Articulating Hope

Author: Vernon Dobelmann

  • Thank You Catholic Extension Society and Donors

    The Spring issue Of Extension Magazine landed in my mailbox yesterday, and as usual, I eagerly opened it up to see what was happening around the country in our mission dioceses.  I find it fascinating to read about the many ways the Church is impacting the lives of people all across the nation.  The work we do in the Diocese of Cheyenne is generously supported by Catholic Extension Society.

    After receiving a grant for family ministry last fall I wrote a letter to Catholic Extension Society expressing my gratitude.  It was a surprise to see a portion of my letter in print near the end of this issue of the magazine.  You can see the magazine online at the following address:

    http://www.catholicextension.org/sites/default/files/2015/extensionspring15small2.pdf

    It is necessary to scroll all the way to the second last page of the magazine to see my letter on page 51.  However, I would encourage you to spend more time reading the rest of the articles rather than my letter.

    Having spent most of my life in the Archdiocese of St. Louis I never really grasped the challenges of ministry in rural dioceses.  The resources available in the St. Louis region are immense compared to what is available in the least populated state of the country.  The vast distances between parishes and the harsh winter weather can certainly make a person feel isolated from time to time.  As the Director of Pastoral Ministries and Superintendent of Catholic Schools for the Diocese of Cheyenne it is imperative that I get around to the parishes and schools throughout the diocese.  The ability to leave my office and go to a parish to conduct a workshop or lead a retreat is a part of my ministry that I sincerely cherish.  It is a blessing for me to be among God’s people all across the diocese which encompasses the entire state of Wyoming and Yellowstone Park.  In like manner, it helps keep the parish connected to the wider activities of the diocese as well.

    If you have been a financial contributor to Catholic Extension Society I want to say, “Thank You.”  Your generosity is helping to bring the transforming love of God to people in some of the remotest areas of our great nation. You are literally joining in the efforts of the Church to bring the Good News of Salvation to the whole world.  If you have never supported the work of Catholic Extension Society I would encourage you to learn more about their wonderful organization and prayerfully consider becoming a supporter.  This is one organization that is truly making a difference in our country.

    May God bless each of you for your participation in building up the Kingdom!

  • Did You Enjoy Working During The Last 114 Days?

    Did you know Americans, on average, worked from January 1, 2015 through tomorrow  (April 24, 2015) just to pay the taxes for the year?  (In Missouri, people worked until April 14 and in Wyoming until April 22, to pay their taxes.)  Although I know the Tax Foundation lets us know that particular date each year based upon their computations, it still startles me when that day finally arrives.  It is difficult to grasp the idea that I have worked since the beginning of the year until now just to cover taxes.  Economist Kyle Pomerleau says that we will spend more on taxes than we will on food, clothing, and housing combined.  Ouch. 

    As I was driving home from work yesterday I hit a fairly large pothole.  Each time I hit a pothole with my car I think about the gas tax.  We were hammered with a ten cent a gallon raise in Wyoming since I moved here.  Have the roads improved?  How about the cost of renewing license plates? Did that go down?  I don’t think so.  Sometimes it makes me question what happens to all of the money that is accrued from our taxes.  How is it possible that our nation is trillions of dollars in debt?

    I would continue pondering, but I better go rest.  Now that I have worked long enough to pay my taxes, it is time to start working for food, housing, and clothing.  I wonder how long I have to work to earn a vacation.

  • Why Do We Do The Things We Do?

    On April 22, 1994, the largest lollipop was created in Denmark weighing 3,011 pounds.  I guess a lollipop that large would discourage an individual from biting into it rather than just sucking on it.  I can still remember the commercials from many years ago asking the question about how many licks does it take to get to the inside of the lollipop.  We couldn’t seem to get the answer for a regular sized lollipop so I guess there won’t be an answer for one weighing over 3,000 pounds.

    Who conceived the idea to create a 3,011 pound lollipop?  Next question, why?  What is the point?  Is this just an example of some of the bizarre things people do to try to get “into the record books.”  Was the previous record just a pound less or why did such an odd number get chosen?  Was it supposed to be an even 3,000 pounds and something got messed up?  These are some of the questions bouncing around in my head, but I digress.

