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"Ignorance of Scripture Is Ignorance of Christ"

9/30/2016

It is a cool and damp day in Cheyenne as the month of September draws to a close. The season of autumn can be felt today. While I enjoy the changing of the seasons I am not thrilled with the approach of winter. Shortened daylight, gusting winds, heavy snowfalls, and frigid temperatures are not that appealing to me. I will enjoy the beauty of fall for as long as possible.

The Church celebrates the Memorial of St. Jerome today. He was a Priest and Doctor of the Church. St. Jerome is the patron saint of Scripture scholars. His famous line still resonates with us today, "Ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ." Hopefully, that line will propel us into a more diligent study of the Sacred Scriptures.

Is reading, studying, and praying with the Sacred Scriptures part of your daily routine? If so, how can you enhance this time with the Lord? If not, how can you incorporate this into your daily regimen of activities? Allow God's Word to penetrate deeply into your mind and heart so that you may faithfully sing His praises!

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Governor's Symposium on Suicide Prevention

9/29/2016

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On Tuesday afternoon I had the privilege of attending the Governor's Symposium on Suicide Prevention. The Honorable Matthew H. Mead. Governor of Wyoming, welcomed all of us for this very important discussion. The rate of suicide in Wyoming is high, and the cross-section of people gathered in Casper, Wyoming for this symposium showed a desire to do something about those disconcerting rates.

The statistical data is alarming, but we were reminded that this is about much more than statistics. This is about people. Our State Auditor, Cynthia Cloud, shared her powerful testimony as to how her family had been impacted just six months ago when her own son committed suicide at the age of seventeen. This put a face to all of the numbers.

Carolyn M. Pepper, Ph.D., Professor of Psychology at the University of Wyoming, gave an evidence-based presentation that was well-prepared and well-delivered regarding suicide in the Mountain Division of the United States. One area that spoke directly to me was the matter of religiosity. She said that religiosity can be a significant factor in reducing suicides. Unfortunately, religiosity in Wyoming is relatively low. This was a reminder to me that faith in Christ can literally be a matter of life and death--both now and the hereafter.

One session focused solely on our military veterans. We have many military veterans living in Wyoming and the rate of suicide among that particular group is staggering. I am grateful for all of the people that strive to reach out to our military veterans in a variety of ways. In particular, I want to thank the chaplains who are faithful in their continued outreach to bring the love of God to those who are hurting.

After the symposium concluded I headed directly to a 40 Days for Life kick-off rally also being held in Casper, Wyoming. We held a Life Chain which extended from Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church all the way to the local Planned Parenthood facility about 2,000 feet away. It was impressive to see pro-life people lining the entire street for that distance. We continue to show that life is precious from conception through natural death.

After the Life Chain we enjoyed dinner and then I had the privilege of being the keynote speaker for the evening. I am extremely grateful when I get to address groups who are filled with faith in the risen Christ. Although I was tired at the end of the evening, and still had a three hour drive to return home, it was a day filled with many blessings. I arrived home just before midnight--exhausted and exhilarated at the same time. God continues to move among His people.

This Sunday is "Respect Life Sunday." I have the privilege of preaching the homily at four of the six Masses this weekend at the Cathedral of St. Mary in Cheyenne.

Saturday, October 1,
5:15 P.M.

Sunday, October 2,
7:30 A.M.
10:30 A.M.
12:00 Noon

Please plan to participate in LifeChain this Sunday at 2:00 P.M. In Cheyenne we will be at Dell Range and Powderhouse giving witness to the sacred value and dignity of each human life from 2:00 to 3:00 P.M. Wherever you live, please get involved. You can see all of the 1,600 locations across the United States at www.lifechain.net.

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The Gift of Life--Let Us Show Proper Respect

9/25/2016

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My dad's birthday over the weekend made me stop and pause for a moment to reflect upon his life. He had always said that he wanted to live to be a hundred. He died more than twenty-two years ago so he did not make to that magical number of 100. He would be 99 now if he were still here.

