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The Idaho Catholic Foundation is pleased to announce that applications are being accepted for two grants for the 2025 grant cycle: Charitable Works of the Local Church Endowment Catholic Parish Faith Formation Endowment Applications are due by March 15, 2025, at 5 p.m. (MST). Guidelines and the application form can be found on the ICF website at idahocatholicfoundation.org/grant-policy . Preference will be given to those grant requests in the range of $5,000. Notification of grants awarded will take place by the end of April, and funding will be provided before the start of the next fiscal year, July 1, 2025. Applications can be emailed directly to:  Margaret Hampton , Coordinator of Development, Dioceses of Boise mhampton@rcdb.org (208) 350-7539

By Deacon Scott Pearhill ICR Editor Encounter School of Ministry is offering a two-day conference to teach and activate Christians to be more effective ministers of Jesus’ healing in the world. The event on Friday, Mar. 7, and Saturday, Mar. 8, at Greencreek Hall, 1062 Greencreek Road in Cottonwood, is sponsored by the Tri-Parish Community, which includes St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Cottonwood, Assumption in Ferdinand and St. Anthony’s in Greencreek. Christian Welp, director of special projects for the Diocese of Boise and one of the organizers of the Encounter School of Ministry’s Boise Campus, explained that Jesus said believers will “lay hands on the sick, and they will recover” (Mk 16:17-18). “But what does that mean for me in my daily walk? What am I called to? That’s what this two-day event in Cottonwood will cover,” said Welp. Conference sessions answer questions about the meaning of baptism in the Holy Spirit, the theology of healing, the role of faith and prayer, overcoming discouragement and understanding the power of your testimony for healing. Two guest speakers from Encounter School of Ministry campuses in other states will lead the conference. Dr. Kerry McMahon is a high-risk obstetrician at St. Joseph’s Medical Center in Tacoma, dedicated to caring for women and babies with medical complications. She integrates her healing ministry into her work environment, harnessing the power of prayer. Before becoming a physician, she was an elementary school teacher for six years. An experienced retreat speaker, Kerry is passionate about mission work, teaching and speaking about the Heart of the Father for His children. She works with Encounter Ministries both nationally and locally as an instructor at the Seattle Campus. Kerry co-founded and is the Director of Kingdom Medicine, a ministry that equips and empowers healthcare workers to be the face of Christ in the workplace. It is her heartfelt mission that every patient experiences the compassionate heart of Jesus through our healthcare system. Brad Hubbard is the campus director for the Dallas Encounter School of Ministry. He is passionate about bringing healing and freedom through Jesus Christ to as many people as possible. Brad was born on the Feast of the Assumption of Mary and has a deep devotion to our Blessed Mother. Married for 29 years, he and his wife Cindy have two grown sons, Jacob and Joshua. They have lived in the Dallas area for 15 years, and Brad is hungry for more of the Holy Spirit to be unleashed in Texas and beyond. The training, faithful to Catholic teaching, includes praise and worship, powerful teaching sessions and opportunities to pray for others and receive prayer for healing. Registration for the two-day conference costs $75, but the 7 p.m. healing service on Saturday, Mar. 8, is free and open to the public. For more information and to register, scan the QR code or visit  encounterministries.regfox.com/cottonwood-id-school-of-healing . You can also contact Danielle Spencer at (208) 816-8408 or office@uhlenkottpumpservice.com . Recommended lodgings include: The Monastery of St. Gertrude’s, (208) 962-3224, innatstgertrude.com Super 8, Grangeville, (208) 983-1002 The Gateway Inn, Grangeville (208) 983-2500, idahogatewayinn.com

Father Lustig celebrates Catholic Schools Week Father Joseph Lustig said he’s unsure if Canada celebrates Catholic Schools Week, but thought our readers would appreciate seeing one of their Idaho priests at “Catholic lawyer school.” Father Lustig is studying canon law at St. Paul’s University in Ottawa, Canada. He began his two-year program to earn a License in Canon Law (JCL) in Sept. 2023 and will finish this year during the summer. While in Ottawa, Father Lustig has been living at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish, where he also assists at Mass and helps with sacramental needs. Corpus Christi, Fruitland, brings March for Life to parish hall Corpus Christi Right to Life (CC.R2L) wanted to make it more convenient for parishioners to attend a pro-life march, so they sponsored a March for Life Dessert Walk during the coffee hour after Mass on January 19, said Vea Jensen, Corpus Christi Right to Life president. Corpus Christi parishioners donated 30 desserts for the well-attended event. Participants walked around a large circle in the parish hall and paused near a number on the floor when the emcee called for players to stop. Each numbered station asked the participants to meditate upon the lives of the most vulnerable in our world, including babies in the womb, the elderly, the disabled, the imprisoned and victims of sex trafficking. A number was randomly selected, and the player standing by that number won a dessert from the nearby table. Clark Pokorney, age seven, was the first winner. Jensen said, “Imagine what it was like for a 7-year-old to try to select only one dessert from a table full of goodies!” Father Gerry Funk (ret.) joined the festivities and was also a winner. He selected a peach pie. “All dessert winners, like Jolly Rogodon (pictured above), wore bright smiles,” said Jensen, who explained that people are already looking forward to next year’s March for Life Dessert Walk.

More than 10,000 area Christians of all denominations attended "The Chosen" event held Saturday, Feb. 1 at the Ford Idaho Center in Nampa. Actors shared their experiences playing characters in the popular television series that chronicles the life of Jesus Christ. Elizabeth Tabish (Mary Magdalene), Luke Dimyan (Judas), Kirk B.R. Woller (Gaius) and Shaan Sharma (Shmuel) also shared how playing their respective roles touched them spiritually. Look for the full story in the Idaho Catholic Register's online and print issues on Feb. 21. The Ford Idaho Center on Saturday, Feb. 1, 2025. Luke Dimyan (Judas), center, takes time to pose for a 'selfie' with admirers.

