I'm going to leave you with the opening of the next section in which the bishop explains the pastoral priorities he sets out for the diocese. While that which preceded this was rich and full of background information on how we got where we are following Vatican II, what comes now is the heart of the letter.
This particular pastoral priority runs about two pages in the actual document. I encourage people to read the rest of his letter. Print it out and read a little from it each day - the humble will find it heartwarming.
It's noteworthy to point out that with this letter, Bishop Nickless is providing a vision for his diocese, not a set of rules. What will be interesting to watch is further communications and columns in weeks, months and years to come in support of these priorities.
IV. Pastoral Priorities for the Diocese of Sioux CityGo read the rest of the Pastoral Letter: Ecclesia Semper Reformanda
1. We must renew our reverence, love, adoration and devotion to the Most Blessed Sacrament, within and outside of Mass. A renewal of Eucharistic Spirituality necessarily entails an ongoing implementation of the Second Vatican Council’s reform of the liturgy as authoritatively taught by the Church’s Magisterium, the promotion of Eucharistic Adoration outside of Mass, regular reception of the Sacrament of Reconciliation and devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of the Eucharist and our Mother.
To read the shorter opening sections in previous posts:
- Bishop Nickless: Ecclesia Semper Reformanda - Post 1 (Introduction)
- Bishop Nickless: Ecclesia Semper Reformanda - Post 2 (Second Vatican Council and the New Evangelization)
- Bishop Nickless: Ecclesia Semper Reformanda - Post 3 (The Current Context)
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The obedient are not held captive by Holy Mother Church; it is the disobedient who are held captive by the world!