Blog Archives - Articulating Hope

Catholic Schools Week--A Celebration of Faith

1/31/2019

The entryway of St. Francis Catholic School shares a compelling story of faith. The Bible is enthroned in a prominent place so that it is immediately seen upon entering the doorway. We are reminded that God's Sacred Word is to nurture us in our journey of faith.

A statue of Our Lady of Guadalupe sits in the opposite corner to remind us of the role of our Blessed Mother in salvation history.

A third corner of the entryway reminds us that we are part of the communion of saints.

Finally, it is Catholic Schools Week so there is also a little bit of levity. Crazy hair and a tie can brighten even the personality of a ferocious creature.

While Catholic Schools Week can cause a little more chaos than usual, it is a beautiful chance to celebrate what makes us unique. The joy I see on the faces of parents and grandparents as they join in the festivities is a true blessing. "Donuts with Dads" was very popular. Seeing the students attend Sunday Mass in their school uniforms reminded the entire parish that we all share in the mission of Jesus Christ and His Church to proclaim the Good News of Salvation.

As Superintendent of Catholic Schools for the Diocese of Cheyenne for eight years, I frequently traveled to the Catholic schools throughout the state during this week of celebrations. I spoke at different events, preached at Sunday Masses to kick-off or close Catholic Schools Week, participated in National School Choice events which often coincided with Catholic Schools Week, and overall, helped market and promote Catholic schools. I remain grateful to the many dedicated principals and teachers in the Catholic schools throughout Wyoming. I have followed your events on social media this year. You are still doing good work. Thank you for your dedication and faithfulness.

This year, I am seeing the events of Catholic Schools Week up-close and personal by being in a single parish. I am grateful to Mr. Brian Pope for his excellent leadership as principal of the school. The administration, faculty, and support staff of St. Francis by the Sea Catholic School are dedicated individuals giving very generously of their time and talent to build an institution that truly gives glory and honor to God. Yes, I frequently see them working in their rooms after hours and on the weekends. They are committed to the mission of the Catholic school.

While there are still a couple of days left in Catholic Schools Week, I just want to say, "Thank You!" to all who made this week a phenomenal success here at St. Francis Catholic School (and at Catholic schools all across the country). Parents, grandparents, volunteers, and all the parishioners who give generously of your time, talent, and treasure to support the work of the school--thank you!

If you live in the Hilton Head Island area, we would love to see you at the Annual Gala.

Even Talking About The Weather Is Divisive

1/30/2019

The Mighty Mississippi River in northern Missouri has significant ice. Temperatures dropped well below zero around the Hannibal, Missouri area.

As I skimmed through articles on social media, I could not help but chuckle at the arguments based around whether or not global warming is real. Even the weather is divisive in modern society. Who would have ever thought that the weather would one day be a hot-button political topic?

Sunrise on the Wind River Indian Reservation near Riverton, Wyoming this morning saw a temperature of one degree.

Here on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina I saw the temperatures hit the freezing point for the first time since I moved here. The flowers were obviously stressed from the cold temperatures, but making it until the end of January isn't too bad.

If you are located in any of the extremely cold areas, please be careful. Take care of yourself and be sure to check in on family members and friends who may need a hand.

What Is Your Perspective Based Upon What You See?

1/30/2019

Is the earth flat? I don't remember how it got started, but we have jokingly had this conversation in our house a few times in recent weeks. Then my son climbed the lighthouse at Tybee Island and sent me a simple photo saying, "Explain this."

It appears that he thinks he can change my mind by providing scientific facts.

In all seriousness, the marvel of God's creation is magnificent. We are truly blessed to have such amazing beauty surrounding us.

As we continue to celebrate Catholic Schools Week, I am grateful for all of the good teachers I had in my life through the years--both in Catholic and public schools. They taught me how to think, analyze, and apply knowledge in real-life situations. As I watch and listen to public discourse today, I realize that I was very fortunate to have such good people in my life.