Para conseguir el libro de las homilías del Padre Robert Méndez, pueden solicitarlo directamente con él o a través de la oficina de la parroquia St. Paul en Nampa. (Foto Cortesía/Padre Robert Méndez) Vero Gutiérrez ICR Editora Asistente Con un estilo muy particular para combinar la teología con los temas cotidianos de la vida, el Padre Robert Méndez, publicó su primer libro Homilías del año Litúrgico ciclo B, en inglés y español. Las homilías incluidas no son muy teológicas y se acercan a un plano práctico que cualquier persona puede entender, aunque no asista a misa todos los domingos. “Son homilías que se escriben desde el corazón y con el deseo de evangelizar, y están construidas de forma sencilla, pero profunda”, puntualizó el Padre Robert, quien por primera vez hace esta recopilación de las homilías predicadas en la parroquia de St. Paul en Nampa, donde es vicario parroquial desde hace tres años. El Padre Robert Méndez nació en Costa Rica, donde cursó la licenciatura en Relaciones Internacionales y realizó un posgrado en Cooperación Internacional. Tiempo después de ejercer su profesión, se dio cuenta de que las cosas que el mundo le ofrecía no le hacían feliz, por lo que en 2004 emprendió un nuevo camino junto con la asociación católica Neocatecumenal. Comenzó allí su preparación para el sacerdocio en el seminario de Bangalore, una de las ciudades más grandes del sur de la India. Fue ordenado sacerdote en 2016 y, dos años después, regresó a Costa Rica y luego a la diócesis de Boise.  Ahora como vicario parroquial de St Paul, tiene la oportunidad de poner en práctica el idioma inglés que aprendió en India y también el español su primer idioma. El Padre Méndez, comentó que, mediante la publicación de su libro, que contiene el Kerigma o anuncio del Evangelio, busca cambiar la vida de las personas que lo lean. El libro cuenta con 250 páginas con las homilías en español y 250 páginas en inglés. El Padre afirmó que, para hacer este pequeño libro, se inspiró en los párrocos de su pueblo de quienes aprendió el estilo para predicar. Agregó que la comunidad hubiera querido conservar las enseñanzas de sus sacerdotes que ejercieron su ministerio durante 50 años en las parroquias de Costa Rica donde creció el Padre Méndez, pero por falta de medios tecnológicos no pudieron hacerlo. El Padre Robert Méndez, aseveró que la idea es hacer una trilogía. Fue el primero de los tres ciclos y aseguró que también le representa un reto para estudiar más y no repetir las homilías. Para esto, el Padre cuenta con ayuda profesional de amigos de Costa Rica que le advierten sobre los temas y ejemplos que ha usado en sus sermones para evitar repetirlos. Además de que hace uso de los programas de inteligencia artificial para que le ayuden a reunir documentos para hacer mejores referencias. El libro incluye las homilías de las fiestas más sobresalientes que celebra la Iglesia, como las fiestas de la Virgen, miércoles de ceniza, los domingos de cuaresma, la fiesta de Corpus Christi o la fiesta d ellos reyes magos. El Padre Méndez precisó que lo más difícil ha sido la preparación para cada homilía desde el jueves, porque tienen que reunir escritos que han realizado algunos estudiosos de la Iglesia como los santos o los Papas que han hablado sobre el tema. Añadió que la estructura de la homilía la divide en tres partes: “primero es que dice el magisterio de la Iglesia, los Padres de la Iglesia, los santos, segunda parte que me dice a mí como sacerdote, como doy testimonio, y la tercera es estudiando el público al que voy a dirigirme”. “Esta parte es complicada porque los sacerdotes tenemos un tiempo muy corto entre las tareas pastorales y las actividades del día y a pesar del cansancio al terminar tenemos que llegar a preparar la homilía”.  Dijo que otra parte complicada fue hacer la versión estenográfica de las homilías “es cansado porque es escuchar mi voz gritona, volverla a escuchar y hacer pausas para lograr transcribir todo el mensaje. Afortunadamente con eso me ayuda un amigo de Costa Rica”. A pesar de que habla español, también el lenguaje ha sido un reto más porque el 80 % de sus parroquianos son de México y aseguró que hay una gran diferencia en el uso de las palabras que él aprendió en Costa Rica. “He aprendido que muchas de las palabras que nosotros usamos en Costa Rica pueden llegar a ser ofensivas para los mexicanos y también he tenido que aprender muchas palabras de México. Para mí es sencillo porque hablo español, pero entiendo que para un sacerdote de habla inglesa puede llegar a ser muy complicado”. Comentó que otra de las dificultades que enfrenta es que sus enseñanzas son muy directas. “En Costa Rica somos directos para abordar los temas. Aquí en Nampa no estaban acostumbrados a escuchar los pecados con nombre y apellido, pero ahora después de tres años ya se acostumbraron”, aseguró. Manifestó que uno de sus anhelos al publicar sus homilías es que se pueda convertir a más personas. De hecho, comentó que la primera que ya lo hizo fue la filóloga que revisó la ortografía del libro. “Ella es de Costa Rica” dijo el Padre “y aunque era católica no estaba muy cercana a la Iglesia y después de leer el libro decidió acercarse más a la Iglesia”. “Espero que se pueda convertir más de una persona, si hay alguien que tiene depresión o está pensando en suicidarse, pueda leer el mensaje escrito en este libro y decida no perder la esperanza. Hablo de la apertura de la vida, de los importante que son los hijos. La homilía de la Sagrada Familia es de las más largas. Es una catequesis entera dedicada a la familia cristiana de hoy. Si con ello puedo salvar una familia, a un joven y dar vida a más niños es una gran ganancia.” Afirmó el Padre Robert.  El libro cuesta 20 dólares y la primera edición constó de 300 copias, todas vendidas. Sin embargo, antes de regresar a su país natal para pasar un par de semanas de vacaciones, el Padre Méndez anunció que iba a realizar una reimpresión especial para no dejar a sus amigos de Costa Rica sin el libro.