Birthdays are opportunities for each of us to reflect on the graces and blessings we have received from Almighty God. Although life can be difficult at times, if we look for the hand of God in the midst of the sufferings we can see grace at work. I will readily admit that there have been times when I have been in the midst of the struggle and it was quite difficult to see past the darkness of the affliction. Thankfully, God has been patient with me in my slowness to understand and appreciate His grace.

I will be focusing on the gift of life in a couple of unique ways tomorrow. I will be attending the Governor's Symposium on Suicide Prevention in the afternoon and then I will be speaking at a 40 Days for Life kick-off rally in the evening. It is an honor to be included in both of these events being held in Casper, Wyoming.

The afternoon session will provide an opportunity to learn about initiatives to improve outcomes and close gaps in health care. This will obviously include behavioral health. A session will be devoted to the high risk of suicide among our veterans. Another session will look at the ramifications of losing a child to suicide. The event will close with a panel discussion about ways in which we can increase awareness and provide educational opportunities for suicide prevention.

A closing thought on the topic of suicide--
If you, or someone you know, is contemplating suicide please seek help. There is no need to walk the journey alone. If you have family support let them know you are struggling. Contact your pastor, counselor, or medical doctor. Let someone know you are hurting before it is too late.

In the evening I will speak to the people preparing to begin the 40 Days for Life campaign on Wednesday. I intend to give a brief rundown of how we arrived at this point in time in regard to life issues--in particular abortion. Here are some of the highlights. (If you are in Casper don't look.)

In 1968 Pope Paul VI promulgated the Encyclical Letter Humanae Vitae. This document clearly described the slippery slope we would be on if we accepted the contraceptive culture. The publication was ignored by many and ridiculed by even more. Unfortunately, many of those ridiculing the document were prominent theologians and clerics. They convinced a multitude of people to reject the teaching laid out in the encyclical. We are now reaping the consequences of that dissent in a monumental way.

In 1972 the United States Bishops set aside the month of October as "Respect Life Month." The first Sunday of October was set aside as "Respect Life Sunday." It was as if they could read the writing on the wall. In January of 1973 we had the Unites States Supreme Court decision Roe versus Wade which gave us abortion on demand. The follow-up court case of Doe versus Bolton made abortion legal through all nine months of pregnancy.

In 1987 Life Chain began in Yuba City, California. There were about 2,000 participants in that first life chain. In 2015 Life Chain took place in over 1,600 cities in the United States. I hope you will participate this Sunday in your local community. Go to www.lifechain.net to find a location near you.

In 1995 Saint Pope John Paul II issued The Gospel of Life. He could obviously see the necessity of proclaiming the sanctity and dignity of each human life from conception through natural death. As our society continues down a path that celebrates abortion, physician-assisted suicide, and euthanasia we need his message of hope even more today. There are examples in the state of Oregon now of where people have been refused by their insurance company to pay for treatments. However, the insurance will pay for physician-assisted suicide. There is something really wrong with that picture.

On September 29, 2000--just a couple of days before Respect Life Sunday--the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the use of the RU-486 abortion pill in the United States of America. The trajectory of our nation continued toward being a culture of death with this disastrous decision.

Finally, in 2007, we saw the first 40 Days for Life campaign. According to their website the 40 Days for Life statistics are as follows:

636 cities
36 nations
4,168 campaigns
700,000 volunteers
11,796 lives have been saved
133 abortion workers have quit their jobs
75 abortion centers have closed

These statistics demonstrate that being a prayerful witness to the sanctity of life is bearing fruit.

I simply close with these thoughts. If you have been impacted by abortion in one way or another, please know that there is help and healing available. I know some individuals struggle for years following an abortion. God's grace can bring healing and hope. Call your local church or crisis pregnancy center for guidance and help if you don't know where to turn.

Our culture needs a lot of healing. Each of us can play a part in building a culture of life. How will you get involved?

