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*Note to parents - some of the content discussed regarding human trafficking and sex trafficking may not be suitable for younger listeners. 

Sister Shirley Fineran, OSF, longtime social work professor is a regular speaker on human trafficking in our nation and even in northwest Iowa. She shares what human trafficking is, how men and women and children become trafficked and the mental and physical wounds they suffer from the experience. Sister Shirley separates truth from fiction about trafficking. She opened Lila Mae's House in the Sioux City area to provide a safe place for female victims with staff trained in trauma recovery for trafficked adults. the organization helps the women with wellness, job training, life skills and more. 

Human trafficking is a federal crime. Stay informed about human trafficking in our area at iowanaht.org (Iowa Network Against Human Trafficking and Slavery).

Thank you for listening to this episode of Illuminating Catholics – shedding light to understand the modern church. Follow us for more episodes on topics of the Catholic faith. We are funded in part by Together As One - our diocesan annual appeal. For more news from the Diocese of Sioux City, visit lumenmedia.org.

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Dr. Ryan Allen of the FIRE Foundation of Northwest Iowa and diocesan Superintendent of Catholic Schools Patty Lansink share what the foundation does to facilitate inclusion in the 15 Catholic school systems in the diocese. Through grants and professional development opportunities, the foundation is supporting all diocesan schools. Students with disabilities can attend the same school as their siblings and friends thanks to inclusion efforts.

The two explain that FIRE raises funds through FIRE and Flights, which will be held Sept. 10. Learn more here

Thank you for listening to this episode of Illuminating Catholics – shedding light to understand the modern church. Follow us for more episodes on topics of the Catholic faith. We are funded in part by Together As One - our diocesan annual appeal. For more news from the Diocese of Sioux City, visit lumenmedia.org.

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Revathi Vongsiprasom, immigration attorney, and Norma Garza-Ramirez, case manager, of the Welcome program of Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Sioux City serve many of the immigrants and refugees in northwest Iowa. They shared the challenges and struggles of their clients and ways they can assist. With the increased immigration enforcement in recent months, there is growing fear and uncertainty. Learn the facts from Revathi and Norma and how they work to serve immigrants and refugees in our communities and our parishes. 

Welcome is a cooperative effort of Catholic Charities, Siouxland Immigration Law and the Diocese of Sioux City. You can reach Welcome at ngarza-ramirez@cathchar.com or call (712) 252-4547.

Thank you for listening to this episode of Illuminating Catholics – shedding light to understand the modern church. Follow us for more episodes on topics of the Catholic faith. We are funded in part by Together As One - our diocesan annual appeal. For more news from the Diocese of Sioux City, visit lumenmedia.org.

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In this episode of Illuminating Catholics, Matt Willkom of Iowa Catholic Radio shares where the station has recently expanded within the Diocese of Sioux City. Learn about Iowa Catholic Radio's local programming and some areas where they look to expand in the future.

Thank you for listening to this episode of Illuminating Catholics – shedding light to understand the modern church. Follow us for more episodes on topics of the Catholic faith. We are funded in part by Together As One - our diocesan annual appeal. For more news from the Diocese of Sioux City, visit lumenmedia.org.

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For our 40th episode - Co-host Karmen Bower shares some of the efforts from her office during this busy summer (no rest for faith formation staff) including Catechesis of the Good Shepherd training in Le Mars.

The Office of Worship and the Office of Faith Formation offered a number of informational options regarding OCIA including a webinar, podcast episodes and regional meetings led by Father Andrew Galles, director of worship.

The big news is unique workshop available this September from Liturgy Training Publications held in the diocese. Those on Christian Initiation teams and the diocesan faithful who want to learn more about accompanying those on the journey towards joining the Catholic Church can register for the Saturday, Sept. 27 free training in Storm Lake here. The trainers have hands-on experience of implementing OCIA and can offer practical guidance for attendees. 

There are also a session for clergy and another for DREs with LTP earlier in the week.

