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.
This procession was the culmination of our diaconal weekend retreat.
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.
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.
The rock behind the hotel did not seem like a threat until I took the picture at this angle.
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