Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

On this Easter Sunday, we recall with joy the extraordinary gifts which our Lord Jesus Christ has given to us in the Church. In a special way, the gift of His own priesthood is central to our lives, for without priests, we can have no Eucharist and no forgiveness of our sins. All of us owe so much to those faithful men called to serve as ordained priests, whom God has chosen to be the primary means of sharing Himself with us. Their selfless ministry has touched our lives, and we are very grateful to them.

Now, after having served with great devotion for decades, many of our priests are retired, and many are infirm and in need of special care. It is my duty as a shepherd to care for them. I beg you to help me do so, most especially by your prayers, and also by your generous contribution to our Diocese of Sioux City Retired and Infirm Priests collection, this Sunday. Your gifts are used only to care for the priests of our own Diocese, who are now in need of our support.

As we share together our Easter joy in the Resurrection of our Lord, please consider making a gift to this collection. Thank you for your prayers and your generosity. May the Resurrection of Christ fill your minds and hearts with grace, hope, and joy. Happy Easter!

Your brother in Christ,

Most Reverend R. Walker Nickless

Bishop of Sioux City