Articulating Hope

Category: Archive

  • Maria Dobelmann and Tyler Ward Are Married

    It is hard to believe after months and months of planning that the wedding day of my daughter arrived today and is now complete.  Her mom and I are grateful for the truly marvelous celebration.  I am going to skip posting a lengthy description of the day.  Instead, I am simply going to give you the link to Bishop Etienne’s blog where you can see the homily that was delivered today at the wedding ceremony.  Enjoy!

    http://bishopsblog.dioceseofcheyenne.org/2015/05/23/the-dignity-of-marriage-the-love-of-a-man-and-woman/

  • Diocese of Cheyenne Priesthood Ordinations

    I extend my sincere congratulations to Fr. Hiep and Fr. Augustine.  The Mass of Ordination was a beautiful celebration today at the Cathedral of St. Mary. May God bless each of you abundantly today and always!

  • As The Scrapbook Fades And Crumbles

    Have you pulled out your scrapbook lately and spent some time reminiscing? Do people even have scrapbooks any longer or is everything kept digitally preserved?  Well, I have a scrapbook and it is falling apart.  The plastic pages have lost their grip, the pictures are turning yellow, and the newspaper clippings are looking a bit worn and tattered.  It may be symbolic of the way I feel recently since spending a couple of days in the hospital in March.  I just don’t feel up to speed and probably resemble my scrapbook in many ways. 

    I had not looked at my scrapbook for many years, but I was prompted to do so this week because of something that caught my eye on the internet.  I was looking for an on-line video of a homily I gave about seven or eight years ago before moving to Wyoming.  I typed my name into the search engine to see if I could locate what I wanted to see.  I became distracted when I saw my name associated with a website of which I was unfamiliar.  So I clicked on the site. To my surprise there was an article published in the Heartland Connection on March 31, 2015 which mentioned me by name. http://www.heartlandconnection.com/sports/story.aspx?id=1185091#.VVurR_lViko
    It said, “On the mound, redshirt freshman Kent Frantz is the first Bulldog hurler to start 5-0 on a season since Vernon Dobelmann did so in 1982.”

    I was unaware that going 5-0 as a pitcher was that dramatic of an accomplishment.  It was a bit surprising to read in this article that another pitcher at the university had not succeeded in doing so in the last 33 years until Kent came along this year.  A lot has changed in those 33 years, including the name of the school.  It was Northeast Missouri State University when I attended.  Now it is Truman State University.

    Reading this article prompted me to pull out my scrapbook and spend some time looking back.  It gave me a sense of perspective of how things change through the years.  I played basketball and baseball at the university level and enjoyed a certain amount of success in each sport.  I received Honorable Mention to the Academic All-American Baseball Team my senior year.  This was my favorite accomplishment because I valued the education I received in addition to the privilege of playing sports.

    Why does any of this matter today?  It fills me with a sense of gratitude.  I was blessed to play in two different sports at the collegiate level and attain my academic education via a basketball scholarship.  That is truly a blessing.  It also reminds me that everything I have is a gift from God.  It was only three short years after graduation from college that I was diagnosed with cancer the first time.  I am about to hit my 29th anniversary of being a survivor since the first diagnosis and 14 years since the second diagnosis.  The health and vigor I enjoyed as a young man in college is not something I take for granted. Major surgery and chemotherapy treatments have a way of letting you know just how precious the gift of good health truly is.  

    I can no longer dunk a basketball.  I can no longer throw an 85 mph fastball or a sharp curve ball.  However, I have the memories of those days.  I have the memories of the college campuses I was able to see because of sports.  I played as far away as Anchorage and Kotzebue, Alaska to the north and west and Florence, Alabama to the south and east.  Those were some fantastic experiences.

    My scrapbook may be fading and crumbling.  That is okay.  I still enjoy the pictures and the memories.  My health and vitality is not what it used to be. That is okay.  I am a child of God and blessed with grace.  A trip down memory lane  reminded me that life has not always been easy.  That is okay.  The suffering has highlighted the many comforts, pleasures, and priviliges that have also been present on the journey.

    What are some of your favorite memories from days gone by?  Take some time today to give thanks to God for all of the blessings.  

