Coming up in the next posting, a few words about the other folks who wear green and gold -- since 1898!
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"It's Not Easy Being Green .....AND GOLD!"
In many ways it's been a difficult several months for sports fans all around America. Controversy was abounding all summer long as we witnessed a referee betting on 
games, Barry earning an asterisk, Michael enrolling his dogs in a different sort of obedience school and Bill watching more film than a Best Buy sales clerk! But amidst such ups and downs in the sporting world, Green Bay has much to celebrate in Brett Favre. Tying Dan Marino's record of touchdown passes was a great moment in sports history -- and the Milwaukee season ticket holders who were present for the event will not soon forget how special this past Sunday was. While we had much to celebrate in Brett's milestones, his personal-professional success is the icing on the cake for the team-at-large while beginning this new season at 3-0. So stay tuned for this weekend's game in Minneapolis. Under the Metrodome just beyond the Cheddar Curtain, the team has experienced the best of times and the worst of times. I'm thinking Sunday will be another great moment in the quarterback's and this team's history!
Beyond our joy in all that Brett has done on the field while donning the green and gold, we can also be grateful that Brett consistently takes the high road -- a road less travelled -- in doing what's best not just for himself, but for his teammates as well. Brett has shown us through his strength and conditioning, and through his handling of significant losses and hardships that while it's not always easy to be in the public eye while facing life's difficult issues, it can still be done, nevertheless. Given the integrity with which he lives his life, Brett has nothing to hide! Towards that end, I am excited and inspired by the great ways he represents not only his own good name, but the husband he is to Deanna and the great father he has become to Brittany and Breleigh. He represents the best of the Packers, and he brings much passion and joy to the community of Northeastern Wisconsin as well.
Brett never ceases to surprise me! He's like the energizer bunny that just doesn't quit, and like a fine wine, he seems to get better and better with age! Like many of you, I cannot wait to see what happens next -- for him and the team! He's a piece of art that continues to unfold before our eyes. In the weekend ahead and as the season continues, may Brett continue to paint the canvass of the gridiron with bold and colorful strokes -- and giving much beauty in the eyes of the beholders! ..............................MVP-4?
GO PACK GO!
Father James Baraniak, O. Praem.
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games, Barry earning an asterisk, Michael enrolling his dogs in a different sort of obedience school and Bill watching more film than a Best Buy sales clerk! But amidst such ups and downs in the sporting world, Green Bay has much to celebrate in Brett Favre. Tying Dan Marino's record of touchdown passes was a great moment in sports history -- and the Milwaukee season ticket holders who were present for the event will not soon forget how special this past Sunday was. While we had much to celebrate in Brett's milestones, his personal-professional success is the icing on the cake for the team-at-large while beginning this new season at 3-0. So stay tuned for this weekend's game in Minneapolis. Under the Metrodome just beyond the Cheddar Curtain, the team has experienced the best of times and the worst of times. I'm thinking Sunday will be another great moment in the quarterback's and this team's history!
Beyond our joy in all that Brett has done on the field while donning the green and gold, we can also be grateful that Brett consistently takes the high road -- a road less travelled -- in doing what's best not just for himself, but for his teammates as well. Brett has shown us through his strength and conditioning, and through his handling of significant losses and hardships that while it's not always easy to be in the public eye while facing life's difficult issues, it can still be done, nevertheless. Given the integrity with which he lives his life, Brett has nothing to hide! Towards that end, I am excited and inspired by the great ways he represents not only his own good name, but the husband he is to Deanna and the great father he has become to Brittany and Breleigh. He represents the best of the Packers, and he brings much passion and joy to the community of Northeastern Wisconsin as well.Brett never ceases to surprise me! He's like the energizer bunny that just doesn't quit, and like a fine wine, he seems to get better and better with age! Like many of you, I cannot wait to see what happens next -- for him and the team! He's a piece of art that continues to unfold before our eyes. In the weekend ahead and as the season continues, may Brett continue to paint the canvass of the gridiron with bold and colorful strokes -- and giving much beauty in the eyes of the beholders! ..............................MVP-4?
GO PACK GO!
Father James Baraniak, O. Praem.
