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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.

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Retired priest of the diocese and former diocesan director of worship, Father Bruce Lawler, is today's podcast guest. He shares his history serving in the diocese prior to his retirement and talks about the pillars of Lent - prayer, fasting and almsgiving, what they mean and why we participate in these practices. He also discusses other important Lenten activities that help us look at our own spiritual situations and discern on your own what would benefit you and serve you best. 

Lent begins March 5 with Ash Wednesday. Be sure to check with your local parish for Mass times and make the most of this penitential season. Don't forget the Light is ON For You on March 18 in diocesan parishes where we can participate in the sacrament of reconciliation.

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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Trinity Heights Queen of Peace Shrine in Sioux City is one of the four 2025 Year of Hope Jubilee pilgrimage sites. Terry Hegarty, longtime executive director, has a wealth of knowledge of the history of the shrine and its features, such as the large statues. He also shares about the EWTN Hidden Gems filming (also at the Grotto of the Redemption), and the beautiful new chapel that is under construction. Hegarty invites all to make a pilgrimage visit. 

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 had a conversation with Tom Chapman, executive director of the Iowa Catholic Conference, explaining what the ICC is and how it serves our bishop and Catholics throughout our state. He is a native son of the diocese from Spirit Lake and shares his background, his work at the state capitol and working with the four Iowa bishops. Learn why we should be informed about legislative issues and how to stay connected with ICC.

Learn more and receive updates at http://iowacatholicconference.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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Learn more about the history of jubilees, 2025 Jubilee Year of Hope pilgrimage sites in the Diocese of Sioux City and how a pilgrim can obtain plenary indulgences during this holy year. Our diocesan Director of Worship Father Andrew Galles explains everything jubilee for us. 

Learn more about the diocesan jubilee year here. 

Learn more about Father David Esquiliano's Jubilee pilgrimage trip Nov. 3 to 14, 2025 by contacting him here. Consider the Miracles and Saints 2025 Jubilee Pilgrimage to Italy. This once-in-a-lifetime journey offers the chance to experience the grace of the Jubilee Year by visiting the holy sites of Rome, Assisi, Cascia, and Naples, walking through the Holy Doors, and gaining the spiritual benefits of indulgences. 

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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Hosts of the March 1 Turn youth conference share how they have collaborated to offer this regional event - open to all youth in grades 7-12 in the diocese. Megan Ulrich of Ascension Parish based in Boone, Sandra Hildreth of Our Lady of the Plains Parish based in Lake City and Stephanie Hall of St. Joseph Parish in Jefferson (all of Greene County). The Ascension Parish faith formation staff hosted the conference on their own for two years and are now joined by Hall and Hildreth. 

Learn more by listening and you can register here: https://scdiocese.org/turn

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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Catholic Schools Week special edition! Briar Cliff University students Trey Jungers and Derek Scheuring talk about living out their faith on a Catholic college campus. Jungers is a graduate of Newell-Fonda High School and Scheuring is an alumnus of Denison St. Rose of Lima and Denison High School. They share why they chose a Catholic college and how important it was to them to receive the Bishop's Scholarship to help them finance a private Catholic education. The two share what it's like to meet with the bishop for a meal each year as scholars. 

Remember the Briar Cliff Sunday collection Feb. 1 and 2 at parishes in the Diocese of Sioux City. You can even contribute online at www.briarcliff.edu/donate.

Happy Catholic Schools 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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Patty Lansink, our diocesan superintendent of schools, talks about the 15 different Catholic school systems in the diocese and how each has a unique character to serve students of all faiths, cultures and abilities. System-wide, enrollment has collectively risen 5% over last year. Lansink also shares how the MLTF program and ESAs help make Catholic education more affordable for parents. To celebrate the value that Catholic schools bring to our communities, Lansink and Bishop Walker Nickless will be traveling to four different diocesan school sites during Catholic Schools Week Jan. 27 through 31. Students will have the opportunity to interact with the bishop. The superintendent also shares different ways the faithful can support their local Catholic school.

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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Sister Anne Marie Walsh of the Society of Our Lady of the Trinity authors a column for Lumen Media and is a speaker and retreat leader. She lives near Willey (Carroll County) at the Domus Trinitatis Center for renewals and retreats. 

Sister Anne Marie shares her history growing up in a Catholic community outside Milwaukee. She first discerning a vocation in a time when the religious sisters she looked up to were leaving their veils and habits behind - or leaving the convent altogether. She shares her diverse array of retreat and conference topics and the history and mission of Domus Trinitatis.

