Keeping the 'flame of faith' alive

Jan. 18, 2007

My dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

After 16 days of being away from the Diocese, it is good to be home. I left Sioux City on Christmas day and spent some time with my family (mostly snowed in) in Denver. Because of the lack of snow here in Iowa, I thought I'd better get my "snow fix" somewhere. Little did I know that I would bring a winter snowstorm back with me!

We thank God for the needed moisture for our fields and farms and pray for all our brothers and sisters who suffer from the effects of winter cold.

PRINCE OF PEACE ABBEY

At the beginning of this month I had the privilege of spending a week on retreat at Prince of Peace Abbey in Oceanside, California. Each year the bishops of Iowa, Nebraska, Kansas and Missouri have an opportunity to go on retreat together. This was my first retreat with my brother bishops. Fourteen of us gathered for a time apart, devoted to prayer, rest and renewal. The monks of Prince of Peace were generous in their hospitality and allowed us to pray the Liturgy of the Hours and Liturgy of the Eucharist with them every day. The Abbey is located in a beautiful spot that made prayer and reflection easy. If you ever get a chance to visit San Diego, try and sneak away for a visit to Prince of Peace. It is a just about 40 miles away.

A priest from the Diocese of Brooklyn, New York was our retreat director. Monsignor Thomas Caserta is on the Faculty of Cathedral Seminary in New York. The theme of the retreat was: "Pour out now upon those chosen ones that power which is from you..." This phrase is from the Ordination Rite for Bishops. Monsignor Caserta gave a series of reflections on the various parts of the Ordination Rite. Having been ordained a bishop just a year ago, the chance to reflect on the prayers and symbols was a real grace for me.

Monsignor talked about the significance of the anointing of the head of a bishop as a sign of the power of Christ's priesthood; the presentation of the Gospel book as a sign of the power of faithful preaching; the ring as a sign of the power of fidelity to the Bride (the Church); the miter as a sign of the pursuit of holiness; the Pastoral Staff as a sign of the power to guide and govern; the Kiss of Peace as a sign of Communion and the Walking and Blessing as a sign of being with God's people.

Each of these symbols reflects the ministry of a bishop in his diocese. I was able to give thanks to God for the ministry He has given to me as your Bishop. One year ago this Saturday (January 20) I was ordained a bishop and began my service to you. How blessed I have been to be among you this past year.

The change from being a pastor of a large suburban parish to become a Bishop of a diocese is in some ways over whelming. My "parish" suddenly becomes a whole diocese made up of many parishes and thousands of people. Each day has been an adventure and a blessing. Each day presents opportunities to grow in holiness and grace.

The Diocese of Sioux City is a wonderful place to be. This past year I have had the privilege of visiting many of our parishes, schools and institutions. I see devoted priests and deacons, faithful lay people, dedicated seminarians and religious, enthusiastic college students and young adults, families and the elderly. All of you have now become my new family and I have become a Father, a Shepherd and a Brother to each of you. Thank you for your welcome, your acceptance and most of all for your prayerful support.

LOOKING FORWARD

As I begin my second year as your bishop, I am anxious to do all I can to encourage the "flame of faith" to grow even stronger. In our hearts we have our share of struggles and needs. The future of our parishes and the best use of both facilities and personnel will be a challenge for many years to come. Education in our Catholic Faith at all levels needs to be solid and constant. Growth in holiness through the dignified and reverent celebration of the sacraments, especially the Eucharist and Confession, remains one of the most important things we can do. Encouraging vocations, affirming our priests, enabling our laity are constant invitations that call us to prayerful support of one another and the needs of our church. I am excited about all the possibilities that lie before us.

CHANGES AND NEW BEGINNINGS

As a Bishop, I am not alone in the ministry I give to our Diocese. Many holy and dedicated men and women assist me in my work. I have been blessed with a wonderful staff here at the Chancery. As we begin this new year, I look forward to working with Monsignor Mark Duchaine as Vicar General and Moderator of the Curia and with Dr. David Lopez as Chancellor. Mr. Mark Thomason is our new Director of Catechesis, Evangelization and the Rite of Christian Incitation for Adults. He brings a deep love of our Catholic faith to the work of the Church in our diocese.

I have established a new Presbyteral Council, appointed new Deans and formed a new College of Consultors. These priests will be a valuable source of consultation and advice for me. Please pray for these who serve the Diocese.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Reflecting on these past months, I couldn't have had a better first year as your bishop. Please forgive my mistakes and continue to be patient with me. Together the Lord has given us so much to accomplish and, as always, He will give us the strength to do all that He wills. I look forward to spending many years with you. May God continue to bless us all and fill us with the grace and humility of Mary, the Mother of God and Mother of the Church.

Your brother in Christ,

Most Reverend R. Walker Nickless