    I don’t necessarily have a desire to do something outlandish to attract attention, but on the other hand, I am not opposed to utilizing creative measures in my teaching and preaching responsibilities.  On occasion, I have made use of props in my homilies.  Some people appreciate the visual accessories while others have politely (and not so politely) told me what to do with my props.  I guess there isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach to the techniques of preaching.

    I simply raise the issue today to stir your creative network.  In a world that seeks to get information in 30 second sound bites, how do we convey the message of the Gospel so that it gets heard?  I don’t want to print a 3,011 pound Bible, but how can we generate interest in our parishioners to read, study, pray, and meditate upon the sacred Scriptures?  How do we awaken the flock to hasten them to the Lord.  Building up the Kingdom of God is no small task.  We each have a responsibility to do our part.  I think it is time for us to “GO BIG or GO HOME!” 

  • Benedictine Sisters of St. Walburga–80 Years

    Virginia Dale, Colorado is the home of the Benedictine Nuns at the Abbey of St. Walburga.  This is a beautiful retreat center at which I have had the privilege to go on retreat as well as lead retreats for others.  The serenity and beauty of the Abbey is a welcome respite from the cares of day-to-day life. The Benedictines are celebrating 80 years in Colorado and are offering an Open House on June 6, 2015.  If you are in the area I would strongly encourage you to pay a visit on this day.  Even if you are just vacationing in Colorado, take a side trip and visit the sisters.  Don’t forget to stop in at the gift shop!

    Abbey of St. Walburga
    1029 Benedictine Way
    Virginia Dale, Colorado 80536
    970-472-0612

  • 16 Years Ago Today–Columbine

    The grief that a parent feels when burying a child is beyond my comprehension.  The heartache must be overwhelming, especially if a child was abruptly taken from this world through an act of violence.  

    The massacre at Columbine has been thoroughly covered by reporters, analysts, police personnel, psychologists, and probably by a multitude of other professions of which I am unaware.  I don’t have a lot to offer beyond everything that has been said for the last sixteen years.  I simply ask you to continue to pray.  Although the passing of years may dull the pain, I am sure there are a lot of scars remaining to be healed.  Pray for the deceased and their families; pray for the injured; pray for the families of the perpetrators of these horrific actions.  

       Lamb of God, Who takes away the sins of the world, have mercy on us!

  • 20 Years Since Oklahoma City–22 Years Since Waco

    My mind struggles to grasp and comprehend the level of violence we see in our world today.  The news reports don’t seem to even make us flinch in most cases as we watch the details unfold.  We have grown accustomed to hearing about barbaric events on such a repeated basis that a desensitization process has occurred.  Is it simply a coping mechanism to not be overwhelmed with grief, or have we reached a point that we just don’t care as long as it isn’t directly impacting us? 

    It was twenty-two years ago today that the fire in Elk, Texas (nine miles northeast of Waco) at the Branch Davidian Compound took the lives of 76 people after a 51-day stand-off with federal authorities.  Two years later in 1995, the bombing of the federal building in Oklahoma City occurred.  Today marks the 20th anniversary of that event.

    Those of us who are old to remember these events, as well as all of the other violent acts that have taken place since then, could easily grow weary and disillusioned from the many social ills attacking our society.  There are times when we may be tempted to throw our hands up in despair and ask, “What is the point of even trying?”  The children from the daycare center in the federal building in Oklahoma City who survived the attack have demonstrated the courage and resilience from which we can all take a lesson.  All of the survivors were under five years of age at the time of the attack.  They have some serious health issues remaining due to the injuries sustained at the time, but their outlook on life and the future is truly uplifting.

    It is important for each of us to cultivate love and respect for one another in our little corner of the world.  As individuals, we may not be able to control events in the Middle East and stop  the slaughter of Christians.  However, have we let the leadership of our government know our concerns?  Have we pushed those in authority to do something?  What have we done to free the girls taken hostage in Nigeria over a year ago?  Has anything beyond creating a hashtag been done to free these girls?

