Mater Dei Parish

09/08/2026

Find out why Briar Cliff University’s Board of Trustees extended President Matthew Draud’s leadership through an evergreen agreement, reaffirming its confidence in his leadership and the University’s direction, during this 📆 Thhursday's Siouxland Catholic Professionals Network (SCPN) at 🕗 noon in the📍St. Francis Center.

You'll take away practical insights on leading with integrity, purpose and a heart for serving others, personally, professionally and spiritually.

Reserve your spot today at materdeisc.org/catholic-professionals-network. Walkins are welcome.

The SCPN is open to all working and retired professionals.

09/08/2026

Happy birthday, Mary! Today, September 8, is the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary!

WHAT EVERY CATHOLIC CAN DO TO CELEBRATE MARY'S BIRTHDAY

Imagine waking up today and remembering that it is the birthday of the woman who gave her “yes” to God and became the Mother of our Lord Jesus Christ.

So, what can a Catholic actually do today to celebrate Mary's birthday?

1. WISH MARY A HAPPY BIRTHDAY THROUGH PRAYER.
Take a few quiet moments today and simply speak to Mary with love. You can pray the Hail Mary, the Memorare, the Salve Regina, or any Marian prayer you love. You can even begin simply: “Mary, Mother of Jesus, thank you for your yes to God. Happy birthday.”

2. GO TO HOLY MASS IF YOU CAN.
The Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary is a liturgical feast of the Church. If Mass is available and you are able to attend, participate with a grateful heart. Offer the Mass in thanksgiving for Mary's role in God's plan of salvation and ask her to lead you closer to Jesus.

3. GIVE MARY A BIRTHDAY GIFT.
What could you possibly give the Mother of Jesus?
Give her something she would love: a closer relationship with her Son. Make a sincere effort today to avoid a particular sin, forgive someone, pray more patiently, or perform an act of charity. Let your gift to Mary become an act of love for Jesus.

4. PRAY THE ROSARY WITH HER.
The Rosary is a beautiful way to celebrate Mary's birthday because it directs our attention to the mysteries of Christ's life, death and glory. You don't have to make it complicated. Gather your family, invite a friend, or pray it quietly by yourself.

5. DO SOMETHING KIND FOR SOMEONE.
Mary's life was marked by humility and charity. Remember how she hurried to visit Elizabeth after receiving the message of the Angel (Luke 1:39-40).
Today, make Mary's birthday an opportunity to bring joy to someone else. Call someone who is lonely, help someone in need, encourage someone who is struggling, or simply perform an act of kindness without expecting anything in return.

In simple words, you don't need an expensive gift, a huge celebration or a complicated devotion.
Pray. Go to Mass if you can. Pray the Rosary. Do an act of charity. And, most importantly, let Mary's birthday bring you closer to Jesus.

That is a beautiful way to honour His Mother.

Now you know.

If you could give the Blessed Virgin Mary one birthday gift today, what would you give her?

SOURCES
Luke 1:26-38
Luke 1:39-45
Luke 2:19

Catechism of the Catholic Church, §§963-975

Catechism of the Catholic Church, §§2673-2679

St. John Paul II, Rosarium Virginis Mariae

© Catholic Dailies
Be Prayerful. Be Inspired.

09/07/2026

How do we engage others? With civility! One of thr Iowa Catholic Conference's Faithful Citizenship documents is now available on our website. Watch for more coming later this week.

https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1DVi3ZsH6v/

09/06/2026

This Sunday's Gospel concludes with these words from Matthew 18:20: “For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.”

This Scripture is meaningful to me because of my work with Dick Ahlers. Whether we were working on Gehlen’s Endowment Fund or the All Saints’ capital campaign, Dick often returned to this passage. He recognized the Holy Spirit at work whenever individuals joined together in faith & service. He pointed out how God was blessing the school & parish through His people’s generosity & collaboration.

Today, I see that same Gospel message alive & flourishing here at Mater Dei. There are countless examples of faith in action & even miracles unfolding among us.

One of our parishioners has been hospitalized for nearly 4 months. Throughout this difficult journey, his son Joe has requested visits from our priests, Holy Communion through our EMHCs, & prayers from our parish community. Thanks to God, his father is improving & hopes to return home soon. Joe & Cindy repeatedly expressed their gratitude for the prayers, support, & pastoral care they have received. They proudly share with others how deeply they have been touched by the love & compassion of our parish family.

We have witnessed God's hand in other ways as well. Last spring, our Women’s Retreat had nine booths featuring vendors & organizations. Among the retreatants was Bonnie, a member of another Sioux City parish. Bonnie had been seeking to deepen her prayer life & relationship with God. She was unable to attend last fall's conference. When Bonnie learned about the retreat, she quickly registered. While visiting the booths, she noticed the statue of Our Blessed Mother at the Confraternity table & felt drawn to stop & learn more. After speaking with Janet Witt, Bonnie joined the Confraternity in May. It’s beautiful reminder God continues to call people closer to Himself, through simple encounters & faithful witnesses.

