KTIV donates proceeds of ordination DVD to diocese

By KATIE LEFEBVRE, Globe staff reporter
June 8, 2006

Dave Madsen, station manager at KTIV news channel in Sioux City, presented the money raised from the ordination DVDs to Bishop R. Walker Nickless on June 2 at the Central Catholic Offices in Sioux City.

The check presented to the bishop was for $1,800 and will be given to the Catholic Schools Foundation.

"The $1,800 is a wonderful gift from KTIV," said Bishop Nickless. "I am so supportive of Catholic schools that I thought it would be perfect to have it go to the schools. I really want the schools to survive and do well. Every little bit helps."

According to Madsen, the response to the sale of the DVDs was good. He explained that they had three hours of video to put on the DVDs.

"We had a lot of people that just watched the ordination on the air, but a lot of people wanted to have a copy of it and didn't start their tape machines in time," said Madsen. "A lot of people were from out of town so they weren't able to watch it on KTIV, so being able to put together a DVD and send it to people in Denver made it really nice for them."

He continued that over 100 DVDs were sold individually to people that sent money in to KTIV.

"We also sold some to the diocese for cost because Jim (Wharton) wanted to send them out and the bishop wanted to send them to his family as well," said Madsen. "I think I heard Jim say he wanted to order more."

Bishop Nickless noted that he has been able to see the DVD of the ordination.

"It was very excellent and I am very proud of it," said the bishop. "I was so nervous during the ordination that seeing it I really realized what happened and what a wonderful ceremony it was. To be able to sit back in my living room and watch the DVD was wonderful."

The bishop's family has also been able to see the DVD. He mentioned that his family was very complimentary and it brought back great memories for those that were able to attend the ceremony.

"At the parish where I was at, they showed it to the elderly group of the parish," said Bishop Nickless. "They had a movie night with popcorn and everything to watch the DVD of their former pastor. I have heard nothing but compliments."

Bishop Nickless noted that it is not "too often that people are able to see the ordination of a bishop."

The ordination was an opportunity for people to see the ceremonies and the significance of the different symbols the bishop uses - the miter, the crozier, the ring.

"Those are all wonderful symbols of the office of bishop," he said. "It can be a teaching tool for our parishes and schools as well. It's a great opportunity to talk about the sacrament of Holy Orders and what happens at an ordination."