THE FEAST OF SAINT JAMES THE GREATER: 25 July 2007

For James there was no indication that this was the day that his life would change. The dawn for him was not the bright beginning of a new day, but the end of long fruitless night of fishing. As James sat mending his nets in the boat with his brother John and his father Zebedee, he must have watched in wonder as his partner Simon brought in nets loaded with fish he had caught at the command of Jesus. Was he shocked when he saw Simon and his brother Andrew walk away from this incredible catch at a word from this same Jesus?


As he watched Jesus walk toward him followed by Simon and Andrew, did he feel curiosity, fear, hope, envy? Jesus didn't pass him by but, stopping by their boat, called James and his brother John to do just what Simon and Andrew had done. Without argument or discussion, James and John left their boat and even their father behind, and followed Jesus.


The first thing James saw after he followed Jesus was his teaching with authority in the synagogue and the cure of Simon's mother-in-law. We all know that Jesus was the focus of James' life from then on, but it is also evident that James held a special place in Jesus' life. He was chosen by Jesus to be one of the twelve apostles, given the mission to proclaim the good news, and authority to heal and cast out demons. To be named one of the twelve James must have had faith and commitment.


But even among the apostles he held a special place. When Jesus raised Jairus' daughter when all thought her dead, he only allowed James, John, and Peter to come with him. Even more important when he went up to the mountain to pray, he wanted James, John, and Peter to go with him. And it was there on the mountain they were privileged to witness what no one else had seen -- Jesus transfigured in his glory, speaking to Moses and Elijah, as the voice of God spoke from a cloud. And with Simon Peter, James and John were the only ones of the apostles that Jesus gave a special name: Sons of Thunder.


To be singled out in these ways, James must have been a close and respected friend of Jesus. It's no wonder then that James, along with John, felt that he had the right to go to Jesus and ask him to give them whatever they asked. As a mark of his love, Jesus didn't rebuke them but asked them what they wanted. They showed their lack of understanding of his mission when they asked that he let one of them sit on his right and the other on his left when he came into his glory. He replied that they didn't know what they were asking. They didn't see the cross in his future, but an earthly throne. Could they drink of the cup he would drink of? They replied that they could. He assured them they would indeed drink of that cup.(Matthew has their mother asking for this favor for her sons. Despite the bad reputation their mother got for this, it should be remembered that she too had followed Jesus in his travels, providing for him, and was one of the women who stayed with Jesus as he was crucified when the apostles, including her son James, had fled.)


The other apostles were furious at this request. But Jesus used this opportunity to teach all of them that in order to be great one must be a servant. James and John did show further lack of understanding of their friend and Lord when he was turned away by Samaritans. They wanted to use their newfound authority as apostles not to heal but to bring fire down on the town. (Perhaps Jesus gave them their Sons of Thunder nickname because of their passion, their own fire, or their temper.) Jesus did reprimand them for their unforgiving, vengeful view of their power.


But despite all these misunderstandings, it was still James, Peter, and John that Jesus chose to join him in prayer at the Garden of Gethsemane for his final prayer before his arrest. It must have hurt Jesus that the three of them fell asleep on this agonizing evening.


James did drink of the cup Jesus drank of, all too shortly after the Resurrection. Acts 12:1 tells us that James was one of the first martyrs of the Church. King Herod Agrippa I killed him with a sword in an early persecution of the Church. There is a story that the man who arrested James became a convert after hearing James speak at his trial and was executed with him.


James is called James the Greater because another younger apostle was named James. He should not be accused with this James, or the James who is a relative of Jesus, or the James who was an elder of the Church in Jerusalem and heard Peter's defense of baptizing Gentiles. James, son of Thunder, was dead by then. Legends have sprung up that James evangelized Spain before he died but these stories have no basis in historical fact.


James is the patron saint of hatmakers, rheumatoid sufferers, and laborers.

O Glorious Saint James,

because of your fervor and generosity

Jesus chose you to witness his glory on the Mount

and his agony in the Garden.

Obtain for us strength and consolation

in the unending struggles of this life.

Help us to follow Christ constantly and generously,

to be victors over all our difficulties,

and to receive the crown of glory in heaven.

Amen.

SOURCE: Catholic Online

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THE BIRTH OF A BISHOP: Responding to Your Questions Regarding Last Week's News!

While watching web releases about the appointment of Bishop David Zubik to Pittsburgh, I came across a website that advertises the board game pictured above. It seems like a combination between Risk, Mine Sweep, Go to the Head of the Class, and Clue! I ordered the game -- mainly out of intrigue. After reading up on the directions once the game arrives, I'll begin the pursuit around the board. Perhaps you can all get in on the fun by predicting who will be the recipient of the white smoke, Pope Timothy I, Pope James the Greater I, Pope Conrad the Last, or Pope John XXIV? Stay tuned for the results.

But until the results are in, many have written and some have asked after the Sunday Mass, "Who will become the 12th occupant of the Chair in Green Bay?" Unfortunately we may not have that answer for up to a year or more, considering many other dioceses in the United States are already vacant. [Keep in mind Pittsburgh was 'open' since May, 2006!]


But for your reading pleasure, I offer you the process that takes place, locally, nationally and internationally as Rome tries to fill open sees. Here it is, have fun reading!


Appointing Bishops

Introduction

The ultimate decision in appointing bishops rests with the Pope, and he is free to select anyone he chooses. But how does he know whom to select? The process for selecting candidates for the episcopacy normally begins at the diocesan level and works its way through a series of consultations until it reaches Rome. It is a process bound by strict confidentiality and involves a number of important players -- the most influential being the apostolic nuncio, the Congregation for Bishops, and the pope. It can be a time consuming process, often taking eight months or more to complete. While there are distinctions between the first appointment of a priest as a bishop and a bishop's later transfer to another diocese or his promotion to archbishop, the basic outlines of the process remain the same.

Key Terms

Apostolic nuncio
The pope's representative to both the government and to the hierarchy of a given nation; a key person in deciding what names are recommended to the Congregation for Bishops for possible episcopal appointment.