1999 © James A. Peterson2732 North Summit Avenue
Milwaukee WI 53211
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It seems as though some of us never grow old of classic football narratives - especially in the fall of the year -- when movies are released that tell the story of X's & O's in a battle of wins over losses, good over bad -- usually coming to a triumphant climax in the last moments of play. This week one such movie was released, "We are Marshall." Movie critic Tom Keogh writes:
"There seems to be no end to beating-the-odds football movies these days, and if they all peak with a breathless moment of anticipation during a clutch play, then We Are Marshall, based on a true story, has plenty of (mostly good) company. Matthew McConaughey plays Jack Lengyel, who becomes head coach--more or less by default--of Marshall University's rebuilding varsity football team in Huntington, W. Va., after the school's 37-member team and coaches (and a number of others) die in a plane crash in the Appalachian Mountains on Nov. 14, 1970. Facing an indifferent college president (David Strathairn) ready to shut the football program down, a morose assistant coach (Matthew Fox), and a charged-up player (Anthony Mackie) who missed the doomed flight due to an injury, Lengyel is faced with fielding a new team and putting the players through their paces. There are the usual, perhaps too-familiar, training montages and field action, but screenwriter Jamie Linden and director McG (Charlie's Angels) also draw some very good performances from the likes of Kate Mara and Ian McShane, contributing to an emotional tapestry conveying a powerful sense of how such a sizable loss affects a small community."
Surprisingly, I did not pick up the movie this past Tuesday at Best Buy -- I was headed over to pick up James Blunt's "All the Lost Souls" instead. Marshall will come later.
Perhaps my selective shopping on Tuesday was not simply a result of watching my money, but somehow I did not think that anything could compare to my personal favorite, "Gridiron Gang." This past week in New York I suggested the movie to many members of the Packer organization. In fact, I hope that on a longer flight this year, we might be able to show this on the plane.
What I like mostly about 'Grid,' and 'Marshall,' I assume, is that these stories actually have little to do with football -- rather, it's all about playing fair and looking out for one another's good in the game of life. That was the sobering message I was exposed to this past weekend out in the Meadowlands.
As you are aware, I was not headed to Newark for some sort of vacation getaway or spiritual retreat. Rather, together with the Packers I would be there for one overnight -- getting in and getting out: in this weekend's case, with much excitement and victory! But as we were bussed from the airport to the hotel, I could not help but imagine what the typical traveller would think when he or she landed at that airport and saw such a sobering message. Checking for my wallet seemed to be the least of my worries!
I had dinner at the team hotel on Saturday night, so I did not have an opportunity to check out the neighborhood on my own; I'm not complaining! But as we travelled to our hotel from the airport, and then on the next day from the hotel to the stadium there was no confusion, I was not in DePere -- and further, "there's no place like home!"
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WINS AND LOSSES: On a Much Larger Playing Field
It seems as though some of us never grow old of classic football narratives - especially in the fall of the year -- when movies are released that tell the story of X's & O's in a battle of wins over losses, good over bad -- usually coming to a triumphant climax in the last moments of play. This week one such movie was released, "We are Marshall." Movie critic Tom Keogh writes:"There seems to be no end to beating-the-odds football movies these days, and if they all peak with a breathless moment of anticipation during a clutch play, then We Are Marshall, based on a true story, has plenty of (mostly good) company. Matthew McConaughey plays Jack Lengyel, who becomes head coach--more or less by default--of Marshall University's rebuilding varsity football team in Huntington, W. Va., after the school's 37-member team and coaches (and a number of others) die in a plane crash in the Appalachian Mountains on Nov. 14, 1970. Facing an indifferent college president (David Strathairn) ready to shut the football program down, a morose assistant coach (Matthew Fox), and a charged-up player (Anthony Mackie) who missed the doomed flight due to an injury, Lengyel is faced with fielding a new team and putting the players through their paces. There are the usual, perhaps too-familiar, training montages and field action, but screenwriter Jamie Linden and director McG (Charlie's Angels) also draw some very good performances from the likes of Kate Mara and Ian McShane, contributing to an emotional tapestry conveying a powerful sense of how such a sizable loss affects a small community."
Surprisingly, I did not pick up the movie this past Tuesday at Best Buy -- I was headed over to pick up James Blunt's "All the Lost Souls" instead. Marshall will come later.
Perhaps my selective shopping on Tuesday was not simply a result of watching my money, but somehow I did not think that anything could compare to my personal favorite, "Gridiron Gang." This past week in New York I suggested the movie to many members of the Packer organization. In fact, I hope that on a longer flight this year, we might be able to show this on the plane.What I like mostly about 'Grid,' and 'Marshall,' I assume, is that these stories actually have little to do with football -- rather, it's all about playing fair and looking out for one another's good in the game of life. That was the sobering message I was exposed to this past weekend out in the Meadowlands.
