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February 9, 2026St. John, St. Malachy, and Sacred Heart churches will each receive a new Paschal Candle during Holy Week. If anyone would like to make a memorial donation (in memory of someone) for one of the Paschal candles, please call the parish office.The largest of all the candles in a church, the Paschal candle symbolizes the Risen Christ, the "Light of the World". It represents Christ's resurrection, with the flame signifying his eternal presence. For fifty days following Easter it remains in the sanctuary until Pentecost Sunday. At baptisms and funerals throughout the year, the Paschal Candle is lit, and placed front and center symbolizing the presence of the Risen Christ. Further symbolism of the Paschal Candle is within its elements: the Candle represents Christ, the Light prevailing over darkness, the beeswax symbolizes Christ’s sinless body, the wick his humanity, the flame His divinity. Bishop Keehner has asked parishes to share his pastoral letter with our parishioners and visitors; illuminating the sentiment of the other bishops of Iowa, and the USCCB.
February 5, 2026 A Pastoral Letter to the Faithful of the Diocese
My dear brothers and sisters in Christ, Grace and peace be with you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. In recent months, our nation has witnessed renewed tension surrounding immigration enforcement. Many of our immigrant brothers and sisters— some of whom worship beside us each Sunday, whose children learn in our schools, and whose hands labor quietly to sustain our communities —are living with profound fear and uncertainty. As their shepherd, I cannot remainsilent when members of our human family suffer. I wish to reiterate the messages released previously from the Iowa Catholic Bishops* and the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops* regarding immigration and the dignity of the human person. The Church has long taught that every person, regardless of nationality or legal status, possesses an inherent dignity given by God. Scripture reminds us that we, too, are called to welcome the stranger, protect the vulnerable, and uphold justice rooted in mercy. These values are not abstract ideals; they are concrete demands of discipleship. For this reason, I urge all people of goodwill to stand in solidarity with immigrant families who contribute so much to the life of our parishes and communities. Many are fleeing violence, poverty, or instability. Many are parents seeking safety for their children. Many are already woven into the fabric of our parishes and neighborhoods. Their hopes are not foreign to us but rather mirror the hopes of every family striving for a better life. I encourage policymakers to pursue responsible, comprehensive immigration reform that is orderly, just and compassionate, provides clarity rather than chaos and reflects the values we profess as a nation. To the faithful of the diocese, I ask you to pray fervently for all migrants and refugees, for those entrusted with public office and for our communities as we navigate these challenges. also invite you to accompany immigrant families with concrete acts of support such as offering friendship, advocating for humane policies and ensuring that our parishes remain places of Welcome. May the Holy Spirit guide us toward a society where justice and mercy meet, and where every person is treated as a beloved child of God.
Sincerely in Christ, Most Rev. John E. Keehner Bishop, Diocese of Sioux City
FYI:“The most luxurious possession, the richest treasure anybody has, is his personal dignity.”(Jackie Robinson)
God Bless, Fr.Tim