I have been asked to help spread the word about this conference. Although I am unfamiliar with most of the speakers listed, I have heard Jesse Romero. He is a captivating speaker and brings a solid message. If you live anywhere within the Denver, Colorado area I would suggest giving it some thought.
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We are just a little over two weeks away from the parish mission in Wheatland, Wyoming. I am looking forward to preaching the weekend Masses in both Wheatland and Chugwater. This will be my first visit to the mission church in Chugwater.
Have I mentioned that I love the Lenten Season? Make these days holy! I arrived in Green River, Wyoming on Friday evening. I was amazed by the amount of snow on the ground. They have definitely had their share of the snowfall this winter. The weather was not conducive for spending much time outside. In addition to the snow covering most surfaces, it was also super windy and a bit on the cold side. I did attempt a walk in the park at Expedition Island. However, the cold and wind convinced me to go find somewhere indoors to get a little exercise. As I drove back to the church I noticed that the huge flag flying over the football field at the local school was standing straight out. It was a pretty sight to behold (from indoors). This is what the porch looked like at the rectory, and I was told that much melting had already occurred. The deer were eating the bushes right next to the church. A cold and windy trip to Expedition Island to see the Green River. The deer were resting when I returned. My events began on Saturday morning with a retreat for the volunteer ministers of the parish. I always appreciate an opportunity to spend time with the volunteers who keep our parishes going. They give generously of their time to the various ministries, and I want to do what I am able to keep them motivated and inspired to do their ministries with joy. It is also a good opportunity for me to simply say, "Thank you." I want to be sure we never take our volunteers for granted.
I then had the privilege of preaching at the three weekend Masses. Preaching the homily is a responsibility that weighs heavily on my heart. It is a time when people can encounter the Lord in a powerful way as the Sacred Scriptures are opened and expounded upon in a way that allows the Holy Spirit to move in our midst. Due diligence in prayer, study, and preparation for these moments stays in the forefront of my mind. I never want to get sloppy or negligent with this awesome privilege of preaching God's Word. The parish mission consisted of three nightly presentations each lasting one hour each. Parish missions are sometimes preached in the context of Mass. Other times, they are done outside of Mass. Obviously, the Eucharistic liturgy is our greatest prayer, and it is always beautiful to have a mission in that context. However, there are also benefits to having a mission outside the context of the liturgy. It gives an extended period of time for teaching and preaching on a given topic in greater detail. Opportunities for this type of in-depth teaching is rare in the usual life of the parish. That is what makes the parish mission a beautiful gift to God's people especially during the holy season of Lent. I frequently offer individual prayer with the people at the conclusion of the mission. I firmly believe that when two or more are gathered together in the Lord's name we will indeed encounter the living God in our midst just as the Sacred Scriptures promise. This experience at the conclusion of the mission is becoming my favorite part. God's people have needs, hurts, and struggles that we should be bringing to prayer. This is a profound way to do so. I am touched by the openness and sincere humility with which people seek God's healing and blessings at these times of prayer. People of Green River--please know of my gratitude for your kindness and hospitality during my time in your parish. My best wishes to you for a blessed and holy Lenten journey. Next parish mission--the Cathedral of St. Mary--beginning with the weekend Masses on March 18 and March 19. Following that mission, I will be headed to Wheatland and then Casper for the final two Lenten missions. "Repent and believe in the Gospel." How are you doing so far with your Lenten resolutions? This will be the third parish mission I have led in Green River, Wyoming. I was there in Lent of 2014 and Lent of 2015. Last year I was at a neighboring faith community in Rock Springs, but in 2017 it is back to Green River. These opportunities to get to the western side of the state are a blessing. I especially appreciate when I get to drive there on dry roads. A "memory" popped up on my social media page this monring from March 3, 2015. Interesting. It was a picture I took after shoveling snow to help clear the sidewalks and the parking lot in Green River for the last night of the parish mission two years ago. I hope there will be no shoveling this year. The Scripture readings this weekend focus our attention on temptation. How do we resist the temptation to sin? Jesus gives us some good insights. Listen carefully to this weekend's Gospel and allow yourself to be "Led by the Spirit" in all that you think, say, and do.
Governor Matthew Mead with the Eagle Scouts It was a great celebration with some terrific young men. I think this is a good message for all of us--not just the scouts. The Lions truly do serve their communities well.
Does the hat make me look taller? This was the quiet before the children came into the room. What a wonderful day it was at St. Mary's School reading to children as we celebrated the birthday of Dr. Seuss. The children heard books from Dr. Seuss most of the day. However, I was assigned to read a Yiddish folktale with a profound lesson. The book is entitled, It Could Always Be Worse. It had a powerful lesson that even the youngest of children were able to grasp. Margot Zemach shares a brilliant story about a wise rabbi who teaches a profound lesson to a man who thought his life was pretty tough. I highly recommend the book. This picture from last year's celebration was just too good not to include again this year. Our teachers frequently go the extra mile to make learning a true joy for the students. To everyone in the field of education, thank you!
The pastor from Our Lady of the Mountains Catholic Church in Jackson, Wyoming shared this photo with me. The associate pastor was celebrating the midday Mass on Ash Wednesday when this guest came walking up the sidewalk. I can't tell from the photo whether or not the visitor received ashes. Jackson is a beautiful place. God's creatures make it even more stunning. I hope your Lent has gotten off to a wonderful beginning! Repent and believe in the Gospel. It sounds like a pretty simple directive. May this Lenten season strengthen you in perseverance as you resolve to unite yourself more fully to God the Father, through His Son, Jesus Christ, in the fellowship and power of the Holy Spirit. May these days of penitence bring you immense blessings!
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