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The 2016 September Institute Is In The Books

9/22/2016

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It is good to connect with priests, deacons, and lay leaders from all across the diocese at the annual September Institute. I was especially grateful this year that I did not have to plan, organize, and facilitate this year's gathering. It was the first time in five years that I could just attend without being responsible for all of the details

I drove to Laramie this morning and left the house quite early because I was unable to sleep. Fog was thick in the Cheyenne area and I thought the extra drive time would allow for a slower speed in the unfavorable conditions. Thankfully, the fog lifted about fifteen miles outside of Cheyenne and clear conditions were present for the rest of the trip. I arrived early enough to take a walk around the University of Wyoming campus before breakfast.

Enjoy the pictures of my stroll around campus.

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September Institute 2016--A Stewardship Way Of Life

9/21/2016

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The drive from Cheyenne to Laramie can be a bit challenging in the winter. Getting over the summit at 8,640 feet has been quite treacherous at times. However, as I have made my way over "the hill" the last couple of days I have been struck by the beauty of the trees. If one gets off of Interstate 80 and takes the scenic route of Happy Jack Road between the two cities the brightness of the colors can be seen in their majestic splendor.

The focus of the Institute has been on living stewardship as a way of life. Enjoying the magnificence of creation during my commute has put the presentations into living color right before my eyes. We have been reminded time and time again during the presentations to live a life filled with gratitude. That has definitely been affirmed for me as I have gazed upon the natural beauty of the landscape these past couple of days.

Are you living your life filled with gratitude? Name five specific reasons why you are grateful. Give thanks to the Lord for His mercy endures forever!

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How Is The Foundation Of Your Faith?

9/19/2016

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During the summer one of the restaurants in town closed for remodeling. As I drove by it one day early on in the process it appeared that the remodeling had turned into a much larger project. Eventually, a whole new building emerged with a new parking lot and fresh landscaping as well. I do not know if it is true or not, but I heard that once the remodeling began some serious defects in the foundation were discovered. Instead of remodeling it turned into a complete rebuild.

How is the foundation of your faith? Are there any cracks or other serious defects present? The Sunday Scripture readings focus on stewardship for a few weeks. These readings present an opportunity to reflect on our overall faith journey. While we can focus on the aspect of financial giving and the utilization of our material resources, it is also a splendid time to look at the foundation which propels the generous giving of our time, talent, and treasure. We are not simply humanitarians. Our faith in Jesus Christ drives our generosity.

First and foremost, are we people of prayer? How do we more fully unite our will to the will of God? It is through prayer that we discern God's will. It is through prayer that we are impacted by the power of the Holy Spirit with the gifts necessary to fulfill our mission. The gifts of courage and perseverance equip us to answer the call of God in our lives. If we are not being faithful in prayer there is a serious flaw in our foundation.

Are we celebrating the Sacraments of the Church with frequency and fervor? These outward signs are avenues of God's grace. Do we enter into these mysteries with full, conscious, and active participation? If celebrating the Eucharistic Liturgy each week is unimportant to us we have a serious flaw in our foundation.

Are we studying the faith on a regular basis? Are we reading the Scriptures and sitting quietly before the Lord to listen? If we are functioning on a level of knowledge that we had in elementary school it is time to bump it up a notch. If we are content with having minimal knowledge about our faith we have a serious flaw in our foundation.

The reflection questions for today are straightforward. Does your faith life need some remodeling? If foundation repair is needed where will you begin? The Lord calls each of us to a vibrant faith. How will we nurture this beautiful gift that has been given to us?

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Where Are You Heading In Life?

9/15/2016

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A short trip down "memory lane" yesterday morning reminded me of just how profoundly God has moved in my life through the years. I had the pleasure of visiting with Bishop David Ricken, and his sister Carol, after the Foundation Breakfast yesterday. They graciously made their way through the chancery office and greeted all of us despite their full schedule for the short time they would be in the area.

Although Bishop Ricken was already gone from the Diocese of Cheyenne when I arrived, our paths are surprisingly connected. Bishop Ricken was a priest in the Diocese of Pueblo, Colorado before becoming a bishop. At one time he had been the Vocation Director for the Diocese of Pueblo, a role which I would eventually assume years later. Bishop Ricken and I had never met until December of 2009, and we have only had the opportunity to visit a few times since then. It was great to have a chance yesterday to share some conversation with him and Carol in my office.