Auxiliary Bishop
A bishop appointed to assist a diocesan bishop.

Congregation for Bishops
A department of the Roman Curia, headed by a Cardinal. The head of the Congregation, called the "prefect," is presently Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re of Italy. Among the congregation's responsibilities are moderating all aspects of episcopal appointments; assisting bishops in the correct exercise of their pastoral functions; handling ad limina visits (regular visits to Rome by bishops every five years); and establishing episcopal conferences and reviewing their decrees as required by canon law. Its membership consists of approximately 35 cardinals and archbishops from around the world. U.S. Cardinals on the Congregation are William Wakefield Baum, Edmund Szoka, James Stafford, and Bernard Law.

Diocesan Bishop
Pastoral and legal head and representative of a diocese.

Province
A territory comprising one archdiocese, called the metropolitan see, and one or more dioceses, called suffragan sees. The Code of Canon Law spells out certain limited obligations and authority that the metropolitan archbishop has with respect to the dioceses within his province. The United States is divided into 33 ecclesiastical provinces.

Terna
A list of three candidates for a vacant office, including the office of bishop.



Stage 1
Bishops' Recommendations

Every bishop may submit to the archbishop of his province the names of priests he thinks would make good bishops. Prior to the regular province meeting (usually annually), the archbishop distributes to all the bishops of the province the names and curricula vitae of priests which have been submitted to him. Following a discussion among the bishops at the province meeting, a vote is taken on which names to recommend. The number of names on this provincial list may vary. The vote tally, together with the minutes of the meeting, is then forwarded by the archbishop to the apostolic nuncio in Washington. The list is also submitted to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB).

Stage 2
The Apostolic Nuncio

By overseeing the final list of names forwarded to Rome, the apostolic nuncio plays a decisive role in the selection process. He not only gathers facts and information about potential candidates, but also interprets that information for the Congregation. Great weight is given to the nuncio's recommendations, but it is important to remember that his "gatekeeper" role, however, does not mean that his recommendations are always followed.

For Diocesan Bishops

· After receiving the list of candidates forwarded by a province, the apostolic nuncio conducts his own investigation into the suitability of the candidates.

· A report is requested from the current bishop or the administrator of a diocese on the conditions and needs of the diocese. If the appointment is a replacement for a diocesan bishop or archbishop about to retire, consideration will be given to the incumbent's recommendations. Broad consultation within the diocese is encouraged with regard to the needs of the diocese, but not the names of candidates.

· The nuncio then conducts his own investigation of the priests on the diocesan bishop's terna, sending the names to Rome with a report and his own recommendations.

o The report is to include the names of individuals in the diocese with whom the Nuncio might consult and how to contact them.
o Previous bishops of the diocese are consulted.
o Bishops of the province are consulted
o The president and vice president of the USCCB are consulted.
o If the vacancy to be filled is an archdiocese, other archbishops in the United States may be consulted.

· At this point, the nuncio narrows his list and a questionnaire is sent to 20 or 30 people who know each of the candidates for their input.
· All material is collected and reviewed by the nuncio, and a report (approximately 20 pages) is prepared. Three candidates are listed alphabetically – the terna – with the nuncio's preference noted. All materials are then forwarded to the Congregation for Bishops in Rome. On average, this part of the process may take two to six months.

For Auxiliary Bishops
· A diocesan bishop must justify to the apostolic nuncio his need for an auxiliary bishop. This is easier if he is requesting a replacement for a retired or deceased auxiliary.

· The diocesan bishop prepares the terna, or list of three candidates, for his requested auxiliary and forwards it to the apostolic nuncio.

Stage 3
Congregation for Bishops

Once all the documentation from the nuncio is complete and in order, and the prefect approves, the process moves forward. If the appointment involves a bishop who is being promoted or transferred, the matter may be handled by the prefect and the staff. If, however, the appointment is of a priest to the episcopacy, the full congregation is ordinarily involved.

A cardinal relator is chosen to summarize the documentation and make a report to the full congregation, which generally meets twice a month on Thursdays. After hearing the cardinal relator's report, the congregation discusses the appointment and then votes. The Congregation may follow the recommendation of the nuncio, chose another of the candidates on the terna, or even ask that another terna be prepared.

Stage 4
The Pope Decides

At a private audience with the pope, usually on a Saturday, the prefect of the Congregation for Bishops presents the recommendations of the Congregation to the Holy Father. A few days later, the pope informs the Congregation of his decision. The Congregation then notifies the nuncio, who in turn contacts the candidate and asks if he will accept. If the answer is "yes," the Vatican is notified and a date is set for the announcement. It often takes six to eight months -- and sometimes longer -- from the time a diocese becomes vacant until a new bishop is appointed.


Department of Communications
U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops
3211 Fourth Street NE · Washington, DC 20017
202-541-3200 · 202-541-3173 fax · www.usccb.org/comm




If that seems complicated, can you imagine what the road to Rome looks like? I'll let you know after my brothers and I take a few laps around the board!

Happy Feast of Saint Bridget!
(Especially to SNCs very own Bridget Burke-Ravizza)


Father James Baraniak, O. Praem.

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AS GOES CHENEY, SO GOES CUCCIA: The Passing of the Torch!

As I write this post on early Saturday morning, I am aware that our country has a new president -- at least for a couple of hours! As President Bush undergoes a routine colonoscopy, his faithful sidekick is now in charge. This happened five years ago when President Bush underwent a similar procedure during his first term.

Well something similar is happening in DePere -- just like, but totally different! These next two days will be pretty intense as far as ministerial involvement goes. Immediately after this post, I will be headed to St. Vincent Hospital for "pastoral rounds," as I call them. Upon my return to the priory, I will finish last minute preparations for the celebration of two weddings today which celebrate the sacramental milestones of four very good people. Tonight I will shift gears and make last minute additions and deletions to Sunday's homily -- the hotter the weather, the more the deletions!


