Illuminating Catholics
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 Illumina...
Agape Community Services with Rachelle Rawson
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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...
Bl. Stanley Rother film with Maria Scaperlanda
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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 A...
Sam Lange with the Iowan Eucharistic Procession
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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...
Impact of the FIRE Foundation of NW Iowa with Ryan Allen
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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 a...
What to expect at the returning Bishop's Dinner for Catholic Schools
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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...
Feeding the hungry with Lyn Kluender of The Siouxland Soup Kitchen
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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...
Adoration with Father Patrick Behm
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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...
Serving those experiencing homelessness - Shayla Moore of The Warming Shelter
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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.
Our Lady of Champion - Catholic saints exhibit and national novena
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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...
Beatification of Archbishop Fulton Sheen with Peoria Bishop Tylka
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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...
CGS and upcoming trainings with Kelley Grothus of Ascension Parish
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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 m...
Bishop Keehner on his pastoral letter Sic Deus Dilexit Mundum
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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 r...
Meet the new school leadership team Jim Murray and Dr. Dora Jung
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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.
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Month of Mary with Father Dan Greving
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Father Dan Greving, native of Willey and pastor of St. Donatus Parish (Alton, Granville and Hospers churches), helps us to understand Mary's role in the church, her intercessory role, basis in Scripture, Marian feast days and devotions for the Month of May. He clears up misconceptions such as worshipping Mary, adoration vs. veneration and praying to Mary versus requesting her intercession.
For more in Marian theology, Father recommends The Heart of Mary: Marian Theology and Doctrine and Introduction to Mary by Dr. Mark Miravalle.
Another resource - Hail, Holy Q...
Built on Rock Parent Coaching
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We interviewed Jerrett and Luisa Wendt of Built on Rock Parent Coaching. They share the journey that led them to Built on Rock, a Catholic parenting program. Despite many parenting courses, they found themselves at "rock bottom" and found a faith based approach. They will be presenting to parish formation leaders at a workshop in June and offering an evening session in Spanish. Learn more about the resources they offer at www.builtonrock.org.
Thank you for listening to this episode of Illuminating Catholics – shedding light to understand the modern church. Fo...
Judicial vicar discusses church teaching on Freemasons
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Podcast co-hosts Dawn Prosser and Karmen Bower interview Father David Esquiliano, judicial vicar for the Diocese of Sioux City, about the Freemasons and Catholic teaching about the fraternal organization.
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.
Vocations events with Fr. Travis Crotty
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Father Travis Crotty, director of vocations, shares the activities planned for the upcoming months including the June 1-4 Quest pilgrimage to Pilsen, Kansas, hometown of Father Emil Kapaun, servant of God, and Oklahoma City to visit the shrine of Blessed Stanley Rother. Also, there is a July 31 to Aug. 2 Quo Vadis retreat in the Iowa Great Lakes region. Learn more or register here. He explains the highlights of each opportunity. Both trips are designed for men high school (finished at least their freshman year) through college age. Visit www.siouxcitypriest...
Safety and security in parishes with Dustin Heino
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Our embedded Catholic Mutual Group claims and risk manager, Dustin Heino, discusses the work of Catholic Mutual, including providing support and resources for parishes enhancing their safety and security measures. As there have been acts of violence, medical emergencies, natural disasters and other situations at houses of worship around the country, parishes need to be prepared for the worst and pray for the best. Dustin has provided numerous resources for parishes and has helped parishes form their own safety and security teams and develop safety plans in the Diocese of Sioux City. He...
Conversation with Justin Derry on decision making, values and listening to God
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Catholic therapist Justin Derry has recently served as breakout speaker for two diocesan conferences - the Turn Youth Conference in Ogden and the March Men's Conference in Le Mars. He shares an overview of his talking points from the presentations, including decision making, values and listening to God from a Catholic perspective. He also shares about his background and family. Justin lives in rural Granville and practices through Integrative Psychology Services.
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Kenrick seminarians share formation experience
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Kenrick-Glennon Seminarians Jimmy Fitzsimmons of Sioux City and Garrett Hugeback of Wall Lake stopped into our podcast studio on their Easter break for today's episode! They share their vocation stories as well as a glimpse into seminary life. They also give us an overview of their thesis topics. They will be ordained as transitional deacons June 6 at the Cathedral, and ordained as priests (God willing!) in 2027. Keep them and all our seminarians in prayer.
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Divine Mercy unpacked with Father Matthew Solyntjes
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As we approach Divine Mercy Sunday on April 12, we had a conversation with Father Matthew Solyntjes, pastor of Divine Mercy Parish of Kossuth County and West Bend. Father Solyntjes unpacks the Divine Mercy with the history and St. Faustina's role, Divine Mercy devotions, and how the fairly new parish selected its patronage.