Look around. Where do you see the fire & love of the Holy Spirit alive in your life & at Mater Dei? How is God inviting you to put your faith into action? May we continue to recognize His presence among us whenever we gather in His name. Together, we will go forth glorifying the Lord by our lives.

Yours in Christ, Lisa Niebuhr

09/05/2026

Join us for our next Joyful Social at Big Mama's Coffee and More! ☕️💛
Saturday, September 5!

This will be our first time gathering there, and we're so excited! Mary, known to many as Big Mama, is a Heelan graduate who supports all Sioux City schools. Her love for Sioux City and the people who call it home shines through.

At Joyful Socials, we love supporting locally owned businesses that invest in our community. As a special welcome, Mary is generously offering everyone who attends 10% off their purchase during our Joyful Social! 🎉

Each Joyful Social is a little different, but our heart is the same: to encourage one another, grow in faith, and share God's love in community. All women are welcome, regardless of church affiliation, and children are always welcome too.

We realize this falls on Labor Day weekend, but we hope everyone who would like to join us will have a chance to come! Whether this is a first Joyful Social or a familiar gathering, there is always a warm welcome and a place to connect with other women.

We can't wait to see you! 💛

See comments for parking info. ⤵️

*****

☕️💛 ¡Acompáñanos en nuestra próxima reunión Joyful Social en Big Mama’s Coffee and More!

¡Sábado 5 de Septiembre!

¡Esta será nuestra primera reunión allí y estamos muy emocionadas! Mary, es conocida por muchos como Big Mama, ella se graduó de Heelan y apoya a todas las escuelas de Sioux City. Su amor por Sioux City y por las personas que llaman a esta ciudad su hogar se refleja en todo lo que hace.

En Joyful Socials, nos encanta apoyar a los negocios locales que invierten en nuestra comunidad. Como una bienvenida especial, Mary generosamente ofrecerá un 10% de descuento a todas las personas que asistan durante nuestro Joyful Social. 🎉

Cada reunión es un poquito diferente, pero nuestro corazón es el mismo: motivarnos unas a otras, crecer en nuestra fé y compartir el amor de Dios en comunidad. Todas son bienvenidas, sin importar su afiliación religiosa, ¡y los niños también son siempre bienvenidos!

Sabemos que este evento es durante el fin de semana del Día del Trabajo (Labor Day), pero esperamos que todas las que quieran acompañarnos tengan la oportunidad de venir. Ya sea que es tu primer Joyful Social o que ya hayas participado antes, siempre encontrarás una cálida bienvenida y un espacio para conectar.

¡Esperamos verte! 💛

09/05/2026

The USCCB for our 250th national anniversary consecrated the United States to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Deacon Kevin Poss will weave in the Sacred Heart devotion in his homily this weekend.

The Promises of the Sacred Heart of Jesus to St. Margaret Mary:
(1) I will give them all the graces necessary in their state of life.
(2) I will establish peace in their homes.
(3) I will comfort them in all their afflictions.
(4) I will be their secure refuge during life, and above all, in death.
(5) I will bestow abundant blessings upon all their undertakings.
(6) Sinners will find in my Heart the source and infinite ocean of mercy.
(7) Lukewarm souls shall become fervent.
(8) Fervent souls shall quickly mount to high perfection.
(9) I will bless every place in which an image of my Heart is exposed and honored.
(10) I will give to priests the gift of touching the most hardened hearts.
(11) Those who shall promote this devotion shall have their names written in my Heart.
(12) I promise you in the excessive mercy of my Heart that my all-powerful love will grant to all those who receive Holy Communion on the First Fridays in nine consecutive months the grace of final perseverance; they shall not die in my disgrace, nor without receiving their sacraments. My divine Heart shall be their safe refuge in this last moment."

Copyright (c) 1996 EWTN

09/05/2026

We are elated Jenni and Steve Angrisano were able to squeeze in time to go to Trinity Heights ! A special thanks to Terry Hegarty for providing the Angrisanos a tour!

09/04/2026

We had two transformational days with Steve Angrisano and his wife, Jenny! ❤️

Through Steve's music, stories, and faith, the Angrisanos touched our hearts and transformed our lives.

Around 200 people of all ages joined us for last night’s concert, with guests traveling from as far away as Omaha, Nebraska, and Brandon, South Dakota to hear Steve!

We’re sharing a few of our favorite moments from these unforgettable days. ✨

What did you enjoy most?
How did Steve’s music, stories, and faith transform your heart and soul?

📸 Steve Angrisano , Bishop Heelan, Mater Dei School, Allison Chapman Beumler

09/04/2026

Thank you sponsors, media partners, the Cathedral, Holy Cross and Mater Dei Knights for making it possible for Steve Angrisano to spend the part of the week with us and our students!