Se espera que este año participen más de 600 mujeres en el Congreso Católico de Mujeres que tendrá como sede la parroquia de Jerome en Jerome. En la Foto grafía Erika Morfin, una de las participantes, al terminar la adoración en el primer Congreso realizado en Nuestra Señora del Valle, el año pasado. (ICR Foto / Vero Gutiérrez) Vero Gutiérrez ICR Editora Asistente Este año se ha decidido cambiar el nombre de conferencia a Congreso Católico de Mujeres de Idaho, y se llevará a cabo el 1 de marzo de 2025 en la parroquia de San Jerome en Jerome, Idaho. El lema es “Mujer levántate y resplandece”.  Este es el segundo año que la emisora católica Sal y Luz Radio convoca a todas las mujeres católicas de Idaho para reunirse y participar en un día de convivencia con más de 600 participantes provenientes de las parroquias con presencia de comunidad Hispana en la diócesis de Boise.  La jornada iniciará a las 7 a.m. en las instalaciones de la parroquia de San Jerome con la celebración de la santa misa que será presidida por el párroco de esta iglesia, el Padre José de Jesús González. Durante el resto del día, el programa incluye charlas a cargo de los ponentes invitados, momentos de adoración y de oración, momentos de convivencia y la oportunidad de intercambiar experiencias con las participantes de las diferentes parroquias de la diócesis de Boise. Los ponentes invitados son: el Padre Ramón Hernández Aguilar, que iniciará el congreso con el tema “La dignidad de la mujer”, y también cerrará la lista de ponencias con la charla titulada “Resplandece”. El Padre Hernández Aguilar es un sacerdote de la diócesis de Ciudad Valles, en San Luis Potosí, (México). Fue ordenado el 6 de enero de 2022 en la Catedral de Ciudad Valles. En la actualidad, es apoderado legal de la diócesis y vicario adscrito a la catedral, y también está estudiando una maestría en Derecho Canónico en la Universidad Pontificia de México. Asimismo, es miembro activo del Consejo de Bienes Históricos y Arte Sacro, así como del Consejo de Protección a menores de la Diócesis. Forma parte de la Pastoral Diocesana Familia y Vida. Además, ejerce como asesor espiritual del Movimiento Familiar Cristiano (Sector Santísima Trinidad), y al Movimiento Familia Educadora en la Fe (FEF) y de la Misión Vox Fidei. Desde su ordenación, ha participado activamente en varios de los Encuentros Diocesanos de la Renovación Carismática Católica como predicador y confesor (Encuentro Diocesano de Servidores; de jóvenes, matrimonios, Pentecostés, etc.), donde ha motivado a la comunidad carismática a vivir la alegría que viene del Espíritu Santo, y ha participado en los Encuentros Diocesanos de la Juventud. El Padre Hernández también ha estado presente en diversas actividades pastorales y comunitarias, compartiendo mensajes a través de la radio y plataformas locales, para fortalecer la fe de los fieles en la región. Ha organizado y participado en congresos católicos dirigidos a los hombres y las mujeres, así como conferencias para matrimonios. Su compromiso con la comunidad y su dedicación al ministerio sacerdotal lo han convertido en una figura apreciada en la Diócesis de Ciudad Valles. Otro de los ponentes invitados este año al Congreso es el Padre Julio Adinel Vicente Orellana, que tratará el tema “La caída de la mujer”.  El Padre Vicente Orellana es originario de Guatemala. Cursó sus estudios de Filosofía en Mount Angel Seminary, en Oregon. Realizó los estudios de Teología en The Pontificial North American College en Roma. Recibió la Ordenación Sacerdotal del obispo Michael Patrick Driscoll en St. John’s Cathedral, Boise (Idaho), el 5 de junio de 2008. Para obtener el título como licenciado en Teología Moral ante la Accademia Alfonsiana de la Ponticia Universitá Lateranense, presentó el trabajo de investigación “Eutanasia, una muerte compasiva o la muerte de la compasión”. Su primera asignación dentro de la diócesis fue en la parroquia de Our Lady of The Good Counsel, donde sirvió como vicario parroquial durante dos años. En la actualidad, es pastor de St. Edwards The Confessor en Twin Falls. Además, colabora con el Encuentro Matrimonial Mundial de Boise como su director espiritual. Otras de sus actividades, además de sus responsabilidades parroquiales, son las participaciones en actividades comunitarias y ha colaborado con la Radio Católica Sal y Luz en Twin Falls y Boise,( Idaho). Su compromiso con la evangelización y la enseñanza del Evangelio se refleja en su participación en diversos medios de comunicación y eventos religiosos de la región. Otra de las personas que participarán en este evento como ponente es la Hermana Nicauly Valeria González Cedano, Misionera Servidora de la Palabra. Ella impartirá el tema “Levántate mujer”. La Hermana Nicauly Valeria González nació en la Republica Dominicana. Tiene 3 años como religiosa y conoció a las Misioneras Servidoras de la Palabra en Lynn, Massachusetts. Tras vivir una experiencia vocacional, decidió aceptar la llamada que Dios le hizo para dedicar un año como misionera laica. El tiempo con las hermanas misioneras se prolongó durante cuatro años más, después de sentir la llamada de la congregación de “evangelizar a los laicos, para evangelizar con los laicos”.  Durante todo este tiempo, realizó trabajo misional en diferentes ciudades como Dallas, Texas; Tecate, Baja California; Tijuana, Baja California; Obregón, Sonora; Veracruz e Hidalgo.  En 2019 ingresó en el Postulantado de las Misioneras Servidoras de la Palabra, para consagrarse completamente a Dios como misionera. En 2020 entró en el noviciado y profesó sus primeros votos en 2022.  Ha participado en algunos congresos en República Dominicana y en México, como el Faith, uno de los eventos más grandes que reúne a miles de jóvenes para manifestar su fe públicamente y celebrar juntos el mensaje del Evangelio. Su comunidad religiosa fue fundada por el Padre Luigi Butera Vullo en Cuautitlán, Izcalli, Estado de México, hace 40 años. Su carisma y apostolado se centra en la predicación de la Palabra de Dios en diferentes formas: visiteo casa por casa, cursos bíblicos, retiros para jóvenes, niños, y adultos, obras de teatro, entre otras cosas. Actualmente, la Hermana Nicauly Valeria, sirve en la parroquia de Nuestra Señora de los Dolores, en la ciudad de Jersey City, Nueva Jersey.  Además de las charlas que incluye el congreso, las participantes tendrán la oportunidad de recibir el Sacramento de la Reconciliación y de compartir los alimentos y momentos de conversación individual con los conferencistas.  Las inscripciones para el congreso están abiertas desde el 1 de enero, tiene un costo de 50 dólares para adultos mayores de 18 años, y 30 dólares para estudiantes si se registran antes del 17 de febrero. A partir de marzo, el precio se incrementará a 60 dólares.  El costo del boleto incluye el desayuno, el lunch y los materiales necesarios durante el congreso.  Para inscribirse pueden hacerlo en línea a través de la página web salyluzradio.com/ccmi  o bien si desean obtener más información pueden comunicarse al número 208 629-4986.

