Illuminating Catholics

Dawn Prosser and Karmen Bower

Illuminating Catholics – shedding light to understand the modern church

Welcome to the Illuminating Catholics - podcast of the Diocese of Sioux City. Your hosts are Dawn Prosser, director of Communications for the diocese and Karmen Bower of the Faith Formation Office. We will shed light upon topics of faith in the modern church. Our guests include Catholic clergy, religious sisters and other experts in their fields to help us understand what’s happening in the church today. We will explore issues (even tough ones) and find answers to common questions about Catholicism. Thank you for joining us for today’s Illuminating Catholics – shedding light to understand the modern church. Be sure to subscribe!

Sound editing and episode artwork is by Renee Webb, design and content coordinator for the Diocese of Sioux City Office of Communications.

We are funded in part by the generous donations to Together as One - Our Diocesan Annual Appeal.

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S3 · E14
Tuesday · 39 min
Spirit Lake writer Judge John Sandy
Send us Fan Mail Judge John Sandy of the Iowa Court of Appeals shares his faith journey and how his faith is a guide for him in his work and life. He is also a writer of topics of faith and social justice and Lumen Media has published several of his articles (with more great writings to come). Judge Sandy is a parishioner of St. Mary in Spirit Lake, part of the Catholic Passage efforts in the Iowa Great Lakes area, a member of the Iowa Catholic Conference board of directors. Enjoy our interview with this busy graduate of the University of St. Thomas School of Law, husband and father of four. Follow Judge John Sandy on Substack: https://substack.com/@jmsandy Find Judge John Sandy's columns on Lumen Media: https://www.lumenmedia.org/guest-commentaries 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.
S3 · E13
September 29 · 31 min
Women's Gathering keynote Meg Hunter-Kilmer
Send us Fan Mail Speaker, author and Notre Dame campus minister Meg Hunter-Kilmer is the keynote speaker for the Nov. 14 Women’s Gathering in Fort Dodge. She travels the world sharing God’s “fierce and tender love,” as well as her passion for Scripture and the saints. Hunter-Kilmer shares her faith journey, favorite Scripture passage, favorite saints and why she lived out of her car for 12 years. Come hear Hunter-Kilmer by registering for I will give you rest at www.scdiocese.org/gathering. Learn more about the speaker here: www.piercedhands.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.
S3 · E12
September 22 · 27 min
The Rosary and the Eucharistic Rosary Congress
Send us Fan Mail Father Bill McCarthy and Sherry Hittle of St. Therese of Lisieux Parish talk about the rosary, its role in the faith and history and their own devotions to this powerful devotion as we lead in to October, the month of the Rosary.. Hittle also shares the details of the Sept. 27 to Oct. 3 fifth annual Eucharistic Rosary Congress held at Sacred Heart Church in Ida Grove see LINK. All are welcome to all or some of the congress. Resources on the Rosary: - Knights of Columbus resources - Hallow how to pray the Rosary - USCCB prayers of the Rosary 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.
S3 · E11
September 15 · 29 min
Twin parishes in Kossuth County and Haiti
Send us Fan Mail Divine Mercy Parish of Kossuth County and West Bend has a 14 year relationship with their "twin parish" St. Jeanne de Chantal Parish in Haiti. Parish leaders Alan Laubenthal and Kim Dahlhauser share the history of the relationship, the poverty the Haitian parishioners experience and the importance of the twinning program. Divine Mercy has generously supported St. Jeanne de Chantal over the years, including raising emergency funds after a hurricane in 2014, establishing a medical clinic and mobile clinic. Divine Mercy members were awaiting a visit from Cardinal Chibly Langois of the Haitian Les Cayes Diocese this month until changes in immigration policy regarding Haitians squashed the plans. If you are interesting in helping St. Jeanne de Chantal Parish or want to explore the possibility of having your own twin parish, e-mail us at news@scdiocese.org and we will put you in touch. Or learn more here: https://dmparish.org/twin-parish-st-jeanne-de-chantal or Parish Twinning program of the Americas: https://ptpausa.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.