Thank you for listening to this episode of Illuminating Catholics – shedding light to understand the modern church. Follow us for more episodes on topics of the Catholic faith. We are funded in part by Together As One - our diocesan annual appeal. For more news from the Diocese of Sioux City, visit lumenmedia.org.

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Our Faith Formation Office intern, alumna of Benedictine College and Sioux City Bishop Heelan High School, Grace Mahaney was called to participate in mission/service trips while in college. Now that she's earned her degree, she's going to embark upon a year of mission with Christ in the City, working with the homeless. Grace will live in community and get to know those experiencing homelessness in the Denver area, living out her deep faith in a very active way. 

You can help Grace with this year of mission with a financial gift. Learn more here: https://christinthecity.org/. 

See Grace's page here: https://christinthecity.org/missionary/grace/

Thank you for listening to this episode of Illuminating Catholics – shedding light to understand the modern church. Follow us for more episodes on topics of the Catholic faith. We are funded in part by Together As One - our diocesan annual appeal. For more news from the Diocese of Sioux City, visit lumenmedia.org.

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Pope Francis said artificial intelligence (AI) is an 'exciting and fearsome tool.' Our diocesan director of educational services, Kelly Kohout of the Catholic Schools Office dives into AI in the Catholic school setting. Learn if your students - and their teachers - are already using AI. How can AI enhance the educational experience in our Catholic schools?

How will YOU use AI? Try www.chatgpt.com for free.

Thank you for listening to this episode of Illuminating Catholics – shedding light to understand the modern church. Follow us for more episodes on topics of the Catholic faith. We are funded in part by Together As One - our diocesan annual appeal. For more news from the Diocese of Sioux City, visit lumenmedia.org.

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Welcome to our second season as we begin the new fiscal year!

The new executive director of Siouxland Catholic Radio, Tim Swedean introduces himself and shares his vision for the Sioux City-based Catholic radio station. He was joined on the show by Tony Michaels, director of marketing and outreach, who is relatively new to the station. Learn how both men came from the secular business world to Catholic media. Tim and Tony share how their work helps to educate and evangelize through the station's on-air and online content. Visit them at siouxlandcatholicradio.com. 

Thank you for listening to this episode of Illuminating Catholics – shedding light to understand the modern church. Follow us for more episodes on topics of the Catholic faith. We are funded in part by Together As One - our diocesan annual appeal. For more news from the Diocese of Sioux City, visit lumenmedia.org.

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We connected with Briar Cliff University alumna Beth Knobbe, senior trainer of presentations and facilitation for Catholic Relief Services in Chicago. Beth shares her appreciation for the Franciscan values she experienced at Briar Cliff. Her work with CRS includes talking to Catholic audiences about how our neighbors are across the street and across the globe as we are all God's children. She often speaks with Catholic audiences about the long history of CRS - beginning after World War II as an effort of the United States Catholic Bishops to assist those affected by the war in Europe. 

Learn more about the wide reach of CRS providing for basic needs of our most vulnerable.

Beth explains how the recent cuts of federal funding is affecting the most vulnerable populations of the world, with impact upon Americans as well. The faithful can help by contacting their legislators and also by contributing financially. An anonymous donor has made a matching gift of $1 million with a deadline of June 30 to double your contribution. We can assist by making a gift of any size here.

Learn about Catholic Relief Services at www.crs.org. 

Thank you for listening to this episode of Illuminating Catholics – shedding light to understand the modern church. Follow us for more episodes on topics of the Catholic faith. We are funded in part by Together As One - our diocesan annual appeal. For more news from the Diocese of Sioux City, visit lumenmedia.org.

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Deacon David Penton, coordinator of the Formation Office for the Permanent Diaconate, shares insights about his own journey to the diaconate, the formation process, what diaconate ministry looks like and more.

Learn more at: PERMANENT DIACONATE :: Diocese of Sioux City :: Sioux City, IA.

