Put Out Into the Deep....Heart, Mind, and Soul

It was perhaps one of the greatest privileges in my years of ministry in the Diocese of Cheyenne to have been able to attend the first Wyoming School of Catholic Thought. It was beyond my expectations in terms of learning, renewal and relationship. I am writing about this in the column this month to invite and urge every person who might see these simple words to believe that the Church in our diocese is experiencing a renewal, one that is built on the strong foundation of Truth. Beyond believing, I invite every Catholic, young and old alike, every person who wants to continue learning and growing in the Truth of our faith to call Deacon Ed or myself to request a CD or audiotaped copy of the presentations from the School. The presentations are available in sets of twenty tapes or twenty CDs for only $50.00. The price is low simply because there is great good news to be shared.

Let me explain!

As we moved through the teachings from one day to the next, we grew more and more excited about the possibility of sharing the learning with others. Our tapes were turning out quite well and we began to dream....Just imagine... small groups of young adults, couples gathered in the parish hall or in a living room, a family driving down the road, a young man or woman discerning a vocation to priesthood or religious life, an engaged or newly married couple wanti nng to build their family in an atmosphere of faith, a prayer group, youth with their youth minister, CCW Circle, Catholic teachers or catechists, ministry leadership....all able, regardless of their age or ability to take time from their jobs, to capture a taste of the WSCT and to learn more about their Catholic faith and heritage through hearing profound and powerful presentations and then reflecting, praying, discussing. We recognized marvelous possibilities for helping to satisfy the hunger, expressed by so many who gave input to the Pastoral Plan, for truly quality adult education and spiritual renewal.

Among the possibilities would be to listen to each presentation as it was given, in the exact order or, if preferred to listen to the five presentations of a particular speaker, moving from one topic to the next. For example, a study or prayer group might choose to listen to Deal Hudson's five presentations on Happiness. A young adult group might choose to learn from Dr. Robert Carlson's presentations on Augustine. Couples or families might choose to listen to and discuss the five sessions on Family which so beautifully affirmed in humble, simple ways what we began learning in our Year of Study on Marriage and Family. Also, it would be possible to select one presentation for a single gathering, for example, Father James Schall's presentation on The Hell, It Is or Dr. Mitchell Kalpakgian's presentation on Hospitality. Our enthusiasm for sharing grew and we continued to reflect....

Our education and lifelong learning and our growth in faith is not about just what is provided for us by someone else. Our continuing education and growth in faith is, in fact, our responsibility. We must each take up the challenge to make time for learning all throughout our life because we will never exhaust the depths of our faith or the beauty of our religion. The Lord's love for us is endless, unconditional and unfathomable. His yearning is to reveal that love to us each and every day of our lives. He does that in an infinite number of ways, but, when we learn, when we "put out into the deep," to seek the Truth, when we stretch our minds as well as our hearts, we become more and more able to recognize Him, more and more able to experience His goodness, His love, His justice and His mercy, not only now but throughout all of history. And when we take our learning to prayer, we also become more willing and able to surrender to His will and His way for us in life. St. Augustine once said, "We were made for you oh Lord, and our hearts are restless until they rest in you." That restlessness which we all experience is meant to lead us on a marvelous and exciting journey to Truth....

And so... we invite you to come with us. Whether you've studied your faith all your life or have long since abandoned the practice of your faith, please decide to take another step or make a new beginning. You will never regret your decision!
Call us at 1-800-788-4616 for the Wyoming School of Catholic Thought tapes or CDs or ask for other resources on topics of interest to you regarding our Catholic faith, the practice of our religion, or the teaching of the Church on any number of pertinent issues. We are here for you and will gladly assist you in any way we can.