The Church celebrates the life of Saint Benedict on July 11. My life has been enriched by Benedictines in a variety of ways.
My earliest exposure to the Benedictine way of life came from the monks of Holy Cross Abbey in Canon City, Colorado. Then, I had the chance to be connected with Conception Abbey in Missouri when I was serving as Vocation Director for the Diocese of Pueblo. Finally, Saint Meinrad has been influencing diaconate formation for many years now. I am grateful to each of these institutions for their witness to the faith.
My closest connection to the Benedictines currently is with the nuns at the Abbey of St. Walburga in Virgina Dale, Colorado. They have touched my life immensely over the last 15 years. I have had the privilege of leading numerous retreats on their beautiful campus. These retreats always provide the opportunity to pray the Divine Office with the sisters. What a tremendous blessing it is to be in that sacred space praying with the sisters.
I also owe a debt of gratitude to the sisters. It is my understanding that someone from the parish where I serve as a deacon put me on the prayer list at the Abbey of St. Walburga. The intercessory prayer of the sisters is always welcome. After going through surgery for colon cancer, I waited (somewhat) patiently for three months to pass to conduct another series of scans and blood tests to see if there was any sign of cancer. Thankfully, those recent tests revealed no sign of metastatic disease. Being on the prayer lists of many different parishes, as well as the sisters at the abbey, brought a great deal of peace and comfort into my life during what would have otherwise been a very stressful time.
I extend my prayers and greetings to all of the Benedictines across the world. Thank you for your witness to the faith.
Many years ago I had an individual tell me, “You are responsible for your own joy.” That was a message I needed to hear because I had allowed my joy to be stolen by someone else. Actually, I had freely given up my joy because of how I responded to a difficult situation and a person involved in the midst of the chaos. After that experience I made a commitment to myself to never let it happen again. I decided from that moment onward to respond in a more productive way to the challenges and difficulties of life.
Once in a while, I still need to remind myself of that commitment. What better time than America’s 250th celebration? We each make choices in how we respond to circumstances confronting us. As we move into Independence weekend, let’s make a concentrated effort to respond in ways that help us grow in holiness–as individuals, as a community, as a Church, as a nation.
“When we are no longer able to change a situation – we are challenged to change ourselves.” ~Viktor E. Frankl
“We cannot change the cards we are dealt, just how we play the game.” ~Randy Pausch
“Change your opinions, keep to your principles; change your leaves, keep intact your roots.” ~Victor Hugo
“There are three constants in life… change, choice and principles.” ~Stephen Covey
“If you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change.” ~Wayne Dyer
The journey on this earth is for a limited time. The reality of the shortness of this pilgrimage prompts me to take a serious look at how I spend my time. Is the way that I am living my life truly giving glory to God? How can I more fully cooperate with God’s grace so that I am truly building up the Kingdom?
Now, let’s look ahead. Catchy quotations may spark the imagination, but the discipline to do something is a moment-by-moment decision. Will the remainder of 2026 be a time of personal growth for us?
“Character is the ability to carry out a good resolution long after the excitement of the moment has passed.” ~Cavett Robert
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ First of all, I give adoration, thanks and praise to God for all the blessings in my life. I am grateful for the gift of family, friends, faith, and fellowship. I am grateful for being able to live in the United States of America. Margaret and I have celebrated more than 37 years together in our journey of wedded life. We have two wonderful children and now three grandchildren as well.
I am also grateful for the privilege of ministering as a deacon in the Church for more than 27 years now. I especially enjoy leading retreats, days of recollection, and preaching parish missions.
It seems like there is never a shortage of people to pray for and concerns to be brought before the foot of the cross. Here are just a few of my petitions for this celebration of 250 years as a country.
I pray for all of the Church leadership—the pope, bishops, priests, deacons, religious, and all lay leaders striving to proclaim the Good News of Salvation in their respective roles. May they be filled with zeal, energy, hope, integrity, courage, perseverance, and a genuine love for God’s people.
I pray for all who have been harmed by Church leaders and personnel. May they find healing and hope.
I pray for all who bear the name of Christian, especially in those areas of the world where Christians are persecuted. May each of us live our lives in such a way that we truly bear witness to Jesus Christ.
