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A Divide Too Wide To Abide

3/30/2020

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A crisis will sometimes bring people together.  This happens in families, organizations, churches, and even nations.  A calamitous event can propel people to join together for a common cause, even if great divisions had existed previously.  Good can come out of tragedy.

We are seeing snippets of good in the current coronavirus crisis.  However, it has also revealed the great divide that exists in our government, the media, the Church, and other segments of society.  Don't let a good crisis go to waste seems to be a popular mantra.

Information, misinformation, disinformation--who do you believe?  What is true?  Who benefits from the virus?  Who gets hurt?  Was this an act of biological warfare?  How can we blame the Republicans?  How can we blame the Democrats?  Surely, this must be President Trump's fault somehow.  On and on it goes.

What is happening at your house?  This crisis is creating opportunities for family time.  We shall see if positive results come about because of it.  Will all of this bonding time bring families together, or will it drive them absolutely crazy?

Some organizations are seeing an uptick in their business.  Other businesses will likely not survive the prolonged shutdown of society.  The impact on employees and their families will be widespread.

Is our nation divided?  Yes.  Is it as bad as the media portrays it?  Probably not. Sensationalism and fear mongering are the typical journalistic styles these days.  Grab a headline regardless of the cost to integrity.

Our politics, on the other hand, are divided beyond the point of healing. The people in Washington could not even set politics aside for a day to help the American people without pushing agendas, seeking pork, and grandstanding for the finest in political theater.  This well-staged drama was produced and orchestrated in front of an empty room, but hey, it earned folks some coverage on the cable news channels.  Yes!  Pick your favorite channel.  Do you prefer "Fake News" from the left leaning networks, or do you prefer "Faux News" from the right leaning channel.  Would it not be great if we had an actual news source that just reported the facts and let us interpret those facts for ourselves?

Anyway, how divided is the Catholic Church?  When the coronavirus crisis began, there were complaints about being denied the reception of Holy Communion on the tongue.  I watched that banter back and forth for days on social media. A particular organization and one bishop are both using the words, "Church of Nice!"  One uses it in a positive tone and the other in a negative tone.  Just using this one example it is clear to see that the Church is as divided as our politics on many different levels.

Now that we have basically shut down the sacramental life of the Church, where do we find ourselves?  "The church is not empty; it is deployed."  Do you agree?  "If we use caution to go to the store to get worldly bread, could we not use caution to receive heavenly bread?"  Do you agree?  There are a variety ways to respond to our current circumstances. 

Social media has opened up a network of communication that is not always uplifting and life-giving.  However, it truly lets you know how divided we stand on the issues.  Some of these threads are quite interesting and entertaining.  Other times they are just mean.  As for myself, I just never imagined I would give up receiving the sacraments during the season of Lent.

Someone commented to me yesterday about their frustrations in regard to the absence of the Church in these difficult days.  Was closing down really the only answer?  Could we not have been a little creative without shutting down?  I share that sentiment.  A drive-by confessional made the headlines in Catholic circles.  That was "outside the box" thinking both figuratively and literally. 

After seeing a comment from New York Mayor DeBlasio that churches and synagogues may never reopen, I am even more troubled about the future well-being of our religious liberty.  How concerned are you in regard to how easily we gave up or rights in response to the pandemic? 

​Freedom of religion has been under attack for a long time.  Remember things like the HHS mandate and the Little Sisters of the Poor.  Time and time again the politicians wanted us to have Freedom of Worship--not Freedom of Religion.  This move to shut down Freedom of Assembly allows them to finally squelch Freedom of Worship as well.  It seems we accepted this and went down without even putting up a fight.  Do you see that as a proper response to the current crisis, or do you think there will be some long term consequences to these decisions that are not favorable for the Church?

I certainly understand the need to protect our people and our clergy from exposure to the coronavirus.  We are seeing the effects in Italy from not doing so.  However, please keep your radar fine tuned to observe how this plays out in the long run.  When the current crisis ends, what permanent changes will be made in regard to the administration of the sacraments by our priests in hospitals, nursing homes, and even in the church building itself?  What precedents will have been set?  Does Mayor De Blasio have a point?

