Parish Mission in Newcastle, Wyoming Is Complete

It was a magnificent five days in northeast Wyoming, but I also realize that there was a lengthy absence from this blog page. I typically write posts before hitting the road and just schedule them to automatically appear each day.  Unfortunately, time did not permit me to accomplish that task prior to leaving.  I will try to make up for it in the days ahead.

These experiences of Church continue to enrich my life.  Traveling across the diocese helps me grow in understanding of the many challenges faced by our people and the clergy who serve them.  It also reveals to me the many blessings as well.

I left Saturday morning and made the four hour drive from Cheyenne to Newcastle.  Thankfully, the weather cooperated.  Getting to drive on snow-free roads is always a time to give a little extra thanks.  I arrived in Newcastle in the early afternoon with enough time to get settled in the rectory before the evening Mass.

There are several mission churches connected to Corpus Christi Parish.  I find it fascinating that the main church does not have a Sunday morning Mass. There is only a Saturday evening Mass and a Sunday evening Mass.  However, the schedule that the pastor keeps on Sunday makes it clear that one man cannot be everywhere regardless of how hard he tries.

I will admit that I am a bit grateful to not have to maintain this type of schedule every Sunday.  (That is the plus side of coming in as a visiting preacher.)  My day began at 4:00 A.M. on Sunday.  Going through my normal routine of getting ready for the day, spending some time in prayer and a little time going over the homily in my head, I found myself ready to depart the rectory at 5:30 A.M. as requested by the pastor.

The fog was thick, but the roads did not appear to be icy.  There was no sightseeing to be done because of the fog.  The pastor jokingly said at one point, "Devil's Tower is right over there."  I had to take his word for it.  A couple of my co-workers had been at his parish a few weeks ago and they got a good picture.  I'll share that one with you since I did not get to see it. 

After driving for an hour and a half we arrived in Hulett, Wyoming in plenty of time for the 7:30 A.M. Mass.  This would be the first of four Sunday Masses in four different locations requiring a total driving time of 180 miles.

It is a tremendous privilege to see these beautiful churches and preach God's word to the faithful of Wyoming.  While there was not a lot of time to socialize after Mass, I did have the opportunity to meet some of the parishioners.  It was time to get back on the road and head to Sundance for the 9:30 A.M. Mass.

The same routine was followed here.  A little time to visit with the folks after Mass prior to hitting the road again and heading to Upton for the 11:30 A.M. Mass.

We enjoyed a meal immediately after Mass in the church hall.  Then it was back on the road again.  We arrived in Newcastle at about 1:30 P.M. after the 180 mile round-trip.  Three Masses were completed and there was one more left to go at 5:00 P.M.  A little rest before that one was certainly appreciated.

The parish mission was held on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday evening.  I will catch you up on that in future posts.  I just wanted to take a few moments today to touch base and share a few pictures with you.

To the good people of Newcastle, Hulett, Sundance, and Upton--thank you for a wonderful visit to your area.  You blessed my life abundantly this week!