Diocese of Sioux City

06/15/2026

Bishop John Keehner was able to attend the Come Rock the Grotto festival Saturday, the annual fundraising event for the Shrine of the Grotto of the Redemption in West Bend. Over $88,000 was raised from the event, thanks to generous supporters. There was music, food and items for auction. The grotto is in the Divine Mercy Parish. Msgr. Ed Girres is rector of the grotto. Thanks to Tim Dahlhauser for the photos.

06/14/2026

Our permanent deacon candidates and their wives just finished a pre-ordination retreat with Father Brent Lingle, director of the diaconate. They will be ordained permanent deacons Aug. 1 at the Cathedral of the Epiphany in Sioux City. Keep them in your prayers in the meantime!

06/13/2026

Some of our seminarians are on a Rome pilgrimage with youth from the Lakes area including Deacon Jimmy Fitzsimmons and Deacon Garrett Hugeback. Deacon Thomas Kollasch and Anthony Vera are studying at the North American College in Rome. Deacon Kollasch will be ordained a priest later this month. The three deacons posed for a photo when the pilgrims arrived. Pray for a safe and fruitful pilgrimage.

06/12/2026

Today is the solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. If you haven't already read Bishop John Keehner's pastoral letter, this is the perfect day to do so. We have it in English and Spanish: www.scdiocese.org/letter.

06/12/2026

Happy anniversary to Bishop John Keehner today! He celebrates 33 years of priesthood. He was ordained a priest by Bishop James Malone on June 12, 1993, in St. Columba Cathedral in Youngstown. Thank you for your dedication to the church and the Diocese of Sioux City, Bishop!

Photo from Bishop Keehner's ordination day.

06/11/2026

Update: The consecration begins at 3 p.m. Central time, not 4 p.m.

The U.S. bishops consecrate the United States to the Sacred Heart o...

06/11/2026

Today, we consecrate the United States of America to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Parishes and individuals around the country are encouraged to join the U.S. Catholic bishops in this historic occasion, beginning with this Prayer to the Sacred Heart of Jesus written for the consecration.

O Most Sacred Heart of Jesus:
You know the longings of our hearts,
and you desire that we enjoy friendship with you.
From your pierced side, you have poured out the wellspring of life,
for which we thirst.
Your heart burns with a love for all people
to return to a right relationship with you.
We celebrate the abundant gifts you have given this nation, founded on the self-evident truths that our Creator has endowed all people with the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
We make reparation for the offenses against you and against human dignity that have taken place in this nation.
May our hearts be united to yours, so that our families and communities enjoy peace and happiness; may broken relationships be reconciled, injustices repaired, and the wounds of our land be healed.
May your holy Catholic Church serve as a sign,
pointing all people to your infinite love.
O Desire of Nations and Center of History,
we ask you to bless these United States of America.
Who live and reign with God the Father
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever.
Amen.
Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy on us!
Immaculate Heart of Mary, pray for us!

06/10/2026

Safe travels to this group on a Rome pilgrimage!

06/10/2026

*Updated

Here's a link to help you find the livestream of the U.S. Bishops' consecration of the nation to the Sacred Heart of Jesus June 11 at 3 p.m. Central:

https://www.usccb.org/consecration-united-states-sacred-heart-jesus

06/10/2026

Reminder from the diocesan Catholic Schools Office that the application deadline for Education Savings Accounts is June 30. Here's the link: https://iowa-households.withodyssey.com/login/

Gift your child the gift of a Catholic education!