    Violence is nothing new.  It has been with us a long time.  Even in Sacred Scripture we see the presence of violence between Cain and Abel from the earliest days.  Our modern world has simply accelerated the level of violence with more sophisticated ways of accomplishing it.  Flying an airplane into a skyscraper was not an option throughout most of history.  Building a bomb with a mixture of ingredients and utilizing a truck to blow up a federal building is a relatively recent concoction as well.

    What do we take away from these days when we mark milestone anniversaries of horrendous events?  It will probably be different for each of us depending upon our own life experiences, religious upbringing, and political leanings.  It is my hope and prayer that we would each take away a desire to build up our culture in a way that preserves and promotes the sanctity of each human life.  Bombings, school shootings, a theater shooting, a military base attack, the killing of Christians by ISIS, the kidnapping of Nigerian girls, human trafficking, child abuse, elder abuse, euthanasia, physician-assisted suicide, and millions of abortions all demonstrate a complete disregard for the sacred dignity and value of each human life.

    What do we need to do?  I believe the Sacred Scriptures provide the guidance. A good place to begin is with prayer and fasting.  Our lives must be rooted in prayer.  Furthermore, in reparation for our sins, we need to embark upon the 
    practice of fasting and seek the forgiveness and mercy of God.  We have become lax in our awareness of sin.  If we don’t recognize sin in our lives we then become lax in seeking the forgiveness and mercy of God.  It is time for serious repentance.

    Finally, are we willing to put our faith into action?  Do we get involved in matters that impact the preservation of life?  The U.S. Supreme Court sent us down a slippery slope in 1973 when the Roe versus Wade decision was handed down.  If we as a society are unwilling to protect the most vulnerable among us, why do we act surprised when multiple shootings happen nightly all across our nation in the major metropolitan cities?  Life is cheap.  Killing 56 million babies for a profit demonstrates that life is cheap while killing is apparently expensive.  Many people refuse to see a connection between abortion and the rest of the violence in our society.  In my mind it is one of the key factors contributing to a culture of violence.  

    It is my hope that we will never see a repeat of Oklahoma City, Waco, the Twin Towers, or any of the other horrendous shootings and attacks.  I realize that my hope will likely be shattered in the not too distant future.  We are living in a violent world.  Where is the hope?  It lies within each of us.  Together we can make a difference.  We can build a culture of life!

  • The Young Have Never Heard A Busy Signal

    As the Superintendent of Catholic Schools I receive a multitude of advertisements for a vast array of products related to schools.  An e-mail popped up today with the subject line stating, “Most of your parents have never heard a busy signal.”  I don’t know exactly what product was being sold or which company was doing the advertising.  I simply hit the “delete” button and moved on.  It wasn’t until later that it struck me; that ad made me feel old.  Not only do I know what a busy signal sounds like, I remember what it was like to have a party line in which the neighbors could easily listen in on the conversations.  I can take comfort in the fact that at least we had a rotary dial phone and not a hand crank one.  I am not quite that old.

    Technological advances have created immense opportunities for our world.  These advances have also created some very distinct challenges for institutions like the Church.  How do we take an ancient message and communicate it in a modern way?  The social media outlets certainly provide an avenue for proclaiming the Kingdom of God, but creating a message that grabs the attention of people in this forum is sometimes easier said than done.  Are the new gadgets simply sending out a stale message which gets ignored and deleted?

    Most cell phones are no longer just telephones.  They are miniature computers which can do much more than provide the ability to have a conversation.  Instant access to information from around the world has created a scenario that is unique to our generation.  It has changed the landscape of shaping public opinion on topics across the spectrum.  Institutions and individuals once revered for their knowledge and expertise are now viewed with very little regard and sometimes are even looked upon with disdain and contempt.  A large portion of the population in our country ignores any moral guidance from the Church.  This is not surprising.  Unfortunately, Christian denominations are frequently in conflict over moral issues.  If churches can’t agree on some simple basics like life issues and marriage issues, why would we expect people to turn to the institutional Church for moral guidance?  Instead, people turn to their phone and search other outlets.  These outlets have seemingly been more effective at getting their message out as compared to the Church.

