On Friday, November 2, 7:00 pm at St. James of the Valley the Winton Wyoming Pastoral Region will offer a Mass in prayer for the souls of our departed parishioners and for all the faithful departed. Prayers will be offered at the Mass of Remembrance for those whose names are written there. Please join us at this Mass to offer prayers for the deceased and for those that mourn them.

I was once reading one of the seminal works of Western literature when a line jumped out at me that has stuck with me for many years now. That line was “Prayer is the last refuge of a scoundrel.” Or I heard it on an episode of The Simpsons. It’s tough to say after all these years, but either way, the sentiment rings true. There is a big difference in praying when we feel like we’re stuck in a corner, and building up an interior life so that we have a relationship with God when those difficult moments come our way. Click title for full column

Among my very favorite things in this life, and I don’t think I’m alone in this, is being right. I’m a deeply competitive person, and there’s nothing better than winning an argument, and if it’s against a close friend, or better yet, a sibling, proceeding to rub their face in their demoralizing loss. It is not a particularly attractive or Christian attribute of mine. Click title for full column

While Spring is my favorite season, October might be my favorite month. In addition to the pleasant weather, we have high school football, postseason baseball, and the changing trees. But above all else, October is the month of the Rosary, and every year it provides us with the chance to renew our commitment to this devotion which draws us into the mysteries of the life of Jesus. I leave you now with the typed text of a letter I received from my dad almost fifteen years ago, which I shared during the Sunday Masses at OLR this past weekend in honor of the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary. I do it for two reasons. First, because it’s amazing that I haven’t lost the letter in fifteen years, and it seems wise to do something to enter it into public record and the cloud. Second, and more importantly, because the message it contains is too important to only share at one parish in the region. It is a better summary of what my prayer is for you, my flock, than I could ever write myself. God bless you all, and know that I bring all of you in prayer to the Blessed Mother every day. Fr. McCullough Click here for Fr.McCullough's full column.

Dinner and a show! Join the fun at 5:30 pm Saturday, October 27 for a good-natured Chili Challenge Cook-Off and Potluck Dinner in the hall outside of the St. James Gym. CLICK TITLE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE

The Winton Wyoming Pastoral Region is searching for a highly skilled individual to serve as the Director of Development. Our candidate will collaborate with the pastor and regional staff to establish short (12 months) and long (3 years+) range goals and objectives. The Director of Development will head up all diocesan and regional programs and coordinate a consistent and organized approach to fund raising by ensuring effective communication with all regional parishioners and local civic / business organizations. Ideal candidate is an active member of the Roman Catholic faith who holds a B.A. in Public Relations or Communications plus 1-3 years of professional experience. The Director of Development must possess excellent written and verbal communication skills and be comfortable with presentation. Familiarity with Microsoft Office suite as well and Publisher / content creation is desirable.

Back before my seminary and priesthood days, I used to travel significantly more than I do now. There are many things I enjoy about travel-long drives with a bag of sunflower seeds, exploring new places, seeing old friends. But there was one element of every long weekend sojourn that could make or break the trip: Sunday Mass at a different parish.... Click here to read Fr. McCullough's full column.

The Winton Wyoming Pastoral Region is searching for a highly skilled individual to serve as the Scheduling Coordinator. The responsibilities of the Scheduling Coordinator will include but not be limited to maintaining the online ministry schedules, facility access schedules, calendar and resource schedules, sign and marquee schedules as well as clergy and Mass schedules. Ideal candidate is an active member of the Roman Catholic faith and holds a college degree or equivalent experience. Experience with Microsoft Office suite is preferred; understanding of Ministry Scheduler Pro and PDS is a plus. Click here for full description.