Let’s talk about death and dying. Yes, I have appreciated the work of Elizabeth Kubler Ross and others dedicated to this field of study and ministry. Death is a fact of life, but it seems to be something we don’t care to freely discuss on a routine basis. It doesn’t generally create an atmosphere for a casual and pleasant conversation.
The particular lesson that I learned this past week was the value of ritual. I was reminded of its value when the ritual wasn’t present at a time in which I was accustomed to having it at the front and center of events. There was something missing and I felt uneasy about moving forward. Quite simply, I realized that rituals have helped me during my entire adult life to say good-bye to relatives and friends who have died. The experience this week of the absence of ritual was both disconcerting and enlightening at the same time.
The Catholic funeral rites have three main “stations”: (1) the visitation, (2) the funeral liturgy, and (3) the burial. As a life-long Catholic I have become extremely comfortable with this solemn ritual. It is how we grieve; it is how we pray; it is how we say our farewell. This process gives us hope in the resurrection as we express our trust in Jesus Christ. We can still grieve, pray, and say good-bye without the ritual, but the solemnity of the funeral rites are a bountiful treasure indeed. I, for one, am grateful for this blessing of the Church.
Author: Vernon Dobelmann
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The Power of Ritual
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Memorial Day Weekend
Memorial Day Weekend brings out barbeque pits, lawn chairs, and the unofficial start to summer. The question that enters my mind each year at this time is a simple one. Does this weekend bring us to our knees in prayer? Memorial Day is an opportunity to reflect upon the gift of peace and the gift of freedom. Do we give thanks to God for these blessings? Do we give thanks to God all those who have sacrificed their lives to so that we may live in freedom and tranquility?
On May 23, 1920 Pope Benedict XV issued the encyclical, PACEM, DEI MUNUS PULCHERRIMUM (On Peace and Christian Reconciliation). I would like to quote his entire first paragraph to put into perspective his thoughts following the end of World War One.
“Peace, the beautiful gift of God, the name of which, as St. Augustine says, is the sweetest word to our hearing and the best and most desirable possession; peace, which was for more than four years implored by the ardent wishes of all good peoples, by the prayers of pious souls and the tears of mothers, begins at last to shine upon the nations. At this We are indeed the happiest of all, and heartily do We rejoice. But this joy of Our paternal heart is disturbed by many bitter anxieties, for if in most places peace is in some sort established and treaties signed, the germs of former enmities remain; and you well know, Venerable Brethren, that there can be no stable peace or lasting treaties, though made after long and difficult negotiations and duly signed, unless there be a return of mutual charity to appease hate and banish enmity. This, then, Venerable Brethren, is the anxious and dangerous question upon which we wish to dwell and to put forward recommendations to be brought home to your people.”
There is no doubt that tensions and violence remain a significant component of life for many people throughout the world. This realization should compel Christians to live as an example of sincere love and charity so that we may effectively banish enmity. However, if the Church as a whole finds itself stuck in complacency and apathy, what are the chances we will ever experience true peace and tranquility? As members of Christ’s body we each have a role to play in bringing the transforming love of God to others. Do we care enough to put on the armor of God and get to work?
In his book, Secrets of Super Achievers, Philip Baker states the following:
“The truth is, however, most people are not lazy; they are simply uninspired. Motivation comes from having a goal that is inspirational. This, in turn, causes us to focus our lives even more and gives us the energy with which we can accomplish our dreams.”
When I studied that statement from Philip Baker the question that popped into my mind was this: Are Christians uninspired? How could it be that a relationship with almighty God is not a sufficient enough goal to generate motivation within us? If that is indeed the case, what changes do we need to make in our individual lives as well in our religious institutions? If enthusiasm, zeal, and motivation are not bursting at the seams within our church congregations, what is wrong?
History has taught us some things in regard to maintaining peace in the world. Will we pay attention to the lessons? Let us not only yearn for peace when we are in the midst of war, but let us yearn for peace each and every day of our lives. May we never be content with an attitude of indifference or satisfied with mediocrity! Let pious souls pray fervently and live faithfully to light the way for a world that is sometimes enveloped in darkness. Quite simply, let’s live inspired lives!Give thanks to God this weekend for the gift of freedom and the gift of peace. Pray for all of those families who have sacrificed in the past to give us this gift as well as those currently serving our country. Pray for all those affected by the ravages of war. Pray for our veterans and their families. Pray for our government to have good leadership and function well. Pray that the issues at our VA Hospitals will be straightened out and quality health care will be provided to those who have served. Most importantly, pray for our country that we may truly become what we pledge to be, “one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”
I offer one word of encouragement as you offer your prayers. Pray with an immense amount of gratitude. It is easy to focus on everything that is wrong and lose the hope that we find in God. Today, focus on what is right and good and demonstrate abundant gratitude in the process. I leave you with these quotes to ponder for this Memorial Day Weekend.
