Articulating Hope

Author: Vernon Dobelmann

  • 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.

  • Women’s Retreat at St. Joseph’s Parish

    Nearly 50 women gathered for a day of retreat at St. Joseph’s Parish in Cheyenne on Saturday.  It was my first venture back into work for a full day since being hospitalized.  Although I was exhausted by the end of the day, it was a tremendous gathering.  I always appreciate the opportunity to be surrounded by people of faith.

  • The Season of Spring

    New life!  That is what spring means to me.  The snow melts, the grass begins to turn green, trees begin to bud, and the increasing hours of daylight bring a sense of joy.  This year I am hoping it also brings renewed health.

    We are only a little over a week away from entering into Holy Week.  How will we experience “new life” in our journey with the Lord as we approach the Sacred Triduum?  Have we truly turned away from sin during these days of Lent?  Can you see personal growth in holiness since Ash Wednesday?  If so, congratulations!  Keep up the good work.  If not, why not?  What needs to happen now to jump-start that conversion experience?  Don’t let these final days of Lent pass by without growing in wisdom, grace, and holiness!

  • Sickness and Suffering in Lent

    It has been a difficult Lenten season so far.  First it was a stomach bug.  Then it turned into heart issues.  After a couple of heart procedures and a brief stay in the hospital, it was an upper respiratory issue.  I feel like I have been sick for ages.  This was not the way I had my Lenten season planned.

    I apologize to all of the people impacted by my numerous cancellations during these past couple of weeks.  I made it through five of the six weekend Masses at the Cathedral on March 7 and 8 to open up the Parish Mission. With a heart rate surpassing 150 all morning on Sunday I knew I had to do something.  A trip to the emergency room resulted in a couple-day stay.  I missed the first two nights of the mission but was grateful to be able to preach at the closing Mass on Wednesday.

    Unfortunately, after leaving the hospital my wife shared her cough and cold with me.  This greatly hindered my recovery process. and put me on bed rest for four additional days.  I apologize to all of the folks at St. Anthony’s in Casper for missing the day of retreat on March 14, the Partners in Education (P.I.E.) fundraiser at St. Anthony’s School, and preaching at all of the weekend Masses.  I simply was unable to attend due to my illness.

    This Saturday is the women’s retreat at St. Joseph’s Parish in Cheyenne.  I am doing my best to get well so I can be there to lead this wonderful day.  It is my understanding that nearly 50 women have registered to be in attendance.  I am looking forward to spending this day with all of you.

    Please continue to pray for my health.  I am still a long way from being 100% and I am relying on God’s healing touch in the days ahead.  Although Lent hasn’t been what I was planning, it has definitely provided an opportunity for reflection upon suffering, healing, hope, and the grace and mercy of God.

  • Cursillo

    The women’s Cursillo weekend at Holy Trinity Church in Cheyenne is off and running.  I had the privilege of presenting the first three meditations during the “retreat phase” of the weekend beginning yesterday evening and ending this morning.  I enjoyed participating in the celebration of the Eucharist this morning with the ladies as well.

    Cursillo simply means a “short course in Christianity.”  I made my Cursillo weekend back in 1994 in Quincy, Illinois and have been blessed by the experience ever since.  For those of you who hear me preach or teach on a regular basis know that I frequently refer to being a person of “prayer, study, and action.”  I learned the importance of that by being a Cursillista.  Please pray for the ladies on the weekend that they may be deeply touched and impacted by God’s grace during these days.

    Okay.  It is time for me to shift gears and start accelerating my final preparations for the Cathedral Parish Mission.  It all swings into motion beginning with the Saturday evening Mass.  Zeal for the Lord’s House will consume me in these upcoming days.  I hope it consumes you as well!

  • On The Road and Back Again

    Immaculate Conception Parish Green River, Wyoming

    The Parish Mission in Green River was another fantastic experience.  I appreciate the hospitality extended by Fr. Denis and all of the Immaculate Conception parishioners.  Your faith community has a special place in my heart as I have been impacted immensely each time I have visited your parish.

    “Transfigured By Love” was the title I gave to the Mission since we started out on the weekend when the Gospel account of the Transfiguration was proclaimed.  I then focused on the topics of mercy, humility, and service in each of the successive evenings.  We concluded the last evening with an opportunity for individual prayer and/or the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

    The drive home consisted of some snow-packed roads but not too hazardous. I am always grateful when another safe journey has been completed.

    This evening is the start of a women’s Cursillo weekend being held at Holy Trinity Parish in Cheyenne.  I am scheduled to give a couple of meditations this evening as well as one tomorrow morning.  It will then be time to start gearing up for the Cathedral Parish Mission which begins this weekend. Please pray that I am guided by the Holy Spirit during these days so I may speak words which will build up God’s people.

  • Parish Mission in Green River, Wyoming

    After months of planning the time has arrived.  My Lenten calendar is in full swing.  Last night I spoke to the “Theology on Tap” group here in Cheyenne. Tonight I will enjoy the inspirational presentation and musical talent of “Tajci” at the Cathedral.  Then I head to Green River tomorrow for this year’s Lenten Parish Mission.

    The attendance and participation from the parishioners last year was phenomenal, and I am looking forward to spending these days with all of them again this year.  It is a powerful experience to witness the movement of the Holy Spirit within our midst, and I certainly anticipate some tremendous blessings in the days ahead.

    In addition to preaching at all of the weekend Masses and presenting an hour-long presentation each of the three nights of the mission, I am also eagerly awaiting the opportunity to visit all of the religious education classes as well.  It is good to see catechesis in action.  Last year I also had the opportunity to join Fr. Denis for Mass at the local nursing home and visit with parishioners there.  I hope to have the privilege of doing that again this year.

    I pray that your Lent is off to a fantastic start.  As you hear the account of the Transfiguration of Jesus this weekend, ask for the grace to allow that transforming love of God to touch every aspect of your life.  Be a person who prays fervently, studies diligently, and acts with courage, conviction, and compassion.  Be an intentional disciple.  Be a faithful witness to Jesus Christ!