Many of you saw some great power plays on the field as you watched the game from home. But there was another scene out East that caught my attention and the attention of other members of the travel party as well. As our plane was about to land at the Newark, New Jersey Airport, I noticed a huge billboard adjacent to the highway that read plainly from a distance, "Help Wanted." As we taxied closer to the sign, I could finally read the rest of the billboard. In its totality it read,
HELP WANTED
Stop the Senseless Killings in Newark!
As you are aware, I was not headed to Newark for some sort of vacation getaway or spiritual retreat. Rather, together with the Packers I would be there for one overnight -- getting in and getting out: in this weekend's case, with much excitement and victory! But as we were bussed from the airport to the hotel, I could not help but imagine what the typical traveller would think when he or she landed at that airport and saw such a sobering message. Checking for my wallet seemed to be the least of my worries!
I had dinner at the team hotel on Saturday night, so I did not have an opportunity to check out the neighborhood on my own; I'm not complaining! But as we travelled to our hotel from the airport, and then on the next day from the hotel to the stadium there was no confusion, I was not in DePere -- and further, "there's no place like home!"
This week, now back at home, the memory of that billboard has haunted me ever since. It conjures up all sorts of thoughts -- and prayers, quite honestly. First, I cannot help but think of how blessed we are here 'in our neck of the woods,' as Al Roeker would say. Many of us are shielded from the violence and senseless killings that are a part of other major communities. What helps? Well, I do not know what is happening in other communities, but I am aware of what we do here that seems to help: We have an excellent school system in Green Bay and DePere -- and not just Catholic or Norbertine schools, our public schools here are very good; our teachers are second to none. ..... We have excellent police forces here in our area that deal quickly and effectively with crime and violence. ..... In our area it seems as though our churches are thriving -- many good people in our community choose to attend Mass or other religious services that seem to have an effect on the faithful the whole week through. ..... And then there is our sense of family. Beyond Mom and Dad, Grampa and Grandma, Sons and Daughters, we seem to live in a community where neighbors are considered extended members of the family. I am aware how many of you keep an eye on your neighbors, especially the elderly, caring for the common good of one another. That billboard reminds me of these blessings.
But second, I cannot help but think of the folks of Newark -- especially the children, and what sorts of obstacles they must face simply on their way to or from school. What a different life! Can you imagine a billboard on US41 that would read, "Stop the Senseless Killings in Green Bay?" "...In DePere?" How different would our lives become?
And yet, while we are often spared from such intense violence on a consistent basis, we do have issues that need to be confronted, nevertheless. Perhaps we need to read the GB Police Blogger to see the adolescent crime that is a part of the Ss. Peter & Paul neighborhood between 4 PM and 7 PM. Perhaps we should take a drive past St. John The Evangelist Church in City Center to see the ministry these good folks and neighboring congregations have extended to the homeless. Or I am told of the responses of some of our young parishioners as they venture out to represent Old Saint Joe's as they assist the hungry at St. Paul's Pantry or one of the other area shelters. We do have issues here. And yet, we also have good folks that are willing to do their part -- and then some -- to offer loving assistance to the poor and marginalized [that is a part of every human life]: sometimes seen quite apparently, sometimes hidden or sheltered from our consciousness.
Before the plane heads out to Minnesota next weekend, I'll probably head over to Best Buy next Tuesday -- and yes, "Marshall" will most likely find its way into the checkout. As I watch the movie and as I join you in cheering on our own team[S] donned in green and gold, I hope that the adversity, the fumbles and interceptions, the sacks and the field goals, the wins and losses will remind each of us of the wins and losses that take place daily on a much larger playing field -- at home and away. I pray that generous others will take opportunities to respond boldly and generously to life's tragedies and triumphs, for, "God's flock is in your midst; give it a shepherd's care!"
Father James Baraniak, O. Praem.
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Kicking Butt for Jesus: 1976 - 2007 and Beyond!
One of the many blessings associated with Religious Life is that you don't go it alone! I'm not just blessed with one brother -- as referred to in the last post -- but I have nearly 75 brothers. If we're allowed to have 'favorites,' John Lawrence would be among my closest friends, advisers, confidants -- not just to me, but to many.
Amidst some pretty sad and dark memories that September 11th conjures up, there's good news: Father John's anniversary of Norbertine Priesthood. If you see him today, be sure to wish him well.
Thanks, John, for all you do for your brothers at the Priory, the faithful at Lourdes and the many students who have filled your classrooms at Premontre and especially here at SNC! "God's flock is in your midst, give it a shepherd's care!"