“It’s a sign of mediocrity when you demonstrate gratitude with moderation.”
~Roberto Benigni“There is real magic in enthusiasm. It spells the difference between mediocrity and accomplishment.”
~Norman Vincent Peale
“People who are unable to motivate themselves must be content with mediocrity, no matter how impressive their other talents.”
~Andrew Carnegie
“Jealousy is the tribute mediocrity pays to genius.”
~Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen -
Thank You Catholic School Principals & Teachers
As another academic year draws to a close I want to take a moment to express my gratitude to all of those dedicated individuals working in the field of education. I am repeatedly amazed at the creativity and commitment of so many teachers and administrators in the educational system. Your professionalism and expertise is truly appreciated.
I send a special word of congratulations to the administration, faculty and staff at Holy Name School in Sheridan, Wyoming. As your institution celebrates its 100th anniversary, please know of my continued prayers for your success.
I have had the privilege to be involved and connected with Catholic schools for quite a few years now. This has consisted of serving in a number of roles. I have been the Coordinator of Religious Education, a high school theology teacher and campus minister, principal of a K-8 school, and now the Superintendent of Catholic Schools for the Diocese of Cheyenne for the last four years. I continue to learn and grow with each new experience and with each passing year.
These last four years have provided an opportunity to see Catholic education from a vantage point which I had not previously considered. Being involved with more than one school at a time creates a perspective not as easily realized when confined to one parochial institution. It has enabled me to witness the successes and the struggles of the various educational institutions and put it into the context of the universal Church. We are all working toward the goal of educating our children in light of the faith, but the way that is accomplished is varied indeed.
A school with fifty students functions differently than the school with over three hundred students. The school with a leaning toward the Classical Curriculum has a different flavor than the one which does not have that direction. Some schools may have a more vibrant athletic program than their counterparts, but others may be stronger in areas of music, speech, and drama. The end result is still the desire to provide an academic education enveloped in the faith of Jesus Christ and His Church.
Principals and administrators—thank you for your leadership. You set the tone for the school. Your ability to model the faith and provide excellent spiritual and academic leadership for the school is essential to its success. Author John Maxwell says an institution will rise and fall in connection with the leadership at the top. Each of you bears an immense amount of responsibility for the success of your school. I offer a special word of gratitude to each of the Catholic school principals in Wyoming. Your task is not an easy one, but your effort and dedication is truly appreciated. This superintendent certainly appreciates your work.
Teachers continue to amaze me at what they are able to accomplish each year in their classrooms. The environment of education has changed immensely over the years—and not always for the better. However, our teachers continue to adapt and change to the times. Keeping up with technological changes is one thing, but keeping up with the changes in cultural norms and expectations is a whole different story in and of itself. Your skills, your flexibility, and your commitment to education are truly honorable. Thank you for the sacrifices you make to help our children learn and grow into mature Christian adults. Your work has eternal consequences, and for each of you striving to do it well, I simply say, THANK YOU.
The support staff keeps the wheels of the institution turning. Thank you to each of you as well. Paraprofessionals add a huge dimension to the success of our schools. The bookwork and record keeping is no small task. Keeping the facilities in tip-top shape, sometimes on a very limited budget, is not something we can take for granted. The meals provided to the students in our cafeterias gets to be more difficult all the time. Following the federal guidelines is a daunting task all by itself. In each of these supportive roles, I simply say, THANK YOU.
Parents and volunteers, financial benefactors, and community business owners who support the endeavors of the local Catholic schools, THANK YOU. Your generous support is essential for the future of our institutions. I realize the immense sacrifices that parents make to send their children to Catholic schools. The financial resources and the volunteer hours you provide for the upkeep of the school is truly appreciated.
As we prepare to enter into summer vacation, I extend my best wishes to all of the students for a joy-filled and safe summer. Likewise, I pray that all of the administrators, teachers, and support staff find time for rest and relaxation as well. May God bless each of you abundantly! -
Where Is The Truth?
