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
Here is a concluding text from the Extra-ordinary Synod of the Family: Synod14 – Message of the III Extraordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops , 18.10.2014 III EXTRAORDINARY GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE SYNOD OF BISHOPS MESSAGE We, Synod Fathers, gathered in Rome together with Pope Read more
For over a year, I have felt the desire to gather some theologians to pray and discuss the truth regarding the human person, family and marriage. Along with so many others in our Church and society today, we are searching for a positive way to address the many challenges our Read more
This Sunday, as with so many Sunday’s in Spring, there are many moments calling for reflection. First and foremost, a very Happy Mother’s Day to all our moms! By God’s providential and loving plan, there would be no life without women, and more particularly, without moms. May all of our Read more
A long held tradition in the Voges (my mother’s maiden name) and Etienne families has been baking lots of cookies and other goodies to get ready for Christmas. One of my fondest memories were the days we spent baking a traditional Christmas cookie called Hartshorn. Last Christmas, I searched high and Read more
This morning was an early public start as I joined the Wyoming Stock Growers Association for their annual prayer breakfast. As I have been in Wyoming now for three and a half years, I appreciated the invitation to offer an inspirational message this morning. I am becoming more aware of Read more
Today the Church celebrates a feast of St. Joseph the Worker. This day gives us pause to reflect upon the dignity of work. Through our labors, we are co-creators in a sense, laboring with the elements of God’s good creation, to produce the goods for the world’s population. Labor is Read more
The Church’s understanding of the human person as well as her understanding of the family and marriage are beautiful, and timely (timeless!). Today’s instruction comes from the Compendium Of The Social Doctrine Of The Church. I apologize that the footnotes are not included, but for further reading and study, you Read more
One of the practices I began when named a bishop is to take the month of July not so much as a vacation month, but to take more time for prayer and study, and less time in the office. I am still available to my staff, and willing to schedule appointments Read more
As this American holiday sees people traversing the country, and families gathering in many settings, just wanted to express my prayerful gratitude for all of you. Family and friends are among the choicest of gifts in this life. May you enjoy these relationships in the days ahead. May our gatherings Read more