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Brothers and Sisters of Wyoming Knights of Columbus:
Just a few short years ago I was writing to you as your State Deputy Elect and full of excitement and enthusiasm. Last year I was checking in with you for our Leave no Neighbors Behind program. This year I am writing to you as my last article from my time as your State Deputy. You shouldn’t feel bad as next month you may read the first letter that I get to write as being the Immediate Past State Deputy.
I have spent that last couple of days wrapping my head around what the last 2 years have meant to me. As much as the time has been a whirl wind of covid this and covid that I have been excited to be your State Deputy. I do look back to the day of the Torrington Convention that I decided to step up and put my name in the hat unexpectedly. I remember the drive home with my other Council Brother knowing that, if everything worked out, I would be installed as State Deputy the same year that our Council hosted the State Convention (obviously not planned). They also mentioned that there would be a 100th State Convention during my tenure. Nobody decided to tell me that I would be dealing with Covid and the fallout of it all.
There has been a tremendous amount of “new” that we endured. Taking the quote from our State Chaplin “Thrive, don’t just survive.” I believe that we have done that for the most part. We have continued to be there for our Priest, parishes, and communities. I have written in previous articles that we are all called. In the gospel of Mark, chapter 10, verses 46-52 pro-vides my sentiments on this topic. Bartimaeus does seek out Jesus when he is near him and Jesus answers:
46 Then they came to Jericho. As Jesus and his disciples, together with a large crowd, were leaving the city, a blind man, Barti-maeus (which means “son of Timaeus”), was sitting by the roadside begging. 47 When he heard that it was Jesus of Naza-reth, he began to shout, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” 48 Many rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” 49 Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.” So, they called to the blind man, “Cheer up! On your feet! He’s calling you.” 50 Throwing his cloak aside, he jumped to his feet and came to Jesus. 51 “What do you want me to do for you?” Jesus asked him. The blind man said, “Rabbi, I want to see.” 52 “Go,” said Je-sus, “your faith has healed you.” Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road.
We know that Jesus is always around us and we are calling out to him in various ways. We need to be able to hear His voice and follow his commands. This is why I am part of the Knights of Columbus. This is why I am able to call you my Brothers and Sisters in Christ. We have heard and we have answered the Call. I continue to be inspired by the works you do in your com-munities. Keep up the good work inspired by Faith and live your Faith.
Drawing this to a close, I need to express how thankful I am to my fellow State Officers, District Deputies and Chairmen. You have assisted me in ways that are beyond my imagination. I wish you the best of luck and let me know if you need anything.
Lastly, I need to thank my wife Courtney and daughters Megan and Sarah for their faith, trust, patience, and love over the last 5 or so years. Courtney, you are the love of my life and I could not have done this without you and your support.
God Bless.
Vivat Jesus.
Bret Ladenburger
Wyoming State Deputy
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