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Something That Gives Me Pause!
Pepsi or Coke? McDonald's or Burger King? Ginger or Mary Ann? Jay Leno or David Letterman? Without showing all my cards at once, I choose Dave! David Letterman not only looks like my brother, David John Baraniak, but he has the same sort of dry, sarcastic personality. As such, I prefer David Letterman. However, I know that my dad watches the Tonight Show every night. Some days Dad fills me in on what I've missed -- especially when it comes to the "Fruit Cake Lady," of happy memory! Given Dad's vigilance throughout the late night, when time avails, I turn in to NBC after hours.
Now, I do not always agree with what Jay has to say. And quite honestly, I'm not all that amused by some of his humor -- especially regarding Catholicism -- which I think is often ill-spirited. But over this past week I have received several emails with the same attachment that I offer here. Because I have not thought this over long and hard, I'm not sure what I think of the article I post here, as of yet. But obviously, many of you are moved by it -- thus the emails. Upon early reading, I find this very provocative; therefore I share it here. Again, these are Jay's words published in a recent article --- not mine; but I wonder what you think?
"The other day I was reading Newsweek magazine and came across some poll data I found rather hard to believe. It must be true given the source, right? The Newsweek poll alleges that 67 percent of Americans are unhappy with the direction the country is headed and 69 percent of the country is unhappy with the performance of the President. In essence 2/3's of the citizenry just ain't happy and want a change. So being the knuckle dragger I am, I started thinking, ''What we are so unhappy about?''
Is it that we have electricity and running water 24 hours a day, 7 days a week? Is our unhappiness the result of having air conditioning in the summer and heating in the winter? Could it be that 95.4 percent of these unhappy folks have a job? Maybe it is the ability to walk into a grocery store at any time and see more food in moments than Darfur has seen in the last year? Maybe it is the ability to drive from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean without having to present identification papers as we move through each state? Or possibly the hundreds of clean and safe motels we would find along the way that can provide temporary shelter?
I guess having thousands of restaurants with varying cuisine from around the world is just not good enough. Or could it be that when we wreck our car, emergency workers show up and provide services to help all and even send a helicopter to take you to the hospital. Perhaps you are one of the 70 percent of Americans who own a home. You may be upset with knowing that in the unfortunate case of a fire, a group of trained firefighters will appear in moments and use top notch equipment to extinguish the flames, thus saving you, your family and your belongings. Or if, while at home watching one of your many flat screen TVs, a burglar or prowler intrudes, an officer equipped with a gun and a bullet-proof vest will come to defend you and your family against attack or loss. This all in the backdrop of a neighborhood free of bombs or militias raping and pillaging the residents. Neighborhoods where 90 percent of teenagers own cell phones and computers.
How about the complete religious, social and political freedoms we enjoy that are the envy of everyone in the world? Maybe that is what has 67 percent of you folks unhappy. Fact is, we are the largest group of ungrateful, spoiled brats the World has ever seen. No wonder the world loves the U.S., yet has a great disdain for its citizens. They see us for what we are. The most blessed people in the world who do nothing but complain about what we don't have, and what we hate about the country instead of thanking the good Lord that we live here.
I know, I know. What about the President who took us into war and has no plan to get us out? The President who has a measly 31 percent approval rating? Is this the same President who guided the nation in the dark days after 9/11? The President that cut taxes to bring an economy out of recession? Could this be the same guy who has been called every name in the book for succeeding in keeping all the spoiled ungrateful brats safe from terrorist attacks? The Commander-In-Chief of an all-volunteer army that is out there defending you and me?
Did you hear how bad the President is on the news or talk shows? Did this news affect you so much, make you so unhappy you couldn't take a look around for yourself and see all the good things and be glad? Think about it......are you upset at the President because he actually caused you personal pain OR is it because the "Media" told you he was failing to kiss your sorry ungrateful behind every day? Make no mistake about it. The troops in Iraq and Afghanistan have volunteered to serve, and in many cases may have died for your freedom. There is currently no draft in this country. They didn't have to go. They are able to refuse to go and end up with either a ''general'' discharge, an ''other than honorable'' discharge or, worst case scenario, a ''dishonorable'' discharge after a few days in the brig.
So why then the flat-out discontentment in the minds of 69 percent of Americans? Say what you want but I blame it on the media. If it bleeds it leads and they specialize in bad news. Everybody will watch a car crash with blood and guts. How many will watch kids selling lemonade at the corner? The media knows this and media outlets are for-profit corporations. They offer what sells, and when criticized, try to defend their actions by "justifying" them in one way or another. Just ask why they tried to allow a murderer like O.J.Simpson to write a book about how he didn't kill his wife, but if he did he would have done it this way......Insane!