Are you a liberal or a conservative? The Synod taking place in Rome certainly has the blogosphere lit up with opinions and commentary regarding the mid-term report. Although it is considered a “working document” conservatives are extremely concerned about the ramifications of the contents. Liberals are filled with expectation that Church doctrine will be changing to accommodate those in “irregular” lifestyles. Archbishop Kurtz simply invited all of us to calm down and take a breath.
I realize that the vast majority of Catholics are probably only getting a snippet of information regarding these deliberations on the evening news or from a brief article on the internet. The interpretations of the events seem to be quite diverse depending upon which news source you consult for your information. One thing is for sure. The Synod has created an opportunity for agenda-driven individuals and groups to get their message out to the public. Furthermore, Cardinal Kasper and Cardinal Burke demonstrate the great divide that exists even among the highest echelons of leadership within the Church.
I have frequently heard it said that politics is simply a reflection of the contemporary culture. In the United States we see that accurately played out in a variety of venues. There is no doubt that our politics are deeply divided and extremely partisan with very little concern for the common good. Our culture seems to exhibit great divides as well. A few examples would be the racial tensions in Ferguson, Missouri which is twofold—the divide between black and white as well as between the citizen and the police (authority figure), the tension between the LGBT community in Houston (in union with the mayor) against the local pastors, and from an economic perspective the distance and divide between the salary of a CEO and the hourly worker.
Are politics an accurate reflection of contemporary church culture? It would certainly appear to be so, at least as it is being lived out in the United States of America. Obviously, the happenings in Rome impact the Catholic Church around the world. However, the same divide that exists in American politics seems to be reflected in the divide in the Church. Look at the liturgy. Do you prefer Mass in Latin or in the vernacular? What happens if the congregation is made up of a couple of prominent cultures? Do you prefer a bi-lingual Mass? How do you like your music at the Eucharistic celebration—organ or guitar with drums? Are you pro-life or are you a social justice person? Do you want the Church to get with it and start accepting things that the culture is accepting or do you want the Church to be counter-cultural?
These are questions relevant to the wider discussion. As church attendance continues to decline and participation in religious education programs dwindles at alarming rates, the question must be asked, “WHY?” Is it simply that the cultural values have usurped the values and morals taught by the Church subsequently making religious convictions obsolete or irrelevant? If so, why has the culture been more effective at transmitting a message of self-gratification as opposed to the Church which has the message of everlasting life?
It seems to me that there is a grave necessity in our churches at the local level to do some soul-searching. That means there is a need to do some real self-evaluation of the church community. I don’t mean a simple evaluation of programs at the church. I mean an evaluation of the programs and processes in light of the impact that the church community is having on its own members as well as the wider community. Do we witness a sincere growth in holiness that is overflowing into the community beyond the church walls?
There are many tools available to evaluate “success” at the local level. I’ll let you describe and define success for your local parish. Here are some questions to get you started thinking.
1. Are the Eucharistic liturgies spiritually moving and prayerful?
2. Are the homilies well prepared, well delivered, substantive and inspiring?
3. Does your parish call people to a deeper faith in God?
4. Does your parish offer multiple opportunities for spiritual growth?
5. Does your parish do a good job of welcoming guests and new parishioners?
6. Does your parish invite and encourage non-practicing parishioners to return?
7. Are parishioners kept informed of parish activities?
8. Do you get a sense of warmth and hospitality in your parish?
9. Do you have an effective religious education program for all age levels?
10. Is youth ministry a priority in your parish?
11. Are there meaningful social activities for adults and senior citizens?
12. Are your facilities easily accessible to all?
13. Does your parish provide outreach to the poor in the local community?
14. Do your parishioners actively cooperate and work with neighboring parishes?
15. Does your parish provide adequate training for parish ministers and parish staff?
16. Is your pastor readily available to the people?
17. Overall, how does your parish impact the world?
We all have a role to play in being the salt of the earth and the light of the world. How brightly is your light shining right now? Do people encounter Jesus Christ through you and in you? The world needs faithful witnesses in a desperate way. Will you make a commitment to be a person of prayer, study, and action? I hope you will. Tough times are ahead for Christians; we are only experiencing the tip of the iceberg right now. The events in Houston will be lived out with greater frequency and growing intensity in the weeks, months, and years ahead. Let us put on the armor of Christ!
