|
… January 22, 2010
My Dear People of Cheyenne:
I write shortly after the close of my first January Institute. As you all probably know, this institute is held every year for the priests, deacons, and pastoral leaders of the diocese. We gather in Casper for two and a half days of prayer, meetings, and socializing. This year’s meeting was designed to “share our history” as a diocese. One of the primary goals was to share this history with me, your new bishop, so I could get to know the diocese and its rich history of God’s grace and blessing, and the many good people who have forged the way for us.
There were presenters on various topics, including, the history of the diocese, priesthood, laity, religious life and finances. After each presentation, there was a time for anyone who wished to share their own perspective, or particular memory. Of course, during all of this, as the new bishop, I am listening, so at the conclusion of the institute, I would share what I heard, and begin to formulate my vision of where we are headed in the future as a diocese. All of this was very helpful.
As much as I enjoyed the presentations, and meeting many people I had not yet met, and hearing what people had to say, I was particularly moved by our moments to celebrate Mass and pray together. Tuesday evening, Mass was celebrated at St. Anthony, our “host parish” for the week. I was deeply moved, as this was the first Mass since my ordination as bishop, to celebrate with all the priests, deacons, many of our women religious, and so many of our lay leaders. There was a sense of the “whole church” being represented, and it made me feel somewhat “whole” as your new bishop.
The following morning, as it was the week of prayer for Christian unity, we had an ecumenical prayer service with several ministers of other Christian churches in the Casper area joining us. I had the opportunity to visit with them briefly during breakfast prior to the prayer service. Again that evening, we celebrated Mass in the hotel conference room. Once more, there was a tremendous sense of the Holy Spirit’s presence, and the hope and promise that no matter what our future holds, God’s grace will provide for all our need. I had the sense that as people left the gathering, they did so with feeling positive and optimistic.
So, let us all move with hope and confidence into the future that is ours. Part of what is required is to identify our own unique gifts, strengths, and necessary resources to accomplish the work at hand, and to have the generosity of heart to bring these gifts to the task of furthering God’s Kingdom. However, never let us forget that our greatest strength is the Lord! Let us always be open to His will and the promptings of His Holy Spirit. His grace, truth and love will always carry the day!
In The Heart of Christ,
+Paul D. Etienne
Bishop of Cheyenne
| 
