The drive from Cheyenne to Laramie can be a bit challenging in the winter. Getting over the summit at 8,640 feet has been quite treacherous at times. However, as I have made my way over “the hill” the last couple of days I have been struck by the beauty of the trees. If one gets off of Interstate 80 and takes the scenic route of Happy Jack Road between the two cities the brightness of the colors can be seen in their majestic splendor.
The focus of the Institute has been on living stewardship as a way of life. Enjoying the magnificence of creation during my commute has put the presentations into living color right before my eyes. We have been reminded time and time again during the presentations to live a life filled with gratitude. That has definitely been affirmed for me as I have gazed upon the natural beauty of the landscape these past couple of days.
Are you living your life filled with gratitude? Name five specific reasons why you are grateful. Give thanks to the Lord for His mercy endures forever!
During the summer one of the restaurants in town closed for remodeling. As I drove by it one day early on in the process it appeared that the remodeling had turned into a much larger project. Eventually, a whole new building emerged with a new parking lot and fresh landscaping as well. I do not know if it is true or not, but I heard that once the remodeling began some serious defects in the foundation were discovered. Instead of remodeling it turned into a complete rebuild.
How is the foundation of your faith? Are there any cracks or other serious defects present? The Sunday Scripture readings focus on stewardship for a few weeks. These readings present an opportunity to reflect on our overall faith journey. While we can focus on the aspect of financial giving and the utilization of our material resources, it is also a splendid time to look at the foundation which propels the generous giving of our time, talent, and treasure. We are not simply humanitarians. Our faith in Jesus Christ drives our generosity.
First and foremost, are we people of prayer? How do we more fully unite our will to the will of God? It is through prayer that we discern God’s will. It is through prayer that we are impacted by the power of the Holy Spirit with the gifts necessary to fulfill our mission. The gifts of courage and perseverance equip us to answer the call of God in our lives. If we are not being faithful in prayer there is a serious flaw in our foundation.
Are we celebrating the Sacraments of the Church with frequency and fervor? These outward signs are avenues of God’s grace. Do we enter into these mysteries with full, conscious, and active participation? If celebrating the Eucharistic Liturgy each week is unimportant to us we have a serious flaw in our foundation.
Are we studying the faith on a regular basis? Are we reading the Scriptures and sitting quietly before the Lord to listen? If we are functioning on a level of knowledge that we had in elementary school it is time to bump it up a notch. If we are content with having minimal knowledge about our faith we have a serious flaw in our foundation.
The reflection questions for today are straightforward. Does your faith life need some remodeling? If foundation repair is needed where will you begin? The Lord calls each of us to a vibrant faith. How will we nurture this beautiful gift that has been given to us?
A short trip down “memory lane” yesterday morning reminded me of just how profoundly God has moved in my life through the years. I had the pleasure of visiting with Bishop David Ricken, and his sister Carol, after the Foundation Breakfast yesterday. They graciously made their way through the chancery office and greeted all of us despite their full schedule for the short time they would be in the area.
Although Bishop Ricken was already gone from the Diocese of Cheyenne when I arrived, our paths are surprisingly connected. Bishop Ricken was a priest in the Diocese of Pueblo, Colorado before becoming a bishop. At one time he had been the Vocation Director for the Diocese of Pueblo, a role which I would eventually assume years later. Bishop Ricken and I had never met until December of 2009, and we have only had the opportunity to visit a few times since then. It was great to have a chance yesterday to share some conversation with him and Carol in my office.
Carol Ricken’s story about the advice she received when becoming principal of St. Mary’s School was powerful. Moving from public education into Catholic education requires a shift in mindset. Thankfully, she had someone willing to point out that significant difference and how her leadership would change because of that. Carol’s testimony about her time at St. Mary’s School was a joy to hear.
As Bishop Ricken and I reflected a little on our time in Pueblo, and discussed the journey of where we each now find ourselves, I was reminded of how each step in ministry has prepared me for the next step. I never anticipated being in Cheyenne, Wyoming, but the sequence of events in my ministerial journey makes it evident that this is where I am supposed to be.
Being a Theology teacher at Valle Catholic High School in Sainte Genevieve, Missouri laid some groundwork to be a principal at Assumption Catholic School in O’Fallon, Missouri. Being a principal certainly gave me some insights for understanding my current role as Superintendent of Catholic Schools for the Diocese of Cheyenne. Being a campus minister, serving as a parish Director of Religious Education, organizing inter-generational faith formation events, and a variety of other responsibilities including Vocation Director and Deacon Director prepared me for my role as the Director of Pastoral Ministries for the Diocese of Cheyenne. All of these experiences have also enhanced my role as a deacon as well.
Are you able to look at your life experiences and see how God has prepared you for certain aspects of the journey? At this point in time, what doors seem to be closing in your life? What new adventures seem to be opening up? What fills you with energy and zeal? Where is your life heading? Have you prayed specifically recently about God’s will for your life?
