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John Paul
II, in his encyclical
Fides et Ratio (Faith and Reason),
says, "Faith and reason are like two wings on which
the human spirit rises to the contemplation of truth,
and God has placed in the human heart a desire to know
the truth
- in a word, to know himself - so that, by knowing and
loving God, men and women may also come to the fullness
of truth
about themselves."
Because we live in a skeptical age, which often
doubts even the possibility of knowing the truths of faith
and
natural reason, the Holy Father counsels that it is imperative
and timely there be formal occasions for reflecting deeply
on the truth, for it is the truth that sets us free by
guiding us in the conduct of our lives. Thus, Bishop David
L. Ricken
of the Diocese of Cheyenne has responded to the Pope's
prudent counsel by establishing the Wyoming School of Catholic
Thought.
The School carries on and broadens the fine tradition
begun by Fr. Charles F. Taylor, who established the first
Newman School of Catholic Thought at the Laramie Newman
Center (1961-73). In 1983, Fr. Taylor reprised this effort
in Powell,
assisted by Bill and Cathy McCarthy, with the school
being under supervision of Msgr. John Meyer (1984-89).
The Wyoming School of Catholic Thought will provide
an opportunity for its students, especially outstanding
current Church leaders and future leaders, to take part
in a six
day spiritual and academic retreat where they will learn
and reflect on the most important truths of faith
and reason. This will help them prepare for their leadership
roles in
Wyoming as they participate in the future restoration
of Catholic culture, which is the mission of the School.
Bishop Ricken says, "It is my fondest hope that,
after reflection and prayer, Catholics in Wyoming will accept
my invitation to enroll in this School. Here, they will be
formed both spiritually and intellectually, which will enable
them to play their part in a new Catholic Renaissance. This
must come if the secular world is to be transformed into
the image of Christ through evangelization as Vatican II
prescribed."
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