Thirty parishioners from Pope St. John Pope II Parish in Idaho Falls attended SEEK25 in Salt Lake City, Jan. 1-5. In the past, SEEK was geared entirely toward students but now serves all parish adults. (Courtesy Photo/Gisselle Montalvan) By Philip A. Janquart ICR Assistant Editor More than 17,000 young adults and parishioners from around the U.S. descended on Salt Lake City for SEEK25, held January 1-5 at the Salt Palace Convention Center. SEEK is a five-day conference organized by the Fellowship of Catholic University Students (FOCUS) that, according to the organization’s website, draws Catholics “deeper into relationship with Jesus Christ and His Church. “ Young adults, chaplains, Religious, parishioners and parish priests worshipped together, learned about their faith, experienced genuine fellowship and united as members of the Body of Christ. “My SEEK experience was nothing short of divine—not the way most people use it to describe a wonderful thing, but ‘divine’ as in touched by Him,” said Tara Drexler, a Pope St. John Paul II parishioner from Idaho Falls. “Every single day had at least one moment when I was overcome by His presence and had to just stop to let Him embrace me.”  NOT JUST FOR COLLEGE STUDENTS Though traditionally geared toward college students, parishioners of all ages have increasingly attended the annual conference. This year, an estimated 4,000 non-college-age Catholics participated in the event in Salt Lake City. SEEK is considered one of the world’s largest regular gatherings of Catholics. “There were between 250 to 300 people from Idaho who showed up,” Diocese of Boise Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministry Andrew Furphy told the  Idaho Catholic Register  ( ICR .) “About a hundred of them weren’t college students.” Furphy, a former FOCUS missionary, caravanned to Salt Lake City from Boise with a group of college students, while others, including adult parishioners, made the trip on their own. “Originally, the purpose was to bring students to the Lord, and there is obviously still that component, but I would say, in the true sense of evangelization, we all need to be evangelized,” Furphy said of the conference. “Recently, parish ministry has been getting more and more traction. FOCUS now has missionaries in the parishes, working with adults and postcollege young adults, like their missionaries on campuses.” SEEK conferences now offer a track called Making Missionary Disciples geared to parish participants, helping them evangelize more effectively. The parish track includes sessions that address topics like marriage, family life, prayer and more. Father Nelson Cintra, parochial vicar at Pope St. John Paul II Parish in Idaho Falls, brought 30 parishioners to SEEK25. “When I learned that FOCUS had added a Making Missionary Disciples track for parishioners, parish priests, lay leaders and adults in any stage of their faith journey, I immediately became interested and started promoting it to my parishioners,” he said in an email. “We held informational meetings and fundraisers, and at the end, our group was composed of about seven teens, five young adults, 18 adults, and a baby!” “All of us had a positive experience, and I’ve been inspired to hear all of the ways in which God revealed Himself to us during those five days. Now that we’re back in Idaho Falls, we are discussing ways that we will bring our transformation back to our parish: perhaps a SEEK Watch Party, perhaps small-group Bible studies, but most importantly, an increased dedication to grow in intimacy with the Lord and in authentic friendships with one another. Will we go to SEEK26 in Denver? God-willing!” Markie Price, a student at Western Governers University, takes a “SEEK-selfie” with Bishop Peter F. Christensen and Dir. of Religious Education Jessica Gallegos of Holy Spirit Catholic Community in Pocatello.  (Courtesy Photo/Markie Price) SEEK25 A day at the 2025 SEEK conference included dedicated prayer, Adoration, scripture and the Sacraments. Participants had the opportunity to break into small groups for discussions on various topics and enjoyed live concerts, contests and other FOCUS-sponsored activities. “In the afternoon, there were the breakout sessions, so you got to choose your adventure,” Furphy explained. Talks included a range of diverse topics, from Church teaching on marijuana to dealing with trauma. “They had multiple sessions, so SEEK is really meant for all age groups, not just college students,” Furphy said. Keynote speakers and special guests were a highlight of the conference. Renowned Catholic speaker Father Mike Schmitz, presenter of the Ascension Press “The Bible in a Year” and “The Catechism in a Year” podcasts, helped the SEEK conference seem like a rock concert at times, as the vast crowd broke into cheers and shouts of delight. Those who enjoy Father Schmitz’s online presence may not know of his role as Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministry in the Diocese of Duluth, Minn., and as chaplain for the Newman Center at the University of Minnesota Duluth. Other keynote speakers included well-known Catholic theologian and bestselling author Dr. Edward Sri, who has contributed to many Ascension Press and Augustine Institute faith formation film series. He is a founding leader, along with Curtis Martin—another SEEK25 speaker—of FOCUS, where Sri serves as senior vice president of Apostolic Outreach. Sister Miriam James Heidland, a former Division I collegiate athlete and member of the Society of Our Lady of the Most Holy Trinity (SOLT), was another speaker who quickly captured the undivided attention of thousands during the conference. Sister Miriam, who holds a master’s degree in theology from the Augustine Institute, has been featured on the Eternal Word Television Network (EWTN) series “The Journey Home” and is routinely a guest on various radio programs. She speaks on topics such as conversion, authentic love, forgiveness and healing. Videos of individual keynote speakers can be found at ondemand.ewtn.com/Home/Series/ondemand/video/en/seek25 . Randall Lillie from Pope St. John Paul II Parish in Idaho Falls noted that SEEK combines personalized experiences with small group sharing and large group arena events with keynote speakers and trained staff who share their own testimonies that uplift. Lillie said the SEEK speakers “teach true Christian values and principles to help anyone seeking a closer relationship with God in their life.” Fellow Pope St. John Paul II parishioner Robin Villarreal underscored the contrast between the energies at the conference, going from robust enthusiasm to quiet introspection. “What a privilege it was to attend SEEK25,” she said. “Sharing a space with predominantly young people, as well as clergy and Religious, was a great way for me to usher in the 2025 Year of Jubilee—even though my contemporaries were fewer.” Villareal explained how well SEEK ushered in the Jubilee Year. She found SEEK attendees to be “pilgrims of hope,” the term used by Pope Francis in the papal Bull of Indiction, Spes non confundit  (Hope does not disappoint), that announced the start of the Jubilee Year. She said, “It was evident in the earnest reception of the messages given in the packed talks, the kindness of the attendees toward one another, and the heightened level of the Spirit shown by the fervor of the crowds at the keynotes, and even the reverence at the Masses which were amazingly quiet despite the attendance of 17,000 souls.” Serena Fenske from Boise adds her name to a SEEK25 graffiti board. (Courtesy Photo/Mikaela Cowman) Villarreal noted the top takeaway from her experience was humbly standing in