Blog Archives - Articulating Hope

The Changing Of The Seasons

8/31/2016

The nights are getting cool, the prairie has turned from green to gold, and the geese are on the move. While I enjoy the cool, crisp morning air I am not thrilled about moving toward winter. As we turn the page of the calendar tomorrow to the month of September I know it is only a matter of time before the snow makes it way to the area. Unlike some, I do not eagerly await the first snowfall.

As I look at my September schedule it reminds me to take full advantage of the upcoming three-day weekend. The activities and commitments remain pretty steady after that until Thanksgiving.

In my role as Superintendent of Catholic Schools I was recently invited to attend the Governor's Symposium On Suicide Prevention. This is a topic that certainly needs to be addressed and I look forward to learning what I can through this symposium. The event is on September 27, and I am sure I will share some thoughts here on my blog after attending the gathering. I am grateful that the governor's office invited me to attend.

September 9, has been set aside by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) as a day of prayer for peace. You can look on their website for more details. My readers in the Cheyenne area will have the opportunity to attend Mass on that day at noon at the Cathedral of St. Mary with Bishop Paul Etienne presiding.

Enjoy these final days of summer. For those of you who attending school, or if you are a parent or grandparent sending kids to school, I hope the academic year has gotten off to a good start for you. May you be blessed abundantly in all of your endeavors!

Diocese of Springfield, Illinois Deacon Convocation

8/29/2016

After many months of planning it is almost difficult to believe that in exactly two months I will be gathered with the deacons and their wives from the Diocese of Springfield, Illinois for a special convocation. As we approach the 50th anniversary of the restoration of the permanent diaconate, it is profitable for us to take some time to reflect upon our ministry in the Church. I am truly humbled and honored when I am invited by other dioceses to facilitate such reflections and discussions.

While much has been written about the role of the deacon in the last several decades, there is still a great deal of misunderstanding about his particular vocation. Fifty years in the life of the Church is a relatively short period of time. Subsequently, there is still an opportunity for growth and greater appreciation for the role of the deacon in ministry.

I have experienced many things in my 17 years of ministry as a deacon serving in three different dioceses. It will be a pleasure to share some of the insights learned, and I look forward to learning from the experiences of the deacons and their wives from Springfield, Illinois. (I ask all of my readers to keep us in prayer for a fruitful gathering so that we may experience renewal in the Holy Spirit.)

Faculty Retreat @ Holy Spirit Catholic School

8/26/2016

The last two weeks have been packed with activity all across the state. Logging in nearly 2,000 miles over the last seven days has made me a bit on the tired side, but it has been a phenomenal experience. On Wednesday I spent the day with the faculty of Holy Spirit Catholic School in Rock Springs, Wyoming for a day of retreat. While there was still much work to do to get ready for the start of school on Monday, it was a tremendous blessing to spend this time reflecting upon WHY we do the work we do.

I had the privilege of presenting a three night parish mission in Rock Springs earlier this year during Lent. Going back this week to focus solely on the spiritual well-being of the faculty at the school was exciting. They are doing some amazing work at Holy Spirit Catholic School and I am blessed to be just a small part of it. You can feel the presence of God when you walk in the building. That is a tribute to the administration, faculty, and staff of the school.

I want to give a tip of the hat to all those involved in the life of the parish and school in Rock Springs. You are impacting your community in a very positive way. Keep up the good work.

Catholic Rural Life (Mass and Dinner)

8/21/2016

I traveled to Casper, Wyoming today for the second annual Catholic Rural Life Mass and dinner. It was a beautiful day to celebrate the work of farmers and ranchers and to give thanks to Almighty God for the gift of creation entrusted our care.

After Mass and dinner I also had the opportunity to do a little sightseeing. In my nearly seven years of living in Wyoming I had heard the words Alcova and Pathfinder numerous times but had never been to these places. That changed today. The beauty of God's creation is amazing.

A stop at Independence Rock was also part of the journey home.

