Nickolas Becker ordained to priesthood
By RENEE WEBB
Globe associate editor
Posted September 12, 2002

Nickolas Lee Becker, 26, was ordained to the presbyteral order on Sept. 7 at Cathedral of the Epiphany in Sioux City. Bishop Daniel N. DiNardo was the ordaining prelate.

"My friends, today we gather to celebrate the sacrifice of the Lord's body and blood. At the same time during this Mass we will confer priestly ordination on our friend and brother, Nickolas Becker. He will fulfill his Christian vocation in a ministry of priestly service in this great diocese of Sioux City," said the bishop in opening comments.

Readings of the Mass were Jeremiah 1:4-9 and Hebrews 5:1-10. The Gospel was John 21:15-17. During this time Becker sat with his parents, Robert and Mary Becker of Wesley.

Becker was called forward by Father Brian Hughes, vocation director of the diocese. Father Hughes told the bishop that after inquiry among the people of Christ and upon recommendation of those concerned with his training, he testified that Becker has been found worthy for priesthood.

After a round of applause for Becker, Bishop DiNardo delivered the homily. He extended thanks to the priestly candidate's parents "for it was through their generosity that the call could come through." In addition, he expressed gratitude to St. Joseph Parish in Wesley and Bishop Garrigan High School in Algona who helped give life to the priestly vocation.

While it is a difficult time, he said it is a good time to be a priest for the Roman Catholic Church in the United States.

Bishop DiNardo referred to the Gospel - Jesus asked Peter three times, "Do you love me?" By third time, he noted that it probably about broke Peter's heart. Jesus then told Peter to feed his sheep.

"A broken, humble, contrite heart alone can feed the sheep," said Bishop DiNardo.

He then focused on the second reading. The reading stated that no one takes the honor of priesthood upon themselves; they are called by God. The bishop said the priesthood should never be viewed as something that one is entitled to.

The reading also pointed out that Jesus offered prayers and supplications to the God who was able to save him from death. Jesus learned obedience through his sufferings.

"Jesus didn't have a mission. He was the mission," said Bishop DiNardo. "Was Jesus obsessed with doing God's will? You bet."

He asked the priestly candidate to never forget that he was merely a weak human being, so he would have a priestly heart and be able to lead the people of God in charity and truth.

"You will celebrate the sacraments, you will celebrate the sacrifice of the Mass, you will lead people in prayer and collaborate with them," said the bishop. He told the candidate that he must never betray the trust of the people.

Bishop DiNardo asked the people for one thing - to pray for priests.

"This current crisis can only be handled by faithfulness and prayer," he said.

After the homily, the candidate was brought before the bishop for an examination to affirm his willingness to undertake the responsibilities of priesthood. Becker then knelt before Bishop DiNardo as he promised obedience. During the Litany of Saints, the candidate prostrated before the altar.

Once the attending priests took part in the ancient gesture of the laying on of hands, the bishop offered the prayer of consecration.

"May he be faithful in working with the order of the bishops, so that the words of the Gospel may reach the ends of the earth, and the family of nations, made one in Christ, may become God's one, holy people," prayed the bishop.

He was vested in the stole and chasuble by Father Guerric DeBona, O.S.B., and Father Louis Studer, O.M.I. Father Studer is an Oblate of Mary Immaculate who serves as director of the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows in Belleville, Ill. He is a native of St. Joseph Parish in Wesley, where he was ordained priest by Bishop Greteman in 1976. He is a cousin of Father Becker's. Father DeBona is a monk of Saint Meinrad Archabbey, where Becker studied

theology. He teaches homiletics there and is Father Becker's former spiritual director.

The Liturgy of the Eucharist followed the anointing of the hands and kiss of peace. Father Becker offered the closing blessing.

After the ceremony, his brother, Tom of Minneapolis, said he thought it was a great service.

"We are all very proud of him," he said. "It is something that we've known he's wanted to do for a very long time. I'm happy for him."

Father Becker's mother was also pleased with the ceremony and found all aspects of the service to be "absolutely marvelous."

His parents are both supportive of his vocation.

"I think the priesthood is very honorable," said his mother. "He has always leaned toward it."

Father Becker celebrated a Mass of Thanksgiving on Sept. 8 in Wesley. He has been assigned to serve as the parochial vicar at Blessed Sacrament Church in Sioux City.