Don't worry. Be happy.
Thursday, September 16, 2021
Tuesday, September 14, 2021
Monday, September 13, 2021
Back to School
This morning the parish staff had an off campus pastoral planning meeting at Gillette College. While there I took the opportunity to snoop around a bit.
Gillette College just recently seceded from Sheridan College. One of the hallmarks of this school is their tech department.
My buddy Dagen Geis just started the diesel program and is loving it. They put him right to work tearing down this 3456 Cat.
After he puts it back together they'll put it to the test on this dino.
The school also prides itself in their welding department.
As well as their machining department.
This is my kind of college.
I think tech ed should be part of seminary formation. Knowing how to weld and tear down a Cat is vital to understanding Christology.
Sunday, September 12, 2021
Just Ranchin in a Free World
Every time September 11th roles around we are reminded that freedom doesn't come free. This year seemed to be especially cathartic.
The Vietnam memorial wall was in town and I got to see it for the first time. My heart was in my throat as I approached these heroes. But once in, I heard them say Go! We didn't die for nothing.
9/11 hits me close. This was the beginning of my call to the priesthood. I was 21 and life was good, but my world was shook just like everybody's. My response like so many's was what can I do, I'm here to serve. My path didn't lead me into the military, but it did set me on a course that led me into the priesthood.
We took on a new cowboy this weekend. Shane Cardi is new to CC and wants to learn the ropes. Welcome to the herd partner.
Once we got Chief and him aquatinted we showed up for the Memorial Parade to lead Matt Walker's float down 2nd Street.
Knowing Shane had been studying some Wyoming history I wanted to show him this wall with ancient artifacts. He was amazed.
I think we found a pair. You done good ol' son. Wear that hat with honor.
Mmm... feels good.
While on the Bell, John invited a few friends over so we jumped in.
You're a generous man John, and you've come a long way. Keep up the Good work.
Hobo Jim was the main feature. Campfires are his venue of choice, though he's no stranger to Nashville. Shane had a special interest as he's been known to pick a cord or two. May God bless you Jim. Thanks for coming up and lightening our hearts.
Freedom
In light of so much raw and realness, what is a man to do? Keep on ranchin in a free world! Our heroes died so that we could live. Not for ourselves, but for those who come after us. If freedom is only me deep the world is in trouble. But if we look to those who will reap what we sow, then we're ranchin. Never forget. If we do, we'll pay the price. Freedom never comes free.
Offer it Up
Don't waste your suffering. Unite it with Christ's and help bring about the redemption of the world.
Thursday, September 9, 2021
Mercy Me
If charity is the universal language on earth, then mercy is the universal language of Heaven.
Wednesday, September 8, 2021
Sons of Mary 2021
Labor Day began our annual Sons of Mary fraternal hangout. What a perfect time to get away and reflect on the graces of this past year and prepare ourselves for whatever lies ahead. Thanks Mom and Dad for letting us use the cabin. Couldn't have asked for more.
6 of the 7 boys were able to make it: FB, Fr. Robert Rodgers, Fr. Hiep Nguyen, Fr. Brian Hess, Fr. Clark Lenz, Fr. Linh Vu.
To start our first morning off, the Lord blessed us with a young cow moose right out the cabin door.
No better way to give thanks than through our daily celebration of the Mass.
After breakfast then, we hit the trail.
And hiked into Lake Mclain.
Beautiful from the ground and the air.
No rush here. We ate lunch and took a nice siesta.
On the way out Linh spotted this friendly guy who had not a care in the world.
So we jumped back in the rigs and continued on.
These pics don't do the trail justice. The bolder hopping we did on the way up to East Tensleep Lake was probably the most intense 4x4ing I've ever done. If Bob wasn't in front breaking the trail, I would have probably turned Ol' White Horse around and gone home. Often the Lord leads us down roads that we can't turn back on.
It was worth the ride. East Tensleep Lake was on my bucket list.
Nothing more peaceful than surfing mountain water.
Fr. Hiep took to it like riding a bike.
Some of the boys opted for fishing. This nice brook trout sure tasted good later that night.
More than anything it was nice to just chill.
It was so fitting and providential to conclude our retreat on the feast day of our Blessed Mother's Nativity. From her comes forth the Son of God. By entrusting ourselves, and in particular our priesthood, to her, she leads to Him. I know it's true because I've experienced her maternal goodness all throughout my life. This weekend was just another opportunity to re-up our commitment to Her. In Mary's arms, life is fun and we get the job done.
Sunday, September 5, 2021
Friday, September 3, 2021
Hay Maker
Dad was starting to cut third cutting, so I knew if I wanted some hay I better hurry home. Harvesting is heavy around Worland. It's a beautiful time of year all the way around.
Sunrise off our deck never gets old.
It's amazing how many friends you have until you go to stack hay. Ole reliable pitched in while Mom drove the truck.
I think Our Blessed Mother likes to see men pulling their weight.
Fortunately, Hank showed up to help me unload it back at the CC ranch.
There she be. Might as well be gold bars this year. I tucked her away to help others avoid the near occasion of sin.
Just for the record, I did cut Dad a check. Whether he cashes it or not is up to him. You put up nice hay Dad. Keep up the Good work.
Thursday, September 2, 2021
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