Tomorrow after my workout on the treadmill, I will preside and preach at the 10:00 AM Mass. I am excited to welcome our young kids who took part in Vacation Bible School this past week. These very talented boys and girls will sing their theme song after Holy Communion. After Mass, I have four baptisms staggered throughout the late morning, early afternoon hours. Then I have two pastoral appointments to attend to in early/late Sunday afternoon. After that I have a quick photo- shoot for the Packer's-St. Norbert 50 year relationship: can you say, "makeup?" And then... ... ... "I'm on vacation," as the jingle goes!


Not much out of the ordinary, I will be headed north to visit with my family. I will get caught up on some reading, will do a little brainstorming regarding ministerial opportunities with the college, parish, prison and Packers, and I will also catch up on the fifth season of Smallville and the sixth season of OZ via my 8 inch belly-telly! As the week comes to a close, I will be headed to Ss. Peter & Paul Catholic Church of Naperville where I will preside over the rehearsal and wedding ceremony for two of our recent graduates, Jo Blecha and Lucas Stangler. I am looking forward to that celebration very much. As many of you know, I have taken part in two recent liturgies at the beautiful Naperville church, specifically for the Masses of Christian Burial for Alya Sami and Andy Domagola. While the tenor of this wedding will be obviously different than the other liturgies I have celebrated there, I will -- nonetheless -- continue to be very grateful for the exceptional caliber of students that Ss. Peter & Paul have given to us at St. Norbert: past, present and future. Returning to Naperville will be totally delightful.


I will return to DePere late Saturday night as I prepare for the Packer Mass at 7:00 AM Sunday morning and then I will concelebrate the 10:00 AM Mass with Fr. Sal at Old Saint Joe's. That's where he can return the keys to me and gratefully exclaim as he often does, "I am not the Pastor!" But for this next week, he will be; as such, I have a bit of a checklist for my Sicilian-sidekick, hoping he'll accomplish a few things in my absence:


1. Sal, feel free to finish the "Assessment Grid" for the Mission and Heritage Division. I know how much you appreciate assessment, so this happy task has been waiting for you! Feel free to work ahead to determine what we will assess next year.


2. The sacristy is getting a little cluttered these days; it's not my mess [well, some of it isn't my mess]! As you unpack, iron and store the new concelebration vesture that's still in the box on the floor, feel free to give the Reverend Mother Norbertine Nun a call to discover where that new cope is that you had commissioned during your latest trip across the pond.


3. I have not completed all of the dispensation work on my latest 'mixed-marriages.' The paper work is on my desk so feel free to dive in -- Sal, you are so good at that stuff! (I sense a little affirmation may be necessary at this point!)


4. The gravel pit in front of the church is quite unsightly. Either form a group to get rid of the rock pile -- or in a pinch, rake up the rocks yourself. I'm sure you want a welcoming, hospitable atmosphere even more than I do, considering you've have been here longer than I! And finally,


5. DO NOT take my phone messages -- especially on Tuesday morning. You see there's a job becoming open in Green Bay -- and with my luck [and in my absence] I am afraid you might intercept the call from Rome. You'd be the first one to turn on the Sicilian charm and say yes to the invitation. As one who prides himself with the acclamation, "I'M NOT IN CHARGE!," leave my phone alone -- in fact, I'll change the password!


Friends, keep an eye on Sal in my absence. And keep an eye here as well. I have several posts that I've started, but have yet to edit. So they'll be coming your way soon via Jackie's computer. Keep in touch -- and if I do not see some of you this weekend, well meet up next Sunday.


And in just over 24 hours, "I'm not in Charge!"


Father James Baraniak, O. Praem.

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"It's Always a Good Time to Come Home!"

At 6:00 AM Eastern Time, Pope Benedict XVI announced that Bishop David Zubik was appointed bishop of his native home, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. While many suspected he would eventually leave Green Bay for a larger See, I don't think many of us thought it would happen so soon -- or that he would be appointed to his childhood home. Nevertheless, the day has come, and as I watched the press conference, I could not help but notice what seemed to be overwhelming joy on his face as he returned to the place that gave birth to his sacramental life. And can you really blame him?

A few years back, Saint Norbert College Alumni and Parent Relations department came up with the slogan, "It's always a good time to come home." I hope our college alumni really feel that as we who remain have the wonderful opportunity to welcome our alums back to the college amidst alumni weekends, homecoming, graduations... ... It is our hope that our friends will find here familiar, welcoming faces even though our campus and our population continue to grow and grow. In a similar spirit, I suspect the faithful of Pittsburgh as well as Bishop Zubik's family and friends are now saying to him, "Bishop David, 'It's always a good time to come home'!"

Between now and September 28th, I will find an opportunity to thank the Bishop for appointing me pastor of Old Saint Joseph Church and Saint Norbert College. I'll thank him for turning our young folks on to the apostolic zeal of our Church. I'll remind him of how kind he has been to our inmates by his pastoral presence at the Green Bay Correctional Institution.

.....BUT, I will not dwell on his record at the Packers Bishop's Charities Games: some things are better left unsaid!

Best of luck in Pittsburgh, Bishop! May the Steelers welcome home their native son. As we say goodbye, we'll continue to give thanks to Pittsburgh for their other gift to us, Mike McCarthy!

Father James Baraniak, O. Praem.

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STRAIGHT FROM THE SET OF BONANZA: Howdy Partners!

Walking into the church atrium on Monday morning, I felt as though I was walking through the set of BONANZA -- but with Lorne Greene nowhere in sight! It's time for our annual Vacation Bible School at Old Saint Joe's. Upon my trek to Children's Hospital in Wauwatosa on Tuesday, I took the time to pop in to hear the kids sing - and act out -- this year's song; Sister Mary Michael couldn't have done better!

The kids took a few moments away from their craft making to pose with me for this quick pic -- thanks Kim & Scott! I'll continue to pop in on Thursday and Friday, and I look forward to the sharing of their melodious accord with the congregation on Sunday. ....Evidence of a pretty active -- and happy -- parish. While singing their songs, coupled with their honky-tonk moves, they remind us that, "God's flock is in your midst; give it a shepherd's care!"



Father James Baraniak, O. Praem.

