I am grateful to all of the donors, especially Jackie Johnson, who make our child care center the wonderful institution that it is. I also appreciate the work of the administrators and staff who care for the children so lovingly and well. You are a blessing to all who enter through those doors.
The administrative responsibilities of running a school consume a lot of time. It is always refreshing to step more fully into my diaconate role in the midst of carrying out these duties. Today was such a day. We gathered to bless the new infant room opening up next week in our Sheryl K. Johnson Child Care Center. I am grateful to all of the donors, especially Jackie Johnson, who make our child care center the wonderful institution that it is. I also appreciate the work of the administrators and staff who care for the children so lovingly and well. You are a blessing to all who enter through those doors. The children were content until I surprised them by sprinkling them with holy water.
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Many thanks to all who attended our open house today at Saint Albert Catholic Schools. We are grateful to all of our guests, our student leaders, teachers, and staff who made this day possible. Have a fantastic Catholic Schools Week! Catholic Schools Week 2020
Dear Friends of Saint Albert, Learn. Serve. Lead. Succeed. These four words paint a picture of what is happening every day at Saint Albert Catholic Schools. We are excited to celebrate these attributes during Catholic Schools Week from Jan. 26 through Feb. 1. Why does Saint Albert exist? We are here to nurture, develop and empower young minds by providing a well-rounded, faith-based education that results in spirit-filled individuals who positively impact the world. Our graduates bring much more to society than knowledge. They bring the transforming love of Jesus Christ. There is a cycle of growth that’s taking place at Saint Albert. A school is obviously in the business of education. Teaching done well leads to learning, and we see that on display beautifully at Saint Albert. Learning leads to service. Our students are encouraged and trained to put their knowledge into action. This is an important step, because an individual who serves others well will be an impactful leader. Servant leadership ultimately results in success, and even more importantly, it results in a life of significance. Through continuous growth opportunities from birth through graduation, our students are equipped to build the Kingdom of God. That is why Saint Albert exists. I wish to extend my gratitude to all who support the work of Saint Albert Catholic Schools. Our mission is fulfilled because each of you is standing in solidarity with us. On behalf of the administration, faculty and staff of Saint Albert, I humbly say, “Thank you!” Sincerely, Deacon Vernon Dobelmann Executive Director Saint Albert Catholic Schools This morning found me tackling an array of duties. I had met with the Director of Finance to review some reports. A conversation with the Director of Academics addressed some things for the upcoming school year. Then I continued to work with a few people to put the finishing touches on preparations for Catholic Schools Week.
You can see on the table (pictured above) a bottle of holy water and the Book of Blessings. I will be blessing our new infant room in the child care center on Monday morning to really get Catholic Schools Week kicked into high gear. I had just finished those preparations when the school secretary asked if I had a minute to answer a few questions from a student. Charlie stood at the door and said, "I am not in trouble. I just want to ask you some questions about your office." I invited him into my office and pulled up a chair for him. I wasn't sure how this all came about, but I eventually found out he was just waiting in the office to be picked up. Anyway, he wanted to know more about what I did. (There are some adults that probably wonder that sometimes too.) We discussed my role as executive director. He wanted to know the difference between being an executive director and a principal? We covered these topics and a few more. The inquisitive mind of a child is refreshing, and his questions were very relevant. I was grateful that he tossed me a couple of easy ones in the process as well. "Do you listen to the radio while you are in your office?" Now that I think about it, I need to get a radio for my office. When his ride showed up and he prepared to leave, I took a moment to give thanks to God for that brief visit. Getting stuck in the muck and the mire of running the institution can sometimes be daunting. Moments like this with one of the students reminds me why I do what I do. Thanks for stopping in Charlie. It was announced that Pope Francis has accepted the resignation (retirement) of Archbishop Charles Chaput. I am happy for the archbishop. He has been a tremendous blessing during his many years of ministry.
Our paths crossed a few times when Archbishop Chaput was in Denver and I was in Cheyenne. The photo above was taken the first time we met. He acknowledged our height differences in his comical way. I always appreciated the leadership qualities of Archbishop Chaput. I was sad to see him leave Denver, but his skills were needed in Philadelphia too. I can only imagine the burden of responsibility he felt when he was asked to take on a new task that late in his ministry. I hope he gets a slower pace in this new phase of life. Congratulations Archbishop Chaput! Have a blessed retirement. Yesterday marked the 47th anniversary of the Roe versus Wade decision by the U.S Supreme Court legalizing abortion in our country. As marchers prepare to descend on Washington, D.C., I hope and pray for the day when the march will no longer be necessary.