    This is 1983 at the University of Missouri St. Louis
    This is 1983 at the University of Missouri St. Louis
     I was able to wear the number 30 for both sports my senior year

  • Christ’s Unconquered Athlete–St. Andrew Bobola

    Athletics are a big deal in modern society.  The amount of money involved is staggering.  The power, prestige, and the fame that goes along with it are also mind-boggling.  The weight-lifting, the conditioning, the practicing, and the self-discipline exercised by some athletes can bring a sense of awe to those who yearn for such accomplishments.  There is definitely an aspect of sacrifice connected with the pursuit of athletic excellence.  What would happen in our lives if that type of dedication was put forth in regard to our spiritual training?

    Andrew Bobola was an individual who demonstrated such a commitment.  He willingly undertook the difficult labors and hardships to safeguard the Catholic faith of his fellow citizens.  Andrew understood the necessity of protecting their moral life.  The same is desperately true for the people of the modern era.  How desperately do we need spiritual leaders in our world today with the same type of tenacity and commitment as Andrew Bobola?

    On May 16, 1957, Pope Pius XII issued the encyclical letter, Invicti Athletae. It was the 300th anniversary of the martyrdom of Andrew Bobola.  On May 16, 1657, on the Feast of the Lord’s Ascension into heaven, this Jesuit priest was sieged, tortured and ultimately executed for his faith.  Paragraphs 17—19 of the encyclical describe the horrible ordeal with enough detail to churn the stomach.  Here was an athlete for Christ who ran the race to the finish.

    While this encyclical was written well over a half century ago, the contents of paragraph 22 demonstrate a peculiar timelessness in the struggles of the Church.  In part it states, “Today, to Our sorrow, there are places where the Christian faith either languishes in inert weakness, or is practically extinguished. The Gospel teaching is almost entirely ignored by many; by others – what is worse – it is totally repudiated.” 

    Those words of the encyclical sound a lot like what we are experiencing today in 2015.  Pope Pius XII is reminding all of us, but in particular those of us in leadership positions within the Church, that we have work to do.  It is evident that that the Christian faith is languishing in inert weakness here in the United States of America.  Are we going to idly sit by and watch the flame of faith get completely extinguished?  Where is the sense of urgency?  Are we going to continue week after week in a mode of status quo?

    It is no secret that the teachings of the Gospel are ignored on a widespread basis all across the country, and this includes some of the people who are actually sitting in the pews on a weekly basis. Unfortunately, the wolf at the door has been successful in scattering the flock.  The example of St. Andrew Bobola will hopefully inspire a new generation of faithful leaders willing to lay down their lives for the faith.  May the flame of faith received at Baptism be kept burning brightly throughout our entire lives!

    I encourage you to read the encyclical in its entirety.  It can be found on the Vatican website at:  
    http://w2.vatican.va/content/pius-xii/en/encyclicals/documents/hf_p-xii_enc_16051957_invicti-athletae.html

  • The Mystagogy Experience–Pentecost Power!

    Would you lead the final session of mystagogy?  That is a question I love having placed before me.  Getting invited to lead the neophytes through the mysteries of faith right before the celebration of Pentecost is exciting.  Seeing their enthusiasm, their desire, and their hunger for more is truly uplifting.  The Church can benefit immensely from what these new converts have to offer.

    Why do people continue to enter the Church if an increasing number of those within the fold are choosing to walk away?  As noted earlier this week from Pew research more and more people are entering the category of “None” in regard to their religious affiliation.  Will the neophytes make it for the long haul, or will a significant percentage of them enter the “None” category within a year or two?

    One of the participants in the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) labeled the experience as “fun.”  I had never heard that word used as a descriptive when discussing anything about church.  I usually hear dull, boring, and lifeless.  So I asked for some specific examples of what this individual found to be fun.  It came down to the relationships that had been developed.  There was a new-found relationship with God and a bonding with the other participants of RCIA.  It was fun.  Wonderful!

