School Board of Education and leadership made the difficult decision to permanently close the school at the end of the current academic year, Due to low and declining enrollment and other factors, it was determined that it was not feasible to continue to operate.

(Bilingual) Following is a letter from Bishop John Keehner in both English and Spanish, addressing the current national immigration climate and the fears experienced by many of our immigrant brothers and sisters. This message echoes recent communications shared by the Iowa Catholic Conference and the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops regarding the dignity of every human person.

Bishop John E. Keehner announced today that Patty Lansink, superintendent of Catholic schools for the Diocese of Sioux City, has resigned her position effective Feb. 27. She has accepted a regional vice president position with FACTS Education Solutions out of Lincoln, Nebraska.