First, I’d like to say a word of welcome to our many new subscribers. We really appreciate your taking action on issues that are important to you!

A bill to set up a pilot program for Education Savings Accounts passed out of subcommittee last week. I know some of you are hearing some inflated figures about how much the bill, HF 2284, would cost the state. As drafted, the cost to the state would be less than a million dollars. In the context of the state’s $5 billion education…

Today we had an interesting gospel, the last (21^st) chapter of John’s gospel. Actually, there is, of course, only one gospel—the gospel of Jesus Christ, but it comes to us from four sources.

Today we meet seven of the disciples. They go fishing, and fish all night, and catch nothing. Have you ever worked hard at a project or task and come up completely empty handed? No doubt that has happened to all of us. That is the course of life.

At the first…

Dear Brother Knights:

Let us pray for the repose of the soul of Msgr. Gerald Stessman who died Monday, April 4, 2016, and was a Faithful Friar of the Fourth Degree for many years and a Faithful Friar of the Dowling Assembly.

Below please find a copy of the obituary from the Iles Funeral Home website:

Msgr. Gerald J. Stessman, 83, died Monday, April 4th at Mercy Hospice in Johnston, Iowa. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at Holy…

The Iowa House Appropriations Committee is currently considering House File 2284, which, as drafted, would open 190 Education Savings Accounts (ESAs) for low-income public school parents in two school districts, Sioux Center and Waterloo. HF 2284 passed out of subcommittee yesterday.

 

ESAs would allow parents who choose not to enroll their children in a public school to receive a deposit of public funds into a savings account set up by the state.…

In September of 1998, Pope St. John Paul II issued an Encyclical which brought about a seminal moment in how we are to approach critical thought leading into the 21st century.  The Encyclical was titled Fides et Ratio, or Faith and Reason. 



Now we are here to speak about faith and reason and so we have to be clear about one fundamental assumption that is at the basis of the Catholic intellectual tradition. It is laid out in Fides et Ratio and affirmed in Benedict…

COMING UP THIS WEEK

A subcommittee meeting is scheduled for early this afternoon (Monday) for House File 2284, a bill that would create a pilot Education Savings Accounts (ESAs) program. The establishment of ESAs is one of our priorities for the legislative session.

Education Savings Accounts would empower parents to choose the most suitable education for their children, regardless of income or where they live. HF 2284 would allow some low-income parents to receive…

Evelyn Ann Mazur, representing St. Francis of Assisi Council 12422 in West Des Moines has been chosen by Supreme as 1st Runner Up International Keep Christ in Christmas Poster Contest for 2015. 

Ms. Mazur, a 5th grade student at St. Francis of Assisi School, competed in…

A new and improved ultrasound machine is now in use at Mary’s Choice in Sioux City.

Bishop Walker Nickless blessed the device at the pregnancy resource center on Feb. 6, surrounded by staff,…

Today is Founder's Day, the anniversary of the founding of our esteemed order by Father Michael J. McGivney. We thank God for his witness to meeting the needs of Catholic families by starting an organization to help the widows and orphans of Catholic men, and to counter the anti-Catholic sentiments which were strong in early American history.

Thank-you Father McGivney for the heritage you left us as a legacy. May we treasure that legacy and make it grow by our own dedicated…

Last summer I commented on the blog about the posture of the faithful at Mass, specifically regarding the Orans position.  In that conversation, I referenced a 1997 document which outlined the importance of how we are to comport ourselves at Holy Mass.  We must remember that the Mass is not a private devotion in the home or in public.  It is an offical action of the Church in which we participate.  There are…

Congratulations to the following individuals who were selected to receive one of the 2015-2016 Iowa Knights of Columbus Individual Merit Awards!

Each recipient will be recognized during the 2016 State Convention to be held April 16, 2016 at the majestic Des Moines Marriott Downtown. Tickets for the banquet are available through…

As legislative proposals for doctor-prescribed suicide become more prevalent across the country, the Catholic bishops of Iowa are organizing a statewide educational effort regarding end-of-life care aligned with Catholic values. Click here for more details.  The project is called “Supportive Care Iowa.”

“We have a duty to protect and preserve our life. However,…

       Today is March 25. This is customarily the day on which we observe the Solemnity of the Annunciation, exactly nine months prior to Christmas. The Annunciation recalls the visit of the angel Gabriel to the Blessed Virgin Mary, during which she learned that she had been chosen to be the Mother of God’s Son. Mary offered her ‘fiat,’ in which she said “Yes” to God.

       Today, however, we gather to celebrate Good Friday. The phrase “celebrate Good Friday” sounds like an oxymoron…

       Today is March 25. This is customarily the day on which we observe the Solemnity of the Annunciation, exactly nine months prior to Christmas. The Annunciation recalls the visit of the angel Gabriel to the Blessed Virgin Mary, during which she learned that she had been chosen to be the Mother of God’s Son. Mary offered her ‘fiat,’ in which she said “Yes” to God.

       Today, however, we gather to celebrate Good Friday. The phrase “celebrate Good Friday” sounds like an oxymoron…

Click here for Archbishop Jackels' Easter message 2016.

Father Gibbs, priest for Saint Benedict's parish and chaplain for Council 4208, is providing numerous times for Reconciliation this Holy Week:

Wednesday, March 23, 12-1pm and 5-6pm; Holy Thursday, March 24, 8-9am, 12-1pm and 5-6pm; Good Friday, March 25, 8-9am and 5-6pm; and Saturday (Holy Saturday) 12-2pm. Come, prepare your hearts for Easter Joy.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church, CCC #2628,  gives a clear understanding of Eucharistic Adoration and what it means for the faithful. It reads:



 Adoration is the first attitude of man acknowledging that he is a creature before his Creator. It exalts the greatness of the Lord who made us and the almighty power of the Savior who sets us free from evil. Adoration is homage of the spirit to the "King of Glory," respectful silence in the presence of the "ever greater" God.…

Due to some major construction, 7th Street is closed starting at Watson Powell Jr. Way, and it opens up again at Grand. If you are coming from Interstate 235, we suggest you take the 5th St. exit, go south on 5th Street to Grand Ave, make a right (West) on Grand Ave until you…

Happy Easter to all my Brother Knights!

I often hear from councils that they are going to focus on activating existing members. That’s great! I hope all councils pursue assign a brother to ensure no one becomes “The Guy” who doesn’t come back and really make this part of the monthly activity of the council.

What I don’t understand is thinking that a council can only do one or the other – engage or recruit. I believe these are both / and activities that work hand in hand.…

The following individuals are the 2016 Iowa State winners in the Catholic Citizenship Essay Contest.  All winners listed below have been awarded a cash award of $100 as the State winner in their grade.

The thought and maturity shown in the winning essays was truly heartening said a member of the State judging panel.  Here are your winners!

8th Grade Winner:

Samantha Recker, Cascade, IA (representing…