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“This Mass, which the bishop concelebrates with his college of priests and at which he consecrates the holy chrism and blesses the other oils, manifests the communion of the priests with their bishop,” from the Ceremonial of Bishops. Bishop Walker Nickless celebrated the chrism Mass April 14 at the Cathedral of the Epiphany in Sioux City with his priests, deacons and members of the faithful.

There is power in music. The rhythm of the notes, the rise and fall of the melody speak a language that can often be understood by people of many different tongues. At Briar Cliff University, an old genre of music is planting a new foothold in the region, welcoming young people to campus in a unifying effort of culture and music.

The episcopal ordination of Bishop-elect John E. Keehner is less than two weeks away and plans are firmly in place with the assistance of countless individuals serving on various committees and subcommittees. One such committee handles the event security, which is being coordinated by Mike Hamm, a retired law enforcement officer.

(Bilingual) We are in the heart of Holy Week and are journeying together through the sacred Triduum (The Three Days), the holiest days on the church’s calendar and the busiest for your parish. Our penitential season of Lent gradually gives way to the glory of our Easter celebrations. Estamos en el corazón de la Semana Santa y estamos viajando juntos a través del Triduo Sagrado (Los Tres Días), los días más santos en el calendario de la iglesia y los más ocupados para su parroquia. Nuestro tiempo penitencial de Cuaresma gradualmente da paso a la gloria de nuestras celebraciones de Pascua.

The Shrine of the Grotto of the Redemption in West Bend is a designated pilgrimage site by Bishop Walker Nickless for the 2025 Jubilee Year of Hope. The grotto is offering three pilgrimage options to satisfy the requirements to obtain the plenary indulgence for the 2025 Jubilee Year of Hope.

The Office of the Permanent Diaconate will be hosting three inquiry nights in the three deaneries for men and their wives to learn more about the permanent diaconate, what is involved and the formation process.

A group of 18 young women from Divine Mercy Parish joined their peers from Council Bluffs and Des Moines for a two day vocations visit to two Lincoln, Nebraska growing convents. They were amazed at the joyfulness of the sisters.

About 120 men gathered in Le Mars at St. Joseph Church, All Saints Parish April 5 for the annual Men’s Conference to be inspired and grow in holiness in their roles as husbands, fathers and men of faith. The conference was co-sponsored by the Diocese of Sioux City and the Le Mars All Saints Parish Men’s Ministry. Bishop Walker Nickless was present for the conference and presided at the Mass.

During the diocesan Lenten retreat Into the Garden on April 6, middle and high school students were called to enter the garden and reflect upon Christ’s journey to the cross. According to Danielle Fennessy, a faith formation coordinator for the diocese and member of the team organizing the event, 66 students from 11 parishes including three from outside the diocese attended the retreat hosted by Sacred Heart Parish in Sioux City.

A Mass of Reparation and Healing was offered on April 8 at the Cathedral of the Epiphany for the victims of clergy abuse in the Diocese of Sioux City. To underscore the solemn nature of the liturgy, the bishop was not adorned with the symbols of the office such as miter and crosier. He processed into the sanctuary in silence and after reverencing the altar, prostrated himself before the altar.

Iowa Alliance for Choice in Education contributed a letter to the Cedar Rapids Gazette refuting the state auditor's comments regarding Educational Savings Accounts. Diocese of Sioux City Catholic Schools Superintendent ​Patty Lansink was one of the signers ​of the letter.

The Shrine of the Grotto of the Redemption is hosting a pilgrimage for adults and students April 23 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The grotto is one of the four jubilee sites designated by Bishop Walker Nickless for the Jubilee Year of Hope.