Whether or not you like Donald Trump is not the issue right now. The people who are calling for a disruption to the inauguration really need to think this through. If we cease to have safe and smooth transitions of power following an election our country is doomed. Please spend this week in prayer as we head toward the inauguration on Friday.
I am looking forward to going back to Our Lady of Fatima Parish for another Lenten Parish Mission. Last year was simply amazing. In addition to building upon what we did last year, it is also an opportunity to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the appartions in Fatima, Portugal.
It is always a blessing when I am invited to preach at the weekend Eucharistic liturgies. That is a privilege I never take for granted. The Sunday Gospel Reading will remind us of the power of God as we hear the account of Jesus calling forth Lazarus from the dead. May each of us recognize clearly that Jesus is the “Resurrection and the Life.”
Last year I especially enjoyed the evening meal each night before the start of the parish mission. This was a fabulous way to spend a little time with one another in friendship and fellowship. We are going to do that again this year. I am grateful for the many people who work behind the scenes to make these food and fellowship gatherings possible. The generous gift of your time and talent is appreciated.
On the last night of the mission this year we will have opportunities for individual prayer as well as the Sacrament of Reconciliation. That will be a little change from last year. Following my presentation on Wednesday evening, we will have priests available for the Sacrament of Reconciliation and I will make myself available to pray individually with anyone who desires such prayer. I firmly believe in the Scripture which says, “For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” (Matthew 18:20) I will pray for you and with you so that there are two of us lifting up your particular need before the Lord. We pray in faith and confidence because of the assurance we have from Sacred Scripture that God will be in our midst as we pray. I have offered this at the conclusion of other parish missions in recent years and the movement of God in our midst has been astounding.
If you live in the Casper, Wyoming area please mark your calendars and plan to attend. It would be wonderful to see a church full of people each night. The blessings of participating in a Lenten Parish Mission are numerous. If you join us I assure you that the Lord will shower you with His abundant grace and the Holy Spirit will kindle within you the fire of His love. It doesn’t get any better than that. See you in less than three months, Casper.
I attended a meeting yesterday to plan the liturgical season of Lent. The Christmas decorations have not all been removed from the church yet, but the work of planning should never stand still. As the Church entered into Ordinary Time this week after celebrating the Feast of The Baptism of the Lord on Monday, we know it is only a matter of seven weeks before the arrival of Ash Wednesday on March 1. Enjoy Ordinary Time while it lasts.
The term “Ordinary Time” has the potential to lead us into believing that these weeks of worship are less important than the seasons of Advent, Christmas, Lent, and Easter. After all, these weeks are just “ordinary.” While we witness some changes in the church environment and adornment from season to season, we must recognize that each time we gather as a community of believers we are nurtured by the proclamation of God’s Sacred Word and nourished by the Lord’s Body and Blood as described so eloquently in John’s Gospel chapter six. There is nothing ordinary about that awesome and beautiful privilege.
The rest of my January calendar is full. Diaconate formation, the annual clergy gathering known as the January Institute, pro-life events, and the beginning of Catholic Schools Week are all on the horizon. The month of February gives me a little reprieve before heading full blast into Lent on March 1.
On March 2, I have the honor of speaking at an Eagle Scout Recognition Banquet. This will be a first for me, but it fits well with one of the hats that I wear in my role as Director of Pastoral Ministries. In that role I serve as the Chaplain to Scouting in our diocese.
I will once again be part of the women’s retreat at St. Joseph’s Parish in Cheyenne on March 18. This is our third annual gathering. I will be sharing speaking responsibilities this year with Rose Guerrero from Pueblo, Colorado. It should be a magnificent day of retreat.
On March 22, I will preach at the closing Mass of a parish mission at the Cathedral of St. Mary. There will be a different homilist each night from March 20 through March 22. I hope to see my local readers (Cheyenne) there.
I will be preaching at the weekend Masses and giving a three night parish mission for the first time in Wheatland, Wyoming from March 25 through March 29. I am looking forward to being with the parishioners of St. Patrick during those days. Please note, I will also preach at Mary, Queen of Heaven Mission in Chugwater on Sunday, March 26, at 11:00 A.M.