S3 · E10
September 8 · 29 min
Co-founders invitation to the 2026 Christ Our Life Conference
Send us Fan Mail Co-founders of the wildly successful Christ Our Life Conference Ellen Miller and Marilyn Lane share their inspiration for the every other year conference and all the hands that make it possible. They share how they are able to attract world-class Catholic speakers and thousands of attendees. Miller and Lane invite all to consider attending what could be a life-changing event on Sept. 26 and 27. More information on tickets and hotel information is on the website: https://christourlifeiowa.com/ Students 23 years of age and younger are free and have a separate track for part of the conference. Can't travel to Des Moines? You can purchase a livestream ticket at https://christourlifeiowa.com/ and watch from the comfort of your 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.
S3 · E9
September 1 · 25 min
Parish-based FOCUS missionary Gregory Kinser
Send us Fan Mail Most are familiar with the FOCUS missionaries on college campuses, evangelizing college students during a critical time in their lives. St. John Paul II Parish in Carroll has hired the diocese's first parish-based FOCUS missionary - Gregory Kinser. He shares his journey joining the Catholic faith as a high school student, becoming a missionary after college and the move to Carroll. Kinser offers his vision for his new ministry at the parish and why he felt drawn to this new position. 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.
S3 · E8
August 25 · 26 min
Father Rosenmeyer on St. Francis and the Year of St. Francis
Send us Fan Mail Father Jake Rosenmeyer, parochial vicar of Holy Trinity Parish of Webster County and St. Mary Parish in Humboldt, talks about the life of St. Francis, his devotion to this popular saint and his connection to St. Clare. Father also talks about Briar Cliff University, the Year of St. Francis and diocesan pilgrimage sites (go to www.scdiocese.org/stfrancis for more information). 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.
S3 · E7
August 18 · 29 min
Agape Community Services with Rachelle Rawson
Send us Fan Mail Rachelle Rawson, executive director and co-founder of the faith-based Agape Community Services based in Sioux City. She shares the mission of the organization to serve area men post-incarceration, recovering from addictions or mental illness. They learn responsibility, job skills, lives of service and how to be strong Christian husbands, fathers and community members. The goal is to strengthen families by strengthening fathers. Construction continues on the 24,000 square foot facility on 40 acres of land. The curriculum is evidence-based and has partnered with numerous organizations, non-profits and churches in the area. Learn how Agape will serve the families and communities in our region in this episode. Learn more about Agape at www.agapesiouxland.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.
S3 · E6
August 11 · 33 min
Bl. Stanley Rother film with Maria Scaperlanda
Send us Fan Mail María Ruiz Scaperlanda of the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City - promoter of the canonization cause for Blessed Stanley Rother, martyred in mission territory of Guatemala where he was ministering in the midst of a civil war. Scaperlanda wrote the biography “The Shepherd Who Didn’t Run: Blessed Stanley Rother, Martyr from Oklahoma,” a widely praised biography of the first American-born priest recognized as a martyr by the Catholic Church. His beatification was in 2017. A documentary narrated by Martin Sheen, American Martyr - The Stanley Rother Story, hits select theaters in English Aug. 25 and 26 and in Spanish Aug. 27. Find tickets in or near your community HERE. Learn about the documentary, the cause for canonization, Maria's devotion to Blessed Rother and encouragement to pray for the intercession of Blessed Stanley Rother in this episode. Report a miracle or favor: https://archokc.org/rothermiracle Maria also shares a message in Spanish in this episode for our Spanish-speaking parishes. 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.