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A Song on Our Lips, A Prayer in our Hearts!

When Bishop Zubik assumed the chair in Green Bay, he made a few changes here, most likely influenced by his priestly tenure in the Pittsburgh Diocese. One of those changes was the implementation of terms for those who serve as pastor of Catholic congregations. This is new to us in this neck of the woods. In some cases – as I’ve referred to in earlier blogs -- some have remained as pastor in diocesan parishes for as long as 27 – 30 years. It seems as though that tradition -- here and across the nation – is coming to an end. In most dioceses today, a pastor is appointed to a local congregation for six years with the ability to ‘up the ante’ for an additional six. Such was the case when I was appointed to Old Saint Joseph Church – Saint Norbert College on the Feast of Saint James, 25 July 2004. Back then the Bishop, upon recommendation of the Abbot, asked me to serve here for six years. Whether or not that can be renewed has yet to be seen. Nevertheless, I can only address the first three of six years.

I have been very happy to serve as pastor of the parish and college community for three years now. As I have stated in earlier blogs, I much prefer serving as Associate Pastor! As an associate pastor, one can really respond to the pastoral / sacramental concerns of the parishioners without being so bogged down by so many administrative affairs. As such, the first year in the chair at Old Saint Joe’s was a bit overwhelming – balancing the pastoral/sacramental with the administrative – Old Saint Joe’s/Saint Norbert College with Vocations, Packers and GBCI.... It seemed a bit much early on!

These days life seems much more organized, even amidst the diocesan issues that have loomed including GRACE, Faith Alive, and Advancing the Mission. These are demands that I have not expected but, nonetheless, have been addressed with a certain degree of adequacy – and even fulfillment! Perhaps part of the success is due to having a ‘mission’ in mind.

When I celebrated my First Mass as Pastor at Old Saint Joe’s on 25 July 2004, I asked Dan Robinson and our choir to sing at the Preparation of the Gifts, a beautiful song – based in sacred scripture – written by David Haas entitled, “Take Up Your Cross.” Dan and the choir did such a great job with the song that you would think it was a clip from the professional CD produced by GIA Publications. No, it was the talented men and women of Old Saint Joe’s. The beautiful melody, coupled with the challenging words, has been echoed in our church on appropriate occasions ever since that First Mass back in 2004. The refrain acclaims:

If you lose your life for my sake, you will find it.
If you want to save your life, let it go.
Take up your cross, deny yourself,
Come follow me, follow me.

In my mind, those words captured what my patron, Saint James the Greater, tried to achieve in his apostolic ministry. I thought the words of that song / scripture passage might be a pretty respectable mission for someone on the threshold of pastoral ministry to a parish congregation as well. It’s all about “self-emptying” service, as the Norbertines would say! Each time I would hear that song – whether sung in church or played in the priory, I would think of our congregation and my pastorate, hoping that I would continue to give without looking for something in return. Those words, that song, is what has empowered me over these past three years. Never to abandon such a great mission-become-metaphor, a new song comes to mind as I embark upon the next three years in just a couple of weeks. Upon Dan’s return from vacation, I have a new song for him to consider. Written by the St. Louis Jesuits – not in the 80’s but in this new millennium – the song is entitled, “These Alone are Enough.” Without providing the musical notations here, I offer you the lyrics for your own prayerfulness / evangelical mission:

These Alone are Enough

Take my heart, O Lord; take my hopes and dreams;
Take my mind with all its plans and schemes.
Give me nothing more than your love and grace:
These alone, O God, are enough for me.

Take my thoughts, O Lord, and my memory;
Take my tears, my joys, my liberty.
Give me nothing more than your love and grace:
These alone, O God, are enough for me.

I surrender, Lord, all I have and hold;
I return to you your gifts untold.
Give me nothing more than your love and grace:
These alone, O God, are enough for me.

When the darkness falls on my final days,
Take the very breath that sang your praise.
Give me nothing more than your love and grace:
These alone, O God, are enough for me.

I realize that you are only reading words here. But when they are sung with the song’s beautiful melody, a whole new dimension is added. It’s my hope that as you read this – or eventually sing this – you will come to know the joys and fulfillment that comes with handing one’s life over to the Lord as completely as possible: sometimes taking one step forward, two steps back. Beginning another three years together, let’s focus on moving forward, knowing in our hearts and in our communal mission: “God’s flock is in your midst, give it a shepherd’s care!”


Father James Baraniak, O. Praem.

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....Just Because it's a Really Great Picture of Pappa Yanni+

Father John is sporting a pretty cool picture on his FaceBook wall these days! Does he look professorial, or what? In addition to "Whispers," Cardinal Sean and Yours Truly, John also tickles the keyboard quite a bit. Ask him about it!

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JAMES THOMAS BARANIAK: Keep Contact With the Canon!

Check out the new look! I think some people thought that the old look was in reference to my loyalty to the Packers -- but the green background was more to be in sync with the Church's Ordinary Time -- remember the different colors during the Easter Season... or during Lent? I wondered if the color scheme made it difficult for some to read the text? So here's my response. While the layout is a bit different, I suspect you'll be able to navigate through all of this. Thanks for checking this out; more stories to follow, I promise! Or should that be a warning? !!!

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A Sound Even More Frightening than a Tornado Siren!

I remember the day in fifth grade when the students at Saint Mary's Elementary School in Antigo were asked to practice for a sound new to our years -- a tornado siren. At this point in our lives, we only knew how to respond to other stimuli: when we heard the recess bell -- great elation; or in response to a fire drill -- true joy -- we're getting out of class for a walk around the block! I hate to break the news to my former teachers and principal, but we were never taken off guard by the 'surprise' fire drills. You see, on the days when our teachers wore either two watches (an extra one with a second hand on the watch) or when the teachers wore a gym teacher's stop-watch around their neck, we knew we'd be timed for something. Not even our walks over to church for Daily Masses, Rosary Devotions or the Stations of the Cross were timed; just the fire drills. In essence, we busted the teachers: it appeared as though we were always prepared!