line with 5,000 others seeking the Sacrament of Reconciliation. “During the actual waiting time, I started feeling anxious and annoyed, and thought about my aching feet and back,” she said. “But God took that opportunity to reframe my thoughts.” Villareal was drawn to consider the five “Rs” that were a theme of the conference. “I found appreciation for the time: to honor my  relationship  with God, to reevaluate and acknowledge my  rebelliousness , to hunger for the  reconciliation  found in Confession, to become a  re-creation  with others soaked in the zeal of saying ‘yes’ to the love of God, and to rekindle the natural  response  of action and evangelization.” “God amazingly and lovingly guided the experience of a long line into becoming a symbol of making my own pilgrimage,” she said. J.L. Rangel, another Pope St. John Paul II parishioner, commented on the conference’s unifying effects. “I left SEEK with a renewed desire to grow my relationship with the Lord,” he testified. “While sitting in on great talks, I was moved by how the presenters lived their identity to the fullest, embraced life and loved those around them. Spending the start of the new year with so many Catholics gave me a chance to say more fully, ‘Lord, I am listening.’” Kaitlin Gotch, also among the group of Pope St. John Paul II parishioners, shared her personal experience with God and her joy in sharing with fellow Catholics. “SEEK was a gift to me on a personal level,” she said. “In the quiet and stillness deep within the noisy roar of joy in the Lord, I was reminded that God is ever-present. In the still or the chaotic, in the silent or the bold, in the broken or transformed, Christ comes to us, and He came to me. I will treasure the gift of the lessons I learned.”  One of the big takeaways for Furphy was the return trip to Idaho. “One of my favorite parts was the drive back … because of the conversation,” said Furphy, who has now turned his attention to the 2025 Idaho Catholic Youth Conference (ICYC) this spring. “It was four and half hours, and it was a good time to ask, ‘What stood out to you?’ You start asking questions and having a conversation, and that’s an important part of any conference, the follow-up and processing what you heard.” Future SEEK conferences are planned for Columbus, Ohio; Fort Worth, Texas; and Denver, Colo., all scheduled for Jan. 1-5, 2026. If you enjoyed this story and would like to read more like it, please consider buying a subscription to the Idaho Catholic Register. Your $20 yearly subscription also supports the work of the Diocese of Boise Communications Department, which includes not only the newspaper, but this website, social media posts and videos. You can subscribe here ,  or through your parish, or send a check to 1501 S. Federal Way, Boise, ID, 83705: or call 208-350-7554 to leave a credit card payment. Thank you, and God bless you.

Ribbon-cutting day at St. Ignatius School. From left, Deacon David Shackley, Superintendent of Catholic Schools Tammy Emerich, Deacon Steve Rayburn, Father Vitalis Onyeama, SMMM, pastor of Holy Apostles Parish, Deacon Bill Bieker, School Principal Andi Kane, Parochial Vicar Father Emmanuel Chinedu, SMMM, Pastoral Council member Marlene Dodd, Project Coordinator Karen Mahoney. (ICR Photo/Emily Woodham) By Emily Woodham ICR Staff Writer MERIDIAN –St. Ignatius Catholic School, the parish school for Holy Apostles Parish in Meridian, opened its new wing last month. The addition to the school building was phase two of the “Growing Together” capital campaign for Holy Apostles.  “When we started planning this project way back in 2023, there was a ‘best case scenario’ that we’d have the new space ready by January of 2025,” said Andi Kane, principal at St. Ignatius. “To be honest, I knew it was unlikely everything would go smoothly, but it did! It was really a smooth process thanks to all the good planning and the great people working on this project.” The new construction took eight months to complete. When the school was built in 2016, there was a designated art room and another for student support. However, the urgent need for preschool space prompted the addition of a third space. Preschool attendance has continued to grow, resulting in plans for a fourth room next year. The added wing provides a space for art, music, Spanish, and student support. St. Ignatius also added a middle school classroom and bathrooms accessible from the outside. “It had felt very full in our building. We are so excited to flow into these extra spaces,” Kane said. The design for the wing was a collaboration between Cushing Terrell, who designed the original building, and a team of school staff and parishioners. Because the open, collaborative and flexible learning spaces were such a success for students and teachers, they continued the design in the new areas. “The design has become such a huge part of who we are with our personalized and flexible learning model,” Kane added. “It was really important to us that this defining feature of our school was carried into the new spaces.” St. Ignatius based its designs on research for “optimal learning spaces” to improve learning. These spaces include flexible seating, varied learning environments, and natural light. Kane explained that classrooms have garage doors that allow space to open up, giving the learning environment texture and variety. “Students aren’t sitting in the same place, looking at the same thing all day long,” she said. “The doors allow for the passage of natural light, movement between spaces, and foster our small group, personalized learning model.” St. Ignatius reached peak enrollment within its first three years. The new space will allow increased enrollment for the early grades. However, their middle and upper grades are optimally sized.  Kane believes the most significant factor in the school’s growth comes from the support and community at Holy Apostles. BK students Braden Caldwell and Henry Warner, Holy Apostels parishioners who died in a tragic auto accident in June 2022, are featured in a mural at St. Ignatius School.  (ICR Photo/Emily Woodham) “It’s really alive with a spirit of faith and community. I think that’s the biggest factor,” she said. “The growth in Meridian and surrounding areas is, of course, a huge factor as well. I know I’m biased, but St. Ignatius really has a special thing going on. The Holy Spirit is alive and well; people who spend time in our building can feel that. It makes you want to be a part of it.” The first phase of “Growing Together” was a rectory for its three priests, completed last year. The third and final phase is a new outreach community center. The outreach center will house an expanded food pantry and a secure space for donations. The parish has been working with Catholic Charities of Idaho to provide space at the outreach center that would allow the organization to provide counseling and other services on the west side of the Valley.  “Our hope is to meet people where they are, with whatever needs they have,” said Karen Mahoney, a Holy Apostles parish council member and volunteer project manager for the campaign. So far, about $1.25 million of the campaign’s $3 million goal has been raised. Although a date has not been set for the new outreach center, Mahoney said they hope to begin construction soon.  Kane is grateful for everyone who supported the expansion and Catholic schools in general. “I’m so heartened by the way our Catholic schools foster goodness and faith in our kids,” she said. “When I walk into our building each day, I know the future is bright.” For more information about the campaign and to donate, visit holyapostlesmeridian.net .