Thank you for listening to this episode of Illuminating Catholics – shedding light to understand the modern church. Follow us for more episodes on topics of the Catholic faith. We are funded in part by Together As One - our diocesan annual appeal. For more news from the Diocese of Sioux City, visit lumenmedia.org.

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Karmen Bower, director of the Office of Faith Formation, and her staff of three faith formation coordinators - Danielle Fennessy, Maddie McClarty and Delores Huemiller - share insights about their work in the Diocese of Sioux City. Learn how this office can help parishes in the diocese and about some of the upcoming programming.

Thank you for listening to this episode of Illuminating Catholics – shedding light to understand the modern church. Follow us for more episodes on topics of the Catholic faith. We are funded in part by Together As One - our diocesan annual appeal. For more news from the Diocese of Sioux City, visit lumenmedia.org.

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In this episode of Illuminating Catholics, podcast hosts Dawn Prosser and Karmen Bower interview Maggie DeWitte, executive director of Pulse Life Advocates. Learn about this non-profit organization's prolife efforts. Find more information about Pulse Life Advocates at pulseforlife.org as well as the Iowa March for Life on June 21 in Des Moines.

Thank you for listening to this episode of Illuminating Catholics – shedding light to understand the modern church. Follow us for more episodes on topics of the Catholic faith. We are funded in part by Together As One - our diocesan annual appeal. For more news from the Diocese of Sioux City, visit lumenmedia.org.

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Faith Formation Office Coordinator, Danielle Fennessy, discusses the June 12 Miracle Church Bus trip for students in grades 6 to 8. Students will board busses in Willey and Breda about noon and then will visit the historic Carroll County churches in Breda, Mount Carmel, Templeton and Willey. Students will enjoy the journey together as well as experiencing the beauty at each site and how we can experience them with our different senses. Cost is $20 to include the trip as well as snacks and dinner. If adults would like to accompany their child and assist as a chaperone, they are welcome. 

Register and pay online: www.scdiocese.org/mcb

We gave a shout out to Marilyn Setzler, who provided a Cathedrals Among the Cornfields book to share the history and individuality of the Carroll County churches. (Thank you!)

Thank you for listening to this episode of Illuminating Catholics – shedding light to understand the modern church. Follow us for more episodes on topics of the Catholic faith. We are funded in part by Together As One - our diocesan annual appeal. For more news from the Diocese of Sioux City, visit lumenmedia.org.

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Host Karmen Bower along with Allison Schoonover and Kathy Steffen of Carroll St. John Paul II Parish discuss Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS) program. Also, those interested in learning more about CGS  or want to implement it in your area, there will be Level I CGS training held in Carroll, starting Aug. 30. Be sure to check with your local parish to see if CGS is offered.

Helpful links as mentioned in the show:

• Registration for the Level I training: https://stjp2carroll.org/formation
• Diocesan scholarship: https://scdiocese.org/catholic-lay-apostolate-scholarship
• Conversation webinar with a CGS trainer on what to expect at CGS training: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iBew69cZZK8
• https://www.cgsusa.org/

Thank you for listening to this episode of Illuminating Catholics – shedding light to understand the modern church. Follow us for more episodes on topics of the Catholic faith. We are funded in part by Together As One - our diocesan annual appeal. For more news from the Diocese of Sioux City, visit lumenmedia.org.

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Amy Jones of the Sioux City office and Lejeana Anliker of the Spencer office of Catholic Charities share the history and services offered through Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Sioux City. Learn more about the prevalence of mental health concerns with adults and children, how to get help and update on the construction and expansion. Remember to wear green May 15 to share the message to #makeitok and #stopthestigma.

Contact Catholic Charities - www.cathchar.com

National suicide prevention hotline - dial 988

Need someone to talk to: Warmline Iowa or call 1-844-755-9276

Find a therapist in your area: Psychology today

Thank you for listening to this episode of Illuminating Catholics – shedding light to understand the modern church. Follow us for more episodes on topics of the Catholic faith. We are funded in part by Together As One - our diocesan annual appeal. For more news from the Diocese of Sioux City, visit lumenmedia.org.

