Man, That'd be Nice to be on Mount Tabor With the Boys...

You have!

Trouble viewing, click on web version

Riding Herd

On the first three Wednesdays of the month I make a run out to the missions to check on the flock. While I was at it I checked on the herd as well. This week was Hulett. 

If you travel to the Black Hills in August you got to take the steel horse

The cows are sure taking to their new pasture. Fat and sassy 

These ole girls look like 4H steers. I think 24 will be the first to go

This is my boy Joe, he's lovin life in Wyoming.

You ain't no cowboy unless you walk around with a piece of Timothy in your mouth!

After Mass on the feast of the Dedication of the Basilica of Saint Mary Major: Joe, Terry, Fr. Super Puncher, Tom, Chrystal, & Linda

Inspired words

Hugh Cook and I grabbed a burger at the Tower on our way home. Not a bad view as we enjoyed our Wyoming beef and cold Coors Light. Life as a missionary priest in God's country is pretty tough duty. I wouldn't trade it for the world.

Grace and Coors Light

Yesterday I was privileged to celebrate a Catholic grand slam: Baptism, Confirmation, Marriage, and Eucharist. 

Don't Take the Bait Kelly

The most common lure that the devil uses to get us off our game is What if?

Trouble viewing, click on web version below

Life is a Rodeo

Life is a rodeo. You get bucked off, you get back on again.

Thanks Missy for your video

Trouble viewing, click on web version at bottom of page

Well Done Good and Faithful Servant

On Thursday, July 23, a shock went out across the Diocese, Fr. Carl Beavers had suddenly died. That was a gut blow. Turns out he was out irrigating his pasture and had a heart attack. Not a bad way to go. Cowboys like that I don't think really die, they just leave us. They're kind of like Elijah in the Old Testament who was carried away by a fiery chariot. Would that I could receive a double portion of his spirit. You can go two ways on losses like this: be super sad that he's not with us anymore, or thank God for the gift that he was while we had him. I choose the latter. I was also blessed to be asked to lay Fr. Carl to rest. The only stipulation I had was that he deserved a Wyoming Catholic Cowboy burial. Here's to you Father. I still want to be like you when I grow up.

Fr. Carl liked old Chevy's so Dad brought up our 48' to carry him to his resting place

Fr. Carl's old buddy Zeke Zebroski brought in his horses to lead the procession with a riderless horse, his old hat, and boots put in backwards as a cowboy's sign of farewell to his family and friends 

Cowboy ride...

Thanks James for the picture

The Knights of Columbus gave him a proper Honor Guard tribute

We pray for you Fr. Carl. Please pray for us!

Well done good and faithful servant. Rest in peace Fr. Carl

Until we meet again... this Bud's for you. 

What a beautiful tribute to a man who touched a lot of lives.  Special thanks to Dad for the truck, Mom for the picture taking, Paul Casey for his play list, Zeke Zebroski for his horses, The Knights of Columbus #3477 for everything, John Chick and Denise Lubken for the vocals and guitar, and all of Fr. Carl's family and friends who joined us to send him home. You'll be missed brother, but your memory will ever be in our hearts.

Lovin the Liturgy

The Liturgy is drinking in the grace of God

Trouble viewing, click on web version below

My Ole Buddy

On Friday I found myself over in Cody, so I looked up my ole friend Doug Reachard. We go way back to high school, 94-98. Doug, Mr. Reachard back then, was my shop teacher. He left a lasting impact on me. His life long encouragement has taught me not to try, but to do. Thanks Doug for your continued friendship and mentorship. The world could use a few more Doug Reachards in it. 

There’s little Doug can’t do. This old Avery is in the process of being one of the many sod busters that he has rebuilt. Keep feeding that fire of desire, Doug. It keeps you young at heart. 

Later Lee

Well Lee it’s been fun having you around. We started with a branding and ended with a rodeo. You’re a good sport. Remember, ol’ son, to always wear your hat. 

Me, Lee, and Kelly Hand at Lee’s Super Puncher investiture

It was a fun summer Lee. Just a reminder when life gets tough at the seminary, You ain’t no cowboy!

You Ain't No Cowboy

Well we bucked, and got bucked off. This time I was on for a good 6, well most of it was barely hanging on. Maybe someone got a video, but this is what went down from my perspective. I nodded my head, they pulled the gate, this ole buckskin comes flying out and and just about dumps me over the front. I find a seat, then blow out my left swell and stirrup. I'm off to the right but still in the game, so I ride him out till my left hand gives out and I hit the dirt. Again, I make the long walk of humility back to my hat in front of the home town crowd. The worst part about it is that now everyone knows I'm bald. Wouldn't trade it for the world.

Fr. Bryce, relieved that he survived his last ride. Chris Ledoux says, "when you ride your last one, make sure he's the best one. Jump while he's moving. Tip your hat boys, and walk away." Special thanks to all my fans. On to the next one....

The Unreflected Life is Not Worth Living

Jesus, the Word made flesh, can also be translated as Meaning made flesh.

Trouble viewing, click on web version below, peace

The Church Needs More Cowboys

Rodeo Roy is back, but this time he's back in black.

Trouble viewing, click on web version at bottom