Fill your Lenten journey with prayer and fasting

Feb. 7, 2008

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

Lent 2008 has begun. I once again assure you of my prayers that this season of grace and conversion may be fruitful for all of us.

These forty days are truly a gift for us. I hope we can use them well to grow in holiness. I would like to suggest some practical considerations as you look for ways to grow more fully into the holiness of Christ.

VOCATIONS TO THE PRIESTHOOD

There have been two events over the last few weeks that have touched me deeply. The first was the wonderful turn out of young men for Project Andrew. (A program established to help increase vocation awareness, named after St. Andrew the apostle who brought his brother, St. Peter to the Lord). Father Brad Pelzel, our director of vocations, organized this event. One was held here in Sioux City and another in Fort Dodge. The priests were asked to bring 2 or more young men from their parishes for a meeting that included Evening Prayer, a meal, and talks about priestly vocations. Over 60 young men attended along with some parents and members of the Serra Club. We will have two more sessions in the upcoming months. Each of the priests present was asked to share briefly what the joy of priesthood means to them. We have so many dedicated priests and their stories of ministry were truly inspirational.

We invited the young men present to pray to God that He show them His will in their lives. Some are called to be single, some are called to be good Catholic husbands and fathers, some are called to be consecrated persons and some certainly are called to be priests.

This Lent, I encourage all of us to pray for young men who may feel a small whisper from God to consider priesthood. Pray that they be open to that call and respond without fear or worry. Do what you can to encourage them and support them. This applies especially to parents and grandparents. Encouragement and support from families is essential.

So, if you need a particular intention to pray for this Lent, I encourage you to pray for vocations, all vocations, but especially to the priesthood. If we do not have priests, we cannot have the Eucharist and if we don't have the Eucharist, we don't have the church.

RIGHT TO LIFE

Secondly, I was deeply moved by our pro life efforts this past month. The Mass I celebrated at the Cathedral to remember the horrible decision of our Supreme Court to permit abortion, the praying of the rosary in front of Planned Parenthood and the Ecumenical Services at Central Baptist Church were events that sought to highlight the fact that we must persevere in our efforts to promote the right to life and to end the culture of death.

Many other gatherings were held throughout our Diocese, across the nation and in Washington, D.C. This Lent we might also pray and fast for the particular intention of ending abortion. There is no other issue more important than protecting innocent life in the womb. We can never give up and must continue in any way we can to cultivate a civilization of love.

So, I leave you with just these two simple suggestions as we begin our prayer, fasting and renewal for these forty days: pray and fast for priestly vocations; pray and fast for an end to abortion.

My prayers and fasting are joined to yours. Have a holy and grace filled Season of Penance. May our Blessed Mother and all the Saints intercede for us before our loving God. May His will be done in all things.

May the Lord give you peace.

Your brother in Christ,

Most Reverend R. Walker Nickless
Bishop of Sioux City