This past week, I had the distinct pleasure to join 26 brother bishops for some continuing formation. We gathered in Charlotte, North Carolina for a program; Instinctive Leadership Behaviors, Developed Values, and Versatility as a Shepherding Bishop. The program is one of several such leadership development courses offered by Catholic Read more…
As I mentioned in an earlier blog, I had the opportunity to fly fish the 22nd of July on the North Fork of the Shoshone River in NW Wyoming. The trip was courtesy of Fr. Glen Szczechowski and parishioner from St. Barbara, Mr. Bruce Bourquin. As with most things, the Read more…
The invitation to prayer continues with today’s Sunday readings. First, we see Abraham in conversation (prayer) with God, interceding on behalf of the population of that sinful city, Sodom. (Genesis 18:20-32) Abraham is quite comfortable in this dialogue with God, imploring God to reveal His justice through restraining his wrath Read more…
Today’s Gospel antiphon quotes the Letter of St. James, (1:21) : ” Humbly welcome the WORD that has been planted in you and is able to save your souls.” This reminds me of the recent words of our Holy Father Pope Benedict XVI when he spoke last Sunday during the Read more…
The people of Powell, Wyoming are celebrating the 100th anniversary of their parish, St. Barbara. There is quite a bit of excitement on such an occasion. Fr. Glenn Szczechowski, the present pastor is a gracious host to this bishop when he shows up, and is doing a fine job of Read more…
This is the sign that I am giving for all ages to come, of the covenant between me and every living creature with you: I set my bow in the clouds to serve as a sign of the covenant between me and the earth. When I bring clouds over the Read more…
The Wyoming Catholic Ministries Foundation may well be the best (unintentionally) kept secret in our Diocese. Chartered in 1994, the WCMF was put together for the “…purpose of supporting the religious, charitable, ministerial and educational programs of the Roman Catholic Church in the State of Wyoming….” That was taken from Read more…
While visiting Indiana near the end of June, I had a rather distinct privilege. 50 years ago, my uncle, Rev. Bernard Voges married a young couple at St. Francis De Sales Catholic Church in Indianapolis. This couple was Ron & Lois Kramer. Ron & Lois have four children, Karen (Sahm), Read more…
Yesterday, we commemorated the 170th anniversary of the first Mass ever (documented) celebrated in the state of Wyoming, and more than likely, in the Rocky Mountain region. That Mass was celebrated July 5, 1840 in conjunction with the Rendezvous celebration of the early mountain men in the Green River Valley. Fr. Read more…
As you can tell, the blog activity has slacked off recently. Mostly, this is due to this bishop’s summer slow down. I’ll try to be a bit more frequent again soon. In the meantime, here are some pictures from a recent visit to one of my former parishes as “Fr. Read more…