A professor of religious studies at the University of Northern Iowa has landed a $10,000 grant to create what will be called the Iowa Religious Literacy Project. Professor Mike Graziano says the funds will help to organize a professional development seminar to guide Iowa public school teachers … [Read more...]
More in-person worship services added for Des Moines Catholic Diocese
The Bishop of the Des Moines Catholic Diocese is easing restrictions again on in-person worship. Bishop William Joensen instituted a phased-in approach where some parishes could begin weekday public celebration of Mass at the discretion of their pastors with proper precautions implemented. … [Read more...]
Davenport Diocese not yet allowing larger events
Thousands of Catholics in southeastern Iowa are going to have to wait a while longer for the reopening of their churches and public celebration of mass. The churches opened for private prayer last week, but not yet for any larger events. Davenport Diocese Bishop, Thomas Zinkula, says he's taking … [Read more...]
Catholic Diocese in Dubuque to start services at end of month
The leader of the Dubuque Catholic Diocese says churches will be allowed to hold services once again on the last weekend of this month. Archbishop Michael Jackels announced his decision in a video and says it is based on the coronavirus trends for northeast Iowa. "Namely, that there has been a … [Read more...]
Catholic Diocese of Des Moines to allow restart of masses in 15 counties
The Bishop of the Des Moines Catholic Diocese is allowing in-person masses to return in 15 counties beginning Thursday. Bishop William Joensen says the decision comes after looking at information surrounding the coronavirus pandemic for the past month. "We just thought that a kind of gradual … [Read more...]
Governor explains decision to allow church services, church leaders respond
Churches are reacting to decision by Governor Kim Reynolds to lift the coronavirus limit of holding public gatherings to 10 or fewer people to allow churches to hold worship services. The governor has limited the opening of businesses to 77 counties that have lower cases of COVID-19, but is … [Read more...]
Sheldon worshipers celebrate Easter in their cars during snowstorm
More than 125 cars and pickups packed the Sheldon High School parking lot on Easter Sunday as their drivers and passengers took part in a special interdenominational "drive-in" worship service. The original plan called for the pastors from the Ministerial Association to conduct the service … [Read more...]
Governor declares this a ‘Day of Prayer’ in Iowa
Governor Kim Reynolds has declared today as a "Day of Prayer" in Iowa "in light of the COVID-19 pandemic." "Now, more than ever, we should pray for each other," Reynolds said. "Pray for your neighbor. Pray for all in need of aid and those on the frontlines in delivering it." Reynolds made … [Read more...]
Churches find ways to spread the word, minister to parishioners online
Church-going Iowans aren't able to go to church because of the pandemic and many church leaders are resorting to posting their sermons on the internet. Reverend Linda Hunsaker, from First Christian Church in Davenport, says dozens of members -- and non-members -- are watching her Sunday sermons … [Read more...]
Former St. Ambrose priest accused of sexual misconduct in early 1990s
A priest on the St. Ambrose University faculty has been accused of sexual misconduct in the early 1990s and the bishop of the Des Moines Catholic Diocese has placed the priest on administrative leave. According to a news release from the Diocese, authorities in Scott, Polk and Pottawattamie … [Read more...]