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Two diocesan seminarians are currently studying at the Pontifical North American College in Rome - the PNAC or NAC - Thomas Kollasch of Bancroft and Anthony Vera of Le Mars. They share their experiences and observations since the death of the Holy Father on April 21 while living in Rome. Hear about their memorable experiences and what to expect as the conclave begins May 7. 

Keep all our seminarians in prayer!

Thank you for listening to this episode of Illuminating Catholics – shedding light to understand the modern church. Follow us for more episodes on topics of the Catholic faith. We are funded in part by Together As One - our diocesan annual appeal. For more news from the Diocese of Sioux City, visit lumenmedia.org.

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Father Travis Crotty, diocesan director of vocations, discusses the June 2 to 5 vocations trips planned for young women and men. Ave will take young women to Nebraska to visit shrines and two convents as well as recreational opportunities. Quest wiill take young men north to Minnesota to visit Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary, area shrines and enjoy outdoor activities and more. 

Registration for both Ave and Quest is online here. 

Thank you for listening to this episode of Illuminating Catholics – shedding light to understand the modern church. Follow us for more episodes on topics of the Catholic faith. We are funded in part by Together As One - our diocesan annual appeal. For more news from the Diocese of Sioux City, visit lumenmedia.org.

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Do you try to read Scripture and maybe don't understand it at first? Our resident "Scripture Scholar," Father Tim Friedrichsen of Sacred Heart Parish in Sioux City enlightens listeners as he breaks down the senses of Scripture for us. Knowing the different types and intent of the authors, we can better understand what the words mean for us today. He recommends a Catholic study Bible with footnotes and introductions to help us open up the Word with a better insight. 

Resources: 

https://www.augustineinstitute.org/program-and-resources/bible-catholic-study

https://ignatius.com/new-testament-digital-2nte/

https://www.amazon.com/Catholic-Study-Bible-Donald-Senior-ebook/dp/B01AI5I8Y6

Thank you for listening to this episode of Illuminating Catholics – shedding light to understand the modern church. Follow us for more episodes on topics of the Catholic faith. We are funded in part by Together As One - our diocesan annual appeal. For more news from the Diocese of Sioux City, visit lumenmedia.org.

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Mental health therapist, Shalea Schloss of the Sioux City Catholic Charities office, is the guest for today's episode in light of Child Abuse Prevention and Awareness Month in April. She shares her background and interest in working in mental health, red flags to look for regarding potential child abuse and resources in northwest Iowa for children and families. 

Helpful links: 

Child Abuse Iowa

Catholic Charities Diocese of Sioux City

MercyOne Childhood Advocacy Center

Centers Against Abuse and Sexual Assault (CAASA)

Diocese of Sioux City Safe Environment Office

Thank you for listening to this episode of Illuminating Catholics – shedding light to understand the modern church. Follow us for more episodes on topics of the Catholic faith. We are funded in part by Together As One - our diocesan annual appeal. For more news from the Diocese of Sioux City, visit lumenmedia.org.

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As Karmen said on the podcast - it's a bittersweet time as Bishop Walker Nickless is winding down his 19+ year time as serving as our bishop in the Diocese of Sioux City. He talks about his time growing up in Denver, his vocation story, parish ministry in the Archdiocese of Denver, the call to serve as the seventh bishop of the Diocese of Sioux City and his time as a bishop. We also talk about what's ahead as he passes the torch along to Bishop-elect John Keehner.

Prayers, best wishes and thank you, Bishop Nickless!

Thank you for listening to this episode of Illuminating Catholics – shedding light to understand the modern church. Follow us for more episodes on topics of the Catholic faith. We are funded in part by Together As One - our diocesan annual appeal. For more news from the Diocese of Sioux City, visit lumenmedia.org.

