Articulating Hope
  • Home
  • Deacon Vernon's Blog
  • Speaking Engagements
  • Book Discussion Guide

The Church In Rural America

2/28/2016

0 Comments

 
Picture
St. Joseph's Mission Church in Albin, Wyoming is like many other rural locations throughout Wyoming.  It is a small church attended to by one of the larger parishes in the area.  The church in Albin is served by the pastor from Pine Bluffs, Wyoming.  The small church sits at the intersection of State Highways 215 and 216.  As I drove by the church on my way to a funeral vigil in Nebraska, I had to stop to have a look.  The small building just captured my attention.  (Yes, those are grain bins in the background of the photo.)
 
I have traveled much of Wyoming in my ministry as the Director of Pastoral Ministries and have been to almost every parish.  However, there are still quite a number of the parish missions located in very isolated areas that I have not yet seen.  These small faith communities demonstrate the commitment of Catholics to keep the faith alive in the most rural of settings.  It also confirms the generosity of so many Catholics who contribute to Catholic Extension Society which helps small mission churches like this one to keep going financially.  The congregations are frequently too small at these mission churches to stay financially afloat without help from the larger parish which attends to their needs as well as the Catholic Extension Society.  (The larger parish attending the small mission church may not be all that large either.)
 
There are many people who work behind the scenes to keep our parishes and missions going.  The generosity of parishioners never ceases to amaze me. The sacrifices made by dedicated individuals to build up the Kingdom of God by giving generously of their time, talent, and treasure is a true blessing.
 
On this Third Sunday of Lent take some time to reflect upon how you are actively involved in building up the Kingdom of God.
Picture
0 Comments



Leave a Reply.

    Archives

    December 2022
    November 2022
    October 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013
    August 2013
    July 2013
    June 2013
    May 2013
    April 2013

    Author

    This is my personal blog.  The opinions expressed are those of Deacon Vernon and the blog's readers.  This site operates independently and is not affiliated with any other entity. The information I provide is on an "as-is" basis. I make no representations as to the accuracy, completeness, or suitability of any information on this blog. I will not be liable for any errors or omissions in this information. Furthermore, I will not be liable for any losses, injuries, or damages arising from its use.

    RSS Feed

Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.