May is a month we traditionally honor our Blessed Mother and celebrate Mother’s Day. We are given an opportunity this month to honor women. This month of May is also a prime time for us to recognize the Maternity of the Church – after all, how often do we refer Read more…
As I prepare to leave Washington DC on my way back to Anchorage, please allow me to share a little bit of my thoughts from this week. Knowing that I was coming to our USCCB (United States Conference of Catholic Bishops) headquarters for some committee meetings this week, I took Read more…
In October, 2018, the Church will hold in Rome the next General Assembly of Bishops, known as a SYNOD. As you may recall, the last two Synods were focused on marriage and family life in the Church, and how we as Church can better accompany them. The resulting document of Read more…
As this national day of giving thanks dawns, I reflect upon the first reading from St. Paul for today’s Mass of Thanksgiving. St. Paul gets to the heart of it when he says: I give thanks to my God always on your account for the grace of God bestowed on you Read more…
Most of you are familiar with the often quoted phrase of Pope Francis that the good shepherd needs to have the smell of his sheep. Well, this shepherd had the opportunity to spend Monday with some of his flock, er, ranchers on horseback in the mountain rounding up the last Read more…
Yesterday, a nice group of people gathered at the Miles Land Ranch southwest of Casper for the second annual Rural Life Mass and celebration. I’m very grateful to the three ranch families that sponsored this year’s gathering; Jim & Peggy Price, Randy & Vernita Marton, and Roy & Kathleen Jarrard. They Read more…
Today’s Gospel from St. Luke (10: 25-37) is one of Jesus’ great instructions regarding practical and concrete love. With the story of the Good Samaritan, Jesus develops the Greatest Commandment, to love God with your whole heart and your neighbor as yourself. Authentic love draws one out of self into Read more…
Today, the First Sunday of the Christmas Season, the Church celebrates the Holy Family. The many depictions of the birth of Christ, surrounded by Mary and Joseph, and all the other members of the Christmas story tell us that all families find their true center and identity in Christ. Hopefully, Read more…
Today, the Church begins the Christmas story in the Gospel of Matthew. Incidentally, today is also the birthday of Pope Francis. Happy Birthday, Holy Father! The use of the O Antiphons begin with evening prayer this evening, as our Novena for Christmas begins. Each day from now to Christmas, with Read more…
One of the greatest privileges of being a bishop in a rural diocese has been my ability to witness the incredible sacrifices people make to ensure their family, their farm, and their community thrive. Wyoming is a great and beautiful state, but there are many factors here—from harsh weather to Read more…