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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.

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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.