Family attends episcopal ordination

By RENEE WEBB, Globe editor
January 26, 2006

Hundreds of people packed the Church of the Nativity for the episcopal ordination of Bishop R. Walker Nickless, however, few could have been touched more deeply by the ceremony than the bishop's parents and his nine siblings.

The bishop's father, R. Walker, senior, described the ordination as fabulous.

He found it heartwarming to see all of the priests and so many bishops and archbishops attend the Mass.

"The choir was beautiful," said R. Walker, who extended gratitude to the Diocese of Sioux City for all of the work they put into the service and the hospitality extended to the family. "It's been wonderful, just perfect."

For the bishop's mother, Peggy Nickless, the most emotional part of the ordination rite was when her son was saying 'I do' during the promise of the elect. He was questioned about his resolve to uphold the faith.

"I knew he meant it," she said.

She also extended thanks to all of the people who made the stay in Sioux City so pleasant.

"We have been treated well - just like royalty," noted Peggy.

All nine of the siblings attended the episcopal ordination: Christine McCarty, Lynda Fry, Rosanne Carr, Dan Nickless, David Nickless, Paul Nickless, Anne Marie Kerlin, Kathleen Nickless and Mark Nickless.

Bishop Nickless included them all in the ceremony, serving as gift bearers.

Anne Marie, eighth born child of the Nicklesses, described the ordination as beautiful, very touching and very emotional.

The part of the rite that stood out for her was when Bishop Nickless prostrated before the altar. To her, that sacred tradition symbolized a new phase of her brother's life.

"It made me think that he is starting over," said Anne Marie, who attended the ceremony with her husband and three children - an 11-month-old, 2-year-old and 5-year- old.

The bishop's brother, David Nickless, said the whole ordination Mass was special.

While the family will miss the bishop, David said he could tell the bishop is very happy to be in the Diocese of Sioux City.

He mentioned that he was impressed by the bishop's reception into the diocese.

Another of the brother's, Daniel Nickless, found it very touching when the bishop received his miter, ring and staff.

"It was wonderful to see the leaders of the other faiths at the ordination," he said. "That was really impressive."

Christine, the second born in the Nickless family, described the ordination as awesome. She was glad that the big day had come so her brother no longer had to wait to begin his life as shepherd of the Diocese of the Sioux City or be anxious. For that reason, she found the Mass to be peaceful.

During the service, Christine said it appeared that her brother was full of love.

"That's what he lives by - love and trust," she said.

It was during the processional when the bishop's sister, Roseanne said she couldn't help but think, "It's finally here. It is really happening."

She said her brother was ready to start his new life here.

Kathleen, the ninth-born child in the family and youngest sister, described the Episcopal ordination as extraordinary.

"It was overwhelming," she said.

Kathleen mentioned that when her big brother was ordained to the priesthood, she was quite small. She remembered that she received her first Communion from her brother at his first Mass.

Like her sister Anne Marie, one of the most moving parts of the ordination came for Kathleen when the bishop was prostrating before the altar.

R. Walker, senior, acknowledged that they would still miss the bishop.

The Nickless family does appear to think that Sioux City is a good new home for the bishop.