Carol Ricken's story about the advice she received when becoming principal of St. Mary's School was powerful. Moving from public education into Catholic education requires a shift in mindset. Thankfully, she had someone willing to point out that significant difference and how her leadership would change because of that. Carol's testimony about her time at St. Mary's School was a joy to hear.

As Bishop Ricken and I reflected a little on our time in Pueblo, and discussed the journey of where we each now find ourselves, I was reminded of how each step in ministry has prepared me for the next step. I never anticipated being in Cheyenne, Wyoming, but the sequence of events in my ministerial journey makes it evident that this is where I am supposed to be.

Being a Theology teacher at Valle Catholic High School in Sainte Genevieve, Missouri laid some groundwork to be a principal at Assumption Catholic School in O'Fallon, Missouri. Being a principal certainly gave me some insights for understanding my current role as Superintendent of Catholic Schools for the Diocese of Cheyenne. Being a campus minister, serving as a parish Director of Religious Education, organizing inter-generational faith formation events, and a variety of other responsibilities including Vocation Director and Deacon Director prepared me for my role as the Director of Pastoral Ministries for the Diocese of Cheyenne. All of these experiences have also enhanced my role as a deacon as well.

Are you able to look at your life experiences and see how God has prepared you for certain aspects of the journey? At this point in time, what doors seem to be closing in your life? What new adventures seem to be opening up? What fills you with energy and zeal? Where is your life heading? Have you prayed specifically recently about God's will for your life?

I extend my appreciation to Bishop David Ricken and Carol Ricken for making the trip to Cheyenne to help us raise funds for the St. Mary's School Foundation. Many people appreciated having the opportunity to visit with both of you again. I am certainly one of those that enjoyed spending some time with you. Please know of our gratitude for your kindness, your prayers, and your ministry to God's people. May God bless each of you and all of the people of the Diocese of Green Bay, Wisconsin!

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St. Mary's School Foundation Breakfast--Cheyenne

9/15/2016

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The day got off to an early start as I made my way to St. Mary's School for the Fourth Annual Foundation Breakfast. I arrived at 6:30 A.M. and there was already the hustle and bustle of the Knights of Columbus preparing breakfast. The tables were set and decorated. Students were present and ready to be of service to the guests as well.

Approximately 200 people were in attendance. It was a pleasure to listen to Bishop David Ricken give a few thoughts about Catholic education in general and St. Mary's School in particular. His sister, Carol Ricken, former principal of St. Mary's School, also shared some beautiful memories of her time at the school. Many people were happy to see the Rickens again and were appreciative of their effort to make the trip to Cheyenne from Green Bay, Wisconsin.

Numerous priests were on hand for the gathering including former Cathedral Rector, Rev. Gary Ruzicka. Several deacons from the city of Cheyenne were also present, including yours truly. We were also blessed to have Cheyenne Mayor Rick Kaysen, Secretary of State Ed Murray, and County Commissioner Troy Thompson in attendance. Bishop Etienne was on hand to welcome and introduce Bishop Ricken to the crowd.

Catholic schools play a prominent role in our communities. It was wonderful to see so many people giving up their early morning hours to be present for this fundraising endeavor. They obviously recognize the value of Catholic education. I give a tip of my hat this morning to everyone connected with St. Mary's School in any fashion. Your generosity and support is greatly appreciated.

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One Weekend--Many Reflections

9/11/2016

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Recent days have been filled with plenty of activity. I took the photograph above nearly four months ago in Chimayo, New Mexico. It seems like ages have passed since I enjoyed the peace and tranquility offered by this beautiful space. It is certainly a blessing to have the opportunity to step away from the hectic pace of life every now and then to regain perspective and focus. I realize that not everyone gets those type of chances. I do not take for granted how fortunate I am.

The fullness of my calendar has kept me away from blogging on a frequent basis lately. I strive to be consistent in posting several times a week, but I also want to be writing things worth reading and not simply slapping something together to say that I posted something. I hope my faithful readers will understand occasional lapses in time.