I extend my appreciation to Bishop David Ricken and Carol Ricken for making the trip to Cheyenne to help us raise funds for the St. Mary’s School Foundation. Many people appreciated having the opportunity to visit with both of you again. I am certainly one of those that enjoyed spending some time with you. Please know of our gratitude for your kindness, your prayers, and your ministry to God’s people. May God bless each of you and all of the people of the Diocese of Green Bay, Wisconsin!
The day got off to an early start as I made my way to St. Mary’s School for the Fourth Annual Foundation Breakfast. I arrived at 6:30 A.M. and there was already the hustle and bustle of the Knights of Columbus preparing breakfast. The tables were set and decorated. Students were present and ready to be of service to the guests as well.
Approximately 200 people were in attendance. It was a pleasure to listen to Bishop David Ricken give a few thoughts about Catholic education in general and St. Mary’s School in particular. His sister, Carol Ricken, former principal of St. Mary’s School, also shared some beautiful memories of her time at the school. Many people were happy to see the Rickens again and were appreciative of their effort to make the trip to Cheyenne from Green Bay, Wisconsin.
Numerous priests were on hand for the gathering including former Cathedral Rector, Rev. Gary Ruzicka. Several deacons from the city of Cheyenne were also present, including yours truly. We were also blessed to have Cheyenne Mayor Rick Kaysen, Secretary of State Ed Murray, and County Commissioner Troy Thompson in attendance. Bishop Etienne was on hand to welcome and introduce Bishop Ricken to the crowd.
Catholic schools play a prominent role in our communities. It was wonderful to see so many people giving up their early morning hours to be present for this fundraising endeavor. They obviously recognize the value of Catholic education. I give a tip of my hat this morning to everyone connected with St. Mary’s School in any fashion. Your generosity and support is greatly appreciated.
Recent days have been filled with plenty of activity. I took the photograph above nearly four months ago in Chimayo, New Mexico. It seems like ages have passed since I enjoyed the peace and tranquility offered by this beautiful space. It is certainly a blessing to have the opportunity to step away from the hectic pace of life every now and then to regain perspective and focus. I realize that not everyone gets those type of chances. I do not take for granted how fortunate I am.
The fullness of my calendar has kept me away from blogging on a frequent basis lately. I strive to be consistent in posting several times a week, but I also want to be writing things worth reading and not simply slapping something together to say that I posted something. I hope my faithful readers will understand occasional lapses in time.
Thursday, September 8, was the beginning of the National Football League 2016 season. I almost turned it off after the National Anthem was completed, but I wanted to see how Peyton Manning’s replacement would do. I was in a conflicted state of mind. Quite frankly, millionaires protesting the injustice of this country is difficult to watch. It does not seem very genuine to protest in such a manner. Unfortunately, almost everything seems to be tainted by political correctness, protests, or simply rude, crude, and unethical behavior. Our country is not perfect, but I don’t need to see a football player making millions of dollars refusing to stand for the singing of the National Anthem. I never buy any football clothing or other items connected with the NFL. I have never purchased tickets to attend a game. It seems that I now must make the last cut and stop watching it on television as well.
Friday, September 9, was a day set aside by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) as a Day of Prayer for Peace. The violence prevalent in our own country and around the world has impacted all of us to one degree or another. It is my hope that we pray for peace on a continual basis and strive to bring God’s love into our own communities as best we are able.
Saturday, September 10, was set aside asAbortion Day of Remembrance. The political fighting over this topic greatly diminishes our ability to reasonably address the moral aspect of this injustice. This is not simply a political issue. It is a moral issue. Those who seek a “seamless garment” approach to life issues from conception through natural death must understand why the abortion issue is front and center of the conversation. Until we get this issue right, it will be difficult to address poverty, homelessness, the death penalty, health care, care for the elderly, the infirm, and those incapacitated mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. If our society is okay with killing the helpless unborn individual, and we see in the political discourse a tendency toward celebrating the legality of being able to do this, we will never have the courage to address other life issues.
Sunday, September 11, was Patriot Day. The horror of 9/11 remains etched in the minds of all those old enough to remember. Pray for the family members who still mourn.
Sunday was also Grandparents’ Day. Anyone fortunate enough to have grandparents in their lives who love them is blessed indeed. Offer a prayer of gratitude for your grandparents whether they are living or deceased.
This past weekend was also the first meeting of the next group of men seeking to become permanent deacons in the Diocese of Cheyenne. My appointment to the Formation Board by the bishop means that I will be playing a key role in the formation processes of this group. The five year journey began this weekend with the first step. Please pray for all those discerning a call to the priesthood, diaconate, or religious life. May they clearly hear God’s call in their lives.
Finally, I stepped outside during one of the breaks this weekend at the diaconate formation gathering. Another sacrament was getting ready to take place on campus as the wedding party arrived in style. Let us pray for all married couples that they will have the fortitude to live out their marital vows with great love and fidelity.
As we celebrate Labor Day today, I am also taking some time to reflect upon my mom and dad’s wedding anniversary. It would be 74 years today. My dad died more than 22 years ago. My mom has been gone now just a little over ten months. This is the first time in years when I have not heard the question on September 5, from my mom, “Do you know what today is?” It is hard to believe that she marked the day without dad for more than twenty years.