St. Faustina's diary
Divine Mercy events 2026
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Year of St. Francis with Briar Cliff University leadership
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Dr. Matthew Draud, president of Briar Cliff University, and Dr. Michael Horka, campus minister at Briar Cliff, help us to usher in the Year of St. Francis at the Franciscan university. Bishop John Keehner has designated BCU's Our Lady of Grace Chapel and St. Francis of Assisi Church in Rockwell City as pilgrimage sites for the jubilee year. In this episode, we learn about the Franciscan values that direct the university, what's going on at BCU today, the Franciscan sisters' involvement and how to visit the chapel on campus during this jubilee year.<...
Conversation on anointing of the sick with Father Galles
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Our director of worship, Father Andrew Galles explains what the anointing of the sick is, when it should ideally be administered and changes in the rite. He also answers practical questions such as when should you call a priest? What is Extreme Unction and is that still a term we use? It's good to have this information before you need it for yourself or a loved one.
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Conversation with retired priests Father Ball and Father Hart
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Retired priests in the diocese remain active - really active - by volunteering their time in our parishes, schools and communities. Father Rich Ball of Mapleton and Father Tom Hart of Humboldt share their biographies and histories in the diocese. They also share the many ways that they remain very active and are invaluable providing ministry and work in their respective areas. Be sure to honor and thank our retired priests by supporting the Retired and Infirm Priests Collection Easter weekend, April 4 and 5 or www.scdiocese.org/ripc.
Thank you for...
What does the church teach about cremation with Father Esquiliano
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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 On...
Conversation about 2026 Men's Conference with Dr. Ray
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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. Fo...
Revamped ACRE assessment with Kelly Kohout
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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!
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All about Lent with Father Pelzel
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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 - l...
Conversation with Bishop Keehner on genealogy
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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.
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Bishop's Dinner returns - conversation with Heidi Probasco
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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 ne...
Conversation with Liz Kelly on diocese Lenten book study
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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...
Carolyn Klika Catino of Abounding Joy Ministry
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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 i...
Campus ministers and chaplains serve our Catholic schools
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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 Ca...
Holiday dinner brings Christmas spirit to community
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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...
Social Justice and Laudato Si ministry with Father Emmet Farrell
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Retired diocesan priest and Ayrshire native (Emmetsburg Catholic High School alumnus) Father Emmet Farrell was ordained in 1965 and after three years left diocesan ministry for missionary work in Latin America. Returning to the United States in the 1980s, much of his focus was on social justice issues. After Pope Francis' encyclical, Laudato Si (Care for our Common Home), was released in 2015, the retired priest started the Care of Creation Ministry in the Diocese of San Diego, regarded as a leader in creation care. Father Farrell received The Pope John XXII Award from the...
Brandon Marsh of the John Paul II Medical Research Institute
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Brandon Marsh, executive director of the Coralville John Paul II Medical Research Institute shares the mission of the institute, which is guided by Catholic moral teachings "and serving the sanctity of all human life." Founded by Dr. Alan Moy in 2007, the institute funds ethical research and advances in health care that reflect the teachings of the Catholic Church. The institute's foundation provides grants and financial support to organizations that uphold the sanctity of all human life in their work. Listen to the episode and be sure to visit their website at https://www...
Experiencing the Advent season with Father Galles
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Father Andrew Galles, our diocesan director of worship, shares the hopeful anticipation of the season of Advent with us. From the Isaiah readings at daily Masses to the weekend Gospel readings, O Antiphons, the collect (opening prayers) and the beautiful liturgical music of Advent, the church offers so much to help us truly experience Advent. Father Galles offers suggestions outside of the liturgy for the faithful to best prepare for the great feast of Christmas after the conclusion of Advent. You won't want to miss this episode!
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History of serving vulnerable populations - diocesan archivist
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Diocesan archivist Cecilia Lopez shares the history of the diocese serving vulnerable populations. She takes us back in time to the establishment of the good Shepherd Home for Girls, St. Monica's Home for Unwed Mothers and St. Anthony's Orphanage. Each was located in Sioux City but served people in need from a much larger geographical area. Learn more about the issues of that time, Bishop Garrigan's leadership and the priceless contribution of religious communities in caring for our most vulnerable populations.
Love history? Check out the Lumen Media/Globe archives here.
...Straight talk on pastoral planning
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We hear the term pastoral planning, but do we know what it is and what it entails? It’s a tough topic and often emotional and we have straight talk on this episode with Deacon Mark Prosser, director of pastoral planning and Bishop John Keehner’s chief of staff, and Father David Esquiliano, diocesan judicial vicar and pastor of the Sioux City Cathedral Parish, to help us understand what’s happening in the diocese and around the nation. Learn more about the terminology used, history and data regarding pastoral planning in the diocese.
Mo...
Assisting our neighbors in need
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Norma Garza-Ramirez and Laura Duenas of Catholic Charities share the increase in requests for aid at their office - even before the SNAP cuts - for food, coats, help with utilities and rent, etc. They also refer people to the myriad of resources available in the event that they are not able to help.
Those wishing to help can contact their local Catholic Charities office and contribute towards gift cards or other needs in your area. For information about Catholic Charities or to find an office near you, go to www...