I pray for all who do not know Jesus Christ—may they come to encounter the living God through the faithful witness of those who believe and follow in the footsteps of Christ.
I pray for all government leaders worldwide—may they govern with wisdom, prudence, and integrity as guided by the Holy Spirit. Specifically, I pray for our president and vice president, the U.S. Supreme Court Justices, the U.S. Senators and Representatives, Cabinet Officials, ambassadors, and all appointees who wield power and influence. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
“Without morals a republic cannot subsist any length of time; they therefore who are decrying the Christian religion, whose morality is so sublime and pure….are undermining the solid foundation of morals, the best security for the duration of free governments.” ~ Charles Carroll (Signer of the Declaration of Independence)
I pray for all local government officials as well—the governors, lieutenant governors, secretaries of state, treasurers, auditors, representatives, senators, judges, mayors, city administrators, council men and women, sheriffs, and all appointees who wield power and influence in any way. May each of them carry out their duties with diligence, prudence, wisdom, and integrity.
I pray for our current military personnel and their families. Please Lord, give them strength, courage, and hope.
I pray for all military personnel and their families who have served in the past. May they be blessed for the sacrifices they have made.
I pray for all military personnel and their families who will serve in the future. Grant them fortitude, wisdom, courage, and prudence in their endeavors.
I pray for all families. May the Domestic Church of the home blossom and grow.
I pray for all who are struggling in any way.
I pray for those whose hearts are broken due to relationships falling apart. May the shattered hopes and dreams eventually be pieced back together in renewed spirit and vigor.
I pray for all those who have been victims of crime. May the trauma and injustice endured be overcome with God’s grace and peace.
I pray for the incarcerated and all of their families–may they find strength, hope, healing, and conversion.
I pray for the homeless—may they find shelter in the immediate circumstances and eventually obtain a safe haven that is more permanent.
I pray for the unemployed and the underemployed—may all who seek gainful employment be successful in their endeavors.
I pray for all those suffering from physical illness—may they experience healing, comfort, and peace through the mercy of the Divine Physician.
I pray for all those suffering from mental illness and emotional issues—may they find solace and healing from the support and encouragement of loved ones. May they also experience beneficial help from the medical community and the healing touch of our Lord.
I pray for all who are depressed, especially those contemplating suicide—may they reach out and get the help they need to cope with the current circumstances and be led to healing and wholeness in the love of Jesus Christ through the love of people around them.
I pray for all those who are home-bound, in hospitals, nursing homes, and under the care of hospice—may they experience genuine love from those who care for their needs and find peace and contentment.
I pray for the terminally ill—may they find comfort in the love of family and friends and eternal hope in the embrace of Jesus Christ who is Lord forever and ever.
I pray for all those suffering from addictions. Through God’s grace, the help of others, and a definitive purpose to be set free, may each of these individuals truly experience the freedom they desire.
I pray for all those family members who care for loved ones who are suffering—may God fill them with patience, fortitude, and strength.
I pray for all who are grieving the death of a loved one—may they find comfort and peace in the warm embrace of God’s love and the care and concern of other family members and friends.
I pray for the safety of all travelers.
I pray for our law enforcement personnel and other first responders—may they be protected at all times, but especially on this particular weekend which generally adds to the stress level of their positions. Give each of them keen insight and awareness, quick reflexes and solid judgments, and bring them safely back to their families at the end of their shift.
I pray for all who are coping with natural disasters.
I pray for our culture—may we turn back to God with our whole heart, mind, soul, and strength.
I pray for all couples preparing for marriage.
I pray that we may be aware of the sacred dignity and value of each human life from conception through natural death. May we build a true culture of life in our society.
I pray for all children who will be born today—may they come to know a world which chooses life over death and light over darkness.
I pray for all little children who await the birth of a new sister or brother—may the joyful expectation that shows in their eyes inspire their parents to hope and conviction.
I pray for obstetrical doctors and nurses and all who nurture the life of children in the womb–may God bless them for their faith, compassion, and love.
I pray for all who have been scarred by the tragedy of abortion—may they experience repentance, healing, and peace.
I pray for all people who work in the media—may God move them to a conversion of heart which reverences human life and upholds the dignity of human sexuality.
I pray for all those trapped in human trafficking—may they be set free from the bondage they are in and society effectively address the needs of the vulnerable among us.
