Articulating Hope

Author: Vernon Dobelmann

  • Ordination Anniversary–27 Years

    Ordained a Deacon by Archbishop (now Cardinal) Rigali at The Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis

    Who knew where this journey would lead back on June 5, 1999?

    I certainly never anticipated ministering in six different dioceses, preaching in over 40 different churches, and giving hundreds of talks at retreats, workshops, conventions, pro-life events, days of recollection, and parish missions. (Click on the “Speaking Engagements” link to see a partial listing of these past events.)

    After ordination, I went to school for an additional year to receive my certifications to be an administrator of religious education programs at all age levels: elementary, high school, and adult education. This led to opportunities to be a Parish Director of Religious Education, Intergenerational Faith Formation Coordinator, High School Theology Teacher, Elementary School Principal, Diocesan Superintendent of Schools, and Diocesan Director of Pastoral Ministries. Through each of these experiences, I was blessed with opportunities to learn and grow in some profound ways. There were many missteps along the way, but God has been patient in calling me to faithfulness and holiness despite my many flaws and shortcomings.

    Margaret and I were definitely much younger 27 years ago.

    Little did I know that just two years after this photo was taken, I would be diagnosed with cancer a second time (2001). Fifteen years separated the first and second diagnosis. Then two years after that (2003) came open heart surgery to repair damage done by the chemotherapy in 1986. Entry into the diaconate and full-time church ministry was anything but smooth.

    June 5, 1999–Deacon Ordination in St. Louis, Missouri

    I was the second youngest guy in my class of 10, but with all of my health issues, I am a bit surprised to be one of the five still remaining on this earth. Yes, half of our class is now deceased. Bishop Sheridan, who was an auxiliary bishop in St. Louis at the time of my ordination, eventually became Bishop of Colorado Springs Diocese. He is now deceased as well. Cardinal Rigali and Bishop Braxton are both retired.

    Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton in Fort Collins, Colorado

    The last five years have found me at Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish in Fort Collins, Colorado. The photo above is from the first Advent Parish mission I presented a few years ago. What a joy it has been to serve this community of faith.

    Pastoral Center of the Archdiocese of Denver

    I was ordained in St. Louis. After working five years in the Diocese of Cheyenne, I was excardinated from the Archdiocese of St. Louis and incardinated into the Diocese of Cheyenne. I am still incardinated there even though I have now been in the Archdiocese of Denver for five years. I’ll spare you of the details of what all that involves. I belong to the Diocese of Cheyenne, but I am ministering in the Archdiocese of Denver with the blessing and approval of the bishop of Cheyenne and the archbishop of Denver.

    My latest cancer diagnosis on February 17, 2026, has definitely slowed me down. I intended to start “easing” back into ministry in the month of June. However, it is starting to look like I am “jumping” back in unreservedly.

    *Visit Vacation Bible School June 8-11, Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton (SEAS)

    *Baptism on June 13, (SEAS)

    Preach at 5:00 PM Mass on June 13, (SEAS)

    Preach at 8:00 AM Mass on June 14, (SEAS)

    Join Book Study Group on June 17, (SEAS) “Preparation for Death” by St. Alphonsus Ligouri is the awesome book we will be studying.

    I will be on Catholic Radio Network (Colorado stations) on June 18, from 1:00 to 2:00 pm Mountain Time. “Change your station. Change your life.”

    Deacon at 5:00 pm Mass on June 20, (SEAS)

    Deacon at 8:00 am Mass on June 21, (SEAS)

    Join Book Study Group on June 24, (SEAS) “Preparation for Death”

    (The remainder of the month of June will be dedicated to medical testing and follow-up visits with the medical team.)

    We shall see what the good Lord has in mind for my future endeavors. Is it time to move from active ministry into a more prayerful, contemplative apostolate? Possibly.

    Will I be granted the strength and resilience to continue on a bit longer sharing in the preaching, teaching, and healing ministry of Christ in an active way? I am not quite sure at this point. We shall see. I pray each day for clarity of purpose and mission. Discernment is an important part of the journey. Unfortunately, it is not always as crystal clear as what I would like it to be.

    Anyway, today I simply give thanks and praise for 27 years of ordained ministry. To each and every person who has crossed my path during this journey of life, thank you for your presence. May the grace of Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God the Father, and the power of the Holy Spirit be with you always!

    Bishop Arthur Tafoya (Rite of Election) Diocese of Pueblo 2003
    Archbishop Timothy Broglio at F. E. Warren Air Force Base in Cheyenne, Wyoming
    The first time I met Archbishop Charles Chaput. Yes, there is a height difference.
    Bishop Richard Pates (Diocese of Des Moines) at Saint Albert Catholic School in Council Bluffs, Iowa
    Archbishop Samuel Aquila on the occasion of my 25th anniversary as a deacon.
    Archbishop Paul Etienne when he was in the Diocese of Cheyenne

    I spent over eight years in the Diocese of Cheyenne serving as the Diocesan Director of Pastoral Ministries and Superintendent of Catholic Schools. Seven of those years were when Bishop Etienne was our shepherd. Having the opportunity to serve all of the Catholic parishes across the entire state of Wyoming was a true blessing.

