Catholic schools extend warm welcome to Bishop

January 26, 2006

Dear Friends in Christ:

What an exciting time it has been in the Diocese of Sioux City with the arrival of our new Bishop. The timing could not be better (after such a long wait) but for him to come just in time for the Celebration of Catholic Schools Week. The time set aside each year that we take the time to showcase the excellence of our schools, which are extensions of the parishes and the greater Catholic communities that support our schools.

In the ordination homily, Archbishop Hanus shared with us the threefold mission of a bishop: to teach, to sanctify, and to govern. The parents, teachers and administrators of students in Catholic schools, we will join in that mission to provide a way to share in the proclamation of God's Holy Word. In our role as teachers and parents of Catholic school students, we will be the new bishop's extension of his teaching mission. In order for us to be effective, we all must listen to him carefully and insure that what we hear, we live, thus teaching by the examples of our everyday lives.

In fulfillment of his second task, Bishop Nickless will lead us in the liturgical celebrations that will insure the future of our faith. For most of the children in our schools, Bishop Nickless will confirm them as they make a commitment to the church as full members of the community. With his guidance and our prayers, he will also be able to ordain young men into the priesthood. All of us in the Catholic School community will join the Bishop in his mission to sanctify the local church of the Diocese of Sioux City.

As if the first two parts of his mission are not both full-time jobs, Bishop Nickless will govern the faithful of the Diocese. As the Shepard of the Diocese, he will lead the schools and parishes with the Compassion, Character and Values that are emulated in the theme of Catholic Schools Week this year.

What greater time to welcome a new bishop to a Diocese than that time when we celebrate the gifts that Catholic schools provide for the children, parents, benefactors and staff with a daily opportunity to live our faith. The Catholic Schools of the Diocese of Sioux City welcome Bishop Nickless and look forward to the many ways in which he will teach us gently, sanctify us with his prayers and govern us with compassion.

May each of you come to realize the joys of being able to share in the great mission of our church through Catholic Schools.

Yours in Christ,

Kevin B. Vickery
Superintendent of Schools

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