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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Hosts of the popular Outcast Catholic podcast are also our diocesan Office of Vocations leaders. Father Shane Deman is director of seminarians for our diocese and also vice-rector at Kenrick-Glennon Seminary and Father Travis Crotty is director of vocations as well as chaplain for Sioux City Bishop Heelan High School and Briar Cliff University. They share their vocations stories and answer our "mythbusters" questions about religious vocations.

To contact the Office of Vocations and Seminarians, email: michelles@scdiocese.org or call (712) 233-7523.

Interested in Father Crotty's music video when he was in seminary (mentioned by Karmen in the episode)? click 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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Happy New Year's Eve! Sister Jane Conrad and Sister Joy Peterson of the Presentation Sisters of the Blessed Virgin Mary out of Dubuque share the rich history of ministry of the community with roots in Cork, Ireland, as they celebrate 150 years of "tending the light." Learn why the lantern is an important symbol of the sisters, the start of their ministry in the Diocese of Sioux City and the expanded ministry of the Presentation Sisters today.

Those who want to honor the ministry of the Presentation Sisters in their parish or school can consider participating in the 150 Trees for 150 Years here: https://dbqpbvms.org/150-trees-150-years

The community's website is: https://dbqpbvms.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 Jake Rosenmeyer, seminarian for the Diocese of Sioux City studying at Kenrick-Glennon Seminary, discusses his thesis regarding care for the earth. He shares highlights from A Theology of Agriculture and its Relationship with Laudato Si, including Scripture basis from Genesis, the dignity of work and feeding the world and man's role as steward of the land. Living in a rural diocese and the son of fourth generation farmers in Kossuth County, Deacon Rosenmeyer has a deep understanding of agriculture and our call to care for creation.

You can read Pope Francis' entire encyclical 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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Dr. Matthew Draud, the new president of Briar Cliff University, shared his extensive background in higher education and the path that led him to the top leadership role at Briar Cliff. He shares his impressions of Briar Cliff with its Franciscan values and Franciscan roots, academic and campus highlights that attract students to the only Catholic university in the diocese. The president shared the university had a soft launch of their Foundations for the Future campaign to raise funds for scholarships so that more students can have access to a BCU education. Karmen and Dr. Draud share their favorite professional football teams - and they aren't the same team. Find out who they are! Charger fans and graduates of Briar Cliff will want to tune in and learn more about the new BCU leader. Learn more about Briar Cliff at www.briarcliff.edu. 

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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Msgr. Ed Girres, rector of the West Bend Shrine of the Grotto of the Redemption helps us to understand the rich history of the shrine and how to encounter Christ in a pilgrimage to the shrine. You will learn which grotto is Monsignor's favorite and what is significant about the center of the campus of the shrine. Monsignor shared that the grotto (and Trinity Heights) will be featured on EWTN's Hidden Gems in 2025.

2025 Grotto fundraising calendars available via Venmo @grottocustodian (Bruce Helleseth) Recommended donation is $20 + $5 for shipping. Or write to: Grotto Custodian 309 4th Street; West Bend, IA  50597.

Follow the grotto on Facebook - here  and follow Grotto Custodian 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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Diocesan judicial vicar and pastor of the Cathedral Parish in Sioux City Father David Esquiliano discusses marriage from a canon law (church law) perspective. He explains how marriages between a man and a woman are a covenant founded in Scripture and how a couple preparing for marriage with a priest is preparing for a life together, not just the sacramental ceremony itself. We also discuss the decrease in the number of sacramental marriages over several decades and where a Catholic marriage sacrament should take place. 

Have a topic you want to have illuminated by our guests? Email us at news@scdiocese.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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What was known as RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults) is now OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation for Adults). But what does this mean for those looking to join the church or for the faithful in the pews? (Hint: the faithful in the pews are an important component of OCIA.)

Diocese of Sioux City Director of Worship Father Andrew Galles and Director of Faith Formation Karmen Bower (also our co-host) explain what OCIA will mean for the diocese, as well as upcoming opportunities to learn more.

You can also watch the OCIA webinar 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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Executive director of Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Sioux City, Amy Bloch, discusses the state of youth mental health in the nation and in northwest Iowa. As children are experiencing depression and even contemplating suicide, parents, schools and therapists can ensure they receive help. Bloch shares the warning signs, how to get help and discusses the new Angeline's Wing at Catholic Charities to better serve youth and families.

Have a mental health concern? You can reach out to Bloch here: https://www.cathchar.com/contact

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.