DODGE CITY (KS)
Diocese of Dodge City KS
March 26, 2022
By Bishop John B. Brungardt
My Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Greetings on this Fourth Sunday of Lent, Laetare (rejoice) Sunday. We are at the half-way point of Lent, a time to have a joyful anticipation of the celebration of the Resurrection of our Lord on Easter Sunday. I also rejoice in my return to ministry as the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Dodge City.
This has been a terrible ordeal and it has taken a long time to determine that the accusation against me was not true, but I always trusted that I would be exonerated because I knew that I did not do what I had been accused of. I trusted I would be cleared of the accusation, and I appreciate the intensive efforts of the KBI and Church authorities to investigate the accusation so thoroughly. I believe these findings speak for themselves and I simply want to get back to my ministry serving Almighty God and the good people of the Catholic Diocese of Dodge City.
I thank all of you for your prayers, sacrifices, letters, and cards for me during these months. “And be thankful … with gratitude in your hearts to God … giving thanks to God” (Colossians 3:15-17). I am grateful to Bishop Vincke for his dedicated pastoral care for us during this time. I have prayed for all of you, asking Jesus Forsaken to be with you in all your needs.
I forgive and pray for my accuser. May all who suffer find help and healing. May we be vigilant against the great evil of abuse of any kind.
The Gospel this Sunday for cycle C is the Parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11- 32). The Lord has blessed me with a beautiful “God-incident,” as this Gospel is the source of my episcopal motto: “filled with compassion.” May we be more dedicated to “suffer with” all our sisters and brothers in Christ. May I again wear the “robe … ring …sandals” of my episcopal ministry with Jesus our Savior at my side.
Be assured of my prayers for you and your loved ones this Lent, Easter and beyond. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart” (Proverbs 3:5). God loves us more than we can ask or imagine!