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Our diocesan judicial vicar, Father David Esquiliano, dispels myths and misconceptions about cremation in the church. He shares the history of the practice and what the preferred practices for funerals, burial and care of cremated remains (also called cremains). Learn the facts for when you plan for your final plans or for a loved one.

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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Dawn Prosser interviews Dr. Ray Gaurendi who will be the keynote speaker of the 2026 Men's Conference slated for March 21 at All Saints Parish, St. Joseph Church, in Le Mars, Iowa. Learn about the theme of the conference, why men would be interested in attending the gathering and why it's important for men to stand firm in their faith.

To sign up for the conference, go to scdiocese.org/mensconference

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 diocesan director of education services, Kelly Kohout, as been part of a collaborative effort to rewrite and re-tool the assessment that Catholic schools and religious education programs can use to measure the effectiveness of their religion curriculum. She explains how the ACRE (Assessment of Catholic Religious Education) is used in our diocesan Catholic schools as well as around the country, and why it was necessary to rewrite the exam. Take a deep dive into how our Catholic schools gauge the their religion curriculum in this episode!

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 the Lenten season, beginning with Ash Wednesday, Feb. 18, do we really know what we are commemorating? Are we making the most of this penitential season of Lent? One of our vicars general and pastor of Mater Dei Parish in Sioux City Father Brad Pelzel helps break down the season for us and offers practical suggestions for your Lenten journey. 

There's still time to join our Lenten book study or form a small group at your parish. We are studying A Place Called Golgotha by Liz Kelly - learn more and sign up at www.scdiocese.org/lent. 

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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Bishop John Keehner makes his first appearance on the podcast since his May 1 ordination (he did join us while still Bishop-elect in March 2025). As the faithful are getting to know him, they often ask what his hobbies are. Today he talks extensively about his genealogy research and what he has learned about him family and relationships from this research. There were even a few surprises revealed with living relatives along the way. Enjoy this frank discussion with our bishop in today's episode. 

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's new director of stewardship and development, Heidi Probasco, shares the news that the Bishop's Dinner for Catholic Schools is returning to the diocese! Probasco shares the details and a few new twists to engage more Catholic school supporters. A great announcement for Catholic Schools 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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The author of A Place Called Golgotha: Meditations on the Last Words of Christ, Elizabeth "Liz" Kelly joined us for an episode to focus on the book, which is the basis for the Lent 2026 diocese wide study. She discusses when and why she started authoring faith-based books and the background behind writing A Place Called Golgotha. Each section of the book includes storytelling, discussion questions, prayer prompts and more to help the reader delve into Christ's last words. Kelly suggests that the reader approach the book more like a retreat in order to meditate on the themes throughout the book. The author also discusses the weekly meditations that will be sent out by the Office of Faith Formation as well as the March 22 Evening of Reflection she will lead.

The faithful can participate as part of a small group in their parish (or lead one) or as an individual. Go to www.scdiocese.org/lent for more information or links to purchase the book. You can also purchase the book from Kelly's website: https://www.lizk.org/products/a-place-called-golgotha-meditations-on-the-last-words-of-christ

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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Certified Catholic divorce healing coaching of Abounding Joy Ministry will be leading the online Build a New Life workshop for separated and divorced Catholics, offered through a partnership with the Diocese of Sioux City. The workshop begins Jan. 22 at 7 p.m. Central time. Register and find the generous discount codes for the 12-week workshop at scdiocese.org/divorce. 

She talks about her own journey as a child of divorce and her own divorce as well as what participants can except in the workshop including support, healing and tools to help you in your journey. Encourage anyone in your life who may need healing from a troubled marriage, separation or divorce to consider registering.

View Carolyn's information session on Build a New Life 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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Fort Dodge St. Edmond Catholic School Chaplain Father Jake Rosenmeyer and Sioux City Bishop Heelan High School Campus Minister Grace Lange join us for the first episode of 2026. The two share how they keep the faith alive in their schools, helping to maintain the Catholic identity on the campus. Be sure to listen for a surprising experience that Father Rosenmeyer and Grace have in common!

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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Parishioners of Spencer Sacred Heart Parish want to make sure no one has to spend their Christmas dinner alone. The faithful volunteer on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day to host a meal in their parish center for anyone who wants to come. The tradition began when Father Roger Linnan (now retired) was pastor and he wanted to host a Christmas dinner. Longtime volunteer and parishioner Kris McDermott shares how the dinner started and how the Sacred Heart community comes together to make it happen year after year.

This is our last episode of 2025. We will be back with a new episode Jan. 6. Merry Christmas from Illuminating Catholics! Have a blessed holiday.

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.