A look back

Last Sunday, July 11, was my anniversary with the diocese. It was July 11, 1994, when I spent my first day as an employee for the Diocese of Dodge City. As I think about how quickly these 10 years have passed, I decided that now would be a good time to share some thoughts about them.

It was my first week when a co-worker asked me if there were some gray areas. Of course there were many. We quickly laughed, and through the grace of God, I moved forward and kept plugging away. From time to time there are still gray areas and there always will be, but now after 10 years, each one lends itself more toward the future. Each one helps establish a clearer vision.

So please indulge me as I look back over these 10 years, how each gray area became a reality and reached completion, and how we continue looking to the future with great expectations. Yes, still with some gray areas, but with great expectations.

Ten high school youth rallies, beginning with "TGIF — Together in Faith" in the spring of 1995, to the spring of 2004 and "What’s Important Now?" How many youth have we touched? Approximately 1,600! Nine junior high rallies, beginning with "Wear Your Inside Out" in 1995 to "Hungry, Why Wait" held last October. How many lives touched? Approximately 1,800! Fifteen summer camps for fifth through eighth grades, beginning in 1997 with "Going Against The Grain" and just this summer’s with "Alpha — Omega Eternity." How many young lives deepened their faith through these camping experiences? Approximately 600!

Let’s see; what else is there? Oh, yea! Twenty-three TEC’s (Teens Encounter Christ) retreat weekends touching approximately 400 young lives, allowing each of them to meet Christ in a new and special way and leading them to a more personal relationship with Christ. Two DCYC’s (Diocesan Catholic Youth Conferences) reached more than 300 lives, and what would this column be if I did not include the five NCYC’s (National Catholic Youth Conferences), which have allowed more 500 young people and their adult chaperones to travel to Minneapolis, Kansas City, St. Louis, Indianapolis, and Houston, celebrating their faith with thousands upon thousands of other Catholic youth from around the United States?

The list goes on and on, and with too many to mention. There are the many confirmation retreats and confirmations, other youth gatherings, trips to ball games and youth events, graduations and simply the friendly smile and hellos from many young people who see you in the mall or on the street.

Wow; 10 years and still going. No wonder I feel tired from time to time. Looking back over these 10 years, many things have happened. And I believe that we have touched many lives in great and marvelous ways. These past 10 years and these many events simply create a motivation to look to the next 10 years. Where will we be then? I hope with a list that is longer than this one, with many more lives being touched. I do invite you to come along with us. I can promise you two things. One, if you come along you are in for a real treat, and two, you will establish friendships and memories that will last forever.

Well, I have rambled long enough, but I cannot end this issue without saying this. These past 10 years have been marvelous. Before I said yes to this ministry and the move to Dodge City, I talked to a lot of people and spent a lot of time praying about the choice I needed to make. As I reflect on these 10 years and how rewarding they have been, I have to ask why it took me so long to say yes. For it truly has been one of the best decisions I have ever made. But please know that none of this could have been possible without your continued patience, prayers, and support. And I thank each of you for this. And finally, in June of 1995 I was united in marriage with my wife, Pam. Her support of my ministry has also been a real blessing, as she has been as much of a part of it as I have. I thank her for all that she continues to do.