Give generously to retired religious

April 5, 2007

My dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

As we look forward to the joy of Christ's Resurrection on Easter Sunday, we contemplate our own mortality and eternal destiny. We cling constantly to Christ, our Lord and Savior, with prayer, fasting, and charity, knowing that only in communion with His Body can we find what we need to rise with Him to eternal life.

Among those who cling to Him most strongly are the many religious sisters who bless our Diocese with their prayers and labor. With Lenten devotion, then, I ask you to think compassionately of the hope and suffering of our retired religious. I appeal to you to support those whose age and infirmity reminds us of Christ's own suffering for us.

The second collection at the masses on April 7 and 8 will be dedicated to the care of retired religious. Our Lord gave us into their care, as they gave their lives to pray and work and teach for us; now He gives them into our care, as a sign of the unity and splendor of His love for all. Please support this campaign with your generous charity, and especially with your prayers.

Your brother in Christ,

Most Reverend R. Walker Nickless
Bishop of Sioux City