Today, the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Fatih released a document entitled Placuit Deo, On Certain Aspects of Christian Salvation. The focus is on the gift of Salvation that is ours through Jesus Christ. Likewise, the document draws attention to some of the errors in today’s concept of the Read more
Several years ago, while I was still a pastor of a parish, I felt that some parishioners were beginning to treat their religion as one more item to be consumed. Their consumer practices and attitudes were corrupting their understanding of what it means to be a member of the Body Read more
With fifteen months now under my belt, I’m excited to begin a series of listening sessions as we begin a formal process of discerning and defining our Mission as the local church of the Archdiocese of Anchorage. We held the first session last week at Sacred Heart in Wasilla, and Read more
For the past several months, the bishops of Alaska have been discussing how we might best exercise our role as teachers. There are a growing number of social issues today that need to be addressed from a faith perspective, and yet require more than a ‘sound byte’ to adequately outline Read more
Over the years, I have noticed that the crowds that attend Mass on Ash Wednesday rival any other day of the year, including Easter and Christmas. This tells us there is something attractive about being called to renew our relationship with God, about the penitential nature of the day and Read more
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