“Today is the first day of the 17th coordinated international 40 Days for Life campaign … as 40 days of prayer and fasting … peaceful vigil … and community outreach begins in 307 locations. ” Will you be getting involved? This is your opportunity to stand up for the sanctity of life. Don’t miss the chance!
His Eminence, Edwin Cardinal O’Brien and Bishop Paul Etienne preparing for the Eucharistic Liturgy.
The annual September Institute is a gathering of all of the clergy of the diocese and many of those in lay leadership positions as well. Nearly 150 people gathered in Laramie, Wyoming from September 15–17, 2015 to learn more about how to bring solid family ministry into local parish communities. It was a time of significant learning, vibrant worship, and joyful fellowship.
The Diocese of Cheyenne Clergy
Students from St. Laurence O’Toole School were able to join us for Mass
My wife received a phone call on Wednesday morning informing her that her brother had taken a turn for the worse. He had suffered a stroke a few days prior and things weren’t looking good for him. We hastily packed and made the 850 mile trek to go see him. A lot of things run through your mind during a 14 hour car ride through the night. Obviously, the big question was whether or not we would make it in time to see him.
We arrived at the hospital just after 5:00 A.M. on Thursday. Although he was asleep my wife did not hesitate to wake him up and let him know we were there. To our pleasant surprise he smiled and called us by name. (He didn’t even complain that we woke him up.) There are some gifts of grace present even in the most difficult circumstances. We are wise not to take those moments for granted.
Although my wife’s brother stabilized prior to our arrival at the hospital, he and his family still face a long uphill road in the recovery process. None of us know what the future holds. However, in the midst of suffering, trials, and tribulations, it is good to know that we are loved. If there is anything my wife’s family can hold on to in the midst of a major struggle, it is love. If being overwhelmed with people in your hospital room causes you to improve in your condition, it is no wonder why my brother-in-law saw such a dramatic improvement. (Either that, or he was hoping we would all leave if he showed signs of improvement.)
Our culture frequently diminishes the value of family. We are a mobile society and many times we are separated by distance. Please realize that distance does not mean that we are unable to remain close in our relationships. It is definitely easier to physically see one another when we live in close proximity, but that is still not a guarantee of closeness. It is also possible to live close together and make the choice not to see each other.
One day just after parking in the hospital garage, I heard my name called from behind. I turned around to see someone I had known my whole life. As a matter of fact her daughter and I went to grade school together and also ended up at the same university many years later. She informed me that her daughter had suffered bleeding on the brain. It was so sad to hear this because her daughter had suffered immensely even back in elementary school. My prayers are being lifted up for her recovery and for her whole family. This is another family that understands the bond of love.
Finally, my nephew and his wife became parents for the second time while I was in town as well. They were in the same hospital as my brother-in-law so I got to see Addison the morning after she was born. What a gorgeous baby who is sure to bring much joy into this world! Congratulations to her mom and dad. I am happy for the two of you.
The ups and downs of life seem to be the consistent factor for most of us. I pray for all who are suffering and struggling in any way. May you find strength, healing, and peace through the difficulties. I pray in thanksgiving for all who are experiencing profound joys and happiness in life. These blessings are not to be taken lightly. My prayer for all of us is that we encounter the living God in all aspects of our lives–in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health!
The Night With The Knights in Loveland, Colorado on Tuesday, August 25, 2015 was fantastic. The creative ways we use to spread the Gospel message are quite impressive. The Knights of Columbus in northern Colorado are certainly making an impact in their local communities, and I am grateful to have been included in this particular endeavor. It was truly a privilege to be the keynote speaker for the evening.
Are you on fire with love for God? Does John 3:16 mean anything more to you than a sign occasionally held up at a football game? Are you living life to the full as described in John 10:10? Do you ever get a sense of being filled with extravagant grace? If the light of faith in your life has dimmed to a flicker, it is time to rekindle the flame.
The grace of our Lord, Jesus Christ, the love of God the Father, and the communion of the Holy Spirit is with you. Have you ever meditated on what is contained within this short greeting? It is a lot more powerful than simply saying, “Good Morning.” Can you imagine what our lives would look like if we fully cooperated with the grace of our Lord, Jesus Christ? How differently would we approach each new day if we truly basked in the glory of God’s love? How would the world be transformed by that love if each us truly walked in the power, communion, and fellowship of the Holy Spirit?
My prayer is that each of us will embrace discipleship fully. I invite you to walk humbly with your God. Experience the “WOW” of Catholicism!
What could possibly go wrong through this easy section?
The second one I saw was bigger so I just kept moving and skipped the picture.
It was a splendid day in the great outdoors. The beauty of God’s creation is immense.
Have you ever had one of those moments where it seemed like the trail ended or you ran into a brick wall? Suffering and heartache will be present in our lives from time to time. The good news is that we are people of hope because of the love of Jesus Christ. Keep the faith!
The bottom part is a little blurry. It says:
Registration deadline is September 23. Late fee on all registrations received from September 24–September 30. Contact your parish youth ministry leader for more information or Amy at the Diocese of Cheyenne, alarsen@dioceseofcheyenne.org
307-638-1530
The young man inside of me wanted to climb all the way to the top. However, the altitude and the steeper terrain told my tired. old body to take the path more heavily traveled. Although it has been five months since getting out of the hospital my stamina and endurance levels aren’t too high. My mind still pictures me doing the strenuous things of yesteryear, but the reality of what my body can endure is a completely different snapshot. Trained rock climbers were precariously scaling some of the walls of rock. My feet stayed on solid ground and I enjoyed the beauty from a lower level during the 2.34 mile trek. Enjoy the pictures.
Several visitors passed by the house this morning. It was nice to watch them stroll through the yard. Even though they dare to pass very near the house, they are always vigilant and watchful.
I will be taking some time this afternoon to go hiking in the mountains and soaking up some of this cool weather. The smoke from the wildfires doesn’t seem quite as thick today. It should be a good day to get some exercise and enjoy the beauty of God’s creation.
Have a blessed Sunday!