For the second straight year I will be preaching at the weekend Masses and giving a three night parish mission at our Lady of Fatima Parish in Casper, Wyoming from April 1, through April 5. The mission last year was a wonderful experience and I am extremely grateful to be invited back again this year.
After that I will attend the Chrism Mass, another weekend of diaconate formation, and then we move into Holy Week. I am convince that it is going to be a powerful Lenten journey.
I hope to catch my breath briefly near the end of April before heading to Thayne, Wyoming for another new endeavor. I will be leading the Western Wyoming Men’s Retreat from May 5–May 7. It should be beautiful spending some time in that part of the state with the dawning of spring.
If you find yourself experiencing a bit of sluggishness or feelings of malaise during these cold and overcast days of winter, take time to be with God in a very intentional way. You do not need to wait for the season of Lent to arrive to jumpstart your spiritual battery. We may be in Ordinary Time, but God’s love is always extraordinary!
Many of my desires for the new year are the same as last year. I will once again renew my commitment to spend New Year’s Eve in a spirit of prayer and reflection to welcome the dawning of a new year. (See my personal note at the end of this blog entry if you have a desire to express your individual prayer intentions.) Let us pray that the year 2017 will be a time of growth in holiness for each of us!
Near Year’s Eve is a night I like to stay home. The nights of going out and partying to bring in the New Year have long since passed. In recent years I have made a commitment to spend more time in prayer on this particular night. There are many things for which I can pray in addition to safety for all of the revelers. Here is a sampling of what I will be bringing before God on New Year’s Eve.
First of all, I will come before God with praise and thanksgiving. Although 2016 has certainly had its moments of struggle there have been numerous blessings as well. Thus, it is time to give thanks for family, friends, shelter, food, clothing, a job, access to healthcare when my heart went into atrial fibrillation, and a whole list of other material goods that we have the opportunity to enjoy. I thank God for the gift of faith and a beautiful Church in which to grow in appreciation of that gift.
There are always particular celebrations that are to be remembered in gratitude when reflecting over the last year. Wedding anniversaries are something to be thankful for regardless of the year. Margaret and I celebrated 28 years together this year. Anniversaries of other events are also a time for praise and thanksgiving. In 2016 it was 30 years since I was diagnosed with cancer the first time and 15 years since the second time. It has also been 13 years since my open heart surgery. these milestones remind me to be grateful for the gift of good health.
I am particularly grateful this year for the prompting of the Holy Spirit to spur me on to finally develop the discipline to finish writing my book. Completing the manuscript in August and submitting it to the publisher on August 22, the day on which the Church celebrates the Memorial of the Queenship of Mary, was indeed a wonderful moment. The editing, proofreading, and the other elements of getting a book published has been a tremendous learning experience. The book is being printed now and I should have copies in a week or two at the latest. I will be able to do some pre-release gatherings before the official release on February 28, 2017.
There are plenty of intercessions to be offered as well. It seems like there is never a shortage of people to pray for and concerns to be brought before the foot of the cross. Here are some of my petitions for this New Year’s Eve.
I pray for all church leadership—the pope, bishops, priests, deacons, religious, and all lay leaders striving to proclaim the Good News of Salvation in their respective roles. Fill them with zeal, energy, hope, integrity, courage, perseverance, and a genuine love for God’s people. As the Diocese of Cheyenne is currently without a bishop, I pray in particular that the Holy Spirit is already welling up within the man who will be our next bishop.
I pray for all who bear the name of Christian—may each of us live our lives in such a way that we truly bear witness to Jesus Christ.
I pray for all who do not know Jesus Christ—may they come to encounter the living God through the faithful witness of those who believe and follow in the footsteps of Christ.
I pray for all government leaders worldwide—may they govern with wisdom, prudence, and integrity as guided by the Holy Spirit. Specifically, I pray for our incoming president and vice president, the current U.S. Supreme Court Justices and any to be appointed, the U.S. Senators and Representatives, Cabinet Officials, ambassadors, and all appointees who wield power and influence.
I pray for all local government officials as well—the governors, lieutenant governors, secretaries of state, treasurers, auditors, senators, representatives, judges, mayors, city administrators, council men and women, sheriffs, and all appointees who wield power and influence in any way. May each of them carry out their duties with diligence, prudence, wisdom, and integrity.
