Articulating Hope - Deacon Vernon's Blog

It Is Time To Say Farewell To These Pages

3/19/2023

My Dear Readers,

I began this blog in April of 2013 when I was snowed in at home. My son thought it was a good time for me to establish a website. I knew nothing about building a website at the time, but I began learning through trial and error. I can still remember how excited I was when I learned how to upload photos.

Thank you for your support and encouragement during these last ten years. It has been a pleasure to journey with you.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God the Father, and the power of the Holy Spirit is with you. Live like you believe it!

Blessings and peace!

Deacon Vernon

Deacon Convocation 2023--Denver, Colorado

3/18/2023

Although it was nearly midnight when I went to bed, I was up at 4:50 AM and on the road at 6:00 AM heading to Denver. (I am extremely grateful that I do not have to deal with Denver traffic on a regular basis.) It was the annual Deacon Convocation today. I have been ordained nearly 24 years now, and days like this remind me just how fortunate I am for all of the continuing education opportunities I have had through the years.

We began with Mass. Archbishop Aquila was the celebrant and was also the first speaker of the day. His clear message to us was a breath of fresh air.

Archbishop Aquila gave the same advice I frequently give in talks. If you need to be renewed in your faith in the Eucharist, pray with chapter 6 of John's Gospel.

Archbishop Aquila gave a powerful presentation and then took questions from the deacons.

It was a blessing to spend this day in prayer and study with the deacons from all across northern Colorado. The Archdiocese of Denver is being served well by these laborers in the vineyard of the Lord.

I did a little bit of exploring today. Since I studied and was ordained in the Archdiocese of St. Louis, I have more familiarity with the campus in Shrewsbury, Missouri than what I have of the campus in Denver, Colorado. I tried to rectify that at least a little today.

It is a beautiful campus.

I am grateful to everyone who worked behind the scenes to make this day possible. Continuing education and formation is essential for our ministry. One of the speakers pointed us toward Psalm 100. We belong to the Lord. That has to impact the way we minister. It is not about us. It is about God.

Blessings to each of my readers. May you continue to grow during your Lenten pilgrimage!

Happy St. Patrick's Day

3/17/2023

I think we should maintain the sobriety of the Lenten Friday, but I seem to be a minority opinion in that matter. I guess I don't fully understand the Irish festivities from my German heritage vantage point.

Celebrate within reason! Blessings and peace.

Long Branch State Park--Macon, Missouri

3/16/2023

The clouds and cold wind remained constant throughout the trip. This stop in Macon, Missouri was beautiful, but cold.

Where have you encountered God this week?

Cathedral of the Epiphany--Sioux City, Iowa

3/15/2023

Unfortunately, this stop on our mini-pilgrimage was cut short due to the church being locked. Sometimes I miss the good old days when churches were relatively safe from crime such as vandalism and theft even though they were unlocked and accessible to all during the day. (It looks like a beautiful cathedral.)

St. Boniface--Sioux City, Iowa

3/14/2023

While visiting Siouxland Catholic Radio, we were blessed to also get a tour of St. Boniface Church. Wow!

This was a great stop on our Lenten pilgrimage.

Siouxland Catholic Radio--Sioux City, Iowa

3/13/2023

Margaret, Joseph, and I had the chance to visit Siouxland Catholic Radio last Monday. It was great to finally meet Lisa in person. We have been connected on LinkedIn for quite some time, but we were able to finally meet in person.

Catholic radio has a powerful impact on our local communities. I am grateful to all who support heralding the Gospel message through local Catholic stations with their gifts of time (volunteerism), talent, and financial support. You are truly helping to change lives.

Thank you to everyone at Siouxland Catholic Radio for your dedication and service in being ambassadors for Christ. Your commitment to spreading the Good News of Salvation is admirable. Congratulations on fifteen years of bringing joy to God's people.

Seven Days--Six States--Less Than An Hour Of Sun

3/12/2023

It rained. It sleeted. It snowed. The wind blew. Sunglasses were the one thing we did not need for the week. We literally saw the sunshine for less than an hour the whole week. Colorado, Wyoming, Nebraska, Iowa, Missouri, and South Dakota each provided an abundance of clouds during our sojourn.

A trip to Sioux City, Iowa always requires a stop at Trinity Heights. My wife went directly to the gift shop, but my son and I braved the cold and walked a significant part of the shrine grounds. I will admit that I was the one who called it quits before seeing it all.

Tomorrow I will share photos from our visit to Siouxland Catholic Radio.

Friday of the Second Week of Lent

3/10/2023

Reflection Questions:
1. Are you nurturing a spirit of gratitude and generosity?
2. Do you consider yourself a person of prayer? Why or why not?
3. Are you satisfied with the status quo? (home, work, church, community...)

Thursday of the Second Week of Lent

3/9/2023

Today is also the Memorial of St. Frances of Rome, Religious. According to the ORDO, "St. Frances of Rome was a noblewoman, wife, and mother; founded a community of Benedictine women oblates committed to serving the poorest of the poor; patroness of widows and motorists."

Reflection Questions:
1. For those of you who drive vehicles, does the patroness of motorists need to help you with anger management?
2. In what ways do you serve the poor?
3. In what ways do you serve the grieving and the widowed? Is there someone that could use a telephone call from you?