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Do We Even Recognize A Path That Leads To Sin?

6/28/2017

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When was the last time you gave some serious thought about sin?  Is the path you are walking leading you closer to Jesus Christ?  If yes, wonderful!  If not, why not?  What needs to change?

I want to invite you to read paragraphs 1846 through 1869 of the Catechism of the Catholic Church.  There is an abundance of material contained in these 23 paragraphs for reflecting upon sin, mercy, and God's grace.  You can find the Catechism on the internet in a number of locations if you do not possess a hard copy.  If you click on this link it will take you directly to the paragraphs I referenced.
www.scborromeo.org/ccc/p3s1c1a8.htm 


Paragraph 1849 provides an extensive definition of sin.  "Sin is an offense against reason, truth, and right conscience; it is a failure in genuine love for God and neighbor caused by a perverse attachment to certain goods.  It wounds the nature of man and injures human solidarity."

How has human solidarity been injured in our modern age?  Have you witnessed any offenses against reason, truth, and right conscience?  Do you think modern society has failed in expressing genuine love for God and neighbor?  Are there any perverse attachments to certain goods in society? Where do you fit into the overall picture?

As you read paragraphs 1865 through 1869 think about "The Proliferation of Sin" throughout our society.  Paragraph 1865 states that "Sin creates a proclivity to sin; it engenders vice by repetition of the same acts.  This results in perverse inclinations which cloud conscience and corrupt the concrete judgment of good and evil."  To put it simply, repetition of sin lulls our conscience to sleep.  I looked up the definition of the word proclivity.  It said, "Natural or habitual inclination or tendency."  The habitual inclination toward sin can seem natural after our conscience has been clouded and corrupted. That is not a good place to find ourselves.

We are blessed in the Catholic Church to have access to the Sacrament of Reconciliation.  I encourage you to make use of this beautiful sacrament of forgiveness, healing, and mercy.  Spend some time with the Ten Commandments making a thorough examination of your conscience.  There are many effective aids available to help you walk through that process. Since we are marking the 100th anniversary of the Fatima apparitions I will include a sample examination of conscience from the Fatima website.  You can find it here.

     www.fatima.org/essentials/requests/examconc.asp

      Let the path you walk be one that leads to Christ.


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Most Sacred Heart of Jesus Statue--Casper, Wyoming

6/24/2017

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Our Lady of Fatima Parish in Casper, Wyoming celebrated the Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus in a magnificent way on Friday, June 23, 2017. Bishop Steven Biegler was on hand to celebrate the Most Holy Eucharist at 5:30 pm with parishioners and guests. He was also joined by the pastor, Fr. Thomas George, Deacon Ed McCarthy, and numerous other priests and deacons from
across the diocese. Immediately after Mass everyone processed outside to the location of the new statue where the formal dedication ceremony took place. A reception was held at St. Anthony Tri-Parish Catholic School following the dedication.

The statue faces CY Avenue and greets people as they pass by the church property. The bronze statue is 12 feet tall on a 5-foot base. It sits atop a cement base which ultimately creates a structure that is a total of 22 feet tall.  It weighs about 4000 lbs.  The LED lit Sacred Heart is 8 inches across and four 20 inch doves encircle the base. 

The statue is a generous gift from Marialyce Tobin in memory of her parents, Frank and Alice Barrett.  Many contractors and parishioners donated time, materials, and labor to the construction site to make the installation of the statue possible.

The sculptor of the statue is Chris Navarro from Casper, Wyoming.

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The weather was beautiful for the dedication ceremony.
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St. Aloysius Gonzaga--Model Of Purity And Penance

6/21/2017

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This photo was taken before the weather was warm.  There are obviously no people "laying out" on the beach.  However, as we celebrate the Memorial of St. Aloysius Gonzaga, I think it is a good time to reflect on the ways we keep our hearts, minds, and our bodies pure. The closing prayer in today's Liturgy of the Hours sums it up well for us when it states that we, "who have failed to imitate his innocence, may follow his example of penance."  St. Aloysius gave us a good example to follow.

As the weather has warmed up significantly all across the country, the pools and beaches will see a flood of people.  We can certainly enjoy the sunshine and warm temperatures that God has blessed us with on this first full day of summer.  However, there can also be certain temptations that present themselves in a more tangible way under these circumstances. I simply ask one question today for your reflection.  What are the steps you will take to maintain custody of your eyes? 
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Deacon Retreat Ends With Corpus Christi Procession

6/18/2017

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I stepped out of line just long enough to snap a couple of pictures.  Fr. Denis D'Souza, pastor of Immaculate Conception Parish in Green River, Wyoming, carried the monstrance and led the procession along with Fr. Ray Rodriguez.  More than a dozen deacons from around the diocese also participated in the procession with the parishioners of Immaculate Conception Parish.
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This procession was the culmination of our diaconal weekend retreat.
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Fr. Ray Rodriguez, pastor of St. Mary Magdalen Parish in Worland, Wyoming, served as the retreat master.  He did a splendid job of calling us into a deeper relationship with Almighty God by using the examples of two of the Church's newest saints, Francisco and Jacinta.  Merging together the National Directory for the Formation, Ministry and Life of Permanent Deacons in the United States and the witness given by two young children at Fatima in 1917 was a work of art by Fr. Ray.  His preparation time resulted in a beautiful message that certainly prompted us to pause, pray, reflect, and grow in wisdom, grace, and holiness.

As much as I appreciated the research and preparation done by our presenter for this weekend, I am even more grateful for his kindness and positive message which affirmed the work of the deacons across the diocese.  He reminded us of the many ways we can impact the lives of God's people in our ministry.  He expressed gratitude to us for the way we serve so generously, and he applauded our wives and families for the many sacrifices they make in the process as well.  Fr. Ray reminded us that God loves us immensely.  More importantly, he served as an avenue and ambassador of God's love this weekend to all of us.  His collegial fraternity with us was a blessing beyond measure.