By Philip A. Janquart ICR Assistant Editor BOISE— The Chosen,   a celebration of Jesus Christ , returns to the Ford Idaho Center Saturday, Feb. 1. The free, interdenominational event, with shows at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., features cast members of the critically acclaimed television series based on the life of Jesus Christ. Though there is no cost to attend, tickets are required and can be obtained at thechosentickets.org . Elizabeth Tabish (Mary Magdalene), Luke Dimyan (Judas), Kirk B.R. Woller (Gaius) and Shaan Sharma (Shmuel) will share their experiences as cast members and describe how their respective roles shaped their faith. Catholic musician Jake Ineck will provide worship music in addition to a special appearance by Christian gospel group Mercy River, featuring Whitney Permann, Brooke Stone and Soni Muller. In addition, the Treasure Valley art contest Gallery of Christ  will display over 60 submissions. First through third-place winners will be announced during the event, and the “People’s Choice” award will be announced post-event on ComeEvents.org . Attendees can view and purchase everything from paintings to sculptures. Attendees are encouraged to “join in the miracle of five loaves and two fishes” by bringing food donations to benefit local food banks. “The food drive is a big part of this,” said Tom Luna, a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and one of many volunteers who worked to organize the interdenominational event. “Last year, 50,000 pounds of food were donated and distributed to food banks across the Valley. It was just incredible.” Organizers, operating as Christian Outreach Multimedia Events, decided to bring The Chosen back for a second year based on the 15,000 that attended in 2024. “It’s very organic to our community, and others want the same experience,” Luna told the Idaho Catholic Register  ( ICR .) “I think what you hear from those who were there last year—because we’ve heard it so many times—is that it was a moment of unity with people of other faiths and people in their communities. We haven’t felt that in our country and lives in a long time; things have been so divided.” Christian Welp, Director of Diocesan Projects for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Boise, worked alongside Luna to bring The Chosen  to Boise. “It has been a wonderful experience for me to work together with a number of different denominations to put together an event that celebrates what we all have in common, and that is our love for Jesus Christ,” Welp told the ICR . “Building on the success of last year’s event, we are looking to expand our reach even further to bring this message of hope and healing that Jesus so readily offers,” said Welp. What began in 2024 as a simple idea quickly grew into a grassroots effort that blossomed into an event that caught the attention of The Chosen  producers and has since spurred similar events across the country. Luna explained that another event is scheduled for March in Texas. He added, “Communities in Ohio, Florida, North Carolina, Washington, D.C. and Nevada are working on similar events. “Last year, after it was all over and done, we were contacted by the CEO of The Chosen ,” Luna explained. “They said there has never been anything like this and wanted to know more about it.” For more information about the Feb. 1 event in Nampa, visit thechosentickets.org . If you enjoyed this story and would like to read more like it, please consider buying a subscription to the Idaho Catholic Register. Your $20 yearly subscription also supports the work of the Diocese of Boise Communications Department, which includes not only the newspaper, but this website, social media posts and videos. You can subscribe here ,  or through your parish, or send a check to 1501 S. Federal Way, Boise, ID, 83705: or call 208-350-7554 to leave a credit card payment. Thank you, and God bless you.

Renowned Idaho artist Cindy Duft painted an iconic Florence crucifix in vivid blue. (Courtesy Photos/St. Pius X Parish) By Philip A. Janquart ICR Assistant Editor COEUR D’ALENE  —A remarkable transformation has taken place at St. Pius X Catholic Church in Coeur d’Alene. Father Len MacMillan, pastor since 2021, wanted to update the parish with more beauty and art. Through the artistic talents and craftsmanship of many, St. Pius X has become a harmonious blend of the original structure and traditional Catholic artistry. He said the church, built in the 1950s, was constructed in the style of a lecture hall, with very minimal Catholic art and architecture. He recognized an opportunity to reimagine the space, believing that beauty and art are profound ways to explore the mystery of God. “The 1970s design presented a blank canvas, waiting to be transformed, emphasizing the power of sacred art to inspire faith and devotion,” he told the Idaho Catholic Register  ( ICR)  in a phone interview. The highlight of the transformation is a bright, newly installed tabernacle located in the center of the sanctuary, replacing the previous unassuming cupboard off to the side. “This restores the sacred focus central to Catholic worship,” said Father Len, adding that above the new tabernacle, the old wooden cross, which blended invisibly into the background of a wooden wall, has been replaced with an iconic Florence crucifix, painted by renowned Idaho artist Cindy Duft, in vivid blue, with many symbols written into the icon. Duft, a Bishop Kelly graduate, is known for her stunning murals and paintings of various holy scenes. Her work can be seen at many Catholic parishes and Christian churches in Boise and around the state. There were previously no stained-glass windows at St. Pius. Now, new stained-glass windows of Archangels Gabriel and Michael lead into the narthex. Archangel Raphael and a window depicting a guardian angel will soon join them. All were designed and created by artist Carine Horner, with the assistance of woodworker Craig Frei, both parishioners. A new, brightly lit tabernacle was installed in the center of the sanctuary. (Courtesy Photos/St. Pius X Parish) The sliding doors into the hospitality room will feature more stained glass windows of saints. The sliding doors can be retracted to provide needed seating during Mass to accommodate the growing number of worshipers. “With standing-room-only and over 1,250 attending this last Christmas, the added space is a critical improvement,” Father Len said. Among the many upgrades is a new baptismal font shaped like a seashell. “Early Christians baptized with a shell because it was the symbol of a pilgrim,” explained Father Len. “The tiny and often unnoticed holy water fonts, also in the shape of a shell, located away from the entry, were moved closer to the doors of the church. Above each font are icons of Christ with the phrase, ‘I am the living water.’” In addition, Carine Horner crafted the first of the 6-foot mosaics of the 12 apostles to add more traditional Catholic artwork. Mosaics will come to life with the help of various parish ministries assembling them. The parish youth group has completed the first. The former small wooden Stations of the Cross have been replaced with large icons to match the blue shade of the crucifix and the blue color of the newly upholstered pews. Thanks to the carpentry work of facilities manager Bill Novak, the dark carpet on the walls has been removed and the walls refinished. The once-dark interior now glows with light and colors, thanks to white-painted walls. The dark brown carpet has been replaced with carpet that looks like wood planks that match the back wall. Two chairs, one for the presider and another for a deacon, were carved from tree trunks. (Courtesy Photos/St. Pius X Parish) Other highlights include the thoughtful repositioning of a statue of Mary and the addition of a beautifully crafted statue of St. Joseph in a matching style. Guided by Father Len and environment coordinator Chris Winter, more walls were removed to transform a supply closet into a serene votive candle room adorned with new icons, creating a sacred space for prayer and reflection. The sanctuary now features two new chairs