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HOLY WEEK

3/30/2015

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We have entered into Holy Week once again.  This week becomes more meaningful to me with each passing year of my life.  The Holy Week services, especially the Triduum, bring to mind the richness of our faith.  The signs, the symbols, the gestures, and the rituals all point to the magnificent love of our God.  We are blessed indeed.

The season of Lent did not go exactly as planned in my own life.  Sickness and fatigue have consumed many of my days.  I regret the cancellations I had to make due to these circumstances.  I also regret not being able to participate in the 40 Days for Life campaign.  I am grateful for the many people who were able to participate and for the over 400 lives that were preserved from destruction by the faithful witness of these dedicated individuals.

The challenges in our world continue to grow.  We can look to the issues surrounding a nuclear deal with Iran, the escalating threat of ISIS, the persecution of Christians in the Middle East, and a whole laundry list of potential dangers to our civilization.  However, we can also look much closer to home and see the dangers as well.  The culture of death continues to loom large.  Religious intolerance seems to be escalating.  Look to the attacks on Archishop Salvatore  Cordileone in San Francisco as an example when Church leadership takes a stand on moral principles, or to the state of Indiana to see what happens when laws are passed safeguarding religious freedom.  It isn’t pretty.   

If anyone opposes the agendas of the liberal establishment they are labeled as intolerant, illiterate, and homophobic.  The only ones that seem to be acceptable targets of intolerance are Christians.  As we cling to our “guns and our Bibles” the society as a whole claims it is okay to denigrate our beliefs.  How sad is that for our society?  What will be the end result?

The passion of Christ reminds us that the Christian way of life will not always be accepted.  If Jesus was mocked, tortured, and crucified, why do we expect different treatment in our pilgrimage?  The question that we can pose to ourselves is a simple one.  Will I stand firm in my faith?  I can only imagine the devastation Peter felt when he heard the cock crow and he realized that the words of Jesus had come to pass.  Will we deny Jesus, run away, lock our faith up in the doors of our home and in our churches, or will we be faithful and run the race to the finish line?   

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Deacon & Spouse Retreat

3/27/2015

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It is my privilege and honor to be the retreat facilitator for the deacons and their spouses this year.  The retreat has been moved from August to May and has been relocated from Thermopolis to Riverton, Wyoming.  We'll see what these changes have in store for us.

I will do my best to pick up from where we left off at the end of last year's retreat.  The discussions were just getting into some real substance as the retreat came to a close.  It is my desire to not lose sight of those fruitful discussions and extrapolate further upon how we can all grow in our own spirituality as well as our ministry.  There will be ample opportunity for some candid reflection in our time together.

I am grateful to all of the deacons who give so generously of their time and talent in serving God's people.  Furthermore, I am appreciative of the many sacrifices that our wives make in the process as well.  I have been ordained for almost 16 years and my wife and children have made many sacrifices through the years to enable me the opportunity to do what I do.  A sincere "thank you" to all of the deacon wives and families for your wonderful support in our ministry.
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Women's Retreat at St. Joseph's Parish

3/23/2015

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Nearly 50 women gathered for a day of retreat at St. Joseph's Parish in Cheyenne on Saturday.  It was my first venture back into work for a full day since being hospitalized.  Although I was exhausted by the end of the day, it was a tremendous gathering.  I always appreciate the opportunity to be surrounded by people of faith.
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The Season of Spring

3/20/2015

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New life!  That is what spring means to me.  The snow melts, the grass begins to turn green, trees begin to bud, and the increasing hours of daylight bring a sense of joy.  This year I am hoping it also brings renewed health.

We are only a little over a week away from entering into Holy Week.  How will we experience "new life" in our journey with the Lord as we approach the Sacred Triduum?  Have we truly turned away from sin during these days of Lent?  Can you see personal growth in holiness since Ash Wednesday?  If so, congratulations!  Keep up the good work.  If not, why not?  What needs to happen now to jump-start that conversion experience?  Don't let these final days of Lent pass by without growing in wisdom, grace, and holiness!
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Sickness and Suffering in Lent

3/18/2015

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It has been a difficult Lenten season so far.  First it was a stomach bug.  Then it turned into heart issues.  After a couple of heart procedures and a brief stay in the hospital, it was an upper respiratory issue.  I feel like I have been sick for ages.  This was not the way I had my Lenten season planned.

I apologize to all of the people impacted by my numerous cancellations during these past couple of weeks.  I made it through five of the six weekend Masses at the Cathedral on March 7 and 8 to open up the Parish Mission. With a heart rate surpassing 150 all morning on Sunday I knew I had to do something.  A trip to the emergency room resulted in a couple-day stay.  I missed the first two nights of the mission but was grateful to be able to preach at the closing Mass on Wednesday.

Unfortunately, after leaving the hospital my wife shared her cough and cold with me.  This greatly hindered my recovery process. and put me on bed rest for four additional days.  I apologize to all of the folks at St. Anthony's in Casper for missing the day of retreat on March 14, the Partners in Education (P.I.E.) fundraiser at St. Anthony's School, and preaching at all of the weekend Masses.  I simply was unable to attend due to my illness.

This Saturday is the women's retreat at St. Joseph's Parish in Cheyenne.  I am doing my best to get well so I can be there to lead this wonderful day.  It is my understanding that nearly 50 women have registered to be in attendance.  I am looking forward to spending this day with all of you.

Please continue to pray for my health.  I am still a long way from being 100% and I am relying on God's healing touch in the days ahead.  Although Lent hasn't been what I was planning, it has definitely provided an opportunity for reflection upon suffering, healing, hope, and the grace and mercy of God.
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Cursillo

3/6/2015

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The women's Cursillo weekend at Holy Trinity Church in Cheyenne is off and running.  I had the privilege of presenting the first three meditations during the "retreat phase" of the weekend beginning yesterday evening and ending this morning.  I enjoyed participating in the celebration of the Eucharist this morning with the ladies as well.

Cursillo simply means a "short course in Christianity."  I made my Cursillo weekend back in 1994 in Quincy, Illinois and have been blessed by the experience ever since.  For those of you who hear me preach or teach on a regular basis know that I frequently refer to being a person of "prayer, study, and action."  I learned the importance of that by being a Cursillista.  Please pray for the ladies on the weekend that they may be deeply touched and impacted by God's grace during these days.

Okay.  It is time for me to shift gears and start accelerating my final preparations for the Cathedral Parish Mission.  It all swings into motion beginning with the Saturday evening Mass.  Zeal for the Lord's House will consume me in these upcoming days.  I hope it consumes you as well!

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On The Road and Back Again

3/5/2015

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The Parish Mission in Green River was another fantastic experience.  I appreciate the hospitality extended by Fr. Denis and all of the Immaculate Conception parishioners.  Your faith community has a special place in my heart as I have been impacted immensely each time I have visited your parish.


"Transfigured By Love" was the title I gave to the Mission since we started out on the weekend when the Gospel account of the Transfiguration was proclaimed.  I then focused on the topics of mercy, humility, and service in each of the successive evenings.  We concluded the last evening with an opportunity for individual prayer and/or the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

The drive home consisted of some snow-packed roads but not too hazardous. I am always grateful when another safe journey has been completed.

This evening is the start of a women's Cursillo weekend being held at Holy Trinity Parish in Cheyenne.  I am scheduled to give a couple of meditations this evening as well as one tomorrow morning.  It will then be time to start gearing up for the Cathedral Parish Mission which begins this weekend. Please pray that I am guided by the Holy Spirit during these days so I may speak words which will build up God's people.

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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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