I have been involved with the pro-life movement for many years. This involvement has given me the privilege of meeting people like Abby Johnson, Pam Tebow (Tim's mom), Alveda King and others. I have been impacted by speeches from these fine people, and I have had the privilege of sharing a speaking platform with some of them at pro-life events. Knowing we are not alone in this battle helps us persevere. The anniversary of Roe versus Wade this year did not find me at a large pro-life event. Instead, I attended a small funeral for someone I had never even met. It was for the sister of one of our coaches here at Saint Albert. I do not know any of the family members well, but I attended the funeral because of their connection to our school. I am so glad I did. This was the most powerful pro-life event I have ever attended. The written obituary was beautiful. It gave a historical sketch of a life well-lived, and it also pointed to a family who understands love in a profound way. The funeral liturgy was an uplifting experience in the midst of the sorrow and grief of the family. The pastor summed it up well when he said, "The world needs families like yours." I walked out of church at the end of the service wishing I had known Mary Pat. I could almost feel the joy and love she must have emanated to everyone around her. It was a snowy and dreary day outside, but my heart was filled with sunshine because of this hour of prayer. I extend my condolences to the entire Heithoff family. I can only imagine the sense of loss you feel. Please know of my prayers for all of you. Eternal rest grant unto Mary Pat, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her. May she rest in peace. Amen. Watching the cable "news" shows can be a depressing venture. Regardless of which side of the political aisle you find yourself, there is very little positive messaging. Everyone is unhappy about something. The end result is that the people of the country suffer.
While I cannot control what happens in the political bubble among the Washington elites, I can choose to make my little corner of the world a brighter place. I am grateful to be connected with a school that strives to do that on a daily basis as well. Here at Saint Albert Catholic Schools we begin each day with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance. We acknowledge our complete dependence upon God, and we acknowledge that we live in a country where we are free to practice our faith. That is no small matter. The steps leading up from the Sheryl K. Johnson Child Care Center to the main level of the elementary school were adorned recently in a way that captured some of our values and sentiments. (See photo above.) Can you imagine what our society would look like if we embraced and lived these attributes across the country? "We are real." In a world of fake news, we could use some genuine behavior. Whether it is a Hollywood awards show, or a Washington, D.C. political stunt, staged performances expose the hypocrisy that surrounds us. Do you want to go to a conference on climate change? Go get in your personal jet and fly to the conference. Seriously? Can you not see the disconnect? Be real. "We make mistakes." If we are being real, we are able to admit that we make mistakes. This allows for growth and improvement. "I'm sorry." How far will these words take us in our relationships with one another? "We give second chances." How many of us want to be judged by God based upon our worst day? Thankfully, God forgives us and gives us second chances. Are we willing to do the same thing with the people around us? "We give hugs." It is especially fun to see a young child break ranks from their orderly line to run over and hug an older sibling as they pass in the hallway. The pure and innocent joy expressed between siblings is truly uplifting. "We forgive." It isn't always easy, but that is what we strive to do. "We have fun." There is enough heartache in the world. It is okay to have fun. School can be stressful, but I hope students, teachers, and parents can all find a way to have fun in the midst of the demands of daily living. "We do silly things." Accomplishing great things is important, but it is okay for children (and adults) to be silly once in a while. Let's bring joy to one another by living with energy and enthusiasm. "We are family." The one word I hear over and over again to describe Saint Albert Catholic Schools is "family." There is a connection here. It is not just the beautiful tradition that is in place. It is the ability to look toward the future with hopes and aspirations for all who are connected to the school. We want the best for one another. "We love." Scripture admonishes us to love one another as Jesus loves us. That is no small undertaking, but it is the ideal for which we strive. When you put 800 people together in a building for a whole day, there is a potential for conflict to arise. Add to that equation all of the parents, grandparents, parishioners, and others who are invested in the school in one way or another, and you are talking about a lot of people. How many lives do we impact on a daily basis when we choose to spread love? The potential is huge. My dear readers, I encourage you today to be positive. Take the "steps" necessary to grow in virtue. Do not become content with mediocrity. Strive for holiness. Pray. Meditate upon the Sacred Scriptures. Put your faith into action. Be a saint! The "Woman at the Well" Gospel narrative is a popular one. We will be hearing that story on the Third Sunday of Lent, and it will kick off our parish mission at St. Peter's Catholic Church in Council Bluffs, Iowa on the weekend of March 14 and 15.
