| The Path: This weekend, Jesus gives us the Beatitudes to ponder and to live. Pope Leo XIV said that the Beatitudes “bring with them a new interpretation of reality. They are both the path and the message of Jesus. At first glance, it seems impossible to declare as blessed those who are poor, or those who hunger and thirst for justice, the persecuted or the peacemakers. Yet, that which seems inconceivable in the world’s thinking is filled with meaning and light when brought into contact with the Kingdom of God.”Challenges: Pope Leo XIV said that responding to today’s challenges may sometimes seem beyond our capabilities, but this is not the case. This is especially true with the situation of immigration. Some thoughts on this:Minneapolis: Archbishop Bernie Hebda of Minneapolis St. Paul wrote a column based on what’s happening in his diocese. You can read it HERE. He calls for the incredible importance of immigration reform. Kansas bishops: This past week, the bishops from Kansas published a statement on immigration. You can read it HERE.Prayers Matter: Archbishop Coakley, who is the President of the United States Catholic Conference of Bishops, is asking all parishes to offer a Holy Hour for peace. You can read the article HERE. I recommend that every parish in our diocese do this sometime in February. Archbishop Coakley said that the “current climate of fear and polarization, which thrives when human dignity is disregarded, does not meet the standard set by Christ in the Gospel.” Root cause: When it comes to it, the root cause of many of the problems in the world is the lack of respect for the dignity of every human life made in the image and likeness of God.Story time: This past week I was in Topeka for a meeting with the bishops of Kansas as well as participating in the Ignite Rally for Life. A few stories I want to share.Friendship: Archbishop McKnight shared a story during his homily at the Red Mass for legislators. Many years ago, he visited Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia in his office. He found it fascinating that he had a photo on his desk of another Supreme Court justice, Ruth Bader Ginsberg. They had different viewpoints on a lot of issues (political, religious, etc.) but they were the deepest of friends and were able to have great conversations without criticizing each other. McKnight told the legislators this is what is needed in Topeka and in our world today.40 days: At the Ignite Rally for Life, we heard a fascinating story of how 40 Days for Life was founded. A young man approached David Bereit and told him they needed to do something because of the number of abortions that were happening in their city. David didn’t really want to go there, but because of the young man’s persistence they prayed and soon felt God calling them to start 40 Days for Life—which has had a huge positive impact for life. David found out later why the young man was adamant about doing something. This young man’s father was dying in the hospital when his father told him day after day he would like to pray the rosary together for the end of abortion. After doing this for days, the son asked, “why do we keep praying for the end of abortion, why don’t we pray for your healing instead.” The father told his son when he was a young man, his girlfriend got pregnant. He said he convinced her to get an abortion, but when the day came, she didn’t show up. She had the baby. The father looked at his son, and said, “you are that baby,” and with tears in his eyes, “here you are with me when I am dying.”Seeing with new eyes: While in Topeka, the bishops had a great discussion on synodality. Archbishop McKnight shared a story from a parish listening session. Many people got up and shared how great their little parish was, etc. Then a man got up and shared with the people how he grew up in the parish but moved away for decades before coming home. Then he told them that since he started attending Mass there three years ago, no one had ever said hello to him or invited him to anything. It was a short statement but had a powerful impact on that parish community. How can we reach out to those in our parish community and accompany them?Synodality: Speaking of Synodality, we are called to have a synodal Church. The Holy Father and the bishops conference is inviting all of us to participate in the synodal path. In reality, it’s about listening to the Holy Spirit and to one another. This is something that I hope we can continue as a diocese and at the parish level. More to follow.Schools: I have been fortunate to visit many Catholic Schools in our diocese the past few weeks, especially during Catholic Schools week. As I’ve always said, there is a lot of love, joy and peace in our schools.Lent: Ash Wednesday is February 18th. You might be asking, “what is Jesus desiring me to do for Lent?” A suggestion for reflection: if you were on your deathbed, when it comes to your relationship with God and others, what are the things you wished you would have done or things that you do now that aren’t helpful. Come Holy Spirit! |
| A quote for today:”Society as a whole must respect, defend and promote the dignity of every human person, at every moment and in every condition of that person’s life.” Evangelium Vitae |
Bishop Vincke’s E-News to the Faithful | January 30, 2026
Bishop's Office
