Diocese to celebrate 125th anniversary

The Diocese of Sioux City will be celebrating the quasquicentennial in 2027 – 125 years since the establishment of the diocese. The commemoration will be marked with several events starting January 2027 at diocesan sites and historical news content throughout the year from Lumen Media, as well as other activities yet to be finalized.

The Diocese of Sioux City was established by a decree of Pope Leo XIII on Jan. 15, 1902, separating the 24 counties in northwest Iowa from the Archdiocese of Dubuque. At the time of its establishment, the Diocese of Sioux City had a Catholic population of approximately 50,000, with 95 priests serving in 84 parishes and 32 missions.

Today, the diocese has approximately 88,000 Catholics with 34 priests serving the diocese in active ministry in 35 parishes, with seven priests otherwise assigned. Bishop Philip J. Garrigan was named the first bishop of the diocese and was installed June 18, 1902.

Bishop Philip J. Garrigan, our first ordinaryGenerations of Grace is the theme selected for the 125th anniversary, along with a logo featuring a chalice and host to represent the Eucharist, which is “the source and summit of the Christian life,” from the Second Vatican Council and the Catechism of the Catholic Church. In the background of the logo are concentric circles in a pattern leading the eye to the chalice and host.

Key events were identified by Bishop John E. Keehner’s Quasquicentennial Planning Committee, which included clergy and staff from the diocesan Central Catholic Offices. The goal was to provide opportunities for the faithful to mark the celebration both at their home parishes and other communities in the diocese.
 

• Sunday, Jan. 17, 2027 - Masses held at all parishes to open the anniversary year.

• Monday, March 22, 2027 - Chrism Mass at 11 a.m. at the Cathedral – Recognition of Vessels Gifted to Bishop Garrigan for his installation.

• Thursday, June 3, 2027 - Vespers at 4 p.m. at the Cathedral in advance of Priestly Ordination on Friday, June 4, 2027 (Deacon James Fitzsimmons and Deacon Garrett Hugeback).
• Saturday and Sunday,  July 24 and 25, 2027 - In honor of the 125th anniversary year, Catholic Charities will host the People of Hope Museum with special 4 p.m. Mass July 24 at Sts. Peter and Paul Church, West Bend. The traveling museum will be on the grounds of the Shrine of the Grotto of the Redemption both days.

• Sunday, August 15, 2027  -  125th Anniversary Mass at 5 p.m. at Holy Trinity Church, Fort Dodge for the solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary with reception to follow.

• Sunday, September 19, 2027 - Mass with Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo, Bishop Keehner and Bishop Emeritus Walker Nickless and all Clergy held at 5 p.m. at the Cathedral of the Epiphany.

•  Tuesday, November 9, 2027 - Mass with all clergy to close out the anniversary year celebrated at 5:30 p.m. at the Cathedral of the Epiphany. Also marks the anniversary of the rededication of the Cathedral.