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Retired priests Father Craig Collison and Father Merlin Schrad have a long history of ministry in the diocese and also share a longtime friendship. Each share their background and ministry path. Surprisingly, they served in many of the same locations - just not at the same time. Although retired, they both remain busy with helping active priests by assisting with Masses, confessions, visiting the sick and more. When able, they do enjoy some down time! 

With the Easter Retired and Infirm Priest Collection coming April 19 and 20, Each shares their appreciation for those who generously give to support the priests who have faithfully served us for many years. Learn more. 

Thank you for listening to this episode of Illuminating Catholics – shedding light to understand the modern church. Follow us for more episodes on topics of the Catholic faith. We are funded in part by Together As One - our diocesan annual appeal. For more news from the Diocese of Sioux City, visit lumenmedia.org.

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In this episode we tackle a difficult topic in the church. We had a conversation with Katie McMahon of Shiloh post IVF Ministries about her infertility and IVF journey. We also explored the church's teaching regarding IVF and why it is not in alignment with the church. Learn more about the IVF process and the resources that Shiloh offers for parents who have used IVF or those who just want to learn more.

Click on this link to go to Shiloh.

Click here for Bishop Nickless' letter and teaching on IVF.

Thank you for listening to this episode of Illuminating Catholics – shedding light to understand the modern church. Follow us for more episodes on topics of the Catholic faith. We are funded in part by Together As One - our diocesan annual appeal. For more news from the Diocese of Sioux City, visit lumenmedia.org.

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Joe and Matt share the loyalty of the Men's Conference attendees from year to year and why they keep coming back. The two Le Mars All Saints parishioners and conference organizers talk about what to expect at the Saturday, April 5 Men's Conference in Le Mars. Songwriter, singer and professional Catholic speaker Steve Angrisano is the keynote speaker. There will be breakout speakers including Father Brian Feller, Father Travis Crotty, Deacon David Penton and Deacon Rick Roder. Bishop Walker Nickless will preside at Mass for the attendees. To register for the upcoming conference, go to www.scdiocese.org/mensconference.

Thank you for listening to this episode of Illuminating Catholics – shedding light to understand the modern church. Follow us for more episodes on topics of the Catholic faith. We are funded in part by Together As One - our diocesan annual appeal. For more news from the Diocese of Sioux City, visit lumenmedia.org.

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Retreat organizers Deacon Pat Brockhaus of Holy Cross Parish in Sioux City and Mary Lehr of Sacred Heart Parish have been working with Danielle Fennessy of the diocesan Faith Formation Office to present Into the Garden for any area youth grades 6-12. The retreat features Steve Angrisano and will be held April 6 at Sacred Heart Parish in Sioux City. (More information and registration available at: https://scdiocese.org/intothegarden.

Learn how the collaboration started for the event, and learn what's in store for participants. 

Thank you for listening to this episode of Illuminating Catholics – shedding light to understand the modern church. Follow us for more episodes on topics of the Catholic faith. We are funded in part by Together As One - our diocesan annual appeal. For more news from the Diocese of Sioux City, visit lumenmedia.org.

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Zooming in from Ashtabula, Ohio in the Diocese of Youngstown, Bishop-elect John E. Keehner joined our hosts for a conversation. Even if you watched the press conference, you will want to listen and learn more about the Bishop-elect's life in Ohio, what is ministry is like and what he is looking forward to when he takes possession of the diocese as our 8th bishop. 

Please keep Bishop-elect Keehner and Bishop Walker Nickless in your prayers during this transition leading up to the May 1 ordination. 

(The ordination will be broadcast on KTIV and the April 30 vespers service and the ordination will be live-streamed on the diocesan YouTube channel. Ordination is ticket-only but Vespers is open to the public.)

Thank you for listening to this episode of Illuminating Catholics – shedding light to understand the modern church. Follow us for more episodes on topics of the Catholic faith. We are funded in part by Together As One - our diocesan annual appeal. For more news from the Diocese of Sioux City, visit lumenmedia.org.