Shortage of religious vocations addressed

SLEEPY EYE -- Bishop John Clayton Nienstedt called on Catholics in the New Ulm Diocese to join him in prayer and fasting for religious vocations in the coming year, including abstaining from meat on Fridays expressly for the purpose of religious vocations.

In the homily of the Mass of installation, Nienstedt indicated he plans to spend the first year of his pastorship getting used to the diocese, and letting the the priests, pastoral administrators, religious and lay people get used to him.

He expressed his commitment to continuing the diocesan pastoral plan, "Hope for Years to Come," instituted under Lucker, and reaffirmed the diocese's commitment to the mission in San Lucas Toliman, Guatemala, its support for Catholic education and efforts "to end the culture of death by overcoming the scourge of abortion."

But he called on the diocese to new efforts to invite men and women to religious vocations.

"The work of fostering priestly and religious vocations is a number one priority for the third bishop of New Ulm and with the help of all of you I want to begin a full-court press to see that it takes place."

The bishop asked for more prayers for vocations in all parish and diocesan meetings, for all families to pray for vocations when they say grace at meals.

The bishop said that prayers must be accompanied by fasting, and called for Catholics to abstain from meat on Fridays throughout the next year, specifically for vocations.

Bishop Nienstedt expressed his concern for the crisis facing farm families, and pledged the Church to work with state and federal government to restore the dignity of the farmer.

"One thing is very clear: the economy exists for the people, and not the other way around," said Nienstedt.