Andy Domagola Funeral Arrangements

Dear Members of the Saint Norbert College Community,


Together with Mike and Karen Domagola and the members of Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church of Naperville, I announce the following funeral arrangements for Andy Domagola:

The Vigil of the Dead / Visitation will take place on Tuesday, 27 February 2007 from 3:00 PM until 9:00 PM at the Friedrich – Jones Funeral Home at 44 South Mill Street – (630)355.0213 – in downtown Naperville, Illinois.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 12:00 Noon at Ss. Peter & Paul Catholic Church, 36 N. Ellsworth – (630)355.1081 – in Naperville. Father Jude Randall, OSB, President of Benet Academy, and members of the Benedictine Community of Saint Procopius Abbey and the Norbertine Community of Saint Norbert Abbey will concelebrate the funeral liturgy.

In addition to the events taking place in Naperville, a Memorial Mass will be celebrated at Old Saint Joseph Church on the Saint Norbert College campus. This Mass will be celebrated at 4:00 PM on Friday, 2 March 2007. Father James Baraniak, O. Praem. will preside with members of the Norbertine Community concelebrating the Mass. A reception for family, friends and the college community will take place immediately after Mass in the church atrium. All members of the college community are welcome to attend these celebrations.

Andy is survived by his parents, Mike and Karen; his two sisters, both sets of grandparents, numerous aunts, uncles and cousins and many friends and acquaintances from the Benet Academy and Saint Norbert College Communities. Let us continue to keep Andy, his family and friends in our thoughts and prayers.

Eternal rest grant unto Andy, O Lord.
And let perpetual light shine upon him.


Father James Baraniak, O. Praem.,
Pastor of Saint Norbert College

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Andy Domagola: "Ad Multos Annos!"

In the early watches of the night, our college community mourns the loss of one of our finest, Andy Domagola. Andy took the community by storm a year and a half ago when he departed from his beloved Benet Academy of Naperville to his new home away from home, SNC. Andy was so involved in so many activities, I found it quite difficult to keep up with him. Among the things I'll miss most about Andy was his love and concern for his parents and sisters, his passion for swimming, his countless comparisons between the Benedictines and the Norbertines, and his weekly presence at the Burke Hall Mass freshman year -- propping himself up with his back resting at the foot of the altar!

+ + +

Ironically, perhaps the last words Andy heard in this life included, "Remember, Andy, that you are dust, and unto dust you shall return," as he celebrated the 9:00 PM Mass at Old Saint Joe's on Ash Wednesday night. We pray that our loss will be heaven's gain. As our college community continues to keep vigil these days, let us remember to care for, comfort, love and support one another as we also pray for the Domagola family as well as the Benet Academy community.

Loving and merciful God,

we entrust our brother, Andy, to your mercy.

You loved him greatly in this life:

now that he is freed from all its cares,

give him happiness and peace forever.

The old order has passed away:

welcome him now into paradise

where there will be no more sorrow,

no more weeping or pain,

but only peace and joy with Jesus, your Son,

for ever and ever.

Amen.

+ Commendation of the Dying

Prayer After Death

Roma Ritual

My office is open to anyone who needs to stop by later today. Until we meet again, let's remember in word and action, "God's flock is in your midst, give it a shepherd's care!"

Father James Baraniak, O. Praem.

Pastor of Saint Norbert College

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"Ashes, Ashes, We All Fall Down!"

I realize that this may sound strange, but I live for Lent! Beginning with Ash Wednesday and extending through the TRIDUUM, I think the season of Lent -- through our prayers, hymns, scriptural texts, rituals, smells and sounds -- empowers us to express and celebrate a very unique Catholic culture. And while I appreciate so many of the Lenten "externals," Wednesday's Gospel reminds us to look beyond the externals (upon which the Pharisees thrive) to look a bit more deeply into what truly is of importance -- the inner goodness that dwells within each person -- parishioner, Packer, prisoner, and priest alike.

Throughout our Church history, it seems as though the look and feel of this season has become rather pessimistic over the years. Through negatively biased homilies, it seems as though we are fixated upon seeing the flaws, foibles, darknesses and sins as we look collectively and individually into our Ecclesial mirrors. And yet, that's just one aspect of our human condition. Preface 8 (Lent I) reminds us,

"Each year you give us this JOYFUL season when we prepare to celebrate the paschal mystery with mind and heart renewed. You give us a spirit of loving reverence for you, our Father, and of willing service to our neighbor. As we recall the events that gave us new life in Christ, you bring the image of your Son to perfection within us."

That's pretty good news; indeed 'joyful' news! Empowered by that Lenten theology, when we look in the mirror throughout these 40 days, we should also love what we see. For in the mirror we see what God simply loves so very much -- it's because of that image we see in the mirror that God would send the Son -- to live for us, to die for us. It begs the question of all of us, "what is there in life that I cherish so deeply that I am willing to live or die for that cherished cause; that beloved person?"