    There are moments when I yearn for simpler times.  However, if I can continue to learn and adapt with the fast-paced changes of our times, I am hopeful and excited about the many ways we have to announce the Good News of salvation.  The younger generation may be unfamiliar with a busy signal, but they are accustomed to a great deal of “noise” in their modern world.  It is my hope to break through the noise from time to time and offer some quiet reflection utilizing an ancient message packaged in an attractive new wineskin.  The Gospel message is still relevant.  Prayer is still beneficial.  Thankfully, in our conversation with God we receive neither a busy signal nor a prompt to simply leave a voice-mail.

  • Vibrancy of Life or Spiritual Sluggishness–Choose!

    Now that Lent is over and we are well into the Easter Season I need to step back and evaluate the current state of my spiritual health.  Am I truly celebrating the joy of Easter in a way that is propelling me toward the magnificence of Pentecost?  I will admit that I have felt somewhat sluggish and a bit wilted since Holy Week.  That is not unlike how some of the Easter lilies are beginning to look as well, but I digress.  It is time to reflect upon a few of the basics.  Won’t you join me and take some time to ponder?

    Am I taking time each day for personal prayer?  It can be a real challenge to maintain the discipline and consistency necessary for a fruitful prayer life.  The demands of the world can easily usurp our time and daily prayer can look like a practice of the past.  However, if our relationship with God is going to grow, daily personal prayer is an absolute necessity.  Do I have a set time and place to come before the Lord each day?

    Do I faithfully participate in the Sunday Eucharist?  This isn’t a simple yes or no type of question.  It requires a little dissection and evaluation.  I want to be certain we are talking about full, conscious, and active participation.  This isn’t just an attendance question.  I am not inquiring as to whether or not you and I physically showed up in the church building.  Were we there with full heart, mind, soul, and strength?  Did we encounter the living God in our worship?

    Have I been nurturing a spirit of gratitude and generosity?  It can be quite easy to see what is wrong with the world and even with my own life.  The struggles, the challenges, the flaws, the cares and concerns can all take a toll on one’s mental outlook.  If we choose to live in a spirit of gratitude and generosity our mindsets will be profoundly impacted.  It is a choice we make each and every day.  In what state of mind will I live this day?

    Am I willing to admit wrongdoing if I offend someone?  It is not easy to admit when we’re wrong.  (At least this is what I have been told—I have never personally been wrong so I am not sure about this.)  Are we willing to seek forgiveness from those we injure?  Are we willing to seek forgiveness from God?  Is receiving the Sacrament of Reconciliation a frequent practice for us?  If we are only participating twice a year, Lent and Advent, are we able to bump that up a notch or two?  If we haven’t participated in years, are we able to step out in faith and experience the power of forgiveness and reconciliation through this awesome sacrament again? 

    Am I able to forgive others?  Grudges can be strong.  If we choose to hold onto un-forgiveness our participation in praying the Lord’s Prayer is probably not a positive thing.  “Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.”  That is no small statement.  We need to be careful what we pray for because we may get it.

    Am I seeking opportunities for conversion?  If I become content with just showing up for liturgy once a week and pursue nothing more, the likelihood of my conversion to a deeper spiritual walk with the Lord is minimal.  Growing in union with our God requires a definitive response to the gift of grace that has been bestowed upon us.  Do I seek out retreats, conferences, workshops, or prayer experiences which will enhance my spiritual journey?

    Do I study and pray with the Sacred Scriptures?  The Bible isn’t a book designed to sit on our coffee tables and collect dust.  It is a book which has the potential to assist in transforming our lives.  When was the last time we read a passage at home, sat quietly with the Word, and just waited for the Lord to speak to us within the depths of our being?  If this isn’t a daily practice in our lives, can it be?

    Do I act on my moral values?  Has political correctness usurped moral integrity?  I don’t want to push my beliefs on someone else even though I believe something is wrong.  That may sound nice and “tolerant” but does it lead all of us on a path to hell?  There is right and there is wrong.  Relativism has become a scourge that is destroying our societal well-being.