    Let the journey continue!

  • National Cancer Survivors Day June 7

    The cake was a little banged up. Symbolic of the cancer survivor!

    I have attended a few Cancer Survivor Events over the last 40 years. Let’s face it. Cancer seems to touch almost every family in some way. The pain and suffering are truly heartbreaking to see.

    My latest journey into the cancer battle has sparked something in me. I want to see World Day of the Sick become more prevalent in the Church across the United States. Pope John Paul II instituted this day 35 years ago. It seems like it has gained very little traction here in the United States. It is my intent to change that. How am I going to do that? I am not sure yet, but ideas are percolating.

    Mark it on your 2027 calendar now. It is on February 11, each year on the feast day of Our Lady of Lourdes. What can you do in your family, your parish, your local Catholic hospital, nursing home, or hospice center? How can we minister more effectively to families who are suffering? Have you considered becoming a Stephen Minister?

    I have eight months to brainstorm. I will be doing something to raise awareness of this important day to spur prayer and action all year long. It is my desire that we lift one another up in spite of the toxic tone so very prevalent in modern day culture. If we as Church do not set the standard for caring for the sick, who will?

    To all of you who have survived cancer, or any other life-threatening illness, I know it wasn’t easy. You have the wounds–physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually–but you continue on with grit. May you see God’s blessing in the midst of the struggles!

    I encourage you to visit the official website to learn more at www.ncsd.org.
    My Journey of Survival–40 Years (first diagnosis), 25 Years (2nd diagnosis), 4 months (3rd diagnosis)!
    Blessings to all who are currently engaged in the battle!

  • Being Battle Ready

    Archdiocese of Denver Pastoral Center

    During my recovery from colon cancer surgery, I have kept myself occupied with a lot more prayer and study. I am grateful for God’s grace in continuing to call me into a deeper relationship with Him. My slowness in responding through the years makes the call seem ever more urgent at this point in time.

    Reading and praying with Sacred Scripture is such a tremendous blessing. It still astounds me how a passage I have heard or read many times suddenly comes to life in a new way. The circumstances of life and the movement of the Holy Spirit coincide for profound insights and serious promptings to action.

    I am reading three different books at the same time, and the overlap has been amazing. The Devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, The Glories of Divine Grace, and Preparation for Death gel together nicely. The writings of St. Alphonsos Liguori have impacted my life for many years. My personal favorite, and most life-changing for me, is Preparation for Death. I have it read it multiple times over the last 30 years. I am especially excited about it now, because a couple of individuals at the parish have organized a summer book study on it after hearing me speak about it. God’s grace is going to overflow upon our community in a powerful way as we delve into the spiritual wisdom of St. Alphonsus Liguori.

    Bottom line–let’s be diligent in our prayer, study, and action. Be battle ready!

  • Trinity Heights–Sioux City, Iowa

    I have had the pleasure of visiting Trinity Heights a couple of times in recent years. It is well worth the time visit this serene and peaceful shrine. I just saw on social media that the new chapel built on the campus was blessed by the bishop recently. It looks like it is time for another road trip to see this beautiful addition.

  • Ten Bonus Years

    High School Graduation for our youngest on May 21, 2016!

    My children were four and ten years of age when I was diagnosed with cancer the second time. They were six and twelve when I underwent open heart surgery to repair my mitral valve. My hope and prayer were to live long enough to see both of them graduate from high school. I have now made it ten years past that goal. I have had the blessing to see both of them graduate from college as well.

    To all who are celebrating milestone events this spring, may God bless your efforts abundantly. This is the day the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it.

  • Ordination Anniversary of Fr. Kinstetter

    Happy Anniversary!

    The years pass quickly. It seems like just yesterday I was sharing diaconal duties with (now Father) Andrew at the Cathedral of St. Mary in Cheyenne, Wyoming. Thank you Fr. Andrew for your ministry to God’s people.

    In the ordination rite of Deacon Andrew Kinstetter to the priesthood I was struck by the immensity of grace poured upon the new priest as he receives the paten and chalice from the bishop.  I accepted these gifts from Fr. Andrew’s parents and family and brought them to the bishop.  He them presented them to Fr. Andrew as part of the ritual.  The signs and symbols in our liturgical celebrations are powerful indeed.

    Fr. Andrew Kinstetter–may God continue to bless you abundantly in your ministry as a priest.​  

  • St. Francis Xavier Basilica–Dyersville, Iowa

    There are beautiful churches all across the state of Iowa. This one is definitely worth the stop to visit. You may enter as a tourist, but you will leave as a pilgrim on the journey.

    There are some secular sites to visit in the area after visiting our Lord.

    The National Farm Toy Museum is worth a stop if you have any connection to agriculture in your background.

    Field of Dreams is also nearby.

  • What Are You Reading These Days?