Stop buying the negativism you are fed everyday by the media. Shut off the TV, burn Newsweek, and use the New York Times for the bottom of your birdcage. Then start being grateful for all we have as a country. There is exponentially more good than bad. We are among the most blessed people on Earth and should thank God several times a day or at least be thankful and appreciative. With hurricanes, tornadoes, fires out of control, mud slides, flooding, severe thunderstorms tearing up the country from one end to another, and with the threat of bird flu and terrorist attacks, "Are we sure this is a good time to take God out of the Pledge of Allegiance?"
Jay Leno
Is it that we have electricity and running water 24 hours a day, 7 days a week? Is our unhappiness the result of having air conditioning in the summer and heating in the winter? Could it be that 95.4 percent of these unhappy folks have a job? Maybe it is the ability to walk into a grocery store at any time and see more food in moments than Darfur has seen in the last year? Maybe it is the ability to drive from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean without having to present identification papers as we move through each state? Or possibly the hundreds of clean and safe motels we would find along the way that can provide temporary shelter?
I guess having thousands of restaurants with varying cuisine from around the world is just not good enough. Or could it be that when we wreck our car, emergency workers show up and provide services to help all and even send a helicopter to take you to the hospital. Perhaps you are one of the 70 percent of Americans who own a home. You may be upset with knowing that in the unfortunate case of a fire, a group of trained firefighters will appear in moments and use top notch equipment to extinguish the flames, thus saving you, your family and your belongings. Or if, while at home watching one of your many flat screen TVs, a burglar or prowler intrudes, an officer equipped with a gun and a bullet-proof vest will come to defend you and your family against attack or loss. This all in the backdrop of a neighborhood free of bombs or militias raping and pillaging the residents. Neighborhoods where 90 percent of teenagers own cell phones and computers.
How about the complete religious, social and political freedoms we enjoy that are the envy of everyone in the world? Maybe that is what has 67 percent of you folks unhappy. Fact is, we are the largest group of ungrateful, spoiled brats the World has ever seen. No wonder the world loves the U.S., yet has a great disdain for its citizens. They see us for what we are. The most blessed people in the world who do nothing but complain about what we don't have, and what we hate about the country instead of thanking the good Lord that we live here.
I know, I know. What about the President who took us into war and has no plan to get us out? The President who has a measly 31 percent approval rating? Is this the same President who guided the nation in the dark days after 9/11? The President that cut taxes to bring an economy out of recession? Could this be the same guy who has been called every name in the book for succeeding in keeping all the spoiled ungrateful brats safe from terrorist attacks? The Commander-In-Chief of an all-volunteer army that is out there defending you and me?
Did you hear how bad the President is on the news or talk shows? Did this news affect you so much, make you so unhappy you couldn't take a look around for yourself and see all the good things and be glad? Think about it......are you upset at the President because he actually caused you personal pain OR is it because the "Media" told you he was failing to kiss your sorry ungrateful behind every day? Make no mistake about it. The troops in Iraq and Afghanistan have volunteered to serve, and in many cases may have died for your freedom. There is currently no draft in this country. They didn't have to go. They are able to refuse to go and end up with either a ''general'' discharge, an ''other than honorable'' discharge or, worst case scenario, a ''dishonorable'' discharge after a few days in the brig.
So why then the flat-out discontentment in the minds of 69 percent of Americans? Say what you want but I blame it on the media. If it bleeds it leads and they specialize in bad news. Everybody will watch a car crash with blood and guts. How many will watch kids selling lemonade at the corner? The media knows this and media outlets are for-profit corporations. They offer what sells, and when criticized, try to defend their actions by "justifying" them in one way or another. Just ask why they tried to allow a murderer like O.J.Simpson to write a book about how he didn't kill his wife, but if he did he would have done it this way......Insane!
Stop buying the negativism you are fed everyday by the media. Shut off the TV, burn Newsweek, and use the New York Times for the bottom of your birdcage. Then start being grateful for all we have as a country. There is exponentially more good than bad. We are among the most blessed people on Earth and should thank God several times a day or at least be thankful and appreciative. With hurricanes, tornadoes, fires out of control, mud slides, flooding, severe thunderstorms tearing up the country from one end to another, and with the threat of bird flu and terrorist attacks, "Are we sure this is a good time to take God out of the Pledge of Allegiance?"
Jay Leno