News - March 2025 RSS Feed

The Sister Water Project of the Sisters of Saint Francis of Dubuque recently completed installation of its 500th well in Tanzania, Africa. The well was completed on March 25 in the village of Kwakibwembwere in Tanzania (population: 550) and was constructed by the Sister Water Project partner Safe Water for Life and Dignity (SWLD). Six young men attending the Salvatorian Institute of Philosophy and Theology in Morogoro, Tanzania started the non-profit SWLD with the aim of building solidarity with people in rural communities and working together to create life transforming water projects.

Pope Francis has accepted the resignation of Archbishop George J. Lucas and appointed the Most Reverend Michael McGovern, Bishop of the Diocese of Belleville, as the sixth Archbishop of Omaha. Archbishop Lucas submitted his resignation in June 2024 as is required by canon law when a bishop reaches the age of 75. The Holy Father has appointed him apostolic administrator to govern the Archdiocese of Omaha until Archbishop-designate McGovern is formally installed on May 7, 2025.

The Sioux City Cathedral Parish Cathedral Arts Series is hosting a special concert meditating on the Stations of the Cross, fitting for the Lenten season of the church. Organist Stephen Hamilton will perform Le Chemin de la Croix, Op. 29 will be offered April 6 from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Cathedral of the Epiphany. The concert features music coupled with poetry. Music is by Marcel Dupré (1886-1971) with poetry by Paul Claudel (1868-1955). The concert is open to the public and admission is free.

Sister Anne Marie Walsh, SOLT, column: In a time that needs the witness of Christian hope more than ever, our Holy Father, Pope Francis, says the following about hope, “It is a gift of God and a task for every Christian.” He explains that it is more than just “a mere act of optimism.” Rather, it is “waiting for something that has already been given to us,” (salvation and full communion with the Lord.) What might that look like in the world of today?

Briar Cliff University's annual Sister Muriel Ford Lectureship was held on March 28 in the St. Francis Center, and brought together faculty, staff, students, community members and social work alumni in celebration of 50 years of accreditation of the University’s Social Work Program. The guest speaker was Barb Newhouse, a member of Briar Cliff Class of 1980 who earned a Bachelor of Social Work. She has an extensive career in leadership roles with organizations such as the American Cancer Society, Alzheimer’s Association, Autism Society, Arthritis Foundation, Children’s Heart Foundation, the United Way and most notably, the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge.

St. Patrick Sheldon and St. Andrew Sibley. hosted Bishop Walker Nickless March 24 to celebrate the sacrament of confirmation. The Mass was held in Sibley at St. Andrew Church.

Father Ambrose Criste, Norbertine priest from St. Michael Abbey in California shared the message of Christ that does indeed remain, ever ancient, ever new at the Divine Mercy Parish Lenten mission this week.

This summer St. John Church in Arcadia, which is part of the which is part of Good Shepherd Parish, will reach a milestone when it marks its sesquicentennial. According to one of the members of the central planning team, Mae Vonnahme, the 150th anniversary celebration is slated for Aug. 30 and 31. Members of the planning committee encourage present and past parishioners, community members and area Catholics to save the date.

The National Child Abuse Prevention Month is celebrated annually in April to raise awareness and build collaboration in efforts to prevent child abuse and neglect. During this month, it’s a fitting time to reflect on steps that continue to be taken by the Catholic Church to help keep children safe. It was in 2002 when the United States Catholic Bishops developed the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People – commonly called the Dallas Charter – which required all dioceses to establish safe environment programs.

In adoration, Tom Eischen, Divine Mercy Parish parishioner called upon his artist sister to create stained glass windows for the parish adoration chapel. Working with the parish media specialist and the pastor, six windows representing the patron saints of the churches that make up Divine Mercy now adorn the adoration chapel.

A Mass of Reparation and Healing for victims of clergy abuse will be held next month to pray for the healing of all clergy abuse victims. It will be held April 8 at 5:30 p.m. at the Cathedral of the Epiphany in Sioux City, celebrated by Bishop Walker Nickless

(Bilingual) Column by Father David Esquiliano What does the church say about what clergy should include in their homilies? What does your pastor do to ensure his homilies feed your soul? ¿Qué dice la iglesia acerca de lo que el clero debe incluir en sus homilías? ¿Qué hace su pastor para asegurarse de que sus homilías alimenten su alma?

Sioux City Holy Spirit Retirement Home celebrated two residents - Mary Ann Kukula and Jim Walsh who both turned 93 years old on March 26. Both share the same birthday along with being born at the very same hospital 93 years ago at St. Joe’s Hospital in Sioux City. They were also part of the first graduating class of students to graduate at Bishop Heelan High School in 1950. A special Mass announcement was made in the Holy Spirit Chapel while all their many friends and family members gathered around to congratulate the two on such an eventful day.

A collaborative effort with the University of Iowa will allow the diocese to be able take a deep dive into demographic data throughout the Diocese of Sioux City’s 24 counties. The information will assist in decision making and planning, amongst other activities. Deacon Mark Prosser, Bishop Walker Nickless’ chief of staff, explained the Diocese of Des Moines recently partnered with the University of Iowa Tippie School of Business for a successful demographic study. A similar opportunity was offered to the other Iowa dioceses, and all accepted the proposal to participate and take a closer look at their own territories.

Father Paul Nguyen celebrated first reconciliation for the second grade students at Pocahontas Catholic School.

The Le Mars Friends of Gehlen Catholic Ball will be held March 29 but the online auction is open for supporters near and far to begin bidding and supporting the school. The event will feature a Kentucky Derby theme.