But in the fifth grade, our school introduced a new sounding alarm, a tornado drill -- basically it was the recess bell rung nervously over, and over and over again based on Sister Mary Albert's precisely timed intervals. At this point, we did not leave the building to spread across Antigo's Third Ward to flee from fire, nor were we released to the playground for the much welcomed 15 minute liberation from classes. Rather, we would be taken down a central hallway near our cafeteria. It was the longest stretch of the building that was shielded from any external door or window. Each class had a place reserved for them -- once we got to our destinations, we were required to sit down with feet flat on the floor with our heads between our legs. Today, this seems strange to me; but back then it was sometimes fun -- depending on who was left, right, in front of or behind you. It was always best that good friends should stick together. With Rory Gilbert on one side and Ann Brehm on the other, that was not the worst place to be!

Many of us -- including the two identified above -- always wondered why we did not simply go downstairs in the school basement. (To this day, I've still never been down there.) As young kids, we were certainly intrigued by the dimly-lit foreboding stairwell that disappeared in the darkness below. Above the door to the stairwell was one of those ancient fallout shelter signs that made the stairwell seem even more mysterious. Because that area was off limits at all times, we naturally assumed that the lower dungeon was the area where the teachers would take the kids who really misbehaved -- we never pleaded intently on seeing the space, nor were we ever 'invited' into the space -- I suspect a blessing in disguise!

Back upstairs, our teachers informed us that our school was basically employing the same safety measures for our new tornado alarm as they did early on when the school was first built -- back then it wasn't a tornado siren, however: it was a civil defense drill. "Quick but orderly, make your way to the center hallway -- sit with your heads between your knees," the students of the 50s and 60s were told! No wonder the teachers directed us so effortlessly and in relatively good order in such a short time. I wounder if I'd be as quick -- or as obedient -- these many years later?

But these days, the alarms may sound the same, but they seem to be alerting the hearer to a new sort of disturbance. While up north last week for the 4th, my parents' TV kept sounding that terrible eerie sound without that familiar disclaimer, "This is a test. For the next 60 seconds... ..." This time it was the Amber Alert system in effect -- on NBC26, CBS5 and via Antigo Cable Vision. Throughout the entire holiday we would hear the same siren over and over again -- it seemed to have sounded every half hour. Upon echoing in my ears, I did not have the same nervous reaction as I did when I was a kid anticipating a pretty scary storm. This time a certain sense of sadness echoed in my ears -- knowing that (in this case) four young kids were in the way of potential harm. A different set of emotions received the warning with a similar call to vigilance.

While I am happy to learn that the Amber Alert system is working rather well -- not only on the silver screen and piercing through your car radio -- but on solar message boards lining major highways as well. Yet I am also saddened that such measures have to be taken. It seems so incomprehensible that there are people out there who are actually shopping for kids, looking for the best opportunity to snatch a kid and make a quick getaway. Issues of such violence affect us even here in North-Eastern Wisconsin. Even here at St. Norbert College, we keep vigil on our campus by introducing the "blue phones" all over campus a few years back. I remember people wondering back when these emergency phones were installed, "What are we becoming?" "Is there a need for those things on such a small campus where everyone seemingly knows each other?"

Sure, there's a certain degree of sadness that we would need such devices on our campus, or such alerts on TV, but perhaps it gives us a slighter peace of mind knowing that we are responding to the realities of life in our world. I think we all pray -- and pray hard -- that those phones will never be used -- we hope to be rid of sirens that call for war, fire, an act of Mother Nature, civil defense, or a young student in need. But should these devices be employed, hopefully we will be awakened to respond boldly and faithfully realizing, "God's flock is in your midst, give it a shepherd's care!"

Take Care, Folks!

Father James Baraniak, O. Praem.

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There has GOT to be a Catholic Church Around Here, Somewhere!

Steve Bessert stopped in the office the other day as he often does. It's always great getting caught up on his life as well as the lives of his beautiful sister and wonderful parents. Steve has the gift of gab -- as do I. So it seems as though we can talk and talk and talk -- and yes, we do! When he stopped in the other day, he brought along a new toy that he purchased out of necessity amidst one of his sales expeditions on the road; he thought I would get a kick out of it. It was a brand new Garmin GPS system -- basically Map-quest in motion and via a very soft-spoken, charming voice!

I'm very familiar with GPS systems -- and quite honestly I am in awe of such technology. It's the "Cat's Pajamas" as mom would say. I know the Turba's have one in their family car. Jerry, Dustin and I jokingly have imagined what that beautiful voice would look like if the attractive female GPS voice had an actual persona to match. Much like the guy in the commercial who falls in love with his GPS system, Jerry has called his helper, "Susie!" Jerry's is so sophisticated that she also speaks Spanish -- whom I've named "Suzie Sanchez," and in French, "Susie duBufet." To my knowledge, Steve's speaks only English -- I'm not sure that Steve has discovered what his GPS's name is as of yet!

Steve and I walked about the campus the other day, playing with his new guide. Beyond the specific directions of "proceed right" or "turn left in 100 ft," Steve's GPS also tells you where you can go for shopping, eating, movies, amusement parks... .... and yes, even churches. Just outside of Old Saint Joe's now, Steve entertains me by highlighting, "Houses of Worship." (This is where I've become somewhat disappointed with Steve's travel companion.) Sure, she directs you to any number of churches in the area -- but guess what? No Old Saint Joseph Church! I find this odd considering we're directly in front of the church canopy! As we navigate through the menu, we find that his helper does not identify Our Lady of Lourdes, St. Francis Xavier or St. Mary's either. There's no Nativity or St. Agnes. In fact, the only Catholic church we noticed was St. Elizabeth Ann Seton. It would appear as though Steve's friend was born --OK, manufactured -- in the heart of the bible belt. Or does she have some sort of a problem with Catholicism?

