Depart: The Gospel this weekend is one of my favorites. After the miraculous catch of fish through Jesus’ command and after catching nothing during the night, Peter tells Jesus, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man.” Peter had a lot of flaws, like we all do. And yet, Jesus called him to follow him. The same for all of us.
Appeal: This weekend kicks off the Bishop’s Annual Appeal. Thank you so much in advance for your support of our diocese and our mission. I greatly appreciate your kindness and generosity.
Marriages: This Sunday is also World Marriage Sunday. May the Lord bless all our marriage couples with peace and hope!
Engaged: Speaking of marriages, please pray for the 16 couples who are on the engaged encounter retreat this weekend.
The Sick: Tuesday, February 11, is World Day for the Sick. We pray for all the sick, and if we have time, perhaps we can visit or call someone in assisted living, etc.
Charities: I am excited to attend the Catholic Charities ribbon cutting in Hays on Friday, February 14, at 9 am at their new location. All are welcome and encouraged to attend.
Immigration: Speaking of Charities, immigration is at the heart of our country. There are lots of opinions and misinformation. Please note that our wonderful Catholic Charities of Northwest Kansas does not receive any federal funding for immigration services. I think we would all agree that we don’t want people who harm others to be in our towns and cities. At the same time, there are many people living in our country who are illegal and who have had a very positive impact on our country. Praying for this situation.
Hope: In this Jubilee Year of Hope, I read something from Pope Francis that he said recently: “I urge all of you, children, young people, adults, and the elderly, to participate actively in the common evangelizing mission of the Church by your witness of life and prayer, by your sacrifices, and by your generosity.”
Life: We are blessed by the many attendees, especially our youth, from our diocese who attended the Right to Life March in Washington D.C. and in Topeka.
Medical: The Catholic Medical Association is a membership of healthcare workers that upholds the principles of the Catholic faith in the science and practice of medicine. Membership is open to all healthcare workers, i.e., nurses, physicians, physical therapists, etc., and those in school working on their degrees. The Kansas state chapter is hosting Medcon 2025, in Wichita, April 25-27, 2025, for all those mentioned above. For more information, contact [email protected].
Renewal: Please pray for our priests as they attend the Clergy Renewal Days in Wichita from February 17 – 20. Our focus is on evangelization.
Schools: Enjoyed seeing all our students and faculty and staff during Catholic Schools Week. Thank you for your support of Catholic education.
Musical: Speaking of our schools, I am looking forward to attending the Sacred Heart High School musical “A Year with Frog and Toad” this evening.
Prediction: Chiefs 31 Eagles 27. Three-peat!
Ashes: Lent is right around the corner with Ash Wednesday on March 5.
“Hope is the lifeline that connects us to God’s mercy and grace.” ~St. Faustina
“There is no love without hope, no hope without love, and neither hope nor love without faith.” ~St. Augustine
“I feel a great desire to abandon myself with greater trust to the Divine Mercy and to place my hope in God alone.” ~St. Padre Pio
“Hope is the key that unlocks the door of possibilities.” ~St. Francis of Assisi