Dad was in good health when they celebrated their 50th anniversary. We had no idea that just a year and five months later he would no longer be with us. The photographs have faded with time; my brothers have aged significantly since then; time marches on. (It’s my blog. I can’t help it if I need to point out the aging of my brothers while I stay young and dapper.)
Today is a day of gratitude. On this Labor Day I am thankful that I am healthy enough, strong enough, and fortunate enough to have a job that I enjoy and that provides for my family. Let us take a moment today to pray for all of those who are unemployed or underemployed. Let us pray for all those working in awful conditions. Let us pray for those trapped in human trafficking and forced into labor, especially those coerced into sexual slavery. Let us not take for granted the blessings we have received. May we utilize our resources to help those less fortunate than ourselves!
I am grateful for the precious gift of family–starting with my mom and dad. As I looked at the photo above I was quietly reflecting that just six years prior to that celebration I was fighting for my life going through chemotherapy treatments. Over a four month period my mom and dad sat at the hospital with me for 52 says. I know that wasn’t how they planned to spend their retirement.
I don’t know whether Margaret and I will make it to 50 years or not–only because we were older when we got married. We will take it a day at a time and see what happens. As for today, I simply remember my mom and dad and say, “HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!”
The nights are getting cool, the prairie has turned from green to gold, and the geese are on the move. While I enjoy the cool, crisp morning air I am not thrilled about moving toward winter. As we turn the page of the calendar tomorrow to the month of September I know it is only a matter of time before the snow makes it way to the area. Unlike some, I do not eagerly await the first snowfall.
As I look at my September schedule it reminds me to take full advantage of the upcoming three-day weekend. The activities and commitments remain pretty steady after that until Thanksgiving.
In my role as Superintendent of Catholic Schools I was recently invited to attend the Governor’s Symposium On Suicide Prevention. This is a topic that certainly needs to be addressed and I look forward to learning what I can through this symposium. The event is on September 27, and I am sure I will share some thoughts here on my blog after attending the gathering. I am grateful that the governor’s office invited me to attend.
September 9, has been set aside by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) as a day of prayer for peace. You can look on their website for more details. My readers in the Cheyenne area will have the opportunity to attend Mass on that day at noon at the Cathedral of St. Mary with Bishop Paul Etienne presiding.
Enjoy these final days of summer. For those of you who attending school, or if you are a parent or grandparent sending kids to school, I hope the academic year has gotten off to a good start for you. May you be blessed abundantly in all of your endeavors!
After many months of planning it is almost difficult to believe that in exactly two months I will be gathered with the deacons and their wives from the Diocese of Springfield, Illinois for a special convocation. As we approach the 50th anniversary of the restoration of the permanent diaconate, it is profitable for us to take some time to reflect upon our ministry in the Church. I am truly humbled and honored when I am invited by other dioceses to facilitate such reflections and discussions.
While much has been written about the role of the deacon in the last several decades, there is still a great deal of misunderstanding about his particular vocation. Fifty years in the life of the Church is a relatively short period of time. Subsequently, there is still an opportunity for growth and greater appreciation for the role of the deacon in ministry.
I have experienced many things in my 17 years of ministry as a deacon serving in three different dioceses. It will be a pleasure to share some of the insights learned, and I look forward to learning from the experiences of the deacons and their wives from Springfield, Illinois. (I ask all of my readers to keep us in prayer for a fruitful gathering so that we may experience renewal in the Holy Spirit.)
The last two weeks have been packed with activity all across the state. Logging in nearly 2,000 miles over the last seven days has made me a bit on the tired side, but it has been a phenomenal experience. On Wednesday I spent the day with the faculty of Holy Spirit Catholic School in Rock Springs, Wyoming for a day of retreat. While there was still much work to do to get ready for the start of school on Monday, it was a tremendous blessing to spend this time reflecting upon WHY we do the work we do.
I had the privilege of presenting a three night parish mission in Rock Springs earlier this year during Lent. Going back this week to focus solely on the spiritual well-being of the faculty at the school was exciting. They are doing some amazing work at Holy Spirit Catholic School and I am blessed to be just a small part of it. You can feel the presence of God when you walk in the building. That is a tribute to the administration, faculty, and staff of the school.
I want to give a tip of the hat to all those involved in the life of the parish and school in Rock Springs. You are impacting your community in a very positive way. Keep up the good work.
I traveled to Casper, Wyoming today for the second annual Catholic Rural Life Mass and dinner. It was a beautiful day to celebrate the work of farmers and ranchers and to give thanks to Almighty God for the gift of creation entrusted our care.
After Mass and dinner I also had the opportunity to do a little sightseeing. In my nearly seven years of living in Wyoming I had heard the words Alcova and Pathfinder numerous times but had never been to these places. That changed today. The beauty of God’s creation is amazing.
A stop at Independence Rock was also part of the journey home.
It was a full weekend with a Catechist Workshop in Worland on Saturday and the Catholic Rural Life celebration today in Casper. The Church is full of life and vitality as we prepare to enter into a new academic year.
Next Stop–I am presenting a day-long retreat for the faculty and staff of Holy Spirit Catholic School in Rock Springs, Wyoming this week.
