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As we lead up to our observance of Veterans Day on Nov. 11, we had a conversation with two of our diocesan retired priests who also served as military chaplains. Msgr. Ken Seifried, Manson native, served as a U.S. Army chaplain and Father Francis Higgins, Fonda native,  served as a chaplain for the U.S. Air Force. They share their vocation stories and why they wanted to serve as priest-chaplains. We thank these men for both their service as priests and their military service. 

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 we prepare for National Vocations Awareness Week Nov. 2 through 8, we interviewed leaders of two groups in the diocese that focus on supporting vocations to the priesthood and religious life. Andrea Bengford of the St. Serra Club of Siouxland and Kris Boeckman of the Carroll Area Vocations Ministry. they share how their groups operate and some of their activities to help foster vocations in our diocese. 

To contact Andrea Bengford - bengforda@gmail.com

To contact Kris Boeckman - krisadb@gmail.com

Also, be sure to check out the diocesan vocations website at siouxcitypriest.org.

Pray for vocations!

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 Respect Life Month, Prosser and Karmen Bower shine a light on Dawn Grimes of Mary's Choice Family Resource Center in Sioux City and Jason Schwarte of New Creation Pregnancy Resource Center in Carroll. Learn more about the great work of these organizations to support life and support moms and families in this episode.

Find more information about Mary's Choice at:  Mary's Choice - Get Help | Services | Diapers

Find more information about New Creation at: New Creation Pregnancy Resource Center - Home

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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National Catholic speaker Braden Johnson will serve as keynote for the Nov. 2 Called Youth Conference in Granville. He shares his faith journey from attending parties and working in the entertainment industry to an invitation to spend time in adoration, which changed his life to focus upon his relationship with the Lord. Find out more about why he is driven to "awaken hearts to fulfilment that can only be found in God."

Called is for middle and high school students and will include talks from Braden, adoration, confession, games, crafts, service project and All Souls' Day prayer for the faithful departed in the parish cemetery. The event ends with 4 p.m. Mass with Bishop John Keehner. Learn more or sign up at: www.scdiocese.org/called. Cost is only $20.

Learn more about Johnson at his website www.createtheculture.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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The Diocese of Sioux City is offering four Cycle Prep sessions for mothers and their young daughters starting Oct. 22. Andrea Ault, Bishop Garrigan High School alumna, will serve as facilitator for the Cycle Prep sessions. She shares how she learned about the Cycle Prep program and how it aligns with church teaching about the human body and God's design for our bodies. 

For more information about the sessions held in Le Mars, Fort Dodge, Algona and Carroll, or to register for an upcoming session click here. 

Additional resources from Ault:

Andrea Ault is a certified FEMM and teenFEMM teacher, a hormone coach through the Fiat Institute, and serves as the Community and Affiliate Coordinator for Pearl & Thistle. She is passionate about helping women and girls understand their bodies and cycles with confidence and clarity.

Andrea teaches teens, single women, and couples how to chart their cycles—both in person and virtually—through Radiant Clinic (https://radiantclinic.com/) a natural women’s health and fertility center based in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

Have questions about the workshop, cycle charting, NFP, or hormonal imbalance? Feel free to reach out to Andrea directly: 📧 andreakault@gmail.com

Cycle Prep: First Period Course for Girls (Individual use)

https://pearlandthistle.podia.com/cycle-prep-first-period-course-for-girls/1l8s9

Cycle Prep: First Period Course for Girls (Group Hosting for up to 30 Families)

https://pearlandthistle.podia.com/a60d07fb-5424-4dc0-af28-fba100b164b7/1l8s9

Cycle Prep *En Español* Curso Sobre Primer Periodo (Uso individual)

https://pearlandthistle.podia.com/cycle-prep-en-espanol/1l8s9

 Cycle Prep *En Espanol* Curso (Para Grupos)

https://pearlandthistle.podia.com/22484b4c-793e-4443-8e84-4076b375f0f0/1l8s9

What Parents Should Know About (Pre)Teen Periods

https://pearlandthistle.podia.com/what-parents-should-know-about-pre-teen-periods/1l8s9

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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Maybe you've heard of Rachel's Vineyard or read about an upcoming retreat in your parish bulletin, but do you really know what it's about? Stormy Poss of Rachel's Vineyard is our guest, helping us to understand what the retreats entail and how they can help heal those hurt by a past abortion. Whether it's been a few years or decades, taking the time to step back and heal in a faith-filled environment. Stormy also shares how she became involved in the ministry and reflects on those who found healing and forgiveness after abortion. Learn more about Rachel's Vineyard and upcoming retreats around the region and around the country at: https://rachelsvineyard.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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Longtime priest for the Diocese of Sioux City, Fort Dodge native and St. Edmond graduate, Father Bill Schreiber of parishes in Jefferson, Churdan and Grand Junction joins us as we are celebrating Catechetical Sunday this week. 

Father Schreiber shares his experiences in adult faith formation throughout his ministry, including the "pre-RCIA" years and how it has evolved to the current day. He noted he is looking forward to learning more about OCIA at this week's workshops. (See www.scdiocese.org/ocia for information on registering for the Sept. 27 workshop for initiation team members, held in Storm Lake. All are welcome.) 

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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Following up from an episode last March, producer Savannah Crossfield of Lucidity Pictures discusses an upcoming 6-part docuseries, Cradled in Glass - the cold, hard truth about IVF. The producer walks us through her curiosity about the hundreds of thousands of abandoned frozen embryos in the United States and how that sparked the desire to produce a docuseries that explores some bioethical considerations. The series takes a deep dive into IVF science and processes, embryonic research, unintentional death of embryos, and the legal considerations regarding embryos and and abandoned embryos. Crossfield hopes to bring the facts regarding IVF to the public that are not often discussed or brought to light.

Our guest discusses embryo adoption as one of the current trends, which is covered in the docuseries. See document regarding the church and embryo adoption here.

See the church's document Dignitas Personae regarding the dignity of the human person.

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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The Msgr. Lafferty Tuition Foundation has been around for many years, providing scholarships for Catholic school parents and Iowa tax benefits for supporters. But do we still need MLTF with ESAs helping so many families? The answer is yes and Danbury Catholic School Principal Molly Petersen helps us to understand what this program really is and how it's crucial to help families - even with ESA dollars available. Also learn how donors benefit from participating and how the Danbury and surrounding community members support the school!

Learn more about contributing here: https://scdiocese.org/mltf

Apply for scholarship funds: https://scdiocese.org/scholarship

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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Elizabeth M. Kelly, award-winning speaker and author is the keynote speaker for the Nov. 15 diocesan Women's Gathering in Fort Dodge, Love Like a Saint, based up on her book of the same name. She contributes content to numerous publications, Relevant Radio, EWTN and others. 

She shares how the book came to be, how to read and pray with it and what Women's Gathering participants can take home with them after the event. 

Learn more about Liz here.

Learn more about the Love Like a Saint event and/or register 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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Father Michael Cronin, pastor of St. Rose of Lima in Denison, recently celebrated the 10th anniversary of his priestly ordination by participating in a Camino this summer. He shares the history behind this spiritual and physical journey, why pilgrims are called to walk the Camino and how he prepared for the walk.

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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*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.