I pray for the refugees and all persecuted Christians—may they find safety and security from those who want to do them harm.
I pray for all who have died this past year. May they rest in God’s eternal dwelling.
I pray for peace throughout the world.
Lord, please help us to grow in wisdom and in favor with You. Give us Your grace and Your blessing that we may root out sin from our lives and join our will more completely to Your Divine Will. Dear Lord, make us holy as you are holy. Amen.
Jesus, meek and humble of heart, make our hearts like unto Thine.
Beaches in the Florida panhandle are much less crowded in the winter. I appreciate the opportunity to enjoy the beauty and the solitude of the winter months. I hope to have the opportunity to enjoy a similar view this coming winter.
As I get older and experience even more health challenges, inner peace becomes a very treasured gift. Navigating the troubled waters of increased physical limitations has been a lesson in humility and acceptance. Some days I accept things better than other days.
As I was leaving an appointment with my oncologist on Tuesday, I heard someone call out, “Deacon.” Seeing parishioners in the cancer center reminds me that I am not the only one navigating a difficult situation. I have also seen parishioners at the cardiology center and the infusion center. A city of 171,000 residents seems smaller all the time.
Whatever cross you are carrying at the current time, please know of my prayers for you.
We raised more than $4,000 in thirty minutes surpassing the goal.
This was my third time on Catholic Radio Network. Raising funds to keep expanding and improving the outreach of Catholic radio is something I am happy to do.
Donations came in from folks I knew from Colorado, Wyoming, and Missouri. Thank you to each person responding to my appeal. Your generosity is greatly appreciated. I was able to ring the bell twice. The first time was for surpassing the thirty-minute goal of $3,600. We brought in over $4,000. The second time I was invited to ring the bell was when we reached ten donors. Awesome!
This past weekend was my first time serving as a deacon since my latest cancer diagnosis. It was great to be back, but I quickly realized on Saturday evening that I am not back to the level of strength and stamina that I had before surgery. I had a baptism at 3:00 pm and then I preached at the 5:00 pm Mass. In addition to being exhausted at the end, I also started losing my voice. I guess that is the most speaking I have done in months. Anyway, it was still a joy to be back with God’s people.
I am also looking forward to being back on Catholic radio again during the summer fundraiser. We continue to expand our outreach with the Good News of Jesus Christ across the airwaves. I am blessed to be part of this endeavor.
The goal is to get at least ten pledges of financial support during my one hour on the air. No gift is too big or too small. I am humbly asking you to support this cause. People’s lives are changed by hearing the Good News of Salvation.
My desire is to bring a message of hope to those who are hurting. Over the last four months I have spent a lot of time in medical facilities. My cancer diagnosis involved my primary care physician, a gastroenterologist, my cardiologist, a surgeon, and an oncologist. I have spent time in the infusion center as well as the hospital. The infusion center was near capacity each time I was there. I had to wait several weeks for surgery after being diagnosed. When I asked about the possibility of getting the surgery sooner, the surgeon simply replied, “Unfortunately, you aren’t the only one being diagnosed with cancer.” Bottom line–there are a lot of people carrying heavy burdens. If I can bring a spark of hope to them, i want to do it.
Once again, I invite you to listen in on the conversation and make a pledge to support the work of evangelization. Thank you for your consideration.
Dickeyville Grotto and Shrines in Dickeyville, Wisconsin
The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops consecrated our nation to the Sacred Heart of Jesus today on June 11. Tomorrow (June 12), the Church celebrates the Solemnity of The Most Sacred Heart of Jesus.
I want to encourage you to learn more about devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. It can change your life. One of the most helpful books I have read is pictured below. It covers a brief summary of the life of St. Margaret Mary Alacoque and explains the devotion in very understandable terms. Don’t miss the opportunity to immerse yourself into the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
My first diagnosis of cancer came in July of 1986. Yes, I am almost a 40-year survivor. Surgery and weeks of chemotherapy led to 52 days in the hospital. I went from being a collegiate athlete in two sports to needing help to just get out of bed a few years after graduation. That was quite the shift.
The uncertainty which encompasses one’s life while battling cancer is ever present. Do you dare make long-range plans?