that are remarkable for their tree-like design. Father Len explained, “The presider’s chair represents tradition; in Jewish synagogues, the chair of Moses symbolizes what Moses taught the people. Similarly, Italians held an annual feast where they decorated a chair to honor their ancestors, symbolizing the passing of wisdom from one generation to the next.” Father Len wanted chairs that represented the area’s lumber industry. Two chairs, one for the presider and another for a deacon, were carved from tree trunks. Father Len humorously refers to them as “I am Groot,” recalling to the tree-like Marvel character in the “Guardians of the Galaxy” movies. “Since we are a lake city, St. Pius has new upholstered pews in blue to match the Cross,” he explained. “The previous pews were a mishmash of cherry red and maroon. Since north Idaho has a mining history, there is also stone in the Church.” Looking ahead, Father Len envisions the creation of a new confessional, adding more religious art, and enhancing the church’s exterior to reflect its Catholic identity with greater prominence. “In the Bible, God dedicates chapters to the art and architecture of the temple. Clearly, God has art and architecture on the brain. God commands artwork, statues, sanctuary lamps and tabernacles. Adding these beautiful things is following the Bible,” he said. “As the transformation continues, St. Pius X is becoming more than a place of worship—it is emerging as a radiant testament to the timeless beauty and profound mystery of the faith.” Above each shell-shaped font are icons of Christ with the phrase, “I am the living water.” (Courtesy Photos/St. Pius X Parish) New stained glass windows of Archangels Michael, left, and Gabriel, right, lead to the narthex. (Courtesy Photos/St. Pius X Parish) A panoramic view of St. Pius X's interior following a remodel that is testimony to the 'timeless beauty of faith.' (Courtesy Photos/St. Pius X Parish) If you enjoyed this story and would like to read more like it, please consider buying a subscription to the Idaho Catholic Register. Your $20 yearly subscription also supports the work of the Diocese of Boise Communications Department, which includes not only the newspaper, but this website, social media posts and videos. You can subscribe here ,  or through your parish, or send a check to 1501 S. Federal Way, Boise, ID, 83705: or call 208-350-7554 to leave a credit card payment. Thank you, and God bless you.

Risen Christ instituted a year-round OCIA process. It’s latest Confirmandi are (from the left), Andres Aguirre, Deb Doyle, Amber Elliott, Ludee Vermaas, Father Ben Uhlenkott, Deacon Ted Vermaas, Brady King, Austin Manning, Ted Walker, and Amellaly Medina. . (ICR Photo/Emily Woodham) By Emily Woodham Staff Writer BOISE —Ted Walker wanted to become Catholic for several years. “My biggest difficulty was just taking the first step in joining the program to become Catholic,” Walker said. “Once in, I was committed.” Nearly 10 years ago, Walker married a cradle Catholic. He attended Mass with her when they were dating, went through the marriage preparation program and continued to attend Mass with her after their church wedding. All three of their young children, ages 1 to 6, were baptized. However, he couldn’t find the right opportunity to become Catholic, until last summer, after he and his family joined Risen Christ Parish in Boise.  “After attending Mass at Risen Christ for some time, I had the opportunity to speak with Father Ben and expressed my interest in becoming Catholic. He made me feel very welcomed,” Walker said. Father Ben Uhlenkott, pastor at Risen Christ, connected Walker with Deacon Ted and Ludee Vermaas who lead the Order of Christian Initiation for Adults (OCIA) program at Risen Christ.  When Walker was ready to join, the Vermaases were beginning a new year-round OCIA program at Risen Christ. The first group was for Candidates who were already baptized Christians. The formation began in July, with the Sacrament of Confirmation scheduled for Dec. 22.  Deacon Ted and Ludee Vermaas organized the new program because of the tremendous growth at Risen Christ. “Only a few years ago, it seemed no one was interested in becoming Catholic,” Ludee Vermaas said. “Then, in 2023, we had about 18 adults and 17 children enter the Church. It was such a big jump in numbers for us.” Since 2022, when Father Uhlenkott was assigned to Risen Christ, the parish has grown from about 230 families to 775. “We found that people were coming at different parts of the year and from different backgrounds, wanting to know more about becoming Catholic. So we took our inspiration from Holy Apostles in Meridian and started our own year-round program,” Ludee Vermaas said. Father Ben Uhlenkott, pastor at Risen Christ Parish in Boise, anoints Ted Walker during the Rite of Confirmation on Dec. 22. (ICR Photo/Emily Woodham) Walker, baptized in the Methodist Church, joined the July class with six others, including his brother-in-law, Austin Manning, who was baptized in a Congregational church. Candidates Deb Doyle and Amber Elliott were baptized and raised Lutheran. Three Candidates, Brady King, Amellaly Medina and Andres Aguirre, were baptized and raised Catholic but never received Confirmation.  Walker said that Risen Christ made OCIA visible and made the process accessible. “Prior to Risen Christ, we had attended other parishes where I looked into the OCIA process, but it didn’t seem as inviting for whatever reason. It seemed easier to get information about the OCIA program at Risen Christ. Father Ben, Deacon Ted and Ludee have all been great and made joining and sticking with the OCIA program very fulfilling.” The first part of the process is an inquiry phase, during which a person learns more about Catholicism in general. “That phase includes several sessions, so it goes into enough depth and lasts long enough for you to make a very well-informed decision about whether you would like to continue into the Catechumenate/Candidate phase,” Walker explained. (Catechumens need to be baptized, while Candidates are baptized Christians seeking full communion with the Catholic Church.) Walker found the experience of OCIA to be well worth the time. “I enjoyed learning more about the Catholic church, its teachings and positions. It sparked an interest in me to continue learning more about the Church, scripture, my faith, and prayer,” he said. “I feel like I learned so much from the course. I would discuss the materials with my wife, and she would learn things she didn’t know about the Church.” He most appreciated the discussions in the weekly classes. “I would say, if you think you might be interested, go attend a few sessions of the inquiry phase to learn more about it and see if that is really what you want. It’s very informative, and you will learn something new, even if you decide not to continue with the whole program.”  The second OCIA track at Risen Christ began in the fall with 22 participants. That track is for Catechumens. Another track for Candidates began this January. Each track will have its own retreat and classes that take place after receiving the Sacraments of Initiation during the phase of OCIA known as “Mystagogy,” which means “being guided through the mysteries.” Father Ben conferred the Sacrament of Confirmation on the July group members during the Dec. 22 vigil Mass on Saturday evening.  “I’m so glad I became Catholic,” Walker said. Before receiving Confirmation, he felt he couldn’t participate fully in the Mass. “Now I’m fully in.” He is thankful that he became Catholic while his children are still young so that he can set an example for them as they grow and begin sacramental preparation. Ludee Vermaas admitted that it was a lot of work to change the OCIA program from one track to separate tracks for Catechumens and Candidates, but the effort provides opportunities year-round. “It takes a lot of time, but it’s exciting,” she said. “It’s a great problem to have when a lot of people want to become Catholic!” For more information about becoming Catholic at Risen Christ, contact the parish office at office@risenchristboise.org or (208) 362-6584.

