Catholic News

Discover how North Idaho’s Secular Franciscans follow St. Francis of Assisi through prayer, simplicity, peacemaking and service to their communities — and how other Catholics can join their fraternity.

In a historic first for the Diocese of Boise, 10 women were consecrated to the ancient Order of Widows (Ordo Viduarum) during an Oct. 3 Mass at St. Pius X Catholic Church in Coeur d’Alene. Rooted in the early Church, this vocation invites widows to dedicate their lives to prayer, chastity and service while continuing to honor the love and fidelity of their marriages.

In 1946, Coeur d’Alene was a small lumber and mining community emerging from World War II. Seeing widespread local poverty, a handful of parishioners at St. Thomas Catholic Church began gathering clothing and basic necessities for neighbors in need. In 2026, St. Vincent de Paul North Idaho celebrates its 80th anniversary, honoring eight decades of people who saw a need and found a way to help.

Chavez said he and his core planning team will welcome approximately 100 youth, grades 9-12, to this outdoor spiritual adventure, which will include hiking, swimming, campfires, sacraments and high-energy activities such as ziplining, rock climbing and a ropes course.

A view of Coeur d'Alene from above. (Stock photo) By Eddie Trask CCI Executive Director For 25 years, Catholic Charities of Idaho (CCI) has been committed to serving individuals and families across the state—regardless of demographic or geography. Much of that support has happened quietly, often virtually, reaching Idahoans in rural towns, farming communities, and counties far from our physical offices in Boise and Pocatello. As we enter the final week of Advent—a season of