Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

June 29 is the feast of Saints Peter and Paul, the patrons of the Church of Rome, and so also of the whole Roman Catholic Church throughout the world. These two saints, who were such powerful evangelists in the earliest decades of the Church, continue to inspire and encourage our own efforts here and now for the salvation of souls. Our Holy Father, Pope Francis, as successor of St. Peter, continues to lead the Church in the mission of our Savior, offering His grace where it is most needed in this life.

Pope Francis called to us in his 2016 Urbi et Orbi address, “May efforts be made everywhere to promote the culture of encounter, justice and reciprocal respect, which alone can guarantee the spiritual and material welfare of all people.” We are taking up the Peter’s Pence collection to be part of the Church’s effort to promote a culture of encounter and justice. Your support makes it possible for the Holy Father to carry out his charitable works around the world, to help victims of war, natural disasters, and other difficult situations. Our participation therefore supports the charitable work of Pope Francis, as he reaches out to those who are marginalized and suffering around the globe. By supporting this collection with your prayers and your gift, you join the Holy Father in bringing a little more mercy into the world.

May your faith and hope may always grow in union with our Lord Jesus Christ, who loves each soul indescribably!

Your brother in Christ,

Most Reverend Walker Nickless
Bishop of Sioux City