Another article about my brother, Bishop-elect Paul Etienne

By now the word is out that my brother, Paul, is the Bishop-elect for Cheyenne, WY. I've had over a week to process the news. I'm still amazed at what our God is calling my brother to do. The other day the 4th graders and I were talking about the rich young man who asked Jesus what he needed to do to enter the kingdom of God. Jesus basically told him he needed to follow the commandments. Feeling quite smug the young man told Jesus that he did that...is there anything else I need to do? I always thought at this point he should have stopped while he was ahead! Jesus then goes on to tell the man he needed to sell all his possessions and come follow him. The rich young man lowered his head and walked away sadly. (We don't really know if the young man did what Jesus told him to do. We just know that it was a hard request to hear.) The parable tells us he had lots of treasures. I share this story with you because I couldn't help but think of my brother, Paul. He doesn't have "many earthly treasures." He does have many friends and family here in Indiana who love him and who will miss him...and whom he loves and will miss as well. Though there may be an element of sadness in Paul's heart to leave behind the people and the parish world he loves so much...his heart is not sadden because he knows he is doing the work of God whom he loves above all else. What a beautiful role model Paul is for me. Sometimes following the call of God is hard and we may be sad at what we are asked to do. Trusting that God knows what is best for us and living a life of prayer makes it easier to answer God's call...knowing full well that in saying, "YES" ultimately we will find joy and happiness. I pray to have his courage and zeal to know, love and serve God so unconditionally. Thank you Paul for saying "YES" to the call of God over and over again!

The following link will take you to a wonderful article Sean Gallagher, from the Criterion, wrote about Bishop-elect Paul.

Bishop-designate Etienne reflects on episcopal appointment