There was not a lot of "down time" over the course of the weekend, but I did find a little time here and there to take a brief walk for some exercise.  Most of the time I stayed near the hotel due to limited time.  However, I did make it to Expedition Island once.  I wanted to see how high the water was due to the melting of the heavy snow-pack from this winter.  The water was high and moving fast.  I have always been to Green River during the Lenten season when I have given parish missions.  This was my first time to see the river without ice in it. 

Winds were gusting while I was on Expedition Island.  Some people were setting up for a wedding in the park, and I am guessing that they were not amused by the gusty winds while they were attempting to do their work. They probably weren't impressed by the number of people passing by and taking photos of their endeavors either.

                   Enjoy the photos from around Green River, Wyoming.

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The rock behind the hotel did not seem like a threat until I took the picture at this angle.
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Leadership Is An Opportunity To Serve Others

6/14/2017

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Servant leadership has been mentioned more than a few times in my 18 years of diaconal ministry.  There is no doubt that leadership is an opportunity to serve others. It isn't just a position or title that one holds.  Leadership is influence.  Are we influencing those around us in a positive way or detrimental way?

Leadership is not always easy.  It sometimes comes at a great cost.  (See photo above.) However, our world is in desperate need for leadership from faith-filled people who believe that Jesus Christ is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.  We need faithful disciples. We need witnesses to the Truth.  We need saints among us.

Who are you leading closer to Christ?
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Bishop Steven Biegler's First Mass As A Bishop

6/7/2017

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I had the pleasure of assisting Bishop Steven Biegler at his first Mass as our new bishop.  This took place on Tuesday, June 6, 2017 at the Cathedral of St. Mary in Cheyenne, Wyoming.
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Pictured above are Fr. Joseph Barbieri, CP (left), Deacon Vernon, Bishop Steven Biegler,
​Fr. James Schumacher and Deacon Kim Carroll 
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Please pray for Bishop Steven Biegler and all leaders of the Church. 
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Solemn Vespers On Pentecost Sunday

6/7/2017

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Walking through the script with Archbishop Etienne before we began was helpful.
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Bishop-elect Steven Biegler (prior to ordination), Archbishop Paul Etienne, and Deacon Vernon enter the Cathedral of St. Mary to begin Solemn Vespers on the eve of the Ordination and Installation of the Most Reverend Steven R. Biegler, DD, STL on the Solemnity of Pentecost. 
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The Apostolic Nuncio and other bishops were present for Solemn Vespers.
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Listening to the Word of God being proclaimed.
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Solemn Vespers drawing to a close.
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Solemn Vespers on Pentecost Sunday brings the Easter Season to a close.  Processing out of the cathedral with the Paschal Candle signifies the end of that liturgical season and our move back into Ordinary Time.
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The Most Reverend Steven R. Biegler, DD, STL

6/6/2017

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It has been a full three days.  Evening prayer on Sunday, ordination and installation on Monday, first Mass as bishop this morning, and now it is time for an attempt to get back into some kind of routine.  I want to welcome our new shepherd, Bishop Steven R. Biegler, DD, STL.  I am looking forward to getting to know him better and working closely with him.

I had only been in the diocese for six weeks back in 2009 when we received a new bishop to shepherd the Diocese of Cheyenne at that time.  After having served with Bishop Paul Etienne for the last seven years, it is much easier for me to be of assistance to our new bishop.  I now have eighteen years of experience as a deacon, with eight of those being closely involved with liturgies at a cathedral with a bishop as the celebrant. (Cheyenne, Wyoming & Pueblo, Colorado) It took a long time to develop a comfort level with assisting a bishop at liturgy, but I am grateful to have reached that point.  I have learned more about liturgical rites in the last eighteen years than I had ever imagined. 

The crosier, mitre, and bishop's ring (pictured above) have significant meaning.  Our former bishop, now archbishop, explains the symbolism quite well in his recent blog.  I encourage you to read Archbishop Paul Etienne's blog to learn the historical significance of each of these items.
archbishopetienne.com/significance-of-bishops-insignia

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It was a wonderful privilege to be part of the planning for these days and to have a role in each of the liturgical celebrations.  Enjoy the photos below.
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Rehearsal is a key part of any major liturgical celebration.
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The appointment is verified in this official document.
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Archbishop Aquila was the primary consecrating bishop.
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It was good to see Archbishop Etienne again.
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Be Sealed With The Gift Of The Holy Spirit

6/1/2017

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The beginning of the month of June brings thoughts of summer to my mind.  Lounging around in the sun certainly appeals to some animals as well as humans.  However, it isn't quite time yet to take advantage of the warmer temperatures and slower pace. The ordination and installation of our new bishop on Monday still requires some preparation time.   The remainder of the month still finds my calendar with more than a few obligations on the agenda.

We celebrate the Memorial of St. Justin, Martyr today.  If you have a copy of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, I would encourage you to read paragraph 1345 to see a letter written by St. Justin somewhere around the year 155.  (You can also find the catechism on the internet if you don't have a hard copy in your possession.)  If you want to know why we celebrate the Eucharist the way we do, you can see that it was already being done in a similar way at the time of St. Justin.

Enjoy some leisure time this summer, but please do not take a vacation from practicing your faith.  After you read St. Justin's writing, pick up the Bible and read chapter 6 of John's Gospel.  Get your heart, mind, and soul ready for a fresh release of the Holy Spirit on this upcoming Pentecost Sunday!  Be SEALED with the Gift of the Holy Spirit!

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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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