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Serra Club of Council Bluffs, Iowa--Thank You

10/11/2019

My wife and I had a great time with the Serra Club of Council Bluffs yesterday evening. I had been invited to be the speaker for the evening. I was asked to share a little bit about myself and my diaconal ministry as well as my role at Saint Albert. This was a wonderful opportunity to share some of the details about the good work taking place at Saint Albert Catholic Schools.

Back in 2002 I served as the Vocation Director and Deacon Director for the Diocese of Pueblo, Colorado. That was my first close-up look at the work of Serra Club. The more I learned about Serra Club the more I came to respect the organization. These are some very prayerful and dedicated individuals who work tirelessly to build up the Body of Christ by promoting vocations to the priesthood and religious life. I am grateful for their work.

The group spent some time at the meeting last night promoting the event pictured above. This will be a good chance to meet some of my co-workers in the vineyard here in the local area. Having the bishop in our midst will also give us a chance to get to know our new shepherd a little better as well.

Next up--I will be preaching this weekend at St. Patrick's Parish in Council Bluffs. I look forward to seeing many of my readers there.
Saturday 5:00 P.M.
Sunday 7:30, 9:00, and 11:00 A.M.

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How Do You Surprise A Music Teacher?

10/10/2019

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You surprise a music teacher by moving a baby grand piano into her classroom while she is out.

Some of the students enjoyed being involved in creating the surprise. It was wonderful to see the joy on the teacher's face when she saw the baby grand piano, but it was even more beautiful to see how quickly that joy spread to each of the students involved with the surprise. We are blessed indeed.

I wish to extend my gratitude to all of the people who work behind the scenes to make things like this happen. Your continued kindness and generosity to Saint Albert Catholic Schools is deeply appreciated. This gift to our music department in the elementary building will enhance our endeavors for years to come.

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Are You Praying the Rosary Daily During October?

10/9/2019

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The days pass quickly. There seems to always be more work to do than there are hours in the day. This can create an imbalance in life in a multitude of ways, but it especially can jeopardize spiritual awareness. We can become so busy doing things that we forget to simply be in the presence of God.

The advantage of growing older is that we can know ourselves a little better. Personally, I know it is easy to allow my prayer life to suffer when I become too busy. Thus, extra diligence is needed in maintaining my spirituality when the demands of life increase. Prayer cannot simply be squeezed into the schedule when it is convenient. If that is how prayer time is planned, it won't be long before there is no room at all for prayer. Other things will always tend to take precedence.

Sacred Scripture gives us much to ponder each week. How do you utilize God's Word to help fuel your spiritual growth all week long? For instance, how has your life been impacted this week because of what you heard last Sunday? Need a reminder?

Last Sunday, we heard the disciples ask the Lord to increase their faith. We could delve into that from a number of different angles. However, I will just pose this one question. Have you asked for an increase of faith this week? Better yet, have you asked for an increase of faith, hope, and love on a regular basis? We can easily do that when we pray the rosary and offer those first three "Hail Mary's" for those virtues. We are in the month of the rosary. Are you praying the rosary faithfully each day?

Finally, take some time to read the upcoming Sunday Scripture readings. Once you do that, I invite you to reflect these questions:

* How have you experienced healing in your life? (Please note that healing does not simply mean being cured of something. Have you ever found healing while your physical ailment did not go away? Have you ever experienced the healing of a relationship?)

* The Old Testament reading and the Gospel both give examples of healing and gratitude (or lack thereof). Are you a grateful person?

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War Eagle Park in Sioux City, Iowa--Symbol of Peace

10/4/2019

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It was in 1979 when I stopped at this park the first time. I was on my way to Powell, Wyoming to check out Northwest (Community) College where I would eventually play my first year of college basketball. It took forty years, but I made it back to see the park recently. Overlooking I-29 and the Missouri River, a person can stand at this point in Iowa and see Nebraska and South Dakota.

Today seemed like the appropriate day to post this picture since it represents a symbol of peace. On this feast day of St. Francis of Assisi, it is a good time to ask God for a special grace. "Lord make me an instrument of your peace."

I invite you to read more about the history of this monument.
www.siouxcityhistory.org/historic-sites/109-war-eagle

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Serra Club of Council Bluffs, Iowa--Thank You

How Do You Surprise A Music Teacher?

Are You Praying the Rosary Daily During October?

War Eagle Park in Sioux City, Iowa--Symbol of Peace

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