Blog Archives - Articulating Hope

Wyoming Catholic Register--Memories of Ministry

5/31/2018

The newest edition of the Wyoming Catholic Register (diocesan newspaper) is out. I invite you to take a look at it on the diocesan website.

www.dioceseofcheyenne.org/Catholic%20Register/JUNE%202018.pdf

I have had the pleasure of being part of the editorial team for the Wyoming Catholic Register. My primary responsibilities have centered upon ensuring the accuracy of theological and liturgical components of the newspaper. It is my hope that I completed this task accurately with each issue that has been published.

There is a farewell section on page 9 in the current issue that reminds me of the many changes we experience during the course of a lifetime. As I prepare to depart from the Diocese of Cheyenne, I fondly recall the many memories that have been made over these last eight and a half years.

I share some space on the same page with Carol DeLois. Carol was a good friend and outstanding co-worker. Her presence in this world is greatly missed. Her illness and death is a sobering reminder of the shortness of time. I am extremely grateful that I had the privilege to work with her all of these years.

Page 10 reminds me of the beautiful opportunities I have had to minister all across the state of Wyoming. I had the pleasure of helping lead a young adult retreat at the beginning of Holy Week this past March. Ministerial moments such as that will always hold a treasured place in my heart.

Give God the praise and glory for all the blessings we receive each day!

Cathedral Guild Hosting A Farewell Reception

5/30/2018

To my readers in the Cheyenne area:

I have been assigned as a deacon to the Cathedral of St. Mary ever since I moved to Wyoming in November of 2009. In less than a month I will be bidding farewell as I relocate to Hilton Head Island, South Carolina.

The Cathedral Guild, with the approval of the pastor, has offered to host a farewell reception after the morning Masses on Sunday, June 17. After the 7:30, 9:00, and 10:30 A.M. Masses we will gather in Hartmann Hall to share some refreshments and memories. Although it will be Father's Day, I am hoping many of you can take a moment to stop by so we can visit one last time before I head to South Carolina. Margaret and I look forward to seeing as many folks as possible.

The ladies of the Cathedral Guild have been an immense blessing to me over these eight and a half years. I have especially appreciated their hard work each January when they prepared breakfast for about 250 people prior to the start of the pro-life march. Their kindness, faithfulness, and generosity are beyond measure. I now thank each one of them for this gracious farewell reception as well. Your guild has been an inspiration to me. Thank you!

There have been some beautiful liturgical memories in the cathedral. I pulled out a few old photos to walk down memory lane for just a bit.

Holy Thursday

Good Friday

Easter Vigil 2018

Chrism Mass 2018

Solemn Vespers

Are You A Person Of Prayer?

5/30/2018

There are always plenty of people to lift up in prayer. Memorial Day weekend is a time to remember our military men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. I am grateful for the many prayer services and liturgical celebrations that took place across the country this past weekend for this particular intention.

As I scrolled through various media outlets after the weekend was over, I was not surprised to see Chicago in the news. The shootings in Chicago are typically highlighted after a long weekend. This weekend was no exception. According to USA Today, 36 people were shot--7 fatally. What did surprise me is that this is a reduction in gun violence for the city. Wow!

We are a nation in need of much healing. We are a nation in need of prayer. Our whole world needs prayer. Let us be intentional in our day-to-day lives in seeking holiness. It begins with a fervent prayer life. What progress have you made in the last five years in truly becoming a person of prayer?

Is Washington, D.C. the Devil's Backbone?

5/25/2018

A number of things captured my attention in these photos. The people in the stands watching a baseball game, a storm-filled sky, and the Washington Monument as a backdrop are all key elements. However, the foul poles and the billboard with the words "DEVILS BACKBONE" truly held my attention. (There is a whole story behind the brewing company choosing that particular name for their company. You can research that on your own. My thoughts being expressed today have nothing to do with the brewing company.)

