It was a wonderful week in Casper, Wyoming. I had the privilege of preaching at all four of the weekend Masses on April 1 and 2 at Our Lady of Fatima to kick-off the parish mission. It was nice to renew acquaintances and spend these days together in reflection and prayer.
Each evening on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday we gathered for food and fellowship prior to my presentation in the main body of the church. On the final evening after the mission had finished, I stayed and prayed individually with anyone desiring such prayer. This was a magnificent hour of prayer seeking God's abundant grace.
On Tuesday I had the honor of leading two penance services for the students of St. Anthony Tri-Parish Catholic School. I don't get to do things like that very often any more since I am not employed at the parish level. The administrative duties of my diocesan role are much different than what my responsibilities had been when I was working in a parish. There are times I miss being involved in some of those pastoral ministries. I was grateful to be in Casper at the right time to be part of this prayer experience with the students.
On Wednesday I assisted at the funeral Mass of one of our priests. Although I did not personally know the deceased priest, I appreciated the opportunity to be part of the funeral liturgy. Funerals always remind me that someday we will each render an account before our God. I hope to enter through the door of God's mercy rather than the door of God's justice.
On Thursday I participated in a day of recollection for the clergy and then the Chrism Mass. It was a beautiful day to reflect, pray, and celebrate.
Each evening on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday we gathered for food and fellowship prior to my presentation in the main body of the church. On the final evening after the mission had finished, I stayed and prayed individually with anyone desiring such prayer. This was a magnificent hour of prayer seeking God's abundant grace.
On Tuesday I had the honor of leading two penance services for the students of St. Anthony Tri-Parish Catholic School. I don't get to do things like that very often any more since I am not employed at the parish level. The administrative duties of my diocesan role are much different than what my responsibilities had been when I was working in a parish. There are times I miss being involved in some of those pastoral ministries. I was grateful to be in Casper at the right time to be part of this prayer experience with the students.
On Wednesday I assisted at the funeral Mass of one of our priests. Although I did not personally know the deceased priest, I appreciated the opportunity to be part of the funeral liturgy. Funerals always remind me that someday we will each render an account before our God. I hope to enter through the door of God's mercy rather than the door of God's justice.
On Thursday I participated in a day of recollection for the clergy and then the Chrism Mass. It was a beautiful day to reflect, pray, and celebrate.
Finally, I spent Friday and Saturday as part of the diaconate formation board interviewing diaconal aspirants and their wives. We are blessed with some dedicated and faithful people striving to live out God's call in their lives. I walked away from this process a little tired, but renewed in spirit at the vitality of the Church.
As we enter into Holy Week, I pray that you will encounter God's love and mercy in a very profound way.
As we enter into Holy Week, I pray that you will encounter God's love and mercy in a very profound way.
This picture was taken last year, but this dear parishioner brightened my stay in Casper again this year.
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