I recalled this incident later in the day and throughout the week, and I've come to the conclusion that we Catholics do not do a very good job in evangelizing. To some degree, I think that's OK! We should not need to blow a horn on the street corners attracting others to how good we are, or how much we can do for you, or how much you're missing out on if you do not come our way. Sometimes that in-your-face evangelism is rather obnoxious. But at the same time, we sometimes hover under the radar to such a degree that people do not even know that we exist -- that we aren't interested in attracting new members -- or worse yet, sustaining those who have been with us for years. Unfortunately, I feel as though it sometimes appears as though we are tired or over taxed -- sometimes we come off as though we just don't want to be bothered; perhaps it may look like we just don't care.

This past semester my Norbertine brother, Father James Neilson, O. Praem., approached me to inform me that some concerned folks from the Fox Valley were getting together to discuss their lament over their grown, married children who are bolting from the Catholic church to break down the doors at other, non-denominational churches in Green Bay and the Valley. These parents are at a loss, wondering why their adult children are fleeing from the firm foundation they gave to their children to embrace something so different from what has sustained themselves throughout their lives. They wonder why their children do not have the same love, devotion or fidelity to the Church as they have. And perhaps they are also wondering, what are they missing out on themselves?

Via Father Seamus, I have been invited to be a part of the group to study the issue. I enjoy the positive approach these folks are taking -- not combative, not competitive -- just looking at the pros and cons of our Church as well as the fledgling non-denominational churches. I appreciate their findings -- focusing on the positive, they list so much of what we -- in the Roman tradition -- have going for ourselves. Among those listed include:

A Judeo-Christian Tradition that spans generation after generation after generation... ...

Apostolic Succession

Ritual for all life's milestones

A Universal Community

Local Congregations of Care

Tremendous health care apostolates

The Lives of the Saints

Catholic Social Teaching

An extraordinary educational system including elementary, secondary, collegiate and graduate institutions of learning

While rejoicing in such attributes, some shortcomings of our Church were also considered. Among those pitfalls, the following were surfaced:

A lack of priestly vocations

A 'distrust' of modern technology

Poor music ministry at many churches

Preaching that does not connect with contemporary life circumstances

A degree of exclusivity among whom we accept, befriend

Looking to those who have been attending some of these non-denominational churches, it was discovered that "Radical Hospitality" was consistently identified as the paramount characteristic that separates these churches from ours. It appears as though we may proudly sing, "All are Welcome," but we often fail at practicing it.

ATTENDANCE AT OLD SAINT JOSEPH CHURCH

YEAR OF CENSUS----------NUMBER OF WEEKEND WORSHIPPERS

1996----------581

1997----------691

1998----------716

2000----------687

2001----------552

2002----------587

2003----------593

2004----------710

2005----------749

2006----------885

While diocesan statistics indicate that Old Saint Joseph Church has seen significant growth over these past several years, we are not aware of any data suggesting why the numbers have risen. Perhaps some of the indicators listed above might flesh out our trends; but until more comprehensive methods or assessment are employed, we can only surmise or imagine what the raw numbers are indicating.

I am excited about being a part of the study which will resume in the fall. While our numbers have risen and while more and more students are attending Old Saint Joe's, we can certainly do more work to raise the percentage of Saint Norbert students attending Mass -- I will be channelling the Parish Council's efforts to study this matter further whereby by we can continue to sing -- and embody -- a hospitable environment wherein, "All are Welcome," indeed.

"God's flock is in your midst," even though Steve's GPS does not recognize this reality! Perhaps if we can all agree to radically, "give it a shepherd's care," then we can rest assured that within or beyond the radar screen of modern technology, good people are welcoming and ministering to other good people just as Christ and the original disciples. That's something to celebrate!

Father James Baraniak, O. Praem.

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Knit One, Pearl Two: For Peace!

Thanks to Rita Dufour, a new parish activity is underway: "Knitting for Peace." Ever since Rita became a member of the Parish Council she has been talking about getting parish knitters together to work towards a common goal; in the midst of intense heat and humidity, parishioners gathered at 1:00 today in the air-conditioned classrooms at Old Saint Joe's and began their first knitting project: prayer shawls. Rita brought along a sample of what the final outcome might look like -- beautiful indeed, she told the group that these shawls will be made for some of our elderly parishioners or for parishioners who are ill. These garments will be given to those who would like to throw something warm and snugly around them in the midst of their illness [and cooler weather!], knowing that our OSJ parishioners would be praying for their well being as the knitters of goodwill engage in the every-other-Sunday afternoon knitting session. Rita informs me that this will be our summertime project -- once October comes around, there will be a different project: baby blankets to be given out to the newest members of our congregation at the time of their baptism. A pretty cool -- a pretty warm -- idea, indeed!



After my post-10AM Mass nap, I decided to head down to the classrooms to see what was up. Normally on Sunday afternoons I am watching some sort of sports activity on TV. Not much of a Wimbledon guy, and fearing that Country-Western music might accompany any sort of Nascar experience (of which I am totally unfamiliar), I wondered if I should wheel in a TV or bring music to help to entertain our knitters. Further, I wondered if I should bring a case of Miller Lite to share with the group. Thankfully I did none of the above -- those are things that guys do when they are about to watch a football game together; "Knitting for Peace" sported a different sort of environment!



Upon gathering there late, I was amazed at how many women showed up. I was also glad to see the presence of one man who came to accompany his wife -- not Rosie Greer, just in case you were wondering. Because the women were engaged in knitting "for peace" I wondered if prayers -- perhaps the reciting of the rosary -- would accompany the action. No, not really, I found out. Rita mentioned that the women started with such gusto that the prayer they had hoped to recite to get the women going was forgotten -- they just all started to jump in without any prodding from anyone. In the future a brief opening prayer will begin each session as we imagine who might benefit from such devoted work and talent.




Well as I said, I arrived on the scene a half hour late. I was startled to discover how much work had already been completed by so many of the women -- even the beginners! In fact, they had chores for me as well. At the right, you see a picture taken of me earlier today in an attempt to get my "prayer shawl" going. At first it was difficult for me to focus because my hair kept getting in my eyes. But once you get the moves down, it's pretty easy. Many of my inmates at GBCI are involved in this sort of ministry, I was reminded by Mary Schall; so when I complete my project, they will be amazed at how well I've mastered the art of "Knitting for Peace," and how peaceful I have become in the process!


