Called to evangelize all nations

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

October 19, 2006

What a powerful Gospel we have heard today! Our Lord Jesus Christ tells the rich young man not only to follow the commandments, but also to cultivate the beatitude of poverty of spirit. Jesus says, "How hard it is for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God!"

We in America today are like that rich young man. We struggle to follow God's commandments; but do we have poverty of spirit?

This Sunday, Oct. 22, will be the 79th annual WORLD MISSION SUNDAY. This day is meant as "the feast of catholicity and universal solidarity" in sharing our faith with the whole world. It is a special day of prayer and support for the evangelizing mission of the Church throughout the world.

From our baptism in Christ Jesus, we are each called to a "common responsibility for evangelization." We fulfill this responsibility to our Lord when we live faithfully in His commandments, and also when we act with the whole Church to "teach all nations," just as He instructed his disciples.

Each year on this day, we are asked to pray most fervently for the spread of our faith in our own country and in mission lands. We are also asked to support the work of the Church in evangelizing all nations. Many missionary dioceses are completely dependent on the subsidies they receive from the general fund of the Pontifical Mission societies. Many diocesan projects, such as building schools, seminaries, and parish churches, also receive support through additional subsidies.

This year, on World Mission Sunday, I ask for your special prayers for the work of the Church's Missions around the world, and especially for the missionary priests, religious, and lay men and women who sacrifice their whole lives to answer Christ's call. I ask you to hear and answer Christ's call in today's Gospel: cultivate your own spiritual poverty, by supporting with a generous contribution this faithful and pious labor. You will be storing up greater treasures in Heaven, and our Lord will be sure to reward you.

Asking God constantly to pour out His blessings upon each of you, I am

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Most Reverend R. Walker Nickless Bishop of Sioux City

TO ALL PASTORS: Please use this letter as you see fit ( to read or publish) on the weekend before World Mission Sunday, i.e., October 14/15. Please forward the Mission Donations to the Society for the Propagation of the Faith within a few weeks.