Message to the faithful from Bishop Nickless

22 November 2024
 
Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

It is with a saddened heart that I share news concerning a recent action that has impacted our diocesan family. On October 17, a member of our diocese, Mary Katherine Daniels from Mater Dei Parish in Sioux City, participated in an attempted ordination as a priest. This event, which took place in Rome, was orchestrated by an organization advocating for the ordination of women as “Catholic” priests.

I want to be absolutely clear: Mary Kay was not ordained as a priest. The Catholic Church, in fidelity to our Lord’s example and teachings, has consistently upheld that only men can validly receive the sacrament of Holy Orders. As St. John Paul II definitively stated in Ordinatio Sacerdotalis, “the Church has no authority whatsoever to confer priestly ordination on women” (OS 4). Mary Kay’s participation in this act, therefore, does not constitute ordination but, rather, has resulted in her excommunication by her own actions, as outlined in Canon 1379 §3 of the Code of Canon Law. Excommunication means that she has separated herself from the Communion of the Church.

Despite this, I hold out hope that Mary Kay will return to the Lord’s fold. I urge her to seek reconciliation through the sacrament of penance and to request the removal of this censure, which is reserved to the Holy See. Priests of the diocese, if Mary Kay approaches you with a sincere desire to repent and return to full communion with the Church, please reach out to the Very Reverend David Esquiliano, JCL, our Judicial Vicar, who will guide you on the appropriate steps.

I share this publicly to clarify any misunderstandings and to underscore that Mary Kay is not a priest, regardless of what she or others may claim. Celebrations at which she attempts to preside and sacraments that she attempts to administer are invalid and place those involved at risk spiritually. We must remember that participating in such activities can put our souls at grave risk.

Let us pray together, through the intercession of our Blessed Mother and the many saints who have faithfully followed Christ’s teachings, that Mary Kay may one day return to the Body of Christ, where we await her with open arms, just as the father welcomed back his prodigal son (cf. Luke 15:11-32).

Your brother in Christ,
  Most Reverend R. Walker Nickless
Bishop of Sioux City