I want to thank Matthew Potter for providing some pictures from the events this past weekend in Cheyenne.
Bishop Paul Etienne was present for the march. Following him is Dr. Kevin Roberts with his family. Dr. Roberts is the president of Wyoming Catholic College.
I shared the speaking platform at the state capitol with Representative Harlan Edmonds.
Joe Dobelmann was the winner of the senior high essay contest. I share his dilemma of speaking when the microphone is too low.
Dr. Taylor Haynes, former candidate for governor, was on hand for the march.
The Knights of Columbus did a fantastic job as always. See the flags standing straight out. Those guys built their muscles carrying the flags in the gusty winds.
The sanctity of life was celebrated well this weekend. The Cathedral of St. Mary hosted a holy hour on Friday evening in which Catholics from all over the state gathered to pray for the protection of the unborn. On Saturday morning we gathered for the celebration of the Eucharist, enjoyed breakfast together, and then participated in the march to the capitol at noon.
In the midst of all of the activity, I forgot to take pictures. However, media outlets from across the state covered the story.
For whom does the bell toll? Since January 22, 1973 it has tolled for an estimated 56 million children here in the United States of America. It has been 42 years since that disastrous Supreme Court decision, and our supposedly civil society still allows the slaughter of the innocents unabated. This should be keeping all of us awake at night.
The politicians love to use the line, “I am personally opposed to abortion but I don’t want to inflict my views upon others.” Hogwash! There is a moral dimension to everything that is legislated. If good people check their morals at the door when they walk into the statehouse, who does that leave to set the agenda, the tone, and the tenor of discussions? We are reaping what we have sown. God have mercy on us all.
Today is a day of penance. Unfortunately, the majority of Christian people will not even see this day as a blip on their radar screen. Where is the awareness? Where is the sorrow? Where is the repentance? How can people of faith stand in complacency with the horror of abortion surrounding them? I beg you–read the statistics from a pro-life website. Millions of babies are being killed and a multitude of women are experiencing the detrimental emotional effects of their decisions. We have over 40 years of empirical evidence which shows the devastating consequences on women who choose to have abortions. If we are pro-woman, we should want to help prevent such suffering.
On Friday morning I will join Gary Freeman on KGAB Radio (650 AM) at 9:10 A.M. to discuss the upcoming pro-life march here in Cheyenne on Saturday at noon. I know that will result in new criticisms with people telling me to mind my own business. I have become accustomed to those comments. What bothers me is when I get those types of comments from people within the Church. How is it possible that with all of the medical technology available to give us a window into the womb, we still don’t see a problem with dismembering a baby and terminating his/her life at will? How can we call that health care? When did pregnancy become a disease to be cured rather than a joy to be celebrated?
On Saturday afternoon after the march reaches the state capitol, I will be one of the speakers to address the crowd. Please offer a prayer for me as I prepare my remarks for that day. Although the crowd in attendance will be pro-life, the reporters who will take the story to the wider public may not necessarily share the same perspective. It is important that the speakers convey a message that is clear, concise, and moving. These opportunities to get the pro-life message out beyond the walls of churches into the secular world is something that needs to be grasped with vigor.
Let us continue to strive to build a culture of life!
On January 22 (tomorrow), the anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court decision, Roe vs. Wade (1973), all dioceses of the United States shall observe a Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children. I want to invite each and every one of you to fast and pray. Our nation needs healing.
The clergy of the Diocese of Cheyenne will be gathered for their annual institute from Tuesday through Thursday. This is a time for business meetings, some professional development and learning, and of course, a time for prayer. We are blessed to have these opportunities to continue our formation and learning, as well as spend time with one another from all across the state. Please keep us in your prayers during these days that we may grow in wisdom and grace. A prayer for safe travel is always welcome as well.
Dolly Parton was born on January 19, 1946. A quote attributed to her is this: “The way I see it, if you want the rainbow, you gotta put up with the rain.”
If you are walking through a stormy and difficult time in your life, I want to encourage you to look for the rainbow. God is present in the midst of our sorrow and pain. The sun will shine again.