I pray for who are struggling in any way. I pray for those whose hearts are broken due to relationships falling apart. May the shattered hopes and dreams eventually be pieced back together in renewed spirit and vigor.
I pray for the incarcerated and all of their families–may they find strength, hope, healing, and conversion.
I pray for the homeless—may they find shelter in the immediate circumstances and eventually obtain a safe haven that is more permanent.
I pray for the unemployed and the underemployed—may all who seek gainful employment be successful in their endeavors.
I pray for all those suffering from physical illness—may they experience healing, comfort, and peace through the mercy of the Divine Physician.
I pray for all those suffering from mental illness and emotional issues—may they find solace and healing from the support and encouragement of loved ones. May they also experience beneficial help from the medical community and the healing touch of our Lord.
I pray for all who are depressed, especially those contemplating suicide—may they reach out and get the help they need to cope with the current circumstances and be led to healing and wholeness in the love of Jesus Christ.
I pray for all those who are home-bound, in hospitals, nursing homes, and under the care of hospice—may they experience genuine love from those who care for their needs.
I pray for the terminally ill—may they find comfort in the love of family and friends and eternal hope in the embrace of Jesus Christ who is Lord forever and ever.
I pray for all those suffering from addictions. Through God’s grace, the help of others, and a definitive purpose to be set free, may each of you truly experience the freedom you desire.
I pray for all those family members who care for loved ones who are suffering—may God fill you with patience, fortitude, and strength.
I pray for all who are grieving the death of a loved one—may you find comfort and peace in the warm embrace of God’s love and the care and concern of other family and friends.
I pray for the safety of all travelers.
I pray for our law enforcement personnel and other first responders—may they be protected at all times, but especially on this particular night which generally adds to the stress level of their positions. Give each of them keen insight and awareness, quick reflexes and solid judgments, and bring them safely back to their families at the end of their shift.
I pray for all who are coping with natural disasters.
I pray for our culture—may we turn back to God with our whole heart, mind, soul, and strength.
I pray that we may be aware of the sacred dignity and value of each human life from conception through natural death. May we build a true culture of life in our society.
I pray for all couples preparing for marriage and those who are newly married—may their future children draw them closer to Christ and to each other.
I pray for all children who will be born today—may they may come to know a world which chooses life over death and light over darkness.
I pray for all little children who await the birth of a new sister or brother—may the joyful expectation that shows in their eyes inspire their parents to hope and conviction.
I pray for obstetrical doctors and nurses and all who nurture the life of children in the womb–may God bless them for their faith, compassion, and love.
I pray for all who have been scarred by the tragedy of abortion—may they experience repentance, healing, and peace.
I pray for all people who work in the media—may God move them to a conversion of heart which reverences human life and upholds the dignity of human sexuality.
I pray for those who march for life in Washington, D.C. and all across the nation each January—may their voices be heard and the lives of children be saved.
I pray for all those trapped in human trafficking—may they be set free from the bondage they are in and society effectively address the needs of the vulnerable among us.
I pray for the refugees and all persecuted Christians—may they find safety and security from those who want to do them harm.
I pray for all who have died this past year. May they rest in God’s eternal dwelling.
I pray for peace throughout the world.
Finally, I pray for myself. Lord, please help me to grow in wisdom and in favor with You in 2017. Give me Your grace and Your blessing that I may root out sin from my life and join my will more completely to Your Divine Will. Dear Lord, make me holy as you are holy!
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Dear Readers,
If you have specific prayer requests that you would like included in my list of intentions, please mention them in the comment section and I will certainly add your petitions to my list. If it is a private request that you don’t want everyone to see, feel free to e-mail it to me at:
deaconvernon@gmail.com
I have posted this blog entry on the 30th to allow time for feedback so I can have the petitions all gathered by the evening of the 31st.
Please know of my gratitude for each of you who hold me up in prayer. Your kindness is truly appreciated.
Have a Blessed and Holy 2017!
Sincerely in Christ,
Deacon Vernon
Tomorrow, (Friday, December 30) the Church celebrates the Feast of The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. This feast should give all of us hope and courage as we strive to become holy families as well.