S3 · E5
August 4 · 20 min
Sam Lange with the Iowan Eucharistic Procession
Send us Fan Mail High school senior Sam Lange of the Archdiocese of Dubuque is a member of the National Youth Advisory Council for the National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry, where he was encouraged to lead a service project. Lange has created the Iowan Eucharistic Procession project, collaborating with dioceses and parishes to organize eucharistic processions in each diocese. Bishops will bless large puzzle pieces in the shape of each diocese's geographical area at the processions. The pieces will be united into the shape of Iowa at the Christ our Life Conference in Des Moines Sept. 26 and 27. The Diocese of Sioux City's procession will be Sept. 20 at Sts. Peter and Paul in West Bend starting with 10 a.m. Mass with Bishop John Keehner. The 0.6 mile procession around the Shrine Grotto of the Redemption will include prayer and hymns with a a meal to follow in the parish hall. 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.
S3 · E4
July 28 · 20 min
Impact of the FIRE Foundation of NW Iowa with Ryan Allen
Send us Fan Mail Since our last interview with Dr. Ryan Allen of the FIRE Foundation of Northwest Iowa (https://firefoundationnwiowa.org), the organization gave $80,000 in grants to diocesan Catholic schools to foster inclusion in the schools The mission of the foundation is to champion inclusion of students with disabilities in Catholic schools by providing resources, fundraising and fostering a culture of belonging. What started as meetings of groups of parents has grown into an organization affecting Catholic schools throughout the diocese. Funds are raised in part through the annual Ignite the FIRE event. This year's will be Sept. 16 at the Sioux City Distilling Company. Support the mission and 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.
S3 · E3
July 21 · 16 min
What to expect at the returning Bishop's Dinner for Catholic Schools
Send us Fan Mail Heidi Probasco, diocesan director of stewardship and development shares more about the Oct. 11, 2026 Bishop's Dinner for Catholic Schools. Tickets will go on sale July 27. Find out which teachers and Catholic school employees will be honored as well as the return of the Clergy Award. Heidi shares other details such as an opportunity to pray through sung solemn vespers (optional) and a display of art from our Catholic school students. Bishop John E. Keehner will be our keynote speaker talking about the gifts of our Catholic schools. Come join us at the Oct. 11 event at the Marriott Riverfront in South Sioux City. Go to https://www.scdiocese.org/bishops-dinner to purchase and for other information. 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.
S3 · E2
July 14 · 21 min
Feeding the hungry with Lyn Kluender of The Siouxland Soup Kitchen
Send us Fan Mail Another corporal work of mercy in the Catholic tradition is feeding the hungry and the conversation for this episode is the work of The Siouxland Soup Kitchen. Executive Director Lyn Kluender explains how the kitchen is supported by area community members, businesses and churches of various denominations. The Siouxland Soup Kitchen opened in 1987 in St. Joseph Church in Sioux City solely to feed the hungry. Today, they also serve the food insecure, families, children and low income as well as the unhoused - anyone who is hungry. Donors and volunteers in the region support the kitchen with food, cash and volunteer time. Learn how anyone can volunteer and/or contribute at www.siouxlandsoupkitchen.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.
S3 · E1
July 7 · 26 min
Adoration with Father Patrick Behm
Send us Fan Mail Our first episode of season 3! Father Patrick Behm, pastor of St. John Paul II Parish in Carroll, explains all things adoration for us. He explains what adoration is, how to participate in adoration and why Catholics should consider including adoration in their faith lives. Father Behm also talks about the adoration chapel at his parish. Check with your own parish for adoration opportunities. 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.
S2 · E52
June 30 · 33 min
Serving those experiencing homelessness - Shayla Moore of The Warming Shelter
Send us Fan Mail Wrapping up Season Two with Shayla Moore, executive director of The Warming Shelter in Sioux City. As it is a Corporal Work of Mercy to provide shelter to those experiencing homelessness, in this episode, we learn more about the origins of the shelter, involvement of area faith communities, the support network to help clients long-term and who uses the services at the shelter. Also, learn how you can help the cause at the shelter providing a safe place to stay 12 months out of the year. Also, learn more here: www.thewarmingshelter.com. Contact Shayla at sbecker@thewarmingshelter.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.