Waiting for test results is a whole new exercise in the virtue of patience.
Relay for Life in 2014 Cheyenne, Wyoming
I am almost 25 years out from my second diagnosis with cancer. The first diagnosis came when I was single. The second diagnosis came after I was married and had two young children. I learned a whole new batch of concerns and anxieties to deal with as I pictured my wife and children continuing on in life if I didn’t make it. Somehow, I made it through again.
The cake is a little banged up. That is very symbolic of how I feel as I battle for the third time.
I was diagnosed with cancer for a third time a little less than four months ago. When asked if I wanted to do any traveling in retirement, I answered, “Yes.” I guess I should have been more specific. I wanted to go to fun places. Instead, I have traveled to my primary care doctor, the emergency room at the hospital, the gastroenterologist for a colonoscopy and an endoscopy, then to the hospital for a CT scan, then to the surgeon, then to the oncologist, then to the infusion lab, and on and on it goes. Those are not the travel plans I had envisioned for my retirement years.
It is not an easy journey, but there is a certain wisdom that starts to slowly dawn upon you in the midst of the struggle. You realize what is important. You learn where, and with whom, to invest time and energy. There will also be places, people, and things which may no longer be in your circle of attention. These changes are natural and necessary as one moves through the ordeal of confronting life and death head-on.
The spiritual aspect of the journey will be an awakening in and of itself. One cannot go through a battle with a life-threatening illness and come out unchanged. The heart will learn to love more deeply or become cold and embittered. In all of the decisions that are made during medical treatments, the internal decisions we make in our response to the disease will determine so much more. Regardless of how much time we have remaining on this earth, we want to do more than survive. We want to thrive. That is a decision of the heart.
Blessings and peace to each of you striving for health, wholeness, and holiness!
My level of activity over the last three months since colon cancer surgery has been minimal. For multiple reasons, I have stayed very close to home. Yesterday was the first time I ventured out more than an hour away from the house. It was indeed good for my soul to be renewed with the wonders of God’s beautiful creation and the sacramental life of the Church.
Margaret and I arrived in Estes Park, Colorado early in the afternoon. After driving around town amid the throngs of people, we made our way back to Our Lady of the Mountains Catholic Church. The parking lot was empty, but thankfully, the sacristan arrived shortly after we did and unlocked the church. We had approximately 30 minutes before the Sacrament of Penance would be offered. Praying quietly in an empty church is always precious, but there is definitely a sense of added peace in this beautiful and sacred space.
Before we entered into the church, I took time to stroll around the premises. The stations of the cross and other small shrines dot the landscape with the lake and mountains in the background. Tranquility can be experienced on a whole new level in this setting.
During my downtime over these last few months, I have had the opportunity to spend much more time in prayer, reading Sacred Scripture, and doing other types of spiritual reading as well. Since the month of June is dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, I have been reading a book written in the 1600’s by St. Margaret Mary Alacoque’s spiritual director. It is powerful indeed. The stained-glass window in the church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus/Divine Mercy captured my attention. Reading words on a page stimulates one’s senses in a particular way, but seeing the depiction in art touches the heart in a very unique way as well.
The connection of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the gift of the Holy Eucharist is experienced in an even more profound way on Corpus Christi weekend. Grace upon grace is poured out upon us.
The beauty of the church draws you into the sacred space ready for worship.
A stained-glass window of Our lady of the Mountains stands out prominently on the side.
“Be not afraid.” That serves as a good reminder from Pope St. John Paul II.
God’s Handiwork!
Timed entry into Rocky Mountain National Park is in effect from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm. Thankfully, our arrival at 5:30 pm not only provided us with easy entry into the park, but the animals were also active as well. We saw elk, deer, and turkey in numerous locations.
Although snowfall was limited during the winter, a few spring snowfalls provided a little moisture in the higher elevations.
There is a reason why tourists are drawn to Estes Park, Colorado. Beautiful!
Renewed in heart, mind, and spirit, we made our way back home. My stamina is not what it was before surgery, but it is improving. I am grateful for God’s many blessings in my life. The ability to enjoy this day was a tremendous gift.
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 2003Archbishop Timothy Broglio at F. E. Warren Air Force Base in Cheyenne, WyomingThe 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, IowaArchbishop 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.