Christina Klaas, BSN, RN checks Bishop Kelly student Margaret Acuna's temperature. (ICR Photo/Philip A. Janquart) By Philip A. Janquart​ ICR Assistant Editor She has seen it all: stomach aches, bloody noses, allergic reactions, sprained ankles and more. “I had two students in one week whose rings got stuck on their fingers,” chuckled Christina Klaas, BSN, RN. “We had to send them to the ER… and the jeweler,” she noted. “It was very odd; you never know what you are going to get.” For Klaas, a 1993 Bishop Kelly High School graduate, it was just another day as Saint Alphonsus Regional Medical Center’s School Health Program Coordinator. Launched in 1993, the program is a partnership between Treasure Valley Catholic schools and Saint Alphonsus in Boise through its Community Health and Well-Being Department. The aim is to provide health care services to students in all six K-8 Catholic schools and Bishop Kelly High School. “Fall semester was very busy; I averaged about 30 students per day for walk-ins,” said Klaas from her nurses’ office at Bishop Kelly. “In our 2024-2025 calendar school year, we had 13,000 walk-in visits at our office spaces in our schools; that’s a lot of kids.” The partnership began more than 30 years ago when the Roman Catholic Diocese of Boise and Saint Alphonsus recognized a need for formal, onsite care at the schools. The result was an agreement to provide a nurse at Bishop Kelly as a test run. It was well received, and the program eventually grew to include the Diocese’s K-8 schools. Saint Alphonsus registered nurse Kathleen Hunthausen conceived the idea for the partnership. In 1999, she was named Idaho’s School Nurse of the Year, receiving the award from then-Idaho Superintendent of Schools Dr. Marilyn Howard. “It’s really a lovely partnership, bringing the two together, the Catholic schools and the Catholic hospital, to support the kids in an academic environment and keep them here (in school) as much as possible,” Klaas said. THE PROGRAM The program goes beyond a first aid kit; it provides health care services and education, including CPR classes, hygiene classes, disease transmission instruction, and health emergency education. “We do a lot of proactive teaching,” Klaas said. “The CPR class actually meets the state requirements for health students to take a CPR module; I help the school meet that. We do opening education at the start of the school year for the teachers, where we go over health emergencies and how to manage kids with chronic health conditions like seizure disorders, diabetes and allergies. We front load the education for teachers so they can do their best classroom management and support their students who have health issues.” At the elementary level, school nurses teach handwashing and disease prevention and provide anti-vaping talks to promote healthy habits and nutrition, drawing from the resources available through Saint Alphonsus. They also conduct health screenings, targeting vision, hearing and scoliosis, and screen for immunization requirements to meet compliance with the State of Idaho. “We do triage visits, which means that students walk into our offices with various ailments,” Klaas explained. “We help determine if they meet criteria to go home, or if they need a higher level of care or emergent care—you know, 911. We do that for our students and our staff, so we are serving both populations.” The School Health Program partners with Bishop Kelly counseling teams to address mental health. “It’s huge; our kids are under high stress, and I feel, sometimes, it’s under-recognized,” Klaas said. “I’m passionate about it, making sure students are seen and heard, and have resources and know what’s available to them so they can reach out for help, to know there are people who want to support them and help them.” “We intake paperwork from parents and double check with our physicians if we need to, in terms of making sure it’s the right medication and right dose for that kid, and then administer according to physicians’ orders,” Klaas said. PARTNERSHIP Currently, the schools and the hospital share in the cost of providing the service. “Saint Alphonsus upholds a legacy of bringing healthcare to people where they are,” said Rebecca Lemmons, Saint Alphonsus Health System Regional Director of Community Health & Well-Being. “Our longstanding partnership with the Catholic schools through the Catholic Diocese of Boise has cemented our shared mission for serving our community in the Spirit of the Gospel as a compassionate and healing presence.” The relationship is unique in that it directly brings the broad capacities of a modern health system like Saint Alphonsus to students in their schools. Services include access to pharmacies, technological capabilities, and more. Whether they are in the classroom or on the playground, Lemmons said, care is significantly more accessible when they need it. “It’s also a wonderful way for us to help people who need it… because there are disparities in [access to healthcare] in different populations,” Klaas added. NURSES There is generally one nurse per school, and their work hours are based on each school’s student population. Some nurses work partial days while others work a full day. According to Klaas, Bishop Kelly and St. Ignatius in Meridian have the largest student populations. Eight registered nurses and one certified nurse assistant work for Saint Alphonsus under its Community Health and Well-Being arm. They are specifically hired to work within the School Health Program. While some nurses are not Catholic, they must agree to follow Diocesan rules governing their contact with children. “You don’t have to be Catholic to be a nurse, but we support all of the Diocesan requirements,” Klaas said. “We are very respectful. We go to Mass with the students; I was born and raised Catholic, so it’s beautiful for me.” SAINT ALPHONSUS The Boise hospital opened in 1894 and was founded by the Sisters of the Holy Cross. The hospital is no longer administrated by the Sisters, but they have left a legacy through the hospital’s mission. At least one Holy Cross Sister continues to volunteer in Boise. “The School Health team is a true reflection of the work of our founding Sisters and the Saint Alphonsus mission to serve together in the spirit of the Gospel as a compassionate and transforming healing presence within our communities,” said Klaas. “Our team has a passion for working with students and children and is blessed to be able to serve in the Catholic school setting. This is my ministry from within, and I feel blessed to serve in this capacity through my employer.” Janet Campbell BSN, RN, left, and Sister Dipti Toju, right, a health intern, at Saint Ignatius School in Meridian. (ICR Photo/Phil Janquart) If you enjoyed this story and would like to read more like it, please consider buying a subscription to the Idaho Catholic Register. Your $20 yearly subscription also supports the work of the Diocese of Boise Communications Department, which includes not only the newspaper, but this website, social media posts and videos. You can subscribe here ,  or through your parish, or send a check to 1501 S. Federal Way, Boise, ID, 83705: or call 208-350-7554 to leave a credit card payment. Thank you, and God bless you.