For those of you who will be venturing to Old Saint Joseph Church during this holy season, you will see a classic image of the crucified Christ displayed within the upper level of the bell tower. Perhaps this image -- "ever ancient, ever new" -- will serve as a mirror for you; that amidst the struggles we all face in life, we are blessed with the assurance that we are not alone. Not only was Christ himself in our place so many years ago, but that same Christ continues to be present with us in our struggles today. The knowledge of that solidarity is what makes this season a truly 'joyous' season -- filled with hope, love and mercy.

As I gaze upon that image, I cannot help but think of the song I remember singing as a Frater in my earliest days in the novitiate. The hauntingly beautiful melody of "God of Day and God of Darkness" seems to add an ever greater depth to the lyrics of this song which becomes my prayer throughout these 40 days:

When we think how Jesus suffered, of his love for you and me;

we would stand in contemplation of the cross on Calvary.

Then consider that the passion still continues to this day

in the sick and all who suffer, in the poor we turn away.

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When we see him in his dying, when we hear him call in pain,

we would hurry to assure him that it has not been in vain.

But in our consideration do we truly stop to hear

Jesus' brothers and his sisters who are hungry and so near?

+ + +

Now the thorns were surely painful and his body cloaked in blood,

and his face was marred with spittle, and his hair was caked with mud;

but the sorrow of our Jesus can be seen by Christian eyes

in the ugly and forgotten, in the weak whom men despise.

+ + +

When we leave the cross so lonely on that sad and sacred ground,

we must seek and find our Jesus where today he may be found:

in the clinic, in the prison, near at home or 'cross the sea,

or wherever in deep sadness people wait to be made free.

-- Willard F. Jabusch

As that image of Christ looks down upon the young and the old, the rich and the poor, the imprisoned and the free who will enter our church throughout these 40 days, I can't help but think he might be trying to remind us, "God's flock is in your midst; give it a shepherd's care!"

A Blessed Lent to All of You!

Father James Baraniak, O. Praem.

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Faith, Football, Footwear and Films!

Dear Friends,

It was a wonderful adventure away; but it's always good to come home. In the weeks ahead I'll share some of the specifics of my trip to the south and inform you of a pretty significant project that I'll be working on to assist some friends from DePere and Sister Bay, Wisconsin; New Orleans, Louisiana; and Kiln, Mississippi. But before that can happen, I'll need to get ready for Lent and all the added blessings that Ash Wednesday and the '40 days' bring to the life of those who enjoy the pretty serious Catholic culture that Lent affords.

But first, I'd like to share with you some information about some DVDs that I've been watching lately -- especially while away. First, a bit of a disclaimer! If you come to see -- or tap from -- my collection of DVDs, you'll notice that they all fall into a basic theme: conversion! The movies I have and share with others are all pretty heavy dramas -- most of them end on a positive note, acclaiming either, 'the looser gets a life,' 'the geek gets the girl,' or 'good triumphs over evil.' As heavy as the issues are that I face each day, my DVD collection would give you the impression that I just can't get enough drama! But the stories of redemption embedded within these DVDs simply offer me some vicarious wisdom to share with those in need: "do not be afraid, have courage!"

Many of these DVDs were recommended to me by amazon.com. As you may know, once you purchase one of their movies, they're quick to help you further: "Those who purchased this DVD also purchased the following... ...!" Usually those suggestions have been quite helpful, with the exception of purchasing a pretty raunchy flick that I originally thought was about recruiting men for priesthood / religious life. Father John Bostwick and I were blown away by what appeared on the priory big screen! ....Boy, were our eyes opened! But students, parishioners, Packers, and even prisoners who know that I can be found at Best Buy each Tuesday night -- new release night -- offer their recommendations as well. Cody Craig was the most recent recommender.

Cody and I share much in common. First and foremost, we are both pretty serious about our Catholicity and the two of us search for tangible ways to share our faith with others. Second, Cody has a pretty decent shoe collection that I envy and from which I borrow; after all, how many white, silver, black and red Nike Shocks can one man have? Keep sharing the wealth, Cody! Third, we both love football -- Cody quarterbacks, I counsel. And fourth, there's our common interest in movies. While I suspect Cody's filmography is a bit more inclusive than mine -- perhaps even including comedies -- Cody is not afraid to purchase, watch and recommend a few movies for me every now and then. I will not say much about one movie that he recommend for me recently: Cabin Fever. When I saw it on the $9.99-get-rid-of-this-quickly shelf, I should have thought twice about the purchase. Cabin Fever will probably be mailed to Mom and Dad. Dad will sit through the first few scenes, roll his eyes, ask 'what's the world coming to?' and make his way to a different TV in the house to watch more ESPN. On the other hand, Mom will love it; for her it will be a welcome and more edgy stretch from her regular Mamma's Family or HGTV vigil!