I had the pleasure of visiting the St. Bernard Abbey Church in Cullman, Alabama this past October. The outside of the building appears to be quite plain, but the inside certainly prompted me to lift my heart and mind to God. Visiting sacred spaces like this is a priority when I travel. I continue to be amazed at the creativity of people who have designed and built so many of our beautiful churches.
How do we take the beauty of what we experience within the church walls out to the wider community? How do we serve as missionaries in our own towns and cities? How do we get along with people of other Christian denominations? How do we embrace the words of Jesus, “that all of them may be one Father?” (John 17:21)
Each year we celebrate the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity from January 18 through January 25. Do we take this endeavor seriously? What is the point of having such a week? Does anyone really care?
If we take the Scriptures seriously we will take Christian unity seriously. Jesus never said, “Oh Father, give me 30,000 different denominations so we can experience disunity in all its splendor.” He did say that, “there shall be one flock, one shepherd.” (John 10:16)
Let us renew our commitment to pray and work for unity among all Christian believers–not just this week–but each and every day of our lives.
By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another. John 13:35
It was the second time in three months that our local community experienced the tragic deaths of more than one individual from a family. Last fall a car accident claimed the lives of three individuals in one car. This time it was a father and son killed in a snowmobiling accident. That funeral took place this morning.
As I stood and looked at the two caskets, I couldn’t even imagine the level of grief being experienced by the family. Mom and dad lost their young son as well as their 8 year old grandson. In an instant their lives were forever changed.
The precious gift of life is not something to take for granted. Pause for a moment to pray for your loved ones. Then, be sure to tell them how much they mean to you. Don’t assume that those close to you know that you love them. Take the time to tell them and to show them just how much you care.
The anniversary of the 1973 U.S. Supreme Court decision of Roe versus Wade is this coming Thursday. The need for prayer and sacrifice remains great. It is my hope that we all get involved in some way to support a culture of life and bring healing to our land.
The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops has a plan for prayer in the upcoming days starting tomorrow. Nine Days for Life will be an opportunity for us to pray for a deeper respect for life from conception through natural death. This novena of prayer runs from January 17 through January 25. You can find information and resources on the USCCB website.
I know that many in the St. Louis area make the trek to Washington, D.C. each year. Here in Wyoming we have a significant group from the Wyoming Catholic College making the trek to the West Coast Walk in California. Of course, we have a march to the state capitol right here in Cheyenne as well. Wherever you are, please get involved. Most of all, continue to pray the we as a nation come to understand the dignity and value of each human life. Being made in the image and likeness of God is not to be taken lightly. If we believe that we are “temples of the Holy Spirit,” it is time our actions start reflecting that sacred dignity.
What is your favorite part of Christmas? Midnight Mass is a tradition in our family. I will admit that as I get older it seems midnight arrives later and later, but the beauty of the night still beckons and I continue the tradition. Walking into the church from the cold night air and seeing the sacred space adorned for this magnificent celebration brings a renewed sense of energy and vibrancy. The King of Glory is present in our midst.
As we prepare to celebrate the Fourth Sunday of Advent I realize that my Christmas greetings are a bit premature. However, I know the likelihood of finding time to write another post between now and Christmas is highly unlikely. Thus, I would rather be early than late with my prayerful good wishes to each of you.
I have appreciated sharing this blog space with you over the past year. I am humbled by the fact that there there have been days when the site received over 500 page views in a day. I never imagined it growing beyond a few parishioners from each of the parishes where I have previously served. I started my writing because of a few requests from people who appreciated my homilies when I worked in their respective parishes. It has now become a forum to dialogue with old friends and new, and it gives a place for me to process my thoughts (maybe in too public of a way at times).
Your e-mails regarding my postings have been thought-provoking and engaging. Even when you disagree with what I say we can have an enjoyable discussion. You have touched my life in a positive way by sharing this forum with me. It is always a privilege when we are provided with an opportunity to delve into the depths of our faith. I hope I have given you good food for thought from time to time throughout the year.
Merry Christmas to each of you! I hope and pray that the blessings of God enrich your life in a powerful way during these holy days.
