Priests, religious celebrate jubilees

By KATIE LEFEBVRE, Globe staff reporter
April 27, 2006

STORM LAKE - The priests of the Diocese of Sioux City gathered at St. Mary Parish in Storm Lake on April 24 to celebrate the jubilees of priests from the diocese.

Seven of the eight jubilarians were present for the Mass. Bishop R. Walker Nickless was the celebrant of the Mass.

The 25-year jubilarians include Father Brian Hughes, Msgr. Kevin McCoy and Father Eriberto da Costa. Those celebrating 50 years are Father John Cain, Father Robert Condon and Father Eugene Schumacher. Msgr. Nicholas Ruba is celebrating 55 years of priestly service. Father Raymond Calkins is in his 60th year as a priest and was not present at the Mass.

The jubilarians processed into Mass followed by Bishop Nickless and sat with him in the sanctuary of the church.

"Father, you have appointed your son, Jesus Christ, eternal high priest," prayed Bishop Nickless. "Guide those he has chosen to be ministers of word and sacrament. Help them to be faithful in fulfilling the ministry they have received."

The readings for the Mass were proclaimed by Father Hughes and Father da Costa. Msgr. McCoy proclaimed the Gospel reading from John.

Bishop Nickless gave the homily and thanked the jubilarians for their service in the diocese.

"There are so many wonderful traditions that I am learning about the Diocese of Sioux City," said the bishop. "This gathering of priests to honor our jubilarians is a wonderful tradition."

He recounted the stories from the readings from Acts and Romans and the Gospel of John.

"Peter and John, after they are released from prison, are found gathered in prayer with the Christian community," said Bishop Nickless. "We hear part of that prayer today from our first reading in the Acts of the Apostles. 'Grant to your servants, even as they seek your words, complete assurance by stretching forth your hand in cures, signs and wonders to be worked in the name of Jesus, your holy servant.'"

The bishop continued "that certainly can be our prayer as we gather today to honor and to thank the 12 men who celebrate the jubilee of their ordination. After 25, 50, 55 and 60 years of service as priests of Jesus Christ."

"As we all know, the priesthood is a wonderful gift. As we prayed at our recent Chrism Mass, God intended that the priesthood of Christ continue in the church today," said Bishop Nickless. "Christ has chosen us as priests to continue his work. Today's Mass gives us all a chance once again to reflect on the ministry, the mystery and the gift of priesthood."

Bishop Nickless thanked his brother priests "for their gracious welcome, for their support and especially for their patience."

"As we look at the ministry of our brothers today, we look at the gifts and talents that God's grace has made real in their lives, in their preaching, in their administration, in their pastoral care, their celebration of the liturgy, in teaching, in hearing confessions and in celebrating baptisms, funerals and marriages," said the bishop. "These men have given their lives in service to God's people. We rejoice with them today and promise our prayers for them. We pray that they continue to grow in holiness."

He thanked the priests for their example and their service. He also wanted to remember the jubilarians that have died.

At the conclusion of the Mass, Father Hughes spoke on behalf of the jubilarians and extended a couple of thank you's.

"I would like to thank the jubilarians - 250 years of priestly service," said Father Hughes. "We would like to especially say a word of thanks to the fine group of priests that make up the presbyterite of the Diocese of Sioux City. We are so grateful that you are here to encourage us, challenge us and to walk with us as brothers in Christ Jesus."

Father Hughes added a thank you to St. Mary's Parish for hosting the jubilarians each year.

Following the Mass, those gathered were invited to the Siebens Center for a meal.

Another celebration was held April 22 for the Sister Grace Ann Witte. She is celebrating 50 years of religious life this year. Bishop Nickless celebrated at this Mass as well.