Upcoming ordination is sign of vitality

March 1, 2007

Dear Friends in Christ,

STEM CELL DEBATE

"A commitment to Jesus Christ and His Church challenges Catholics to stand as a sign of contradiction in the world. We can accept that challenge or we can reject it, but we must not convince ourselves that we can have it both ways. We can't. And that is good news for America and Europe, where prophetic witness of courageous Catholics is needed now as never before." This quote from an article written by Colleen Carroll Campbell caught my attention after our Iowa legislature passed a bill that, if the governor signs it, creates the "Iowa Stem Cell Research and Cures Initiative." This is sad news for all of us in Iowa and in our nation. Despite the efforts of Archbishop Hanus from Dubuque and others (including the Knights of Columbus) at the State House last week, the bill was passed by a slim margin in both the House and the Senate.

I spent considerable time last week in correspondence with the members of our legislature who live within our Diocese, both Catholic and non-Catholic. I tried as best I could to share with them the teachings of our Church regarding embryonic stem cells. This law, if enacted, creates a loop-hole for human cloning to produce human embryos, who would then be destroyed for medical, embryonic stem-cell research.

There are two major problems with this agenda. First, the moral problem of creative manipulation and destruction of human beings. Even though the goal of medical cures is good, evil means to achieve that goal are not acceptable. As Catholics, we know and have always believed, that human life starts at conception. Many others agree with us. We also know that all human life (even of the embryo) must be defended if any human life is ultimately to be valued.

The second major problem is the scientific one of actually achieving usable therapies from embryonic stem cells. Every attempt to produce a usable therapy from embryonic stem cells has failed because of one or both of these two obstacles: tissue rejection and a very high rate of cancerous metastasis.

In contrast, non-embryonic stem cells (whose use is permitted by the Church) have already resulted in more than 70 usable therapies.

It makes no sense to change the ban on human cloning, when the most promising and most ethical research is not based on cloning. What is now a felony will soon become a tax-supported activity; that's a huge leap. As Catholics, we must continue to use every legal means at our disposal to resist the "culture of death" and to support the common good, founded on the right to life, of every human person. I encourage our governor and our legislators, both Catholic and non-Catholic, not to be afraid to be signs of contradiction in the world. I thank those who opposed this legislation and I encourage all of us to continue to pray, and in this Lenten season, to do penance, so that the "civilization of life" can flourish in our day. Join me in praying that all of us, but especially our public servants, grow in divine wisdom and fortitude, to defend life and uphold the common good for all.

NEW DEACONS

What a joyous day for the Diocese of Sioux City on Saturday, March 3 when, at our Cathedral, I will ordain five men to the diaconate. These wonderful men, Richard Billings, Mark Prosser, Ray Rosburg, Michael Stover, and Mark Wyant, will join the other deacons of the diocese and be available for service both at the altar and in ministry in our parishes.

All of these deacons-to- be are married men with families. They know first hand both the joys and sorrows of married and family life. They bring a wealth of practical experience with them in their ministry. They have spent several years preparing theologically and spirituality for the new role they will play in the Church. They will be able to assist the parish priests in many ways, including Baptisms, Weddings, Funeral Services and preaching. Deacons are ordained to serve especially the poor and forgotten among us.

I take this opportunity to thank Dr. David Lopez and Deacon Tim Murphy and all those who have helped to train and prepare these men for service to the Church.

This ordination is another sign of the vitality and steady growth of the Church in Northwestern Iowa. How blessed we are to be a part of this community of faith. Please pray for these men, that they be good and holy men of service to us all.

My prayers this Lent continue to be for all of you. This holy Season of Penance and Renewal is a great gift to us. If you have not already done so, please avail yourselves to the graces of a good confession this Lent. Let the mercy and forgiveness of God shower you with the grace and peace that this sacrament can give.

Remember, "Lent" means "springtime". Let us hope that the winter snow soon leaves us and that the spring of new life may soon appear. (As a former Coloradoan, I love snow but I think I've had enough snow and ice for this year!) May God give you peace, joy and blessings.

Your brother in Christ,

Most Reverend R. Walker Nickless
Bishop of Sioux City