Wyoming Catholic Cowboys

Thursday, August 18, 2022

Baptism

Baptism is necessary for salvation. - CCC 1257

https://youtu.be/qKf1uaj_uRI

Tuesday, August 16, 2022

Riches

Riches of any degree are to be used for mission. If not... ditch them.

https://youtu.be/LkpX_rwPv6Y

Sunday, August 14, 2022

Back in high school, all I wanted was a winch. I'd be sitting in math class, thumbing through an Off Road magazine, daydreaming of a putting a winch on my pick up. That desire was eventually fulfilled when I moved to Montana after graduation and drove tow truck for my uncle. There, I always had two hydraulic 12k pounders right behind me. It was kind of like packing heat, you were always ready. Well, since those days I have felt a bit naked. A little under prepared, you might say. Until now.

I've had thoughts of a winch on White Horse since we built the bumper for her in 19. We put in a receiver tube thinking we could plug one in and out if need be.

Well, the day finally came when we found one. My buddy Tom from Carlile had a farm sale and was auctioning off this Ramsey 12,000lb electric winch. What I like about this style is that it is worm gear driven. They are tough, and when you let go of the button it stops, not winds down. A worm gear will also never reverse on itself. Meaning, the cable can't drive the motor. In other words, they are super secure. Tom assured me this one was ready to work. All she needed was a new cable, which we already had back home.

Plugging it in and out of the receiver tube didn't seem like a good option though. That had back breaker written all over it. So we decided to go the permanent route and mount her behind the front bumper. At this stage in the game, there is no turning back. Burn the ships boys.

There was definitely potential. The truck frame was right there along with good 3/8" plate that mounted to the bumper.

Gerry got right to work cutting some angle iron brackets.

I used the plasma cutter to rework the front cover.

Once we had her positioned, we welded her in place.

Then installed the 125' of 3/8" wire rope.

Dad came in as our anchor man as we spooled her up for the first time.

Muy bien.

I feel much better. Really not sure how I made it this long without a winch at hand. We are now ready for whatever comes our way. Be it a tree in the creek, a car in the ditch, or a horse that won't load in the trailer, White Horse is ready for action.

Suffering

For the sake of the joy that lie ahead of Him, Jesus endured the Cross.

https://youtu.be/Koyz5qM0aXU

Thursday, August 11, 2022

Cucumbers

One of the best homilies I have given is probably my cucumber homily. Since then I receive a plethora of cucumbers each year from mid July through August. I love cucumbers, especially straight from the garden. It reminds me of home when Mom would grow cucumbers. I'd usually go out after her and pick all the ones she missed.

Straight 8's are probably my favorite. I'm not really a pickle guy so the fresher the better.

I generally don't use salt. The rust and debris of whatever I cut last on my pocket knife add good enough seasoning.

Delicious. Just like home.

It's usually the simple things in life that draw us closer to God. Cucumbers help keep me a kid. What's your cucumber?

Poverty and Virginity

Chasity and poverty of spirit are two indispensable virtues in the spiritual life.

https://youtu.be/PGJqJs_GzgE

Wednesday, August 10, 2022

Sons of Mary 2022

It is good when brothers dwell in unity. This week marked our 3rd annual priestly fraternal retreat in the Big Horns. Not all the brothers could make it, but we took what we could get. We call ourselves the Sons of Mary, taking seriously our Lord's final words to us as He hung upon the Cross: Behold your mother. Mary keeps us in the saddle of sonship. We live out of our baptismal identity as sons of the Father in order to serve well as priests of Jesus Christ.

L to R: Fr. Clark Lenz, Fr. Hiep Nguyen, Fr. Robert Rodgers, Fr. Brian Hess, Fr. Bryce Lungren.

My job was to make burgers on the first night. I think Bob was impressed.

On our one full day together we took a hike looking for Hesse Peak. Do not follow where the path may lead. Go where there is no path and leave a trail.

The peak in the center was our destination.

Our fearless leader Brian ensured us that all was safe.

You ain't no cowboy if you hike instead of ride. Not sure Boone could have made it up here though. Beautiful.

On our way back to the cabin we swung by the James Saban lookout tower above Meadowlark Lake to eat our lunch. Cool.

Of course we had to get a little mountain surfing in on West Tensleep Lake while in the area.

We also took plenty of time to lounge.

Hiep was in charge of our main meal. With him at the helm I knew it would be good.

Sure enough.

Priestly fraternity is so necessary these days. It won't take time to find you so you have to take time to find it. Totally worth it. These men of God always inspire me to be a better priest. And more than that, to be a better son.

Hay Season

In Wyoming, we spend the summer preparing for winter. We planted some grass/alfalfa back home, but probably won't get a crop until next year. In the meantime, our Good Father in Heaven provided once again. Jim and Sharron Oster near Alva, WY came through in our need. With plenty of grass this year they baled it instead of grazing it. However, no one wanted to pick it out of the field. So they turned to Fr. Bryce who will never turn down free grass.

With White Horse ready for work, we ran up to the Black Hills last Saturday.

Jim and Sharron's place runs right along Beaver Creek. Some of the nicest grass in the state.

There's no hurry in this country. We just took our time picking bales.

Thankfully Hank showed up to lend a hand.

To get em stacked we gathered a crew. Joe's always eager to help ranch.

Jared and Baylie pitched in as well.

Gotter done.

Having a stack of hay next to the corrals is like a having a shed full of firewood. It's hard to think about winter when it's in the upper 90's. But believe me, the old man will show up when you're least expecting him. Special thanks to Jim and Sharron for their generosity. We'll be back to get the rest.