As I prepare to leave southern Indiana behind once again to return to Anchorage, I wish to share some final thoughts about our family’s experience of accompanying Mom through her final days. Please bear with me for one final reflection. At the prayer service the night before Mom’s funeral, each Read more…
Homily: Vigil Prayer Service For Archbishop Daniel M. Buechlein, OSB Archbishop Paul D. Etienne, January 30, 2018, Cathedral of Saints Peter & Paul, Indianapolis Psalm 121 – 130 – Philippians 2:6-11 – 1 Corinthians 15: 51-57 Archbishop Buechlein is now experiencing the truth of what he preached in and with Read more…
After 60 years of marriage and 82 years of life, mom’s journey of faith reached its goal Sunday evening around 7:30pm. I think she must have scripted the ending. By God’s providence, I was already in Southern Indiana rather than Alaska when we put her in the hospital Friday evening. Read more…
Months before I was named the Eighth Bishop of Cheyenne, I was appointed by Archbishop Buechlein as the Pastor of my home parish, St. Paul in Tell City. Prior to my departure for Cheyenne, one of the last Masses I celebrated with my home parish was their 150th anniversary. Archbishop Read more…
For the past four and a half years, a group of men have faithfully gathered one weekend a month to participate in the formation program for permanent deacons. Last night, the five men who remain received the ministry of acolyte; the last formal step before being ordained deacons in May. Read more…
When I came to Alaska, I had no idea they experienced so many earthquakes. There are numerous tremors daily. Many Alaskans have apps on their phones just to track the size and number of these events. In the fourteen months I’ve lived here, I have felt at least three earthquakes. Read more…
In recent months, I’ve been prayerfully asking: “What kind of Church is God calling us to be today?” I believe that much of the answer lies in the papacy of Pope Francis. As St. Francis himself was called to ‘Renew my Church” I believe we are being called to a Read more…
On this Feast of the Holy Family, our attention is drawn to the early days in the life of Jesus, Mary and Joseph. It is important to look intently at this Holy Family, especially during the Christmas season, to learn from them how every family grows in holiness. First of Read more…
I celebrated Mass today with the Sisters of the Eucharistic Heart of Jesus who live and work here in Anchorage. (Pictured left from a previous visit.) Before we began, they asked me to offer the Mass for the six sisters from their community who were kidnapped in Nigeria several weeks Read more…
One of his disciples, the one whom Jesus loved, was reclining at Jesus’ side. (John 13:23) These words describe the profound relationship that existed between Jesus and the Apostle, John. The same reference is made in the Gospel for today’s Feast, (John 20:2). Does this describe my relationship with Jesus? Read more…