    Do I serve others willingly?  Am I putting my faith into action?  In the process of serving others do I demonstrate a respect for the sanctity of life?  Abortion, physician-assisted suicide, euthanasia, pornography, human trafficking, and a multitude of other aberrant behaviors demonstrate a lack of respect for human life.  What are we doing about it?  Apathy and complacency won’t accomplish anything.  Wringing our hands and complaining won’t accomplish anything.  Do something!  Get involved!

    Finally, do I feel a personal responsibility to share my faith with those who don’t know Jesus?  If we believe that Jesus is the WAY, the TRUTH, and the LIFE, why are we reluctant to share the Good News of Salvation with other people?  Are we hiding our light under a bushel basket?  We may not feel a need to “Go Tell It On The Mountain,” but I hope we utilize every opportunity to whisper the message of Jesus Christ heart to heart.  Listen to the promptings of the Holy Spirit and be a blessing to someone who needs you to share the Gospel message with them.  You will be amazed at the power and glory of God in your midst.

  • HOLY WEEK

    We have entered into Holy Week once again.  This week becomes more meaningful to me with each passing year of my life.  The Holy Week services, especially the Triduum, bring to mind the richness of our faith.  The signs, the symbols, the gestures, and the rituals all point to the magnificent love of our God.  We are blessed indeed.

    The season of Lent did not go exactly as planned in my own life.  Sickness and fatigue have consumed many of my days.  I regret the cancellations I had to make due to these circumstances.  I also regret not being able to participate in the 40 Days for Life campaign.  I am grateful for the many people who were able to participate and for the over 400 lives that were preserved from destruction by the faithful witness of these dedicated individuals.

    The challenges in our world continue to grow.  We can look to the issues surrounding a nuclear deal with Iran, the escalating threat of ISIS, the persecution of Christians in the Middle East, and a whole laundry list of potential dangers to our civilization.  However, we can also look much closer to home and see the dangers as well.  The culture of death continues to loom large.  Religious intolerance seems to be escalating.  Look to the attacks on Archishop Salvatore  Cordileone in San Francisco as an example when Church leadership takes a stand on moral principles, or to the state of Indiana to see what happens when laws are passed safeguarding religious freedom.  It isn’t pretty.   

    If anyone opposes the agendas of the liberal establishment they are labeled as intolerant, illiterate, and homophobic.  The only ones that seem to be acceptable targets of intolerance are Christians.  As we cling to our “guns and our Bibles” the society as a whole claims it is okay to denigrate our beliefs.  How sad is that for our society?  What will be the end result?

    The passion of Christ reminds us that the Christian way of life will not always be accepted.  If Jesus was mocked, tortured, and crucified, why do we expect different treatment in our pilgrimage?  The question that we can pose to ourselves is a simple one.  Will I stand firm in my faith?  I can only imagine the devastation Peter felt when he heard the cock crow and he realized that the words of Jesus had come to pass.  Will we deny Jesus, run away, lock our faith up in the doors of our home and in our churches, or will we be faithful and run the race to the finish line?   

  • Deacon & Spouse Retreat

    It is my privilege and honor to be the retreat facilitator for the deacons and their spouses this year.  The retreat has been moved from August to May and has been relocated from Thermopolis to Riverton, Wyoming.  We’ll see what these changes have in store for us.

    I will do my best to pick up from where we left off at the end of last year’s retreat.  The discussions were just getting into some real substance as the retreat came to a close.  It is my desire to not lose sight of those fruitful discussions and extrapolate further upon how we can all grow in our own spirituality as well as our ministry.  There will be ample opportunity for some candid reflection in our time together.

    I am grateful to all of the deacons who give so generously of their time and talent in serving God’s people.  Furthermore, I am appreciative of the many sacrifices that our wives make in the process as well.  I have been ordained for almost 16 years and my wife and children have made many sacrifices through the years to enable me the opportunity to do what I do.  A sincere “thank you” to all of the deacon wives and families for your wonderful support in our ministry.