In some denominations, communicants take Communion, or “take the Sacrament,” instead of receiving it — the latter the expression we Catholics use. And with that word choice, a whole difference of worldview emerges.

Greetings brothers and sisters in Christ. Back in 2019 I planned a pilgrimage to Italy. This was before I had ever heard of COVID (and way before I heard that I was moving to Colorado Springs!). The pilgrimage is planned for this October 12-21. I am surprised and delighted that we can still go.

One of the features at the heart of both Judaism and Christianity is the idea that God wants to have a personal relationship with his people. The Bible calls this relationship the covenant, and both Judaism and Christianity, in their respective ways, are communities of the covenant.

Greetings brothers and sisters in Christ. These first letters which I am addressing to the diocese are a simple attempt to help each of us better prepare for an experience of Communion with our Lord at Mass.

Today I want to say a brief word about the Liturgy of the Word. This is the part of Mass where we are invited to listen with attention and receive God’s word during the readings.

Greetings brothers and sisters in Christ. In my last letter, I proposed that we might take time to better understand what happens at the Mass.

We do not simply “go” to Mass but rather we participate in an event of communion with our Lord. This event of communion has the power to change our very being. Today, I would like to look at how regular experience of the Sacrament of Penance (going to Confession) can help us better be prepared to receive our Lord and to let our Lord receive us.

Greetings brothers and sisters in Christ. I am humbled and overjoyed to be called to serve with you as Bishop. Thank you for the kind welcome and especially for your prayerful support. My first impression of our Diocese of Colorado Springs is that God is clearly at work in many ways. I am grateful for the ministry of so many dedicated priests, deacons and religious. I am perhaps more impressed by the witness and faithful service of so many dedicated and gifted lay persons. Please know that I keep you all in my daily prayers. I honestly cannot wait to see what God has in store for us. Together may we hope and expect that God will accomplish God’s plans if we but trust and allow.