Make time for reconciliation during Lent

Feb. 22, 2007

My dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

As we begin the Season of Lent, 2007, I want to assure you of my special prayers and thoughts. These days of Lent provide all of us with an opportunity to grow in faith. Our fasting, prayer and charity to the poor are ways we can grow in holiness and they prepare us well to celebrate the great events of our faith during The Easter Triduum of April 5-7, 2007.

SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION

It is my sincere hope that all of us make special plans to receive the sacrament of penance at least one time during the 40 days of Lent. This sacrament is a great gift to us sinners from Our Lord. No one likes to admit that they are sinners, that they need forgiveness, that they are not living the Christian life as best they can. Yet, when we avail ourselves of the graces of the sacrament, God can do wonders in our lives. Please don't pass up a chance to meet the Lord in this great sacrament of forgiveness. Our parishes provide confession times every week and will celebrate Penance Services regularly throughout the Season of Lent. If it's been a long time since you have gone to Confession, please don't be afraid and don't put it off. The priest will help you to make a good confession. God's grace will be a great consolation.

I look forward to our Lenten Day of Recollection for our priests. It will be held on March 8 at St. Mary's Church in Sac City. Father Joe Hanefeldt from Archdiocese of Omaha will lead the priests and myself in a day of prayer. I've asked that a Penance Service be added to our day together. As priests and bishop, we too are aware of our need for forgiveness. Your prayerful support of us especially on our day of Prayer will be greatly appreciated.

RITE OF ELECTION

On the first Sunday of Lent, I will have the privilege after celebrating the Rite of Election at St. Mary's Church in Storm Lake and later in the evening at the Cathedral. This is a special part of the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults. Men, women and children who have been preparing to become Roman Catholics will take another step in their journey to embrace our faith. At the Easter Vigil, the day before Easter Sunday, they will receive the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist. During the Rite of Election they hear these words: "My friends, I now declare you to be members of the Elect, to be initiated into the sacred mysteries at the next Easter Vigil." As "Elect", these persons will need our prayerful support as they continue their journey of faith. How encouraged we all should be that new members want to become a part of our Church. May our continued good example be an inspiration to them.

ABUSE REPORT

In this issue of the Globe, you will find our yearly report on the work of our Review Board relating to sexual abuse of minors. Even one act of abuse is one too many. I want to state, clearly, once again, my commitment to the protection of young people. I apologize to those who have been hurt by anyone associated with our Church. In this Lenten Season of penance and renewal, may each of us intensify our prayer for all victims and ask the Lord to give them peace and healing.

In our diocese we are blessed with so many kind and compassionate priests. Please encourage them and thank them for the ministry they provide.

"Lent" has its roots in an old English word meaning "springtime." May these 40 days of growth and renewal bring all of us to a great appreciation of the gift of new life that God continues to offer us. Have a good and holy Lent.

Your brother in Christ,

Most Reverend R. Walker Nickless
Bishop of Sioux City