Illuminating Catholics

Illuminating Catholics – shedding light to understand the modern church

Welcome to the Illuminating Catholics - podcast of the Diocese of Sioux City. Your hosts are Dawn Prosser, director of Communications for the diocese and Karmen Bower of the Faith Formation Office. We will shed light upon topics of faith in the modern church. Our guests include Catholic clergy, religious sisters and other experts in their fields to help us understand what’s happening in the church today. We will explore issues (even tough ones) and find answers to common questions about Catholicism. Thank you for joining us for today’s Illuminating Catholics – shedding light to understand the modern church. Be sure to subscribe!

We are funded in part by the generous donations to Together as One - Our Diocesan Annual Appeal.

Podcasting since 2024 • 78 episodes

Illuminating Catholics

Latest Episodes

Vocations events with Fr. Travis Crotty

Father Travis Crotty, director of vocations, shares the activities planned for the upcoming months including the June 1-4 Quest pilgrimage to Pilsen, Kansas, hometown of Father Emil Kapaun, servant of God, and Oklahoma City to visit the shrine ...

April 28, 2026 • Season 2 • Episode 43 • 24:53

Safety and security in parishes with Dustin Heino

Our embedded Catholic Mutual Group claims and risk manager, Dustin Heino, discusses the work of Catholic Mutual, including providing support and resources for parishes enhancing their safety and security measures. As there have been acts of vio...

April 21, 2026 • Season 2 • Episode 42 • 27:24

Conversation with Justin Derry on decision making, values and listening to God

Catholic therapist Justin Derry has recently served as breakout speaker for two diocesan conferences - the Turn Youth Conference in Ogden and the March Men's Conference in Le Mars. He shares an overview of his talking points from the pres...

April 14, 2026 • Season 2 • Episode 41 • 26:53

Kenrick seminarians share formation experience

Kenrick-Glennon Seminarians Jimmy Fitzsimmons of Sioux City and Garrett Hugeback of Wall Lake stopped into our podcast studio on their Easter break for today's episode! They share their vocation stories as well as a glimpse into seminary life. ...

April 07, 2026 • Season 2 • Episode 40 • 32:00

Divine Mercy unpacked with Father Matthew Solyntjes

As we approach Divine Mercy Sunday on April 12, we had a conversation with Father Matthew Solyntjes, pastor of Divine Mercy Parish of Kossuth County and West Bend. Father Solyntjes unpacks the Divine Mercy with the history and St. Faustina's ro...

March 31, 2026 • Season 2 • Episode 39 • 34:15