In fact, the women mentioned that I was one of the fastest beginners they've ever encountered! Well, as the hours passed, I couldn't believe how easy this had become. Sure, I was drawn away from my work due to the women asking me for "pointers," pardon the knitting pun! By the time the session had come to an end, my shawl turned into a pretty snazzy garment (<-- check left). Even though this was meant to be a peaceable moment -- especially after just hearing my homily about "Giving peace a chance," it appeared as though a few of the women were glancing at my finished project with some envious eyes! They called it beginner's luck -- again, I just see it as being a really, really fast learner. I'll try to restrain my talents when it comes to the baptismal blankets!


Friends, please check out our weekly parish bulletin for more information on "Knitting for Peace." Perhaps you might want to join these very spirited women in a creative and fun way to meet new friends in the parish. While it was certainly different from watching a football game with the guys, I was delightfully surprised at how much fun the afternoon was. Nevertheless, I suspect if you ask Irv or any of the women who gathered at 1:00 today, they might have a slightly different perspective on what happened in the church basement earlier today. They will no doubt down-play my successes to suggest that I might not have been quite as successful as I write here. Look at the bright side, in two weeks, you can find out for yourself! Until then, "Thanks Rita!" And thanks to all who took part in the afternoon. To those who were knitting today, and for those who will receive one of these shawls in early fall, your creative work was evidence that, "God's flock is in your midst; give it a shepherd's care!"

Father James Baraniak, O. Praem.

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Hi Folks,

While trying to keep cool today, I've written a few extra blogs, but the 'title bar' is giving me some problems -- so I won't post until I get this fixed. I'll see what I can come up with and hopefully I'll be able to add them -- possibly later today. Until then, I hope you have a place to enjoy air conditioning also!

jb, o.praem.

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HEIGHT OR AGE?: You Make the Call!

So my dear friends Coke Kolstad, Jerry Olbright and Sister Martha, OSF -- a Franciscan Sister of Christian Charity of Manitowoc, currently serving in Arizona -- attended the Saturday night Mass at Resurrection Catholic Church in Allouez last weekend. The beloved pastor, Bishop Robert Morneau, [H.O.Praem.] was presiding at the Vigil Mass. Bishop had the congregation out of the church in 45 minutes. Coke and Jerry -- faithful members of Old Saint Joe's -- feel as though they have figured out the homiletic situation that is taking place in our newly-established DePere/Allouez cluster.

With stopwatches in their hand, they have observed that Bishop Morneau's Masses last roughly 45 minutes. Father Sal's Masses hover right around 1 hour exactly. The pastor's Masses last 1 hour and 15 minutes. [Ironically, they missed my 59 minute Mass last weekend: Pastor's note!] Coke and Jerry have come to the conclusion that it's a matter of height! Bishop Morneau, being the shortest of the three guys also offers the 'shortest' Masses. Father Sal -- height-wise and minute-wise -- is somewhere in between. Father Jim, the tallest, offers the 'longest' Masses. ....Not a bad observation.


Nevertheless, Sister Martha considers a different perspective: Bishop Morneau is the oldest -- he has already said it all! Father Sal, again, is somewhere in between. Father Jim, the younger buck, still has soooo much to say -- feeling as though he has so much to convince you of... ... ...



So, is it height or age? You make the call!



PS: Given the forecast for 95+ degree weather on Sunday, you just might be surprised! (All bets are off!)

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HAPPY BIRTHDAY, AMERICA! Have a Great FOURTH OF JULY, Everyone!

Ever since I stepped on a red-hot sparkler on the Fourth of July, I've never really enjoyed this holiday; yet I suspect this annual Independence Day holds great memories for many of you. Have a great day off -- or for many of you, a really, really long weekend. At the beach, on the deck, over the grill, in the theatre, lighting off fireworks, or before the TV: enjoy summer's midpoint!

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A DYING BREED: A Good Associate Pastor is Hard to Find!

As you may have read in an earlier blog, I had the privilege of serving as a "priest in the larval-stage" under Father Conrad J. Kratz, O. Praem. I credit Father Conrad with teaching me the ropes of pastoral ministry. As a freshly oiled - new priest, I was ready to flee Chicago to heal a broken world in DePere. In retrospect, I am sure that I was bouncing off the walls -- filled with an apostolic zeal to confront situations that did not need to be confronted, to heal a world that wasn't broken. How Father Conrad ever had the ability to deal with my shenanigans for six years remains a mystery. It's also a holy mystery of how I did not give him one gray hair over all those years! [Go ahead, read my mind; add your own commentary here!]

When my tenure at OLOL came to a conclusion, I realized that I would return to parish ministry at some point in my life -- perhaps even to Lourdes some day. But I made one thing sure, I would never want to serve as an associate pastor again -- Father Conrad raised the bar much too high. I don't think I would ever learn from another pastor as much as I learned from CJK.

Never did I imagine that I would be appointed to a parish where I'd be given an associate pastor to serve a community within a team approach to pastoral care. You see, associate pastors are a dying breed. At one point in our church history -- amidst a surplus of priests, a nice-sized parish could be staffed by any number of priests. There was the retired 'pastor emeritus' living in the rectory looking upon the world he had helped shape and form for any number of years; there would be the pastor who would show up for the larger events and solemnities who would have free choice of the activities in which he would -- or would not -- engage; and there would be one or two associate pastors who would do the majority of work. There was a bit of a pecking order, it seemed; and once you hit the right age and finally became the one in charge, you could sit back and allow the young buck to do the work. ... Or so I'm told!

Today, there are very few parishes in our diocese that have an associate pastor. In fact, in most cases, the pastor now serves two, three or four parishes. But in some cases, it is in the largest of parishes where more than one priest is needed to attend to the pastoral / sacramental affairs of the parish. And then there are parishes where the pastor is a great role model and mentor -- a healthy and happy man in a healthy and happy place where the newly ordained can serve and learn the ropes from a man well-seasoned in pastoral ministry. And then there are those parishes that are sponsored by religious orders whereby a "family" approach is implemented in ministering to families -- more than one priest may be assigned to these parishes. Old Saint Joe's would fall into that category. As such, when appointed to the college parish on 25 July 2004, I realized that Father Salvatore Cuccia, O. Praem. -- my 'Sicilian-sidekick,' would be a part of the package deal.

