Wednesday, September 16, 2020

Double Portion

My ole buddy Fr. Carl Beavers came through. Thanks partner.


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Tuesday, September 15, 2020

Behold Your Mother

 The Christian way forward is with Mary


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Sunday, September 13, 2020

Forgetful Forgiveness

 Our Father.... forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.


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Saturday, September 12, 2020

Home Sweet Home

On Friday, Sally Craig, whose late husband Dave and I were old rodeo buddies, invited me down to the family ranch near Douglas to roundup with her brother Joe and company. Not wanting to turn down a good time, Chief and I hit the trail.

 

Sally and Joe's parents, J.S. and Alyce Rankin, bought this ranch in 1946 and it has stayed in the family ever since.

 
When we saddled up at daybreak it was raining pretty good. Thought we were in for it, but the good Lord spared us. The moisture was sure a welcome site though.


As you can see, oil and gas production has blessed many local ranchers. Joe has a pretty savvy way of working with the energy producers as well as maintaining the integrity of the ranch land. His wife Karen and him keep the Wyoming legacy alive.  


It wasn't the warmest day. But Sally was prepared for whatever elements came her way.


This was a new part of the State for me. Northeast of Douglas


The ole girls were open to the prospects of going home. They still needed a prod or two here and there though.


Joe likes to keep it as western as possible. There's a place for four wheelers, but horseback keeps things calm and cool.


Gus McCrae would be proud


Coffee break along the way


It was about a twelve mile drive to the home place. That was plenty for daughter-in-law Nikki, Joe, Sally, and I. Our horses were just as glad so see the home fires burning.


But nobody was as happy to be home as Sally.

I love opportunities to hang with salt of the earth folks. Sally has a specially way of sharing her gifts with others. I've certainly been blessed by her generosity as well as have so many others. But the secret to her success is no secret, it is the fire of her Catholic faith.

Mary, Virgin and Mother

 Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us!


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Wednesday, September 9, 2020

Holiness of Life

 Calling and Leading Disciples of Jesus Christ into Holiness of Life


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Tuesday, September 8, 2020

Monday, September 7, 2020

Labor of Love

 Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be granted unto you.



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Sunday, September 6, 2020

The Church Needs More Cowboys

It should be a joy in a priest's life to baptize little children into the big family of God. Though I do enjoy this reality, it wasn't always fun until I started doing Wyoming Catholic Cowboy baptisms. The first one out of the gate was Denver Wayne Williams. Just so happened that his mother and I are second cousins, which made it all the more special. Here's how it went down.


This day was a long time coming, but well worth the wait.


Katie and I's grandmothers are sisters. I guess that makes Chase and I cousins-in-law.


So that makes our new ol' son 6th generation Wyoming. This board came off of his great x3 grandfather's homestead in Neiber WY, which was claimed in 1894. My parents now live on part of that land along with two of Mom's siblings. The brand is registered for the Diocese of Cheyenne. Always ride for the brand partner. 


Here's the rest of the crew


Chief and I have been looking forward to meeting Chancy Williams. I've been singing his songs all summer. Keep the good tunes rolling partner. The world needs more cowboys!


No better place for a cowboy baptism party then the new old shop on the ranch.


To top this Wyoming Catholic Cowboy experience off Chase gave me on loan a buckle he had won a couple rodeos back. That's no small gesture partner. I'll wear her with pride.

Well Denver, you're part of the herd now. It's time to cowboy up. Your family and God parents will show you how it's done. It's true, the world does need more cowboys. But more than that, the Church needs more cowboys. Let's show them how it's done.



 

Admonish the Sinner

 No one likes to but yet we're called to.


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Wall Hanging

Parish life at St. John the Baptist is great. The people, the church, the staff, the area... are all wonderful. However, it has the old scho...