Holy Prayer

Want to make a difference in the world? Grow in holiness - being full who God created you to be.

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St. Joseph's Chapel

It's not good for man to be alone, says the celibate priest. Celibacy is for intimacy. The only way a consecrated single life makes sense is within a prayerful relationship with Jesus Christ. To help foster such devotion a place of prayer, or chapel, in the rectory is a good idea. It also gives the priest a place to celebrate daily Mass when one is not scheduled in the main Church or on his day off. We've had a makeshift chapel in the rectory for years. But wanting a more solemn space dedicated only to prayer, we built St. Joseph's Chapel. This is not a consecrated chapel nor does it contain the Blessed Sacrament. Both would be nice, but that takes further discussion. A designated place of prayer in the rectory, totally encouraged. 

Construction on the chapel began well over a year ago during the year of St. Joseph. It seemed fitting to name it after him. After all, it is located right next to his pool hall. 

There is a large store room in the basement of the rectory. So we just moved some things, threw a few more out, and got to work. 

The room would be about 10' by 14'. Simple framing was needed to box in the already corner space. 

Once we cut a hole in the wall for the door there was no turning back. 

From the get go, a robust, earthly chapel that would raise your heart to Heaven was the vision. The oak beams definitely helped with that goal.  

Dave and his wood shop were no small players in this endeavor. 

Solid oak was used when able. But oak plywood sufficed on many occasions.  

For painting of a high caliber, Wanda is the woman of choice. She does some amazing work and truly let her light shine in our little chapel. 

Brenis also lent a hand on those two man jobs. 

The Cross was a family affair, as Dave's brother risked his life holding the lumber while Dave routered the edges.  

Once the wood was all built we had a staining party. 

The golden brown stain was leftover from the construction of the house. We were also able to make use of much of the old trim that was still around. 

Installing the stained fixtures on painted walls really made it come alive. 

This cabinet is handy for storing sacred vessels, vestments, and necessary components for celebrating Mass. 

The statutes really dressed the chapel up. This one of our Lady of Lourdes is one of my favorites. 

It's hard to beat St. Joseph the Worker though. 

The Altar is not fixed to the wall, so it can be slid out for the celebration of Mass if need be. 

The buckskin walls and rock floor give a natural feel to the room. The Marian blue sanctuary wall draws one into the reality of our Lord's incarnation. 

Prayer time. 

Special thanks to the Knights of Columbus who helped fund our project. As well as to all those who lent a hand, especially with the dry wall, flooring, and painting. They all know the necessity for priests to have an intimate relationship with Jesus Christ if they are going to serve in the person of Jesus Christ. All People of God are called to intimacy with the Trinity. For the priest, however, Jesus in the Eucharist is his spouse. It just makes sense for him to spend time with Him. I think St. Joseph would agree. All glory to God. 

Riding Herd

With a little time on our hands, Gerry and I decided to go check on the cows. You'd think being in the mountains it'd be cooler. But the Belle Fourche is the lowest point in the state. Therefore, 90 degrees in this Hills is pretty common. 

The best thing for the inside of a man is the outside of a horse.

John Raney got a few round bales this year. If you can't graze all that grass you might as well bale it.

Gerry brought his fishing pole along to conquer another Wyoming river. 

Mission accomplished. 

The cows won at John's place. We never found them. We found them at Joe's though. Looking fat and happy as usual. 

The laborer deserves his wage. 

It's always good to get out of Dodge. Resets a guys perspective. All the critters look good. I'm sure the eight cows we could't find at John's are fine. We just got out cowboyed is all. Nothing a little ice-cream can't fix though. God bless America. We're on to the next one. 

Responsibility of Faith

Faith is a gift that requires responsibility on our part once it's received.

           https://youtu.be/RjgcyJ2Ly7I         

Openness

We can do nothing without God's grace. Therefore, stay open to it. Also, it was Jeremiah not Isaiah!

           https://youtu.be/s1fleg2xmCE         

Rude

Our Lord isn't rude. He's serious. We cannot love anything more than God.

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Happiness

God is the author of our happiness. It's probably worth following Him.

           https://youtu.be/pUQyAP-IEkw         

Branding 2022

 

Leisure

Leisure is the way to be Mary in a Martha world.

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Hot Iron

Gerry has been spending the last two weeks up at the Kuhbacher Ranch in Montana. We topped off his fortnight with a late season branding.

If your gonna brand in mid July you better start early.

Mike got us all lined out before we split up to round up.

Gerry is old hat on this nice buckskin.

Step breaks. I'd take a horse over a dirt bike any day.

Cool country with cool old cars.

Once the 400 head was rounded up we stampeded them into the corrals. 

Then it was time to ranch. I played it safe by wrestling. 

Jason got Gerry lined out. 

No problem. 

Here's to you America. 

Special thanks to Jason and Boni for hosting our up and coming cowboy. He's well on his way. The Lord played some special cards to line us up a branding this late in the game. Super hot and super fun. Now we're on to the next one. 

Non-contradiction

We need a solid philosophy before we can do good theology.

           https://youtu.be/x-aMTOJroLY         

Dog Days

Lay it down at the foot of the Cross.

           https://youtu.be/MKFZR6pImnw