The light of learning is essential if we are to grow as individuals and as a society. This is true in our faith journey as well. How can we expect to grow in love with God if we do not know God? Make the time to keep growing in your knowledge of the faith.

(Article continues below.)

A panoramic view gives you quite the perspective. I sometimes wish our politicians would have a broader view of life rather than pounding certain ideological issues day after day.

I saw an article on the internet this morning with the title, "How Pelosi Won the Shutdown Battle." Look at how clearly the title states that the politicians do not work for the people. It appears that they work for themselves in their lust for power. "How Pelosi Won!" I realize that some will think she won for the sake of the people. Sadly, after following politics for a few decades, I have a more skeptical viewpoint of the situation. It is about the power.

Unfortunately, the people of the country are the ones who pay the price for childish antics from our political leaders. There is no common ground. It is all about winners and losers in staged confrontations playing to the media.

Due to decades of indoctrination by Hollywood elitists and higher institutions of learning, the ability of people to utilize logic and philosophical thought in our quest for meaning and purpose has been greatly diminished. Specific causes are now simply rammed down our throats. Respectful dialogue seems to be a thing of the past. Today, it seems that the winners are whoever can get the most "retweets."

Whether you lean to the left or to the right in your political viewpoints, do you not think it should be possible to find middle ground once in a while? Does it really have to be all or nothing? In my opinion, our nation will eventually collapse like so many great nations before us if we continue down this road. Those who do not know and understand history are doomed to repeat it.

As we celebrate the value of a good education during Catholic Schools Week, I would like to offer a word of gratitude and encouragement to all of the administrators and faculty members of our Catholic schools at all levels. You have the potential to make a positive and lasting impact on the lives of the students entrusted to your care. Please respect that privilege by giving the students your best. Teach them facts and broaden their horizons with an abundance of knowledge. More importantly, teach them to think and analyze information so they can effectively apply their knowledge. Teach them about the greater aspects of life. Help them understand the wonder of being a child of God. Celebrate faith with them. Pray with them and for them. Be a role model for them. Lead them to sanctity.

To all administrators, faculty members, support staff, and volunteers--thank you for your commitment to Catholic education.

When Family and Friends Come To Town...

1/29/2019

A trip to the beach is always a high priority when family and friends come to town, even when it is somewhat cold outside. Finding cool looking shells in the process is a bonus.

While there were a few others joining us at the beach, it was definitely much less crowded than during the summer months.

Coligny Beach

A trip to Jarvis Creek Park is always a good time. The birds were plentiful, and the alligators were too.

Can you see the alligator in these photos?

Happy 95th Birthday To My Mom

1/28/2019

July 3, 2015

August 28, 2015

October 21, 2015

October 19, 2014

Although mom has been gone for a little over three years now, I wanted to take a moment to reflect upon this milestone birthday. She would have been 95 years old today.

Enjoy the opportunities to make memories with the loved ones in your life.

Catholic Schools Week 2019

1/27/2019

It is not easy being in the field of education in our modern era--public or private. The obstacles that confront success are numerous and seem to be growing exponentially each and every year. I give a tip of the hat to all of the administrators, teachers, paraprofessionals, and support staff in our Catholic schools striving to fulfill their calling with integrity and professionalism.

The Catholic Church has been doing education well for centuries. I strongly adhere to the idea of forming the whole person—intellectually, physically, emotionally, and of course, spiritually. This is best accomplished when an atmosphere of learning is carefully nurtured for the particular needs of the school community. This will vary depending upon the ages of students, existing structures in place, the competence and quality of teachers, and the roles of influence of other leaders in the school including clergy, religious, counselors, coaches, and extracurricular staffers and volunteers. Obviously, the role of parents is the first and key ingredient of success that cannot be overemphasized.

I read a list of someone else’s educational philosophy many years ago and adopted much of it for my own.