It is a great privilege for me to lead parish missions. Preaching at all of the weekend Masses to get parishioners fired up for an inspirational and motivational week fills me with great joy. People of faith strive for growth during the season of Lent. Part of my ministry is to help them accomplish that desired growth. My presentation style is a dynamic combination of catechetical teaching and storytelling wrapped in practical applications for living the Christian life. This parish mission will be near the half-way mark of the Lenten journey. Put it on your calendar now and plan to join us at 1 Bluff Street in Council Bluffs. March 16, 2020 We will focus on the theological virtue of faith. What do we believe? Why do we believe it? How does it impact the way we live? As we pray the Creed each weekend, do we truly ponder what it is we profess to believe? What are the ramifications of putting our faith into action? What is the potential of bringing the transforming love of Jesus Christ to the world? March 17, 2020 We will focus on the theological virtue of hope. Life can be tough at times. How do we maintain hope through the difficult circumstances of life? This night is always a popular topic. Our world needs hope! March 18, 2020 We will focus on the theological virtue of love in the context of healing. We experience God's love in many ways. Some of the more prominent ways we see this love is in the sacramental life of the Church. We experience grace, mercy, and healing in our own lives through the sacraments. Then we are equipped to go out to the world and bring Christ's love, mercy, and healing to others because of what we ourselves have experienced. Each evening presentation will last one hour. (Start times will be announced soon.) I am already praying for God to move powerfully in our midst during these days. I hope you will join me in that prayer. Please put these dates on your calendar and plan to join us if you live in the area. I promise you that God's grace will not disappoint. I had the pleasure today of hosting a tour of Saint Albert Catholic Schools for Leadership Council Bluffs. I think some of them knew more about the history of the school than I did. It was a fun and engaging conversation.
www.councilbluffsiowa.com/leadership-council-bluffs/ I continue to learn about my new community of Council Bluffs, Iowa. Today brought me knowledge about the Chamber of Commerce in general and Leadership Council Bluffs in particular. I am grateful for the individuals who took the time to learn more about Saint Albert and the wonderful things our institution brings to the wider community. It has been over 40 years since I played basketball in high school. My college playing days ended 37 years ago. While my body feels the aches and pains of six decades of life, I still can't quite comprehend how quickly the years have passed. It does not seem that long ago when I could run up and down the court and the play the sport with a little bit of skill. The varsity basketball team at Saint Albert put on a demonstration last night that contained many lessons. The lead changed back and forth multiple times throughout the game, but in the end, the Saint Albert Falcons came out on top by three points. What are the lessons? I choose three points of interest today. 1. Practice well. You play how you practice. Watching the fundamentals being executed well during the game shows that they have been practicing in a way that pays attention to detail. What made this stand out for me? I compared it to the play of the junior varsity in the game before it. Time after time in the first game people were beat along the baseline. That is basic "no-no" that players learn from early on. Defensive players have to cut off the baseline. Secondly, on multiple occasions in the first game the opposing team got numerous attempts to score because no one was blocking people from the boards. It is hard to win if you give your opponent three and four chances to score each time because of successful offensive rebounding. Why do I point these things out? It shows that as the players age and grow, they can be taught the fundamentals as individuals. This results in success as a team. With good coaching and a strong work ethic, players gain the skills needed to execute these fundamentals. When it gels together as a team there is no limit to what can be achieved. This should fuel the junior varsity players to keep practicing well. It will bear fruit. 2. Teamwork is essential. There is no "stand-out" player for the Falcons. Thus, they have to work together if they are going to be successful. Each one has to pull his weight. It was evident last night that they are able to do that. 3. Persistence is an attribute that serves the team well. The Falcons began their season with five consecutive losses. They now have five consecutive wins to make them an even 5 and 5. What if they would have given up after three losses, four, or even five? Put these three principles of basketball into the context of our overall life experience in regard to our spiritual journey. Do you practice well? You can use that question for a multitude of areas in life. Start with prayer. Do you pray frequently and fervently? Is your prayer life stronger now than it was five years ago? Are you on a strong team? Do you belong to a faith community and participate fully in that community? Do you have a small group of people with whom you gather and pray? Do you hold one another accountable? Are you persistent? When you fail and fall into sin, do you get back up and seek God's grace and forgiveness? Are you consistently striving to grow in virtue? Basketball is a game and has only temporary consequences. The way we live has eternal consequences. Are we putting as much effort and attention into our spiritual walk with the Lord as we do many other worldly things? I encourage you to reflect upon the priorities in your life? Are you satisfied with how things are arranged or are some changes needed? Congratulations to the middle school dance team for an excellent performance at half-time of the junior varsity game.
The airplane crash that happened shortly after take-off from Tehran killed 176 people. One report broke it down like this regarding the people on board:
82 Iranians 63 Canadians 11 Ukrainians 10 Swedes 4 Afghans 3 Germans 3 British Nationals May these and all the souls of the faithful departed rest in peace. We pray also for their families and loved ones left behind to pick up the shattered pieces of their lives because of this tragedy. May they be consoled in their grief and mourning. Please pray for our world. The tensions in the Middle East will hopefully not continue to escalate. For all of you with family members stationed in the troubled area, please know of my prayers. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ On a lighter note, today is the 85th birthday of Elvis Presley. How many of you feel old now? |
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