It was a full weekend with a Catechist Workshop in Worland on Saturday and the Catholic Rural Life celebration today in Casper. The Church is full of life and vitality as we prepare to enter into a new academic year.

Next Stop--I am presenting a day-long retreat for the faculty and staff of Holy Spirit Catholic School in Rock Springs, Wyoming this week.

Faculty Meetings, Catechist Workshops, & Retreats

8/17/2016

The Cathedral of St. Mary hosted its parish picnic in the beautiful setting of Lions Park last Friday in Cheyenne. It was a gorgeous evening and many people took advantage of this opportunity to enjoy some food, fellowship, and fun. As I looked out over the lake I did my best to soak in every ounce of the remaining days of summer.

My schedule has moved into high gear as it always does at this time of year. I spent time with the faculty and staff of St. Mary's School yesterday. On Saturday I will be with the catechists in Worland for a workshop. Next week I will lead a retreat for the faculty and staff of Holy Spirit Catholic School in Rock Springs. These days are truly filled with immense blessings.

As a new academic year begins and many of our church programs gear up as well, I simply pose this question for your reflection:

In what ways have you experienced God searching for you?

San Miguel Church in Santa Fe, New Mexico

8/16/2016

The story of the Church in America is an interesting one. We have been blessed by the sacrifices of many who have walked the journey of faith before us.

What will be pass on to those who are following behind us?

Keep the flame of faith burning brightly in your life!

Some Students Are Already Back To School

8/11/2016

How is it possible that we are entering into another school year already? It seems like the last one just ended. As a child I can remember our school year always began on the day after Labor Day, but now some schools are already back in session in the second week of August. Other schools have gone to a year-round system. One thing is clear. I need to grasp a few more days of summer fun before entering fully into the new academic year.

God has blessed us abundantly with the gift of nature. Have you been refreshed and renewed this summer by absorbing some of God's beautiful gifts? Take some time. Smell the roses or the scent of the pine trees. Listen to the water in the stream. Let God speak to you in the quiet of the great outdoors.

Training--It Is Not Just For Olympic Athletes

8/8/2016

I spent some time over the weekend watching the Olympics. The discipline and perseverance of the athletes is truly noteworthy. The personal stories of each individual on the road to the Olympics can be quite inspiring. There is a level of tenacity demonstrated by the athletes that may sting the conscience of those of us sitting comfortably on our couches watching the games on our television sets.

Although I enjoyed watching the Olympics as I was growing up I never had a desire to be an Olympic athlete. I enjoyed sports as a hobby. Getting up in the early hours of the morning to work out and practice never appealed to me. That sounded like a job, not sports. If I had known in my childhood that I was going to grow up to be 6'8" tall maybe I would have looked at things differently. I had no control over my growth spurt of three inches per year in high school. That was not a skill; it was God's gift to me.

It wasn't until my senior year in high school that the thought of playing sports beyond high school became a viable option. I didn't always enjoy practice, but it wasn't completely over the top in regard to expectations. Training for sports looked significantly different forty years ago compared to today. I was able to play two sports at the collegiate level and had my education paid for because of those skills. There are no gold medals in my closet, but I do have some good memories.

As I watched the gymnasts and swimmers on Sunday I could only imagine the hours of training and practice each athlete had invested to reach this brief moment in time. Would the hard work pay off or would one flaw squelch the dreams? Watching the parents of some of the athletes sitting in the stands showed the level of pressure being felt by more than just the individual athlete. "The thrill of victory and the agony of defeat" was staring each individual right in the eye.

The Olympics mean a little bit more to me this time because I actually know a member of Team USA. DeAnna Price will be in the hammer throw competition. I have known DeAnna's mom my whole life, and I actually played baseball with DeAnna's grandpa. My wife was DeAnna's seventh grade teacher. Thus, we are hoping she has an awesome experience and brings home a gold medal.

You can read more about DeAnna on Team USA's website.
www.teamusa.org/usa-track-and-field/athletes/Deanna-Price

All of this started me thinking about my own discipline, or lack thereof, in the responsibilities of my daily life. Am I putting forth the effort to be successful in my endeavors? Am I satisfied with the status quo? I then took it out of the realm of work and just put into the perspective of my spiritual journey. Do I have the discipline necessary to become a saint?

