Blog Archives - Articulating Hope

Rejoice in Hope, Be Patient, and Persevere in Prayer

11/14/2017

"Your present circumstances don't determine where you can go; they merely determine where you start."
~Nido Qubein

Where do you currently find yourself in the journey of faith? Are you magnanimous?

Excessive self-focus and attachment to sin can greatly hinder our union with God. Today I simply want to encourage each of us with these few words from Sacred Scripture.

"Rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer."
(Romans 12:12)

Thank You For The Blessings--First Book Signing Event

11/13/2017

It was wonderful to see parishioners from all three parishes in Cheyenne at tonight's presentation and book signing event. Your kindness and support is truly appreciated. I am always excited to give a presentation on the virtue of hope. Tonight's gathering took that to a new level as I had the opportunity to share my book with those in attendance.

"Ride for the Brand" Youth Retreat--Wonderful Event

11/13/2017

The weekend flew by so fast that everything seemed a little blurry. Okay, maybe the photographer needs a steadier hand? Maybe the photographer needs a new phone with enhanced features so the photos aren't out of focus? Maybe the photographer needs a real camera for a Christmas present so he doesn't have to use his phone all the time? Hmmm. Look at the possibilities I can create all because of an out-of-focus photo.

"Ride for the Brand" was an excellent high school youth retreat this weekend in Casper, Wyoming. Nearly 100 youth from 16 different parishes across the state came together for the weekend. It is truly a beautiful sight to see when our young people come together as Church from such diverse backgrounds and experiences. The weekend was a powerful witness to the faith.

Robert Fedducia was an energetic and engaging speaker. There was a lot of fun during the presentations, but there was also substance. I was grateful for what he was able to accomplish as he methodically led us through reflection and prayer.

A generous grant from the Wyoming Catholic Ministries Foundation helped us to keep the costs down for each individual to attend. It is a blessing to our individual participants as well as to our parishes when we are able to subsidize the costs in one way or another. The Wyoming Catholic Ministries Foundation is our main partner in achieving those particular goals. I am grateful for all the support we get from this Foundation.

Next up--NCYC in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our young people will get to see what the wider Church looks like when about 20,000 youth gather together in one place.

Presentation on Hope, Book Signing--Monday @ 7:00

11/10/2017

I am looking forward to our gathering on Monday evening in Hartmann Hall at the Cathedral of St. Mary in Cheyenne. Here is the bulletin announcement that will appear this weekend.
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Articulating Hope—Deacon Vernon Dobelmann will give a one-hour presentation on the theological virtue of hope on Monday, November 13 at 7:00 pm in Hartmann Hall. This presentation coincides with the release of his new book by the same title. His book will be made available after the presentation. If you are suffering or hurting in any way, this event may provide the spark of encouragement you need to keep moving forward in God’s grace.

Topics covered in the presentation will include:
1. What is hope?
2. Why doe we have hope?
3. How does hope make us desire eternal life?
4. Hope is necessary for salvation.
5. Hope is a habit.
6. Are we magnanimous? (Yes, I'll give the definition.)
7. The sins against hope--despair & presumption.

It is my hope to see many of you there on Monday evening. Have a blessed weekend.

How Effective Are Your Communication Skills?

11/9/2017

What kind of communication is going on between the two giraffes? Do you think they are seeing "eye-to-eye" on the particular issue at hand? I have no idea what is taking place in this moment in time between these animals. However, seeing the photo today reminded me of the importance of communication techniques.

Our choice of words matter. Our tone of voice impacts people as well. It is the responsibility of the sender to communicate clearly so that the listener is able to interpret the message correctly. Miscommunication can cause huge problems. This is true for us as individuals and as institutions.

I simply pose these questions for your reflection today.

1. What have you been communicating recently?
2. Have your messages been building up the Kingdom of God?
3. What do you believe our national politics is communicating right now?
4. What do you think the Church is communicating to the world in modern times?
5. Finally, where do you find yourself in the overall picture of life?