    I strive to make the last gathering an exciting and fun endeavor as well.  There is a yearning inside me to conduct a full six-week Life In The Spirit Seminar and cram it into this one 90 minute session.  However, I refrain from that attempt, but cover a lot of ground nonetheless.  I pose a multitude of questions and explore a broad spectrum of topics.  Although there is still some hesitation to engage vibrantly in the discussions, eventually the ball gets rolling and the impact of being initiated into the Church begins to be revealed.  Here is a condensed list of some of the questions I toss out to the group:

    1.      What has been your experience since the Easter Vigil?

    2.      Have you spent any time reflecting on the gift of faith?

    3.      Do you worship with full, conscious, and active participation at the Eucharistic liturgy?

    4.      Do you take time for daily prayer?  Are you disciplined in this practice?

    5.      Do you read, reflect, and pray with the Sacred Scriptures?

    6.      Have you spent any additional time reflecting on the Creed?

    7.      Have you continued to learn and grow in your knowledge of the faith?

    8.      Have you opened the door of faith for others?

    9.      How are you serving the poor and marginalized members of society?

    10.  Are you sincerely seeking holiness in your life?

    The promise of Pentecost isn’t just for the neophytes.  It is for all of us.  Do we truly believe the Scriptures?  “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you.”  Are we walking in that power?  Do we believe that we will do the works Jesus did, and greater still, because He has gone to the Father?  (See John 14:12)  Jesus came that we may have life and have it to the full. (John 10:10)  Let’s have the courage to start living like we believe it!  

                            Come Holy Spirit!

  • Do Liberals Celebrate The Persecution Of Christians?

    The Huffington Post is certainly not a conservative publication.  However, Lucia Annuziata, the editor of the Italian version of The Huffington Post recently asked, “Why doesn’t the Left advocate for persecuted Christians?”  I am grateful that someone from the liberal media has finally acknowledged the disconnect that exists in some of the Leftist mentalities.

    It is no secret that the Catholic Church has been an obstacle to the “progressive” agenda of the Left.  Catholics continue to work for the preservation of life for the child in the womb.  In the liberal mind this hinders a woman’s freedom.  There is no mention of the freedom of the child also involved in this equation, but death for that individual is apparently okay.  

    Physician-assisted suicide has been staunchly opposed by the Catholic Church.  In the liberal mindset it is simply “death with dignity.”  Death for those individuals is apparently okay.

    The HHS Mandate of the Affordable Care Act was a direct assault on Catholic and other religious institutions.  It was another piece of the puzzle established to disrupt the effectiveness of Catholic organizations in their opposition to abortion, sterilization, and contraception.  The court battles have been long and arduous.  The government appears to be insistent upon taking away religious freedom in our country and simply replacing it with Freedom of Worship. Apparently, the death of religion is okay to the liberal way of thinking. 

    Have you noticed the heated rhetoric addressed toward the Church for the stance taken in opposition to “same-sex marriage?”  Wow!  In the process of labeling people of faith as intolerant, the Left has certainly demonstrated a great deal of intolerance toward the Christian people.  Apparently, the defamation of character, the financial ruin caused to Christian business owners by threat of physical harm and other such violent actions are acceptable.  The lives and livelihoods of these people who dare to stand in the way of progress are simply collateral damage.  Apparently, their demise is acceptable.

    The Left constantly reminds us that they are standing up for the common man and woman.  The interpretation of such statements must be different for a liberal and conservative individual.  Are the Christians who are being persecuted and murdered not worthy of an outcry from all of us—liberal or conservative?  Unfortunately, the silence has been deafening from both sides of the political aisle.  I believe many conservative and religious people have simply resigned themselves to the idea that there is nothing they can do.  Defeatism such as this certainly accomplishes nothing.  Complacency and apathy are attitudes we adopt ourselves; they are not thrust upon us by someone else.

    On the other hand, why has the Left been silent when they are typically very vocal about everything?  Could it be that the liberal segment of our population is okay with the steady decline of Christians in whatever manner that transpires?  As the Christian population declines so does the opposition to the progressive agenda.  Is that it?  In my heart I keep hoping that my observations of these events will lead to a different conclusion.  As things currently appear I am growing more concerned that my conclusions are accurate.

    The U.S. Supreme Court is likely to take another chunk of our liberty as the Justices address the issue of “same-sex marriage.”  While the Catholic Church remains opposed to these actions based upon moral and natural law arguments, there is also a ripple effect that will impact the religious freedom of people in a multitude of ways.  It won’t just be the ministers and all those other entities typically connected to weddings that will be impacted.  The end result will be much more dramatic.  