The first question that popped into my mind as I looked at the top photo was in regard to the relationship between Washington, D.C. and the spiritual life. How does the government impact our life of faith when certain laws are passed or certain decisions are handed down by the U.S. Supreme Court? (Is the devil's backbone prevalent in the actions, or inaction, of government?) The complexity of life in the modern age, and the mindset of relativism, can sometimes make it difficult to discern the best path forward. It makes me yearn for clear boundaries. (In a baseball game these boundaries are firmly established by a solid white line with a bright yellow foul pole at the end.)

My encouragement to you today is to consistently strive to develop a conscience that is formed well. Study the Sacred Scriptures and the teachings of the Church. Pray and meditate on the Ten Commandments, the Beatitudes, and the Gifts of the Holy Spirit. Be motivated to live out the Spiritual and Corporal Works of Mercy. There is a clear path to holiness.

Prepare yourself to "enter through the narrow gate." (See Matthew 7:13)

Burke's Beach On Hilton Head Island This Morning

5/24/2018

While the weather is beautiful this morning in Cheyenne, Wyoming, my wife was kind enough to send me this photo from her vantage point at Burke's Beach on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. She said it was pretty hot in the sun (82 degrees). I guess we will need to get an umbrella like the one pictured above once we move to the area.

Since there are 27 golf courses on the island, many people have asked if I play golf. I do not, but I may be open to learning after we are there for a while. On the other hand, I think I could be quite comfortable with the simple hobby of going for walks on the beach. There is something very soothing about the ocean and the sound of the waves.

Transitions in life are exciting, but they also come with a little anxiety. We are in the process of getting the house ready to sell. Then we will begin packing our belongings to move. In the midst of all that I am trying to wrap up as many loose ends as possible at work before I leave. It is my hope that the pieces of the puzzle all come together smoothly and quickly.

Please keep my family in your prayers as we prepare to embark on this new adventure.

St. Mary's Catholic School Graduation Mass

5/23/2018

It was my pleasure to assist at today's graduation Mass for St. Mary's Catholic School.

There are sentimental things about these types of celebrations now. Being the Superintendent of Catholic Schools for the Diocese of Cheyenne since 2010 has brought about many fond memories. We celebrated 90 years at St. Anthony's Tri-Parish Catholic School in Casper, Wyoming last fall. Several years ago we marked 100 years at Holy Name School in Sheridan, Wyoming. Looking at the program above, I see by the establishment date of 1884 that St. Mary's Catholic School in Cheyenne, Wyoming will soon enter into its 125th year of education. These are some remarkable milestones.

Catholic education has blessed our country in a multitude of ways. I am grateful to everyone who gives of their time, talent, and financial resources to make Catholic education the success that it is. We are blessed indeed!

Are You Building Up The Kingdom Of God?

5/22/2018

"A lie can travel half way around the world while the truth is putting on its shoes."
~Charles Spurgeon

How carefully do we monitor the words that come forth from our mouths? Are we building up the kingdom of God by our words? Our tongue enables us to give glory and praise to God with our whole heart, mind, soul, and strength. Are we utilizing the gift of speech for that awesome purpose?

Unfortunately, our tongue can also be used for lies, gossip, cursing, bullying, and just ripping people apart. Here is my reflection question for today. Do the words I use reflect that I am truly a child of God?

Come Holy Spirit--Fill The Hearts Of Your Faithful

5/20/2018

Pentecost is one of my favorite celebrations during the liturgical year. Reading the Sacred Scriptures and learning how the Holy Spirit moved in the life of Jesus is truly noteworthy. It reminds me that I also need the movement of the Holy Spirit in my own life. The question I must pose to myself is a simple one. Am I allowing myself to be led by the Holy Spirit.

During the Easter season we have heard much about the life of the early Church from the Acts of the Apostles. However, I sometimes wonder if we believe that the Holy Spirit is still active in the Church today. Have we squelched the Spirit? I ask this because of what we read in John's Gospel chapter 14 verse 12. Jesus said that we will do the works He did and greater still because He was going to the Father. Are we doing those types of works?