We may experience problems in our families, but I can only imagine some of the discussions that went on in this Holy Family starting from the beginning. The mystery of the Incarnation was very real for Mary and Joseph and had practical implications. Mary’s explanation to Joseph that she had become pregnant by the power of the Holy Spirit was not a small matter for Joseph to digest. Joseph and Mary both walked by faith. They have given us a tremendous example to follow.
Our families aren’t perfect. We each have our areas of struggle and sin. The tensions and stress in our day-to-day lives can also take a toll. There are financial difficulties, addictions, anger issues, mistrust, suspicions, communication difficulties, and broken relationships. The potential pitfalls in developing healthy relationships are many. We need fervent prayer and a rock solid commitment to do our best to make our families holy. Even then, we still stumble and fall from time to time. That is why we are in need of grace and redemption.
I offer my prayers today for all families–small families, large families, cohesive families, splintered families, nuclear families, extended families, merged families, healthy families, and shattered families. May each of you experience the profound love, mercy, and healing touch of Almighty God!
What is your purpose in life? The week between Christmas Day and New Year’s Day is when many people begin to think about making resolutions for the new year. I read a statistic today that says about 38% of people make resolutions and about 2% of those resolutions are actually fulfilled. I did not verify these statistics from the original source, but it sounds like a realistic possibility that these numbers are accurate.
During the Christmas holidays I have been spending some time reading a couple of books. One book that I am re-reading is by John C. Maxwell entitled, “Your Road Map for Success.” His material always reminds me to get my priorities in line with what I want to accomplish. It begins with knowing my purpose in life. Thankfully, John Maxwell helped me understand this many years ago when I was first introduced to “Developing the Leader Within You.” I want to add value to the lives of other people by teaching and preaching God’s love for them. That is my purpose.
As John Maxwell describes success I am challenged to ask myself some difficult questions. Am I growing to reach my maximum potential? This can cover a multitude of areas in my life. Am I growing in holiness? Do I pray with frequency and fervor? Am I growing in my ministry? I strive to be a continous learner because I never want to be content with the status quo. However, it can sometimes be an uphill climb to stay motivated. How do I keep a positive attitude amid the struggles?
The answers to these questions, and many more, give an indication of the fruitfulness of my ministry. Am I truly sowing seeds that benefit others? This includes my words, my actions, and my inactions. Do I model Christ’s love for others in my behavior? Am I a credible witness when I teach and preach?
I typically don’t make resolutions for the new year beginning on January 1. I prefer to examine my conscience and my life at the beginning of Advent, Lent, and during my annual retreat. This provides a foundation for daily reflections throughout the year to be aware of whether or not I am truly “walking humbly with my God.” If there is not a consistent time of meditation and reflection each and every day it is easy to get off track.
I simply close by asking three questions utilizing John Maxwell’s definition of success.
1. Do you know your purpose in life?
2. Are you growing to reach your maximum potential?
3. Are you sowing seeds that benefit others?
(I highly recommend that you read any of John Maxwell’s books. You won’t be disappointed.)
This is my eighth Christmas in Cheyenne, Wyoming. It has been my privilege to always assist the bishop at Midnight Mass. I decided to keep up the tradition this year even though our diocese is curently without a bishop. The rector of the cathedral was the main celebrant and gave a compassionate message to God’s people. The choir was vibrant, the liturgical environment was beautiful, and it was a prayerful celebration of the Incarnation of the Word of God.
It is a cold and blustery day in Cheyenne today. I am grateful to be at home where it is warm and comfortable. I am always a bit tired on Christmas Day. Going to sleep right after I get home from Midnight Mass is usually not in the cards. Today was no different. As I watched the clock turn 3:00 A.M. and I was still wide awake, I knew a nap would be on the agenda for today. It is strange to see how our bodies react to different circumstances. I could not hardly stay awake waiting for midnight to arrive, but then I was wide awake when it was time to go to sleep after Mass. (I must be geting old!)
Social media has been filled with Christmas greetings, videos, pictures, and warm wishes. Would it not be wonderful if we could embrace such sentiments all year round? That is the grace which we celebrate today for “God so loved the world that He sent His only Begotten Son.”
