Called to teach, preach and live by Gospel

March 15, 2007

My dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

May Saint Patrick bless all of us who are Irish and all of those who want to be and even those who don't. My mother's maiden name was "McGovern," so I have both a little Irish and a little German in me, the best combination you can have.

IOWA CATHOLIC CONFERENCE

Saint Patrick was a great missionary to Iceland. As a bishop he was not afraid to preach the truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ. He made a difference with his bold words and holy life. He is a great example to all of us. I think of Saint Patrick when I reflect on my recent visit to our State Capitol in Des Moines. Last week, I joined the other bishops of Iowa for our annual Legislative breakfast with all the Representatives and Senators of our State. All were invited, many came. I had the privilege of sharing the opening prayer in both the House and Senate. I was very impressed with our beautiful Capitol Building. It is a magnificent structure, built with pride by our predecessors.

I had some good conversation with our lawmakers and thanked those who support the Church's view on the many issues they deal with everyday. Many expressed their gratitude for the information we Bishops share with them, especially through our Iowa Catholic Conference. I sense that many of our legislators want to know the truth. Many find it difficult to combine what they know deep down to be true and good for all, with the pressure of their political lives. The Scriptures remind us to pray for our political leaders. Let us continue to pray that God give them wisdom and strength to safe guard the dignity of all, especially the unborn, the poor and the marginalized.

After our session with the legislators, the other bishops of Iowa and I met with each other to discuss various issues of a pastoral nature. We had good discussion and exchange. I am the youngest bishop. Bishop Martin Amos of Davenport is the newest bishop of our state having come to us after being an auxiliary bishop in Cleveland. Both of us appreciated the wisdom and guidance of Archbishop Hanus from Dubuque and Bishop Charon from Des Moines. We are blessed to have such fine bishops in our State.

We concelebrated Mass in the Cathedral Church of Des Moines, Saint Ambrose. This was the second time I have been in this beautiful Cathedral. It is truly a house of prayer and a source of holiness for all those who visit amid the secular buildings of the city.

DAY OF RECONCILIATION

As you know last Thursday was the Day of Recollection and prayer for me, the priests, and the deacons of our diocese. We gathered to pray and in support of one another and to celebrate the Sacrament of Confession and the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick for our elderly priests. It was a wonderful day and I again want to thank you for your prayers and thank the Priests Continuing Education Committee for the fine speaker they provided, Fr. Joseph Hanefeldt. He is truly a holy man and touched us all with his priestly example and words of wisdom.

DIOCESAN PASTORAL COUNCIL

Our Diocesan Pastoral Council met for our second meeting on Saturday, March 10th. Men and women from all over the diocese came together to engage in dialogue with Monsignor Duchaine and myself about the needs and programs of the Diocese. Mark Thomason, our new Director of Evangelization, Catechesis and the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults gave a stirring presentation on our need to continue to accept the challenges of evangelization.

Mark reminded us that by reason of our Christian Baptism, all of us are called to preach, teach and live the radical demands of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Mark reminded us that even through some of the Churches teachings may be difficult to understand or hard to follow, we must not water down those teachings, nor ignore them. We discussed the duty of every Catholic to attend the Sunday Celebration of the Eucharist under penalty of sin. Sometimes we are just too casual about the importance of the Sunday celebration of our faith. We discussed Religious Education and the duty of parents as the first and primary educators of the faith. Our parishes and programs can never replace the primary role of parents in the religious education of their children. Parents need to know clearly the teachings of our faith in order to pass them on to their children. Sacramental preparation is especially important as is an understanding of the moral and doctrinal teachings of our faith, especially concerning the issues of contraception, co-habitation, same-sex attraction, a male only priesthood, celibacy, the sanctity and permanence of marriage and above all the importance of prayer and our relationship with God.

Mark reminded us that Eucharistic Adoration is a primary source of faith and holiness for all. I support whole-heartedly the goal of at least one parish in each Deanery of our Diocese where Perpetual Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament may be available.

I thank all the members of our Diocesan Pastoral Council for their gift of service to me and to all of us.

ST. MARY'S STORM LAKE

This week began with a great celebration of faith and pride in the newly renovated Church of Saint Mary in Storm Lake. Several priests joined me and Fathers Bruce Lawler and Will Vit for the beautiful ceremony for the blessing of the altar and rededication of the Church. The friends, benefactors and parishioners of St. Mary's have much to be thankful for and proud of in their new Church.

My prayers continue for our "Elect" and candidates for full communion in our church and for all of us on our Lenten journey. May our prayer, fasting and mercy lead us all to holier lives. May the anticipated joy of Easter bring peace and love to us all.

I received in the mail this week a card with a picture of a man dressed in a tee shirt with "KISS ME I'M IOWAN" on it. When can I get one of those? Happy Saint Patrick's Day!

Your brother in Christ,

Most Reverend R. Walker Nickless
Bishop of Sioux City