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…
Indiana Catholic Men’s Conference Last Friday I started a ten day road trip. I flew into Indianapolis, where I gave a talk and presided over Mass and a Holy Hour for the Indiana Catholic Men’s Conference. Well over 600 men gathered from around the state at the Indianapolis Convention Center. Read more…
In final preach of this pastoral visit to the United States, Pope Francis encourages us to be prophets of the joy of the Gospel; prophets of the family, of the love of the family, as disciples of Christ. Today the word of God surprises us with powerful and thought-provoking images. Read more…
For a change of pace this year’s September Institute was held in Laramie, rather than Casper. Though attendance was down slightly this year from previous institutes, the energy and information were above par. For a complete tour of the three day event, you may view pictures here, courtesy of our Read more…
On this Labor Day, we give thanks to God for the dignity of human labor. Think of the many families that are supported through the labor of individuals. I remember well the life my family had due to the hard work of my father, and of the loving care of Read more…
Last night as we began a Holy Hour, prior to the exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, Andrew Kinstetter made his Profession of Faith and Deacon Oath of Fidelity. This ceremony is very simple, yet profoundly significant. Today, this local Church gathered for Andrew’s ordination as a transitional deacon. We are Read more…
As 2015 begins, I wish each of you a very blessed new year! After some final edits and formatting, my recent pastoral letter is now available on line (here) and will soon be mailed from the printers to every home in the Diocese of Cheyenne. I pray you will take Read more…
In light of Friday’s (Oct. 17, 2014) order by U.S. District Judge Scott W. Skavdahl that Wyoming’s state law banning same-sex unions is unconstitutional, I wish to offer a few thoughts. (According to an AP story, the ruling is on hold until defendants have the chance to appeal.) The Catholic Church Read more…