All of us are familiar with the story of Jonah. Called by God to go to Nineveh and preach the need for conversion, he refused, even fled to avoid such a calling. As is always the case, God eventually prevailed over Jonah…after quite a fishing expedition…and Jonah arrived for the Read more…
As reported on this blog, a few weeks ago, the Leadership and Management Teams met to further define each of the priorities of our pastoral plan. We now wish to publish the summary of this plan for one more round of public feedback. Besides this blog, we will publish on Read more…
Today, our parish staffing task force met in Casper. Much information has been compiled through parish surveys, parish listening sessions, and deanery clergy sessions. I am very grateful for the work of this group. This is the “second lung” of our strategic planning process. This task force is charged with Read more…
On this First Friday of another Lent, as many will make the way of the cross, the world community is once again awaking to the sad news of a major earthquake and tsunami that hit Japan. It is still too early to know the extent of lives lost, but we Read more…
The prophet Joel gives us our mission for the next 40 days: Even now, says the Lord, return to me with your whole heart, with fasting, and weeping, and mourning; Rend your hearts, not your garments, and return to the Lord, your God. (Joel 2:12-18) We are called to firmly Read more…
We know and believe the Word of God, Sacred Scripture, is inspired by God. All scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for refutation, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that one who belongs to God may be competent, equipped for every good work. (2 Read more…
After spending the weekend at St. Margaret in Riverton, I started making my way home Sunday afternoon. The snow began before I got halfway home. Knowing I needed to be at St. Patrick in Wheatland Monday evening for Confirmation, and hearing for quite a bit of snow, I decided to Read more…
As a bishop, I’m often reminded of the element of Apostolic Succession. Indeed, the bishops play a critical role in protecting, nourishing, preaching and handing on the faith. But there is also the critical role played by those to whom the faith is preached. Just as down through the centuries, Read more…
Ash Wednesday arrives this week…finally! Across the nation we have experienced a very wintry season, and Lent and Easter are coming about as late as they can in the liturgical calendar this year. Somehow, in the Providence of God, I believe these two events are connected. Winter tends to create Read more…
Thursday morning, I was up early to join the priests and seminarians at Bishop Simon Brute College Seminary for 6:45 Mass and Morning Prayer. This college seminary is now in its 7th year, I believe, and have 26 seminarians from several Midwest dioceses, even one from Pueblo, Colorado. It is Read more…