My dear readers, please keep praying.  Stay vigilant!
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World Down Syndrome Day

3/21/2020

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I apologize for the eleven day absence.  It has indeed been an extraordinary few weeks.  School has closed down.  The parish mission was canceled.  The deacon retreat was canceled.  I bought new socks to showcase to the fifth grade class for World Down Syndrome Day, and then I did not get to wear them.  I'll save them for next year.

World Down Syndrome Day is marked each year on March 21, beginning in 2006. The 21st day of March was selected to signify the uniqueness of the triplication of the 21st chromosome which causes Down Syndrome.  The National Association for Down Syndrome can explain the relevance of colorful socks to mark this day.
www.nads.org/socks/


It is my hope to get back into a little bit more of a routine as we move forward.  In addition to all of the changes due to the coronavirus, I also had to engage in my own personal battle with Influenza A in the midst of all the chaos.  That was certainly a reminder to not take good health for granted.

Reflection question for today:

Through the years you have probably given up a variety of things for Lent. Did you ever anticipate giving up going to church for Lent?  Wow!  These are strange times indeed.

Stay well my friends!
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Parish Mission at St. Peter's Parish in Council Bluffs, IA

3/10/2020

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It is amazing how time keeps marching onward.  I am always reminded of this when I schedule speaking engagements.  I have at times booked out as far as 18 months in advance.  Then it seems that the event suddenly arrives out of nowhere.  As I look back over more than twenty years of ministry, I am truly humbled by the many opportunities that have come my way to share the Good News of Salvation.

This weekend is the start of the parish mission at St. Peter's Parish in Council Bluffs.  This will be my first time to preach at St. Peter's Church.  I look forward to seeing many of the Saint Albert families at Mass, and I also look forward to meeting many others not connected to the school.

I will give a one hour presentation each evening on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday beginning at 7:00 P.M. (March 16, 17, & 18)

The next weekend I will be leading a retreat for some of the Diocese of Des Moines deacons and their wives.  This will be my first time to gather with this group, and it will be my first time to visit Perry, Iowa.

Please keep me in your prayers as I prepare for these Lenten events.  Be assured of my prayers for all of you.  I pray that your Lenten journey is bearing abundant fruit.
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Saint Albert Saintes Going To The State Tournament

3/4/2020

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We had a pep rally at the end of the day yesterday to send our basketball team off in style to the state tournament.  A prayer of blessing was included in that rally. 

I enjoy my dual role as executive director and deacon during these moments.  It is always my goal to help the students and the whole school community to keep in mind the bigger picture of all that we do.  It is great to be successful in our endeavors.  Let's be sure we are achieving these things in a manner that gives glory to God in the process.  The crucifix that hangs in our gym is a constant reminder of why we exist as an institution of Catholic education and formation.  

Good luck to the Saintes basketball team this afternoon!

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Robotics Teams Gather To Celebrate

3/4/2020

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It has been an amazing year for all of our robotics teams here at Saint Albert.  Last night we gathered together for a pizza party to celebrate their accomplishments.  I am grateful to the students, teachers, coaches, parents, and all who support our endeavors.  We are blessed indeed. 
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Catholic Daughters of the Americas--Thank You!

3/3/2020

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It was my privilege to attend the Education Contest Awards Dinner last night at Saint Albert hosted by the Catholic Daughters of the Americas.  Awards were given to our students in a variety of categories including Essay, Poetry, Art, Computer Art, Photography, and Music.

I want to thank everyone behind the scenes who made this event possible.  The dinner was great.  We were blessed to have Jen Brown from Spirit Catholic Radio to emcee the event.  Many teachers and staff were present to support their students' achievements.  We have much to appreciate at Saint Albert Catholic Schools.

Finally, I want to thank the Catholic Daughters of the Americas for their generous financial donation to Saint Albert as well.  You have blessed our institution abundantly with your kindness.  Thank you.

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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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