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Show Me the Money
Our culture has certainly been shaped by the media over the course of time. Think about the many ways our lives have changed since the invention of the television set. Consider also the desensitizing process we have undergone since we first started watching the TV screen. Things we may have found objectionable forty years ago are now easily accepted and welcomed into our hearts and homes. Whether we like it or not, our lives have been influenced by the Hollywood elite.
For instance, according to www.brainyhistory.com, it was on this date (May 14) in 1998 that the last episode of Seinfeld was on NBC. Commercials were selling for $2 million each! That may look like a bargain compared to Super Bowl advertisements in 2014, but that is a chunk of change for attempting to market one’s product. What does the cost of advertising on TV during a particular show or sporting event say about us as a culture? What impact did the show Seinfeld have on our society? It is probably difficult to quantify the response to such a generic question, but we can be assured that many people were tuned into the show to draw that level of advertisement revenue. The characters on Seinfeld influenced American culture.
Another example listed on www.brainyhistory.com marks an anniversary tomorrow. It was on May 15, 1989 that Maxwell House Coffee ran advertisements during the “Roe vs Wade” movie despite the threat of a boycott by pro-life individuals and organizations. Cultural and moral values, or a lack thereof, are sometimes highlighted during a controversial topic being addressed in a TV program or movie. As we watch the continued escalation of sexual promiscuity, profanity, and a belittling of Christian values in contemporary programming, it is little wonder that we are faced with many of the social problems that are plaguing our communities today.
The questions I pose to you are simply these:
1. What is the predominant factor shaping the moral values in your life?
2. Which is more influential in your life–the cross of Christ or the television set?
3. What gets more time–prayer or TV watching? -
National Hospital Week
National Hospital Week (May 11—17, 2014) has been celebrated since 1921 and it is the nation’s largest healthcare event. The theme for 2014 is, “Compassion, Innovation, Dedication: The Commitment Continues.”
I learned a great deal through the process of being diagnosed with a serious illness, having surgery, and going through months of chemotherapy treatments. I teamed up with one of the hospital chaplains to begin a support group for individuals and families coping with a life threatening illness. One thing led to another and eventually I found myself employed as a part-time chaplain. I could not believe that I was actually agreeing to do this. During my lengthy stay in the hospital as a patient, I just wanted out. Now I was voluntarily going back in as an employee.
Seeing first-hand what goes into the care of a patient from multiple avenues was enlightening. The skillsets that are present in a hospital are simply amazing. It isn’t just the doctors, nurses, anesthesiologists, and other high profile personnel that make the hospital run. It is a long list of other highly dedicated and competent individuals who make hospitals what they are. I want to give a personal “shout out” to the phlebotomists who have drawn my blood literally hundreds of times. I do not like needle sticks so when you do it well I am extremely grateful for your expertise.
Hospitals in smaller communities sometimes struggle with a lack of resources available to some of the larger metropolitan hospitals. I can understand the frustration that this brings, but I am also grateful for what local hospitals are able to bring to the table. County and regional hospitals don’t simply provide treatment and comfort to the sick; these hospitals are part of the local community and represent hope. It is with a deep sense of gratitude that I extend my sincerest best wishes to all those in the medical community serving in hospitals all across our nation. Have a wonderful week!
National Hospital Week–“Compassion, Innovation, Dedication: The Commitment Continues!” -
Mother’s Day Snowstorm
Yesterday I began mowing for the first time this year. I just left the mower sit on the porch because I figured I would continue to do more over the next few days. Yes, I had heard the forecast but chose not to believe. Maybe I just didn’t want to believe it. How could it snow on Mother’s Day? My mower thinks I should have listened because it prefers to be kept dry and snow free.
I called my mom this morning to wish her a Happy Mother’s Day. It was 28 degrees in Cheyenne at the time and 82 degrees in St. Louis. We had the same numbers; they were just reversed. My mom said it was warm enough with the humidity that she had turned on her air conditioner. If she was looking for sympathy, she was definitely looking in the wrong place. I would thoroughly enjoy feeling 82 degrees with some humidity to go along with it right about now. Instead I went out and shoveled snow–a wet and heavy snow I might add.
Although the weather has challenged some Mother’s Day social gatherings in our part of the country, it can’t erase the sentiments of love and affection expressed on this day. Motherhood is probably one of the most daunting tasks in the world, and I sincerely hope that we share our gratitude to mom on more days than Mother’s Day, her birthday, and Christmas. While greeting card companies and florists cherish a day like Mother’s Day, I hope the rest of us truly cherish our mothers every day of the year.