Students need to learn. This includes learning about God and coming to know God. As St. Augustine pointed out, “Our hearts are restless until they rest in Thee.”
Students need to be active participants in learning. This is not a spectator sport.
Student-centered and student-directed learning involves the whole person. Hands-on!
Students need structure to learn. Subsequently, teachers need solid classroom management skills.
Students need information and knowledge along with the necessary skills, tools, and other resources to effectively apply that knowledge.
Students need feedback in a timely manner to grow and improve.

Catholic schools have a tremendous advantage in developing an atmosphere for learning because of the treasures of the Church such as the Ten Commandments, the Beatitudes, and the Spiritual and Corporal Works of Mercy. Furthermore, the sacramental life of the Church reminds us that this is about something much greater than simply being successful in academics and worldly pursuits. We are called to faithfulness. We are called to holiness.

Our Catholic schools must remain focused on proclaiming the Good News of Salvation and inspiring people to seek sanctity if they are to serve the purpose for which they exist. Then, we are not just celebrating Catholic schools for a week, but for eternity!

Have a great Catholic Schools Week!

Do You Have A "Bucket List?"

1/26/2019

Some people have a "bucket list." There are certain things they want to do or places they want to see before they die. Do you have such a list?

I don't have a "bucket list" per se. I have generally referred to these things as goals. My process has probably been more methodical than a typical bucket list. Set a goal. Then work a system to achieve the necessary benchmarks to reach the desired outcome. Yes, I know that sounds like I just sucked the fun right out of that bucket list. I guess in my mind I picture a "bucket list" more as a "wish list" than anything. I prefer having a plan to make it happen rather than just hoping it happens.

I can understand the sense of urgency of accomplishing some things as one ages, especially in regard to travel. Unfortunately, many people have postponed travel until their retirement years only to experience ill health hindering their ability to fulfill their dreams. (On the flip side, when we are young we frequently lack the time or the financial resources to travel.)

Anyway, there has been one place that I have long wanted to see. Actually, I wanted to see the area leading up to it more than the destination. My "bucket list" included driving the overseas highway from Miami to Key West, Florida. A spur of the moment decision (rather than good planning) made it happen. (After making the trip, I was wishing a little more planning had been involved.)

How did it come about? It all started with a simple request from my daughter to pick her and a couple of others up from the cruise terminal in Port Canaveral, Florida. I left the house before three in the morning. It was raining when I left the house, and it rained the entire drive to Port Canaveral. Sometimes it poured. The drive took a little over six hours. Then we sat and waited. They waited on the ship. I waited in the car. The strong winds delayed the disembarking process because of safety concerns. We waited, and waited some more. The few plans I had made were suddenly being disrupted all over the place.

Since I was already going to be halfway through Florida, I thought it would be good to go the rest of the way to Key West. You know--get that off of my bucket list. That was probably not the best decision I have ever made. Due to the rain, accidents were everywhere as we headed further south. We had already been delayed from the disembarkation process, and then we sat still in traffic multiple times. We did not make it to Key West that night, but we did make it into the upper keys.

We left the next morning and finished the journey to the southern most point in the United States. We immediately hopped back in the car and returned to South Carolina. An item on the bucket list was checked off, but it was a tiring process accomplishing it in such a short period of time. (Of course, I did take time to get photos for the blog. You will be seeing them for a number of days moving forward.)

Reflection Question:

What is on your bucket list (or goal sheet)?

The Innocence of Little Children

1/23/2019

School was out for the day. As I was walking down the hallway I saw this stuffed animal getting a little reprieve from the hustle and bustle of the day. I thought to myself, "We could all benefit from a reprieve of social media."

My heart is saddened by all the hate and all the pain.

A ten-year old boy commits suicide after being bullied because he wears a colostomy bag.

Students returned to the classroom in Covington, Kentucky under a heavy police presence.

A woman in a nursing home gives birth. A nurse is arrested.

New York celebrates abortion by lighting up the World Trade Center in pink. Governor Cuomo--I don't even know what to say.

Nancy Pelosi and Donald Trump orchestrate politics utilizing the State of the Union speech as the pawn. In reality, the people of the country are the ones who get used as the pawns.