Thursday, September 8, was the beginning of the National Football League 2016 season. I almost turned it off after the National Anthem was completed, but I wanted to see how Peyton Manning's replacement would do. I was in a conflicted state of mind. Quite frankly, millionaires protesting the injustice of this country is difficult to watch. It does not seem very genuine to protest in such a manner. Unfortunately, almost everything seems to be tainted by political correctness, protests, or simply rude, crude, and unethical behavior. Our country is not perfect, but I don't need to see a football player making millions of dollars refusing to stand for the singing of the National Anthem. I never buy any football clothing or other items connected with the NFL. I have never purchased tickets to attend a game. It seems that I now must make the last cut and stop watching it on television as well.

Friday, September 9, was a day set aside by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) as a Day of Prayer for Peace. The violence prevalent in our own country and around the world has impacted all of us to one degree or another. It is my hope that we pray for peace on a continual basis and strive to bring God's love into our own communities as best we are able.

Saturday, September 10, was set aside as Abortion Day of Remembrance. The political fighting over this topic greatly diminishes our ability to reasonably address the moral aspect of this injustice. This is not simply a political issue. It is a moral issue. Those who seek a "seamless garment" approach to life issues from conception through natural death must understand why the abortion issue is front and center of the conversation. Until we get this issue right, it will be difficult to address poverty, homelessness, the death penalty, health care, care for the elderly, the infirm, and those incapacitated mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. If our society is okay with killing the helpless unborn individual, and we see in the political discourse a tendency toward celebrating the legality of being able to do this, we will never have the courage to address other life issues.

Sunday, September 11, was Patriot Day. The horror of 9/11 remains etched in the minds of all those old enough to remember. Pray for the family members who still mourn.

Sunday was also Grandparents' Day. Anyone fortunate enough to have grandparents in their lives who love them is blessed indeed. Offer a prayer of gratitude for your grandparents whether they are living or deceased.

This past weekend was also the first meeting of the next group of men seeking to become permanent deacons in the Diocese of Cheyenne. My appointment to the Formation Board by the bishop means that I will be playing a key role in the formation processes of this group. The five year journey began this weekend with the first step. Please pray for all those discerning a call to the priesthood, diaconate, or religious life. May they clearly hear God's call in their lives.

Finally, I stepped outside during one of the breaks this weekend at the diaconate formation gathering. Another sacrament was getting ready to take place on campus as the wedding party arrived in style. Let us pray for all married couples that they will have the fortitude to live out their marital vows with great love and fidelity.

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Faded Photographs From 24 Years Ago

9/5/2016

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As we celebrate Labor Day today, I am also taking some time to reflect upon my mom and dad's wedding anniversary. It would be 74 years today. My dad died more than 22 years ago. My mom has been gone now just a little over ten months. This is the first time in years when I have not heard the question on September 5, from my mom, "Do you know what today is?" It is hard to believe that she marked the day without dad for more than twenty years.

Dad was in good health when they celebrated their 50th anniversary. We had no idea that just a year and five months later he would no longer be with us. The photographs have faded with time; my brothers have aged significantly since then; time marches on. (It's my blog. I can't help it if I need to point out the aging of my brothers while I stay young and dapper.)

Today is a day of gratitude. On this Labor Day I am thankful that I am healthy enough, strong enough, and fortunate enough to have a job that I enjoy and that provides for my family. Let us take a moment today to pray for all of those who are unemployed or underemployed. Let us pray for all those working in awful conditions. Let us pray for those trapped in human trafficking and forced into labor, especially those coerced into sexual slavery. Let us not take for granted the blessings we have received. May we utilize our resources to help those less fortunate than ourselves!

I am grateful for the precious gift of family--starting with my mom and dad. As I looked at the photo above I was quietly reflecting that just six years prior to that celebration I was fighting for my life going through chemotherapy treatments. Over a four month period my mom and dad sat at the hospital with me for 52 says. I know that wasn't how they planned to spend their retirement.

I don't know whether Margaret and I will make it to 50 years or not--only because we were older when we got married. We will take it a day at a time and see what happens. As for today, I simply remember my mom and dad and say, "HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!"

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