Archbishop's web site Denver Catholic Register Parishes Catholic Pastoral Center
April 11, 2001
Msgr. Nickless to return to parish ministry
By Roxanne King
After serving as vicar for clergy and seminarians for 13 years, Msgr. Walker Nickless is returning to parish ministry effective June 20.
At Msgr. Nickless' request, Archbishop Charles Chaput, O.F.M. Cap., has appointed him to serve as pastor of Our Lady of Fatima Parish in Lakewood.
"My parish has been my brother priests, that's the way I've looked upon this position," Msgr. Nickless said. "Now it's time to move back into doing the work I was ordained to do — that's to be a parish priest in the real sense of what that means."
He added that he is "excited about shifting roles" as he becomes pastor of the parish where has been in residence.
"The parishioners haven't seen much of me and I haven't seen much of them — now we can get to know each other better in this new millennium of Christianity with the opportunities and challenges it affords us," Msgr. Nickless said.
Father Melvin Thompson, the current pastor of Fatima, has been appointed parochial vicar at St. Thomas More Parish in Englewood.
Msgr. Tom Fryar, pastor of All Souls Parish in Englewood, who assisted Msgr. Nickless, will take over as vicar for clergy and seminarians full time June 20.
"It is a mixed blessing, as is so much of life," Msgr. Fryar said about his new appointment. "There's a profound sense of sadness at leaving the wonderful community at All Souls. At the same time, there's a true sense of humility and honor at being asked by the archbishop to be part of the work of the larger archdiocese."
Msgr. Nickless leaves "large shoes to fill," Msgr. Fryar said.
"Msgr. Nickless has held that position longer than any other vicar for clergy and seminarians," he said, noting that Msgr. Nickless' predecessors held the position for a maximum six years. "He set a strong standard for what will come in the future. He has served the priests, deacons and people of the archdiocese in a caring and honorable fashion."
Msgr. Nickless will continue to serve as a vicar general for the archdiocese.
As vicar for clergy and seminarians, Msgr. Walker assisted the archbishop in the assignment of priests and seminarians. He also served as liaison for the archbishop with the Priests' Retirement Committee and the Presbyteral Council and oversaw priests' gatherings, including the annual priests' convocation, days of recollection and continuing education programs.
When he was first appointed to the position - for a three-year term by then Archbishop, now Cardinal, J. Francis Stafford - Msgr. Nickless said that he "had no idea what ministering to priests would mean."
His tenure has been "humbling" the monsignor said, as he described experiencing "the pains, healing and grace" of his brother priests.
"I discovered very quickly that I would become heavily involved in the lives and ministry of priests - both the good and the bad," he said. "I found some extraordinary and heroic priests giving their lives in tremendous ways for the Church in the archdiocese and the Lord. I also became aware of the weaknesses, failures and disappointments of our priests."
The highs included receiving thanks from pastors and their parishioners for good fits. The lows, dealing with priests who were experiencing problems, including those alleged to have committed sexual misconduct.
"When a priest was having trouble, for whatever reason, it was painful for me and for him, but it also was an opportunity for growth," Msgr. Nickless said. "It certainly has reinforced my commitment to the priesthood and increased my prayer life. Prayer became much more important to me and daily Eucharist that gave me nourishment and strength. That's the only way I could have handled the difficult decisions that had to be made." Msgr. Nickless said he is proud of the way the archdiocese has handled complaints against priests. "Every one of them was addressed and followed up on during my tenure," he said, adding that he strove always to treat the accused and alleged victims "with respect and Christian outreach." The monsignor said he is grateful for he support he got from the archbishops he served, as well as from Msgr. Raymond Jones, vicar general and moderator of the curia, who temporarily served as administrator of the archdiocese. He also credits his staff — executive assistant Marie Sailas and Msgr. Fryar — with providing needed support, as well as his colleagues, Sister Sharon Ford, R.S.M., secretary for religious; Father Kent Drotar, director of vocations; and Deacon Al Sandoval, secretary for deacons. "I also received much support from my brother priests," he said. Among his greatest joys was overseeing seminarians, from their initial screening interviews, through seminary life, ordination and first assignments. "That was very lifegiving - to see these young men mature and grow and become the great priests that we have today," he said. "I was also involved in the difficult tasks of priestly retirement, death and funerals. That, too, gave me a wonderful perspective of the generosity and dedication of our priests." When first assigned the position, Msgr. Nickless left a parish he "loved," Shrine of St. Anne's in Arvada, where he had served as pastor for eight years and had just completed adding on to the school. He specifically requested returning to a parish with a school, he said. "I've found that a Catholic school adds so much life and vitality to a parish," he said. Although he will miss his chancery friends, Msgr. Nickless said he is ready for a job change and knows that Msgr. Fryar is well equipped to take over. "I was glad to be able to serve the Church in this way," he said, but he added, "I was ordained to be a parish priest, and that's what I'm looking forward to doing."
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