That is what I read in a quick perusal of social media. It did not take long for me to decide that my time would be better spent in prayer. I wrote this blog to ask you to join me. Pray for our country and the world. Without God's grace and mercy poured out upon our nation, we are headed for even darker times.

Who Is Guiding Your Life?

1/22/2019

There has been a significant amount of activity over the last few days drawing a lot of media attention. Some of the reporting appears to be accurate while others may be slanted in various ways. In any case, it is evident that social media has forever changed the landscape of human interaction. If a person is looking for a reason to be angry, his/her desires can be easily achieved by scrolling through social media sites.

Trust has been lost across the board in our society. People don't trust the government; they don't trust the Church; they don't trust business in a general sense of the term; and after this weekend it is evident that many people even feel the outcome of a football game is rigged. It is a sad state of affairs when we have to look at almost everything with a bit of skepticism.

The March for Life in Washington, D.C. draws hundreds of thousands of people and gains almost no media attention. Then, one incident finally makes the news. Was it staged by activists to paint pro-lifers in a negative light and subsequently intimidate future potential participants in the march? That is the conclusion of some. One thing is for sure. Media pundits and others were quick to jump on the bandwagon condemning the young people prior to knowing all the facts. The "mob mentality" described by some media outlets was a bit misplaced. The "mob mentality" appears not to have been instigated by the young pro-lifers, but by the viral nature of social media and key outlets complicit with unsubstantiated information.

The celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr yesterday reminded us that we still have much work to do in treating one another with respect. It is my hope that people of faith will always lead the way in building bridges of trust between one another regardless of the color of one's skin. These three quotes from Dr. King can provide food for thought.

"Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere."

"Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter."

"Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that."

The elitist class in Washington, D.C. has unfortunately set an example which demonstrates that character assassinations are now a regular part of the political playbook. It is difficult to imagine that many of the elected officials of our nation refuse to build up and strengthen one another in the pursuit of the common good of our nation. They refuse to be leaders. Instead, their lust for power has overtaken common sense. In the end, we the people suffer and lose.

Today marks the anniversary of the 1973 U.S. Supreme Court decision of Roe versus Wade which legalized abortion in our country. All diocese of the United States are required to observe a "Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children." We cannot give up our faithful witness to the cause for life. Each and every human person is sacred.

World Youth Day begins today in Panama. Please pray for the safety of all the pilgrims. May they experience God's love in a profound way as they gather together from around the world.

Finally, I simply ask you these reflection questions for today.

1. Who is guiding your life?

2. If you answered something other than "God," I would invite you to consider praying about your answer. Pray for clarity of discernment. Allow God to touch your heart with grace.

3. If you answered "God," I would ask you to really evaluate your answer in the light of prayer. Does your prayer life reflect that total dependency upon God? How frequently do your thoughts turn to God during the course of a day? Is God really guiding your life in the fullest sense possible?

What Constitutes a "Blog-Worthy" Photo?

1/20/2019

The majority of the photographs I use on my blog are taken by me (with the exception of photos in which I am pictured obviously). However, I usually ask family members to take "blog-worthy" photos if they are going on vacation or doing something out of the ordinary. I did that yesterday, and the above photo was the first picture I received. Seriously, a picture of food? I can go to social media sites and see plenty of that stuff.

In all fairness, it was sent to me as a reminder that someone was just starting vacation while I was sitting at home. Also, I had only eaten cereal up to that point in the day so the burger looked pretty good.

What a joy it is when we have the opportunity to travel and see other places. I am happy for my family and friends when they get to do such fun things as visit Europe, go on a pilgrimage in the Holy Land, take a cruise, or visit any of the beautiful fifty states here in our own country. We are blessed indeed. As I enjoy the photos of other people's experiences it makes me look forward to my own adventures somewhere down the road.

Usually, my reflection questions are a little deeper than today's question, but it is Sunday and my mind is resting a bit. So here it is:

Is a picture of a hamburger a "blog-worthy" photo? Yes or no?