I am grateful for the many good people who have been part of my life through the years. (I will admit that I am a bit jealous of my friends and relatives living in places like Florida. I could use a litle heat and humidity right now.) I am grateful for the many people with whom I have had the privilege of being a co-worker in the vineyard of the Lord during these last eighteen years in Missouri, Colorado, and now Wyoming. I am especially grateful for the group pictured below–the Chancery Staff of the Diocese of Cheyenne.
We are blessed indeed. Merry Christmas!
There were about two dozen people gathered at the historic Cheyenne Depot Plaza at noon for the brief memorial service honoring all of the homeless people that died over the past year. The first names of seven individuals were read by Pastor Rick Veit, and then he rang a bell after each name was called. Finally, the bell rang an eighth time for any of the deceased homeless of which we were unaware of their passing.
The brief ceremony was a solemn reminder of the dire circumstances that many people experience. It was thirty degrees outside with a 16 mph wind making it feel like nineteen degrees. I have stood out there for this service in much colder conditions. However, by the time I walked back to the office today (six blocks) after attending the service I was quite chilled. I was bundled up and only in the cold for thirty minutes. How would I make it if I had no shelter at all?
Each time Psalm 90 comes up in the Liturgy of the Hours I must pause a little while to ponder. Psalm 90 verse 10 lets us know that our life span is typically seventy years, or eighty if we are strong. However, the picture painted of these years is what makes me pause. Depending upon the translation being used, we see the description of these years of life as being filled with emptiness, pain, trouble, sorrow, toil, labor, struggle, oppression, affliction, misery, and vanity. Are you excited for that experience?
There is no shortage of sickness and suffering in our world. The violence that permeates much of our inner cities is featured in the news each evening. The pain and suffering in Syria continues to mount with each passing day. Our hospitals and nursing homes are filled with people who are suffering with physical, mental, and emotional maladies. How can we help alleviate the suffering in our hurting world?
Even if the psalmist is accurate in the depiction of what life looks like for our seventy or eighty years, does it mean we simply resign ourselves to that fact and do nothing to meet the needs of those who are hurting? I do not believe that is the case. Jesus came to bring glad tidings to the poor and to proclaim liberty to captives. He brought hope to people through His ministry of preaching, teaching, and healing. Shall we not do likewise?
In this final week of Advent, how are you going to love?
I received a beautiful Himalayan Salt Lamp today as a Christmas gift. I was unfamiliar with any potential health benefits from having a lamp such as this, but after reading about it I am fascinated by some of the positive effects that are possible. Will it make me smarter? Even if some of these claims tend to be less than accurate from a scientific vantage point, the lamp still adds an ambiance to my office that it did not have prior to now.
We are a few hours away from being under a “Winter Weather Advisory.” While I have several social functions scheduled for today and tomorrow, I am grateful to be in town and not on the road. If the weather gets really bad I have no commitments which demand my presence. I can stay home where I will be safe and warm. In these days of frigid temperatures and blowing snow, I do not take for granted having warm shelter. It is a blessing to have “shelter from the storm.”
On December 21, we will once again mark “Homeless Memorial Day” here in Cheyenne. This event is held in cities all across the country on this date because it is the longest night of the year. Obviously, the homeless struggle during the long, cold, and snowy nights. It is appropriate that the memorial service is held on the day with the least amount of sunlight. I have attended the “Homeless Memorial Day” service whenever my schedule has permitted. We call to mind all of the homeless people of the city who have died over the past year. A bell is rang once for each of the deceased after his/her name has been called. If you are one of my readers from the Cheyenne area, the service will be held at noon on Wedenesday, December 21, at the Depot Plaza. (Please note the location change from previous years. It is usually held at the capitol steps, but has been changed to the Depot Plaza due to the construction at the capitol.) If you are not from the Cheyenne area you will have to check the National Coalition for the Homeless website to see if there is one being held in your locale.
nationalhomeless.org/about-us/projects/memorial-day/
The cold snap will affect much of the country in the coming days. If you are safe and warm, give thanks and praise to God. Please consider giving a helping hand to those less fortunate.
As we eneter into the final days of Advent, we prepare to celebrate with the “O Antiphons” beginning tomorrow, December 17. If you are unfamiliar with the “O Antiphons” I invite you to do some research and find out why these days are different from December 17 through December 23.