We recognize that the gift of redemption is just that. It is a gift. It is God's grace welcoming us into the fold. However, that gift of grace requires a response from each of us. Are we determined to be saints? Do we have the tenacity to get up early and spend time in prayer? Are we willing to go above and beyond the call of duty in regard to loving our neighbor? Sanctity is not for the faint of heart.

There are times when we can become apathetic and think that saints only lived in the distant past. We may incorrectly believe that sanctity is just for a few select individuals. On the contrary, all who have been baptized into the death of Christ have been baptized into His resurrection. We are all called to be saints. Are we living like we believe that?

Here are a few reflection questions to ponder in regard to your pursuit of sanctity:

1. Are you faithful in making time for daily personal prayer?

2. Are you participating in the Sunday Eucharist. Please notice that I used the word participating. This isn't just about showing up to check the box "Fulfilled my Sunday obligation by attending." Are you present with full, conscious, and active participation?

3. Do you receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation frequently? Do you recognize the need for forgiveness? Repetition of sin can lull our conscience to sleep. Are you examining your conscience thoroughly and truthfully?

4. Are you nurturing a spirit of gratitude and generosity? Do you complain about everything that is wrong with your life and the world or do you celebrate the gift of life with gratitude and generosity?

5. Do you seek opportunities for conversion? Is your faith journey receiving adequate attention or do you simply work spiritual things into your life when it is convenient?

6. Are you cultivating a love for justice and a desire for peace? What are you doing to make your little corner of the world a better place, a holier place?

7. Are you faithfully reading the Sacred Scriptures? This includes study, meditation, and prayer. Do you allow quiet time so God can speak to you through His Word?

8. Do you act on your moral values even when it is difficult?

9. Do you serve others willingly?

10. Are you intentional about growing in holiness, responding to God's call in your life, and becoming a saint? Do you have the steadfast perseverance required to run the race to the finish?

This isn't just about winning a gold medal. It is about our eternal salvation. Are you willing to unite yourself to God with total abandonment?

Catholic Rural Life Celebration In Less Than 2 Weeks

8/8/2016

If you live in Wyoming, or even if you do not, consider joining us for the celebration of the Holy Eucharist and fellowship on Sunday, August 21.

Learn more about Catholic Rural Life by visiting their website:

catholicrurallife.org/

The Beginning Of August Brings A Fast Pace Of Life

8/3/2016

The rushing water over and around the boulders creates quite a picture. The sound is not captured in a still photo but the power of the roaring water is almost palpable. This photo from a stream in Northern Wyoming depicts how I have felt the last couple of days. August is here. Let's pick up the pace.

Preparing for a new academic year always brings plenty to do. The demands on my time seem to increase with each passing year due to additional roles and greater responsibilities. When one works for the Church in a mission diocese there are multiple hats to be worn at the same time. Juggling is a skill that should be learned prior to entering ministry.

I enjoy the brisk pace (up to a point). There is excitement building around the upcoming events being planned for the new season. Conducting workshops for catechists, faculty workshops for our our Catholic school teachers, and presentations for a variety of church groups are all on my calendar for the very near future. Preparations for each presentation are well underway.

A new experience this fall will be attending diaconate formation weekends in my role as a member of the diaconate formation board. Although I have been ordained for over 17 years, I will be attending formation classes with the new group of aspirants beginning in September. While being of service to the men in formation I am sure I will learn a thing or two in the process. Going through formation for five years was difficult the first time. I am a bit concerned about doing it again even if I don't have to do the homework now. It is quite a commitment of time and energy and I hope to support the men and their wives in formation as best as I am able.

World Youth day pilgrims from our diocese will be returning home this evening. I pray that their experience in Poland and Lithuania will bear abundant fruit in the years ahead. Give thanks to the Lord for He is good; His mercy endures forever.