Congratulations Archbishop Etienne--One Year In AK

11/8/2017

It is difficult to believe that a year has passed since I traveled to Anchorage, Alaska for the installation of Archbishop Paul Etienne. Solemn Vespers on November 8, 2016 prepared us for the installation Mass on November 9, 2016.

Based upon my brief experiences in Alaska on several different occasions, I can only imagine the new things Archbishop Etienne has witnessed in his first year as Archbishop of Anchorage. Congratulations Archbishop Etienne! I hope your first anniversary brings you much joy, peace, and gratitude.

May the Vicitms of Recent Violence Rest in Peace

11/6/2017

Once again, we have heard the story of another shooting. A small community in Texas will never be the same. I can only imagine the grief being experienced. May the deceased rest in peace. May the survivors find the strength to carry on following this tragic experience.

Other shootings happen daily in many of our major metropolitan areas. It may take a month or longer to have 26 shooting deaths, but it is still grief and pain just the same. It just does not command the headlines as does a massive shooting all at once.

I saw in the New York Times that Deacon Patrick Logsdon was stabbed to death on Friday at a transitional house that he ran for men with a history of addiction or crime. A deacon is ordained for service. Deacon Logsdon literally gave his life in service.

During this month of November please continue to pray for the dead. We have additional people we can add to that list from the past few days.

Skyline Drive

11/4/2017

Any time I am in Canon City, Colorado I try to take the leisurely trip across Skyline Drive.

Last week when I attended a funeral in Florence, Colorado, I took some time to drive through neighboring Canon City. One of my favorite spots is Skyline Drive. There is something about getting a different perspective when you rise above the landscape. The view certainly did not disappoint.

I find this approach helpful in day-to-day life when problems or difficult issues seem to circling. How do I get a better vantage point to see the circumstances clearly and unobstructed? Obviously, that first step is prayer. Even though that seems obvious, I know there have been more than a few occasions in which I tried everything myself and then turned to prayer as a last resort. Yes, I admit that I am still working on getting my priorities right from time to time.

Speaking of priorities, are you still fervently praying for the souls of the faithful departed? Use this month of November to be a true blessing to those who need your prayers.

All Souls Day Remembrance Service--Cheyenne, WY

11/3/2017

I had the privilege of preaching yesterday evening at the annual All Souls Day Remembrance Service at the Cathedral of St. Mary in Cheyenne, Wyoming. This event invites familie who have experienced the death of a loved one over the previous year to come together for prayer, encouragement, and support. We had 42 deaths last year of cathedral parishioners. It was wonderful to see so many family members and loved ones show up for this beautiful service of music, ritual, and reflection.

At one point during the service, the deceased are mentioned by name. After three names have been called, a bell chimes three times in honor of their memory. This tribute is a very moving experience. Being at this service certainly reminded me of my mom who was buried on All Souls Day just two years ago.

I want to express my appreciation to all of the clergy and lay ministers who care for the sick, the hospitalized, the homebound, those on hospice, and all who are hurting. Your ministry of care and compassion is a tremendous blessing to God's people.

May the Souls of the Faithful Departed Rest in Peace

11/2/2017

Have you spent much time reflecting upon the relationship between the rituals we use on Ash Wednesday and the way we pray on All Souls Day? What is the connection?

One of the challenging aspects I see in today's society regarding funerals is the loss of a need to pray for the loved one who has died. There is a leaning toward wanting beautiful eulogies as opposed to fervent prayers for the deceased. Even at funeral vigils, if a kneeler is present near the casket, it seldom gets used. There seems to be a tendency to want to canonize almost everyone upon their death. I think it would behoove us to reflect upon the practice of praying for the deceased.

I want to make a simple request. When I die, please pray fervently for me, asking God for His abundant mercy. I want to enter through the door of God's mercy rather than the door of God's justice.

May the souls of all the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in peace. Amen.