Yes, I know what you are thinking: "Father Sal can sometimes be a royal pain!" He frustrates me, too! For instance, when I'm about to rough it with the Packers, being set up in a Motel 6 in some puny, lifeless city, I am aware that Father Sal lives the good life back in DePere. Upon my departure I remind him that he's in charge. I warn him that I do not want to hear any reports of, "When the cat's away, the mice will play." After three years together, Father Sal has finally let me in on a secret. He states with great condescension, "Get a clue.... When the cat's away, the mice are away!" ...That was a sobering wake up call.

Father Sal is quick to remind me that he does show up on Sunday's, nonetheless. In fact, he brags that the congregations at both the 10:AM and 7:PM Masses are much larger than when I'm here. Now I don't think he'd lie to me; but I'm quick to quip, "Sal, the collections just simply do not support your findings!" I try my best to deal with the crosses that have been given to me. For the parishioners who are reading this, I realize you are in solidarity with me: this is your cross to bear as well!

Well, I rushed over to the church on Sunday morning to proof Father Sal's homily. Given the very beautiful, picture perfect day, you will be glad to learn that I struck out about 60% of his text. He was just too wordy! After my editing, a different dynamic was underway: I busted the guy right there in the sacristy.

You see, just one day earlier, in preparation for my wedding on Saturday, I started to clean up the sacristy. This included removing the Lenten and Easter vesture, replacing it with our green duds for Ordinary Time. The counters were also cleaned and spared from all sorts of accumulated clutter -- he's such a pack rat, you know. On Sunday morning, I mentioned to Sal that I would like him to "borrow" a white cope from the abbey to place in our parish's permanent collection. The cope would be used at those weddings that were ceremonies, not Masses. Upon suggesting the heist, Father Sal became silent. Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed the brief respite; but when he started to fidget, turn red, and stare at his shoes, I realized something was up!

It was then that he informed me that he had a surprise for me, but did not have the courage to tell me -- he would surprise me later in the summer. Naturally, I thought he would finally offer his pastor an appropriate birthday gift to be presented later in the month. No such deal. Instead, he informed me that he had ordered a custom made cope for the parish while he was in Europe back in May. While visiting a Norbertine Convent in Europe, he learned that some of our sisters are in need of financial assistance and look to other abbeys for their support. But they make some pretty choice vestments, Sal informed me. As his nervous chatter continued, he informed me that he chose Father Jay Fostner, O. Praem. to be the Father-Jim-mannequin to be measured for the perfect ceremonial cope. Given his glowingly beautiful 'Little Convent on the Prairie" discourse -- now over a month since the measurement -- 'who was I to disagree,' to coin an Annie Lennox lyric?

While putting Father Sal at ease, I asked him what the damage would be. He simply responded, "If you have to ask, you don't really deserve it -- how can you put a price on such an act of charity? ... Besides, it's my budget line item!" Now you know what I have to deal with -- not just on weekends, either! Friends, if we have candlelight Masses for the duration of the next fiscal year, you now know why!

Yes, a GOOD associate pastor is hard to find. The guy often frustrates me -- and I'm not talking simply about his Italian dreadlocks that came back with a vengeance. He just grates on all of us!

But then, I'm given a bit of a pause. When I head north to get clipped at the Hair Shack and to visit with family and friends, there's that obnoxious picture of Father Sal and me posing in the church atrium looking as happy and jubilant as a successfully completed ATM! The picture is magnetized on my parent's refrigerator. You see, Father Sal has this wonderful relationship with my mom -- as do all Italian Norbertines. Perhaps it's because of her dark complexion (they think she's Italian as well); perhaps it's because her Italian delights can surpass Giada DeLaurentiis' cooking. Or perhaps it's because she treats all with such goodness and characteristic humor that it seems as though she has seventy-five sons and not just two. Whatever it is, he has a soft spot in his heart for my mom -- and dad as well -- and that covers for any multitude of obvious, obnoxious shortcomings registered here.

So together with Cathie, Dan, Peg and our 12 student interns, we begin to get ready for another year -- my fourth year on staff. I suspect we'll manage through all of this; perhaps we'll even have a little fun together with all of you. Although, I have given Father Sal an opportunity for a rebuttal in this forum; knowing him it won't be all that pleasant. Time will tell -- just keep tuning in. But until then, I'm reminded that, "God's flock is in your midst!" Sometimes the 'shepherd's care' goes far beyond the call of duty.......

Father James Baraniak, O. Praem.

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CLICK'N' WITH THE CARDINAL: The Boston Archbishop's Blog

As some of you may remember, I originally developed this blog on 2 February 2007 on the Feast of the Presentation of Our Lord -- 40 days after Christmas, the close of our Christmas cycle. It was my attempt to stay in contact with my students and parishioners, the Packers and my prisoners -- although the prisoners know about this blog, they will not have access to it until their parole.

I mentioned back then that it was the inspiration of two other blogs that inspired me to write these blogs. As the 4th of July approaches -- if you're off from work and the skies turn threatening as predicted, feel free to check out the following blogs which might provide a few extra fireworks for the week's festivities:

cardinalseansblog.org

whispersintheloggia.blogspot.com

You'll notice the Cardinal has quite the travel schedule, so don't feel jet lagged when checking out his entries. And then there's my daily hit, "Whispers in the Loggia" by Rocco Palmo -- for all that you ever wanted to know about the American Catholic Church and beyond. Where does this guy get all this stuff?

But then continue to check out baraniak.blogspot.com to "keep contact with the Canon!" I have football on my mind as the new season approaches -- so watch out! But that's it for now. I need to get over to church to edit Father Sal's homily. Sometimes he goes on and on and on... ... ...


Happy July!

Father James Baraniak, O. Praem.

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