    A combination of factors are coming together to create a scenario in which there could be a complete dismantling of major portions of the Roman Catholic Church in America.  Will the progressives celebrate that accomplishment?  Do you think I am overstating of the gravity of the matter?  Many religious institutions will be impacted by the various mandated regulations, laws, or court decisions currently under review by our government, and the Catholic Church is a key figure in these maneuverings of the Left.  

    How much of the healthcare in our country is provided by Catholic hospitals and medical centers?  As the government continues to strive to force Catholic hospitals to go against their religious values and principles, what will be the end result?  Do we cave and give in to the demands and violate our consciences in the process?  If we refuse to comply, will the government shut the Catholic facilities down utilizing a variety of tactics?  Either way, the Catholic Church and a vital ministry to the suffering will take a hit.

    Catholic education will take a serious blow as a consequence of the legalization of “same-sex marriage.”  Campus housing for married couples at Catholic colleges and universities will most likely have to be eliminated.  If they keep married housing available on campus the college will be forced to offer it to same-sex couples.  If they refuse to do so the lawsuits will be plentiful.  In the end, the tax-exempt status will be lost for violating the rights of these students and other financial penalties will be sure to follow. Furthermore, this will ultimately result in the elimination of teaching the fullness of the faith on campus.  This will especially be true in regard to the sexual and moral issues which conflict with the government standards.  The inability to teach the faith will simply turn religious schools into secular schools.   The Catholic Church with a beautiful and long history of educating the people of our country will take a destructive blow.  

    Obviously, when we place people into categories such as left and right or liberal and conservative, we run the risk of overgeneralizing things.  In no way am I attempting to do that.  I am simply making a few observations and asking some basic question about the liberal philosophy of looking at matters of life and death in three different circumstances.  (1) As a person of faith, I believe the baby in the womb deserves life because God knew him/her before he/she was even formed in the womb.  (2) A doctor who has taken an oath to do no harm should not assist a person in committing suicide.  (3) The Christians being murdered by ISIS deserve some type of acknowledgement.  Does anyone care?

    The progressive agenda is okay with the 56 million deaths since 1973.  It has certainly been a far cry from the liberal mantra regarding abortion that it be safe, legal, and RARE.  Abortion has been, and continues to be, a scourge on our nation.  

    The promotion of physician-assisted suicide by the Left is just another incremental step toward the elimination of people based upon functional abilities.  The elderly and infirm will soon be in danger of having others decide when it is time for them to leave this world.  Euthanasia is becoming more and more of a perceived reality in the not too distant future.  

    The slaughter of Christians currently taking place demonstrates clearly that we as a nation are able to turn our heads and look away and do nothing.  That is a scary thought when you really take the time to ponder what is happening.  History reveals the dire consequences when such actions are left unchecked and even ignored.

    Finally, the vicious attacks from the Left on Catholic institutions and other Christian organizations will serve as a deterrent to anyone daring to stand up against the progressive agenda.  Who would want to go through what others have experienced simply because they chose to live out the principles of their faith?  My dear people, there is going to be a definitive cost for being a Christian in the days ahead.  Are we willing to stand up and pay the price?

  • Earthquakes and Riots Each Result In Suffering

    Have we simply grown numb in regard to being impacted by massive amounts of suffering?  Whether it is a natural disaster such as an earthquake in Nepal or a man-made fiasco such as the rioting in Baltimore, do we even give it a second thought if it isn’t directly impacting us at the moment?  Modern technology enables us to know all about these events as they unfold before our eyes, but how has the availability of an abundance of information affected our processing of these events?

    I will keep it short and sweet today asking a few basic questions for your reflection.

    1.      Have you prayed for the earthquake victims, the survivors, and all the family members impacted by this devastating event?

    2.      Did you contribute any financial assistance to a reputable Christian organization to assist in the relief efforts?

    3.      Have you prayed for the people of Baltimore? 

    4.      Have you volunteered lately at any local community organization or charity which strives to improve the community?

    My dear readers, if we aren’t part of the solution, we are part of the problem.  We may not be able to give thousands of dollars to charities each year; we may not be able to volunteer hundreds of hours with local organizations and churches needing our help.  However, we are all able to do something.  Building up the Kingdom of God is a responsibility in which we all share through our baptismal calling.  What will you do TODAY?

  • 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!”