S2 · E51
June 23 · 24 min
Our Lady of Champion - Catholic saints exhibit and national novena
Send us Fan Mail Looking for a regional site for a meaningful road trip? The National Shrine of Our Lady of Champion in Champion, Wisconsin is about 7 to 8 hours away from diocesan parishioners, and many have visited. John Paul Brissette of the shrine shares the story of Servant of God Adele Brice and the message she received from Our Lady of Champion. He invites all to the July 1 to 9 Catholic Saints of America event to celebrate America's 250th anniversary. There will be a special exhibit with displays and presentations representing 76 shrine and guilds for U.S. saints, blesseds, venerables and servants of God "hall of fame of holiness." Relics will be available for veneration and speeches offered. July 5 is the anniversary of Brice's death and a special Mass and grave blessing will be held. The KCs will offer a picnic and activities will be available for families. Learn more at www.championshrine.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.
S2 · E50
June 16 · 31 min
Beatification of Archbishop Fulton Sheen with Peoria Bishop Tylka
Send us Fan Mail Diocese of Peoria Bishop Louis Tylka invites all to make a pilgrimage to St. Louis Sept. 24 to celebrate the beatification of Venerable Archbishop Fulton Sheen. The archbishop is a native of Peoria and was a pioneer in using the new media to evangelize and share the Gospel message. Bishop Tylka talks about the archbishop and invites the faithful to plan a pilgrimage to the beatification and include a stop in Peoria. For more information on Archbishop Sheen, the beatification and pilgrimage, go to www.celebratesheen.com. The diocese is creating The Sheen Experience museum and recently started renovating his former high school for the project. In the meantime, there is a museum available at the Diocese of Peoria pastoral center and visit Archbishop Sheen's burial site at the Cathedral. Venerable Archbishop Fulton Sheen, pray for us! 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.
S2 · E49
June 9 · 29 min
CGS and upcoming trainings with Kelley Grothus of Ascension Parish
Send us Fan Mail Kelley Grothus, director of religious education (DRE) of Ascension Parish - St. Malachy Church in Madrid is passionate about Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. She shares her history of working with the program, how it works and how it meets the needs of children as they grow in their knowledge of the faith. Also, there are three levels of training available starting this summer for faith formation leaders. More information on the training (scholarships may be available): www.scdiocese.org/cgs www.cgsusa.org Resources mentioned by Grothus: The Child in the Church, Maria Montessori The Religious Potential of the Child, Sofia Cavalletti The Religious Potential of the Child 6 to 12 Years Old, Sofia Cavalletti 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.
S2 · E48
June 2 · 26 min
Bishop Keehner on his pastoral letter Sic Deus Dilexit Mundum
Send us Fan Mail Bishop John E. Keehner promulgated his first pastoral letter on May 31 - solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity. The letter, Sic Deus Dilexit Mundum, God So Loved the World - A pastoral reflection on the meaning of the Sacred Heart of Jesus for our world today. He wrote it in anticipation of the June 11, 2026 U.S. Bishops' consecration of our nation to the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus as the nation celebrates the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. He shares why he wanted to write the reflection and what he hopes the faithful take from the letter. Bishop also shares why he selected the image that accompanies his letter. Read the letter and prayers Bishop included in English or Spanish at www.scdiocese.org/letter. Novena to the Sacred Heart in English: https://www.usccb.org/novena-sacred-heart-jesus Novena to the Sacred Heart in Spanish: https://www.usccb.org/es/novena-al-sagrado-corazon-de-jesus 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.
S2 · E47
May 26 · 30 min
Meet the new school leadership team Jim Murray and Dr. Dora Jung
Send us Fan Mail We had a conversation with Jim Murray, our new interim superintendent from Humboldt, and Dr. Dora Jung, our new Director of Catholic Schools from Sioux City, who will be leading our Catholic Schools Office. They both will hit the ground running July 1 as they begin their new positions with the Diocese of Sioux City and become acquainted with communities, schools, administrators and students. In this episode, you will "meet" Jim and Dora and catch the excitement they have for our unique 14 Catholic school systems in the diocese. 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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