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An Example Of Servant Leadership

2/25/2021

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It was a morning that resembled many other mornings lately.  It was cold, snowy, and dreary.  I grumbled to myself as I climbed into the car preparing for another commute in the snow.  Thankfully, once I made it to a major highway the roads were only slushy, as opposed to the side roads being snow-packed.

As I pulled into the parking lot at work, I saw an example of servant leadership right before my eyes.  The Shelter Supervisor had arrived for his day of work.  How did he start his day?  He went outside and cleared the snow off of the cars of the midnight shift workers.  Thus, when their shift ended, they could depart with windshields and windows clear from snow and ice.

My dear readers, the Shelter Supervisor set the bar high this morning with this generous act of kindness.  I am grateful for his example.  He quietly demonstrated servant leadership in a profound way that will have a positive impact far beyond his expectations.  My attitude needed that extra boost this morning.  Thank you, Mark!
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Are You Following The Crowd?

2/24/2021

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“Leadership Is The Ability To Get Extraordinary Achievement From Ordinary People.”~ Brian Tracy

“The Best Leaders Have A High Consideration Factor. They Really Care About Their People.”~ Brian Tracy

“Leaders Think And Talk About The Solutions. Followers Think And Talk About The Problems.”~ Brian Tracy

“Leadership Is More Who You Are Than What You Do.”~ Brian Tracy

My dear readers, we need effective leaders in our homes, our churches, our places of employment, our communities, our state, and our nation.  How are you impacting the people in your circle of influence?

"The unexamined life is not worth living."
~ Socrates

​We are one week into our Lenten journey.  How have you grown as a person?

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Ash Wednesday Is Tomorrow--Grow In Holiness

2/16/2021

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COVID has impacted us in a multitude of ways.  Please don't let it deprive you of growing in your faith this Lenten season.  Even if you are high-risk and don't come to church, what can you do to stay connected to Christ?

Picture a three-legged stool.  The legs represent (1) prayer; (2) study; and (3) action.

How will you pray more fervently?  Scripture calls us to "Pray Without Ceasing." Are we any closer to being that person of prayer than we were last year on Ash Wednesday?

What will you study?  How will you grow in your knowledge of the faith?  How does learning more about the faith help you grow more in love with our Savior?

How will you put your faith into action?  How will you serve?

This is a special season every year.  It is an annual pilgrimage giving us the opportunity to grow in holiness.  Don't miss it!

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St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish--First Time Preaching

2/14/2021

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Fresh snowfall, outdoor temperature sitting at -6, heat not working correctly in church, but it was my first scheduled time to preach at Mass at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton.  Mother nature, and mechanical difficulties at the church, created an environment where people were  not likely to fall asleep during the homily.

It had been over a year since I had preached at a Eucharistic Liturgy.  I was worried that I may be a little rusty in delivering an impactful message.  After much prayer and preparation over the last couple of weeks, I felt like I was ready.  Based upon the feedback I received after Mass, I remain grateful that the grace of God continues  to move among His people using flawed human beings such as myself.

Ash Wednesday is this Wednesday.  How will you grow in holiness during this Lenten season?
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World Day of the Sick

2/11/2021

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It was 12 degrees and snowing in northern Colorado this morning, but I thought I would share a photo from a family member visiting the panhandle of Florida and enjoying 68 degrees and flowering vegetation.  I am not sure if the photo is bringing healing to my soul, or bitterness and envy.  We'll see how it plays out.

Today is the Memorial of Our Lady of Lourdes.  It is also the 29th annual World Day of the Sick.  We could definitely use some healing in modern society.  We need physical healing in many cases, but I also think there is a desperate need of healing mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.

I encourage you to learn more about this day.  Also, let it prepare you for this weekend's Gospel when Jesus responds to a leper, "I do will it.  Be made clean."  Let us approach our Lord with that same type of confidence and trust which the leper demonstrated.  "If you wish, You can make me clean."

www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/messages/sick/documents/papa-francesco_20201220_giornata-malato.html 
Letter from Pope Francis on the World Day of the Sick.

www.chausa.org/prayers/world-day-of-the-sick
Resources from the Catholic Health Association

www.nacc.org/resources/spirituality-and-prayer-resources/world-day-of-the-sick/
National Association of Catholic Chaplains
Prayers for the Sick (English and Spanish)
Prayers for the Caregiver (English and Spanish)
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Catholic Schools Week--St. Agatha Feast Day

2/5/2021

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As Catholic Schools Week draws to a close tomorrow, I want to take a moment to thank all of the administrators, teachers, and support staff who dedicate their lives to building up the Kingdom of God through authentic Catholic teaching.  Your work and your fidelity to the Truth are appreciated. Faithfulness to the authentic teachings of the Church is very much needed in modern society.

Today is also the Memorial of St. Agatha, virgin and martyr.  Saint Agatha is the patron saint of all those dealing with diseases of the breast.  Thus, it is a good day for all of us to ask for her intercession on behalf of those suffering from breast cancer.

​Have a blessed weekend.  Allow God's grace to overflow within you!

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Catching Up--February 2, 3, and 4

2/4/2021

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The wind is brisk today in northern Colorado.  Old Glory was standing straight out in beautiful Timnath, Colorado this morning.  The wind was so strong that the flag started smoking from the friction.  Can you see it?  Okay, I grabbed a photo just as a single cloud was passing by at the right time.  (I am practicing to be a politician by creating a narrative that fits my preconceived agenda.)

My agenda is simple today--a little catching up time.  February 2, was the 27th anniversary of my dad's death.  It is hard to believe that I have been without my dad for nearly half of my life.  I am still grateful that he died on the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord.  That always brings me comfort.  I wish he could have known my kids.  My oldest was only three when he died.  He would have loved being a great grandparent too.

Yesterday was the Feast of St. Blaise.  I always look forward to this feast for the blessing of throats.  COVID ruined another aspect of ministry that I have always treasured.  I guess we will see how Ash Wednesday shapes up throughout the world.  It looks like we may be sprinkling ashes on top of the head.  I can't believe that we are almost a year into "two weeks to flatten the curve," and life is still so bizarre that we couldn't touch you with blessed candles yesterday for the blessing of St. Blaise.  In a couple of weeks we will not be able to touch you to place ashes on your forehead for Ash Wednesday.

Does the flag still stand for freedom?

My heart breaks for our nation, our Church, and our families.  To all of you struggling with depression from being isolated and alone, please know you continue to be in my prayers.  To all of you with loved ones in hospitals and nursing homes and have not been allowed in to visit them, please know each of you remain in prayers as well.  To all of the students still forced to learn online, please know of my prayers for you and your parents.

God's people are suffering in a multitude of ways.  When will we grasp the idea that the cure cannot be worse than the disease?

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    This is my personal blog.  The opinions expressed are those of Deacon Vernon and the blog's readers.  This site operates independently and is not affiliated with any other entity. The information I provide is on an "as-is" basis. I make no representations as to the accuracy, completeness, or suitability of any information on this blog. I will not be liable for any errors or omissions in this information. Furthermore, I will not be liable for any losses, injuries, or damages arising from its use.

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