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.
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!
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