To all the moms out there striving to faithfully live up to the responsibilities of your calling–I simply say, “THANK YOU!” You give us a glimpse of God’s love. The commitment to loving your children, which is evident even after the children have left the nest, is admirable. The sacrifices you make on a regular basis are a genuine reflection of God’s love for each of us. The example and model you set makes our world a better place.
Happy Mother’s Day!
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“National Doughnut Week”
I just found out that there is a “National Doughnut Week.” Seriously, there is. Check it out for yourself. http://www.nationaldoughnutweek.org/
This event takes place May 10—May 17, 2014. It will be a little inconvenient for Americans to participate because it takes place in the U.K. However, there is a very serious reason for this indulgence. If you buy doughnuts between May 10 and May 17, from participating bakeries (in the U.K.) then you will be helping to raise money for a very good cause – The Children’s Trust. National Doughnut Week has raised over £755,000 in the past 21 years for children’s charities, and it is hoped that at least £30,000 will be raised to make this the best year ever.
I was going to put a picture of a doughnut with this posting, but of course there wasn’t a donut to be found anywhere in the office today. Then I thought about waiting until tomorrow to post the blog to see if I could swing by a bakery in the morning to get a donut to photograph (and eat). Prudence dictated that I post this as soon as possible and not wait to get a picture. After all, you may want to book your airline ticket quickly to get to the U.K. to celebrate beginning on Saturday. -
NURSES–Thank You!
This is National Nurses Week and I am thrilled to give a “shout out” to all of the dedicated nurses caring for the needs of the sick and suffering. The majority of you exhibit great skill and compassion in your ministry. Please accept these words as a small token of my gratitude.
I had the misfortune of being hospitalized for a lengthy period of time many years ago. (It was 52 days over a four month period, but who was counting?) During that time frame the nursing community became part of my extended family. I was blessed to have some of the kindest people I have ever met taking care of me during my hospitalization. Of the many nurses who entered my room during all those days and nights there were only a couple who were less than stellar. Most of them demonstrated the characteristics of professionalism, patience, and caring.
Healthcare has unfortunately become a political football in recent years. Actually, it has probably been a political football for many decades, but it has become more evident these days with all the squabbles regarding the Affordable Care Act. The “Brainy History” website states that the American Medical Association (AMA) was formed on May 7, 1847; that was 167 years ago today if my math is correct. Looking at some other websites exposing a variety of aspects of the nonprofit organization AMA, it is obvious to see that opinions regarding the AMA are not all favorable. It appears that politics and the pursuit of money have been involved in healthcare for quite some time if the information on these websites is accurate.
I don’t know what the future of healthcare will bring. However, I know that I have benefitted from the expertise of numerous medical professionals and for that I am grateful. Nurses, please know that you are appreciated. You do not have an easy job, but you have an opportunity to minister to people who are going through some real difficult times. Your kindness, patience, and skill make a real impact on the lives you touch each and every day. You do not simply care for a patient’s physical needs. You are a messenger of hope. Celebrate this week well. You deserve it.Have a great NATIONAL NURSES WEEK!
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The “Miracle Mile”
Sixty years ago today on May 6, 1954 Roger Bannister became known as the man who ran the “miracle mile.” He was the first person to run a mile in less than four minutes. Although his record time was broken the following month by Australian athlete John Landy, Roger Bannister is the name recognized in history for having first achieved this momentous feat.
We may sometimes admire the drive and determination of successful athletes and the resulting accomplishments they have achieved. There may also be a hint of jealousy and/or resentment towards them as well. Having the discipline to work hard and consistently for a prolonged period of time to achieve profound results can be irritating to those who have not developed such discipline in their lives.
Successful people frequently have personal characteristics that are evident in their day-to-day lives which are vital to their achievements. Diligence, perseverance, a positive attitude, and many more attributes could be listed as some of those characteristics. This is true for people who are successful in all walks of life. These personal traits could be evident in the area of sports, entertainment, medical, legal or any field of business or other endeavor in which a person strives for excellence. What does it take to be successful?
Sitting on the sidelines and watching other people be successful can be okay in some venues. However, do we have the urge to accomplish something amazing in our own lives as well? I am not talking solely in a material sense. Have you ever dreamed of being a faithful servant of God in such a way that lives are changed because of your faithful witness to Jesus Christ? After all, that is our baptismal calling.
I leave you with this one question. If you knew you could not fail, what one thing would you pursue for God?