Give thanks to God for blessings

Nov. 22, 2007

My sisters and brothers in Christ,

BALTIMORE BISHOPS MEETING

My time spent in Baltimore at the meeting of the United States Conference of Bishops was very fruitful. This is the third November meeting I have attended and I truly see a deep spirit of dedication in my brother bishops as we try to shepherd the people given to us to serve.

The meetings are long and full of agenda items. The discussions are interesting and the time we spend in prayer and worship is truly inspirational.

We spent considerable time working on the document aimed at helping voters make the right decision. Each election is very important and next year's general election is especially significant since it will set the director of our country for the next several years. You may read the statement on the USCCB Web site (www.usccb.org). It is titled "Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship: A Call to Political Responsibility from the Catholic Bishops of the United States". The document is meant to help all faithful Catholics to form a correct conscience so that they can know the truth about important issues and vote accordingly. I hope you take time to read it and that it is helpful for you in making decisions regarding the candidates and issues in the upcoming elections.

I know you join me in the honor our country will have to welcome our Holy Father Benedict XVI to our country next April 15. His visit to Washington, D.C. is meant to be for all the people of our country. He will celebrate his 81st birthday on April 16th and the third anniversary of his election as pope on April 19th. We are privileged to have him in our country for these special events. Let us continue to pray and give thanks for the wonderful gift Pope Benedict is to the church.

THANKSGIVING

Speaking of thanks, as we celebrate Thanksgiving Day and prepare for the season of Advent, I want to share my thanks to God for all His blessings in my life. I thank God first of all for my life and the gift of my Catholic faith that my parents shared with me 60 years ago.

I thank the Lord for all the material blessings in my life - food, clothing and shelter. I thank the Lord for good health. I thank the Lord for my family and friends, those special people he has given as companions on this journey of life. I thank the Lord for our nation and for the freedom, security and prosperity that is ours.

I thank the Lord for the wonderful people of the Sioux City Diocese - for priests, religious and deacons who serve so generously and effectively, day in and day out. Thank you, Lord, for our seminarians. Help them to persevere. Thank you for the outstanding laity of the Diocese, for their personal commitment and generous support for the work of the Church.

I am grateful for those who work with me at the Chancery and for our children and young people, including those I have met in the school visits or for the Sacrament of Confirmation. What a treasure they are for the Church and the world.

I thank the Lord for the many acts of kindness people so often extend to me. I appreciate their support, encouraging words and prayers. I thank the Lord as well for those who dislike me, disagree with me and challenge me. They keep me honest and humble.

All of us have been richly blessed by God our loving Father. We pray for those who suffer or struggle with difficult issues in their lives. That is why we gather at Mass each Sunday to celebrate the Eucharist. The word Eucharist means thanksgiving and each time we gather to celebrate our faith, let us never forget to thank our loving God for all His blessings. May the Lord give you peace.

Thanks for your support of the Denver Broncos; they seem to make a difference!

Finally, as you know I will be in Rome for the Consistory elevating Cardinal DiNardo. I will give the new Cardinal your greetings and best wishes. I will also pray for all of you at the tomb of Saint Peter.

Your brother in Christ,

Most Reverend R. Walker Nickless
Bishop of Sioux City