    Parroquia de Cristo Resucitado Cancun

    May 18–Blizzard Warning in Wyoming and severe weather throughout the central part of the country. I wonder what the weather is like in Cancun today. I had the blessing to be there last December, and it was beautiful. It would be worth the trip to just go back to the two churches I had the pleasure of visiting.

    During my recovery from cancer surgery over the last eight weeks, I have spent a great deal of time engaged in spiritual reading. What a blessing that has been. In addition to my own reading, I have also started my second trip through “The Bible in a Year” with Fr. Mike Schmitz. It was a tremendous blessing the first time I did it. I am already walking away with new insights the second time around. Being forced to slow down does have some benefits.

    People sometimes ask me what I am reading. In the last three weeks I have completed these selections.

    Why these selections? I read Soulwinning many years ago. One statistic still stays etched in my mind from all those years ago. The Moody Bible Institute shared a statistic that only about 5% of Christians will ever lead another soul to Christ. Although this book is written from a Protestant perspective, the reason I chose to read it again was because of the missionary zeal contained within the pages. There are doctrinal difficulties in the text, but I was not reading it for doctrine and dogma. I was trying to capture the zeal and fervor.

    Trustful Surrender is something I wanted to study because of current life circumstances. I thought I was in a particular place in life to more fully understand surrendering to Divine Providence.

    Radiating Christ–that’s the goal.

    Contemplative Enigmas–Silence and solitude are much needed in life but can seem quite elusive in our harried world. This book raised my awareness of being present to God at all times.

    The Wounded Healer–I thought the title described me.

    Spiritual Combat Revisited–I wanted to raise the bar on being vigilant in avoiding sin and growing in virtue.

    Sacred Fire–It describes in an amazing way the two different parts of our life. I am definitely in the second part of life of trying to give my life away. How do I build others up? This process also includes preparing to give my death away. This was a unique perspective on preparing for a good and holy death.

    What am I reading now?

    Yes, I struggle to just read one book from cover to cover. I tackle multiple titles at once. The Sacred Heart of Jesus books and The Glories of Divine Grace are intricately connected in so many ways. I want to be sure I celebrate the Sacred Heart of Jesus well during the month of June and always.

    Spiritual Masters reminds me that we have a treasure chest of wisdom from those who have gone before us. I don’t have to figure it all out on my own.

    The book by Curtis Martin is an easier read than the others. I use that for simple reminders about the basics of faith. I typically read that when I am tired just before going to sleep.

    The last two books are from the writings of St. Alphonsus Liguori. I have been blessed immensely by his teachings. I have read Preparation for Death multiple times. Simple words of wisdom are scattered all throughout the text:

    “Those who pray will be saved; those who pray not will be condemned.”

    “If anyone believes in eternity and chooses not to become a saint should be confined to a madhouse.”

    My dear friends, I encourage you to read, study, and pray with Sacred Scripture. Do spiritual reading. Keep your mind immersed in God’s Word and the teachings of the Church. Mediocrity is not an option when it comes to our journey of faith. We are called to be great saints!

  • The Ascension of the Lord

    Sacred Heart Retreat Center in Sedalia, Colorado

    Most dioceses in the United States of America now celebrate The Ascension of the Lord on Sunday rather than Thursday. There are two components that stand out to me each year in regard to what we have lost by doing that. First, is the original novena. Second, we never hear the readings assigned to The Seventh Sunday of Easter.

    Waiting upon the descent of the Holy Spirit during the time from The Ascension of the Lord until Pentecost was powerful for the Apostles. It should remain powerful for us as well. These (originally) nine days of prayer were an opportunity to pray for a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit in our lives. Thankfully, many people still utilize these nine days to do just that. Unfortunately, it just doesn’t line up as well with the liturgical calendar as it now stands.

    Another real loss is the fact that we never hear the readings assigned to The Seventh Sunday of Easter. I invite and encourage you to read them on your own. There is plenty to meditate upon in these omitted readings. You can find them here:

    Seventh Sunday of Easter | USCCB

    Blessings and Peace!

  • Website Still Under Construction

    The website address of www.deaconvernon.com has been my primary domain for many years. Unfortunately, social media outlets squelched my reach during the pandemic, and the algorithms have never seemed to show me any grace since then. Thus, it is time for a fresh start.

    My webmaster is actively attempting to transfer ten years of blog posts from www.deaconvernon.com to www.articulatinghope.com. It is a time-consuming process, but I am grateful we will be able to preserve those posts in the archive section of the new website.

    You can find my public page on Facebook under Articulating Hope. That is also a switch. My primary page has been Deacon Vernon, but the overseers at that particular organization saw fit to completely lock me out of my account for a while during the pandemic. My audience never returned, because most of them weren’t seeing my posts.

    My recent cancer diagnosis has reminded me of the shortness of time on this earth and the length of eternity. Thus, I want to strive to make good use of the time I have been given to share in the preaching, teaching, and healing ministry of Christ. It is my intent to use these pages to bring you, the reader, blessings and encouragement to live a life focused on the Lord. Yes, my goal is to be ARTICULATING HOPE!