My dear friends, the gifts of the Holy Spirit are to be active in our lives. These gifts were not something to simply memorize as a list to jump through some hoops to get the Sacrament of Confirmation. These gifts are given to us to grow closer to God and to be part of building up the kingdom Have you recently asked God for an outpouring of these gifts in your life? If not, why not?

Can you see the fruits of the Holy Spirit in your life? Read Galatians 5:22 and reflect upon the verse for a significant period of time. Invite God to speak to you in the depths of your heart about each of the fruits mentioned in the passage. What are the opportunities for growth in each of these fruits?

We are called to holiness. Pentecost reminds us that it is through the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God the Father, and the communion, fellowship and power of the Holy Spirit that makes this possible. Remember, all things are possible for God. Be a saint!

Vocation Club and the Beginning of Saying Farewell

5/19/2018

The Cheyenne Vocation Club met yesterday for their monthly meeting. It began with the celebration of the Eucharist, and it was my privilege to assist at Mass with Fr. Michael Carr as the celebrant.

Fr. Carr was serving as the diocesan administrator back when I was hired in 2009. He took a chance on me and I am so grateful that he did. Serving the Diocese of Cheyenne as the Director of Pastoral Ministries and the Superintendent of Catholic Schools has been an immense blessing in my life. I am glad Fr. Carr was willing to give this outsider such a marvelous opportunity. The arrival of Bishop Etienne soon thereafter was another blessing. It has been a good ride here in the beautiful state of Wyoming.

It was announced at the Vocation Club gathering that I will be moving. This was new information for many of the folks in attendance. The appreciation expressed by them after the announcement was very touching. It is humbling to know that my presence has made such a profound difference in the lives of others during these eight and a half years.

Several people mentioned specific homilies that impacted them. That is very meaningful. Knowing that a homily has been remembered for years lets me know that I have been effective in preaching a message with substance, style, and conviction. Preaching should "cut to the heart." I can rest assured that the Holy Spirit has truly been using me as His instrument through my teaching and preaching. I am extremely grateful for such a blessing.

One person mentioned my homily on the Ten Commandments. Another mentioned my homily on the seven capital sins. Finally, another mentioned my homily about the "rubber meeting the road." It has been years since each of those homilies were delivered. Wow! This has renewed my fervor to be diligent in all of my homiletic preparations. It really does make a difference.

My heart continues to be filled with gratitude as I work toward making this major transition in life.

Memories of "The Beverly Hillbillies"

5/18/2018

I can easily remember the theme song from The Beverly Hillbillies even after all these many years (show ran from 1962-1971). That show popped into my mind the other day as I drove by this rig at the entrance to our subdivision. It prompted me to think about being more specific when I prayed.

You may be asking yourself how I connected the dots in this manner. The rig made me think of oil. Oil made me think of Jed Clampett and the lifestyle he could afford--including the "cement pond." Looking at the luxury of his home, and hearing the totals in his bank account from Mr. Drysdale, prompted me to pray for a similar lucky break. I can remember going out on our farm in Missouri and digging little holes just waiting for the oil to come bubbling up like it did for Jed. I "prayed" for oil to be on our land.

Little did I know that my "prayer" would be answered nearly fifty years later after I moved to Wyoming. Unfortunately, I failed to "pray" for mineral rights in addition to having the oil on my ground. I was only a kid back then. How was I supposed to know about mineral rights?

I mention all of this a bit tongue in cheek. However, I use this brief reflection to invite you to pause and think about what you value in life. Striking it rich by finding a pot of gold at the end of a rainbow or having "black gold" rise up out of the ground would be tremendous experience, but I encourage you to focus on the blessings you already have in your midst.

The beginning of each Mass reminds us of how blessed we are when we hear the words of greeting. "The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God the Father, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all." We are indeed rich beyond measure!