But then there's Cody's most recent recommendation, "Gridiron Gang!" While only scoring a C- from Entertainment Weekly, this has got to be one of the best movies I've ever seen. Believe it or not, I watched it five times within one week, and twice since then. (Yes, I know, I need to get a life!) Was it the excitement of the agony and the ecstasy found in the football scenes? Was it the sad reality of an often cruel life on the LA streets? Or was it seeing the accomplishment on the faces of the teammates once they realized that every human life -- including their own -- has value? Whatever it may be, this is a must see for those who are experiencing a little "cabin fever" now that the NFL season is over -- with the exception of this week's Combine and the draft that draws near. Pick up a copy -- unless you're some sort of Ebert & Roeper, you'll love it!

I'm still awaiting a shipment from Amazon which continues the theme I just addressed. Once I receive and view these movies, I'll give you an update -- from biased eyes -- on First Time Felon and Always Out Numbered, Always Out Gunned. The reviews are pretty respectable. But until then, here's a few other movies on my list; I think you, too, might enjoy the following:

Finding Forrester ****

Half Nelson ****

Something the Lord Made ****

Jesus Camp **.5

Saint Ralph ***

Conviction ***

Through The Fire ***

Against the Wall **.5

Rosewood ****

Brick ***

Smoke Signals ***

As I said earlier, these movies fit my theme: dark and depressing dramas, but certainly redeemed and inspiring. Each in their own way will remind us in film and reality, that, "God's flock is in your midst; give it a shepherd's care!"

Good to connect once again!

Father James Baraniak, O. Praem.

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Craming Two Weeks Into One!

Dear Friends,

As the week's end approaches, I am finding myself completely tired -- yet wired -- both at the same time! I will be leaving town on Sunday for Vocation Ministry and then a few days off. I will return to the college in time for Junior Knights and Days next Friday. Anticipating the time away, it seems as though I booked each hour of the day and night to tie together any loose ends in a attempt to address some outstanding pastoral, sacramental and administrative issues. Amidst all of that busy-ness, several issues and appointments regarding the diocesan Advancing the Mission campaign took up an inordinate amount of time coupled with an already intense week.

Looking at my open calendar while I write this excerpt, I am humbled -- nonetheless -- of how energizing many of these activities really were! Highlights of the week include a Community Mass and House Chapter for the Norbertine Community of Saint Joseph Priory. It is such a blessing to consider how well the thirteen of us get along. We are all very different in personality, political persuasion, age and philosophy, but it is very obvious that we are often on the same page together -- striving to really become "one in mind and heart on our way home to God," just as our patron, Augustine, would hope for us.

Wednesday was also a great day -- at least a great afternoon! I was struck by the goodness of those who approached the Sacrament of Reconciliation that we offer each Wednesday afternoon in our church. It is often the goodness and sincerity of the penitent that makes me feel so unworthy to be sitting in the confessor's chair. After spending an hour in the confessional [30 minutes beyond the scheduled time!], I recalled the wisdom inscribed in Michael Heher's book ntitled, "The Lost Art of Walking on Water." Father Heher writes,

"Frankly, I often go over to my confessional tired from other activities, hoping there will be just a few in the church seeking the sacrament. I would welcome a time to relax, read, or give further thought to what isn't working in my upcoming homily. But once I hear their voices, their words of candor and contrition, of frustration and worry, my reaction is a welcome identification. I hear why I am there, for I am no more aware of myself as sinner than when I am a confessor. A philosophy professor got me started on this path years ago when he asserted that, "if there is a sin you cannot imagine yourself committing, you probably don't know yourself very well!" I have my druthers, of course; certain sins are more attractive to me than others. But I am coming to see my sinful self more and more in each penitent. Precisely because I know their struggles as my own, whatever word comes to me -- of forgiveness, encouragement, challenge, or question -- is more likely to find a home in my penitents. Ironically, my sinner's words are more likely to tell them what Jesus may want them to hear!"

The goodness of the day would continue as the parish celebrated its February Faith Festival. Jordan Lentz invited me to teach the high school students of the parish about my role at the Green Bay Correctional Institution. As I shared my ministerial experiences with them, I was struck by their sharp attention and participation in the presentation. I may not be the best teacher in the world, but on Wednesday night, I believe I was treated to some of the best students I ever had the opportunity to teach. Hopefully, those opportunities will continue.

And what could possibly top it all off? The 9:00 PM Mass in Burke Hall! This, too, is often one of the week's highlights. I knew that I was headed there with low energy. Nevertheless, the great spirit of the many students who gather there week after week coupled with Justin Wrzesinski's passionate piano playing made the entire night a pastor's paradise!

Thursday was equally loaded with appointments -- but they were not burdensome. The inmates were very reverent on Thursday morning. That's not always the case, but when they're on -- they're on! They provided a nice start to a long day that was filled with some great-- albeit intense -- meetings. This weekend will also be full as I continue with the ATM, attend a scholarship luncheon for perspective students, preside over a wedding at 4:00 PM and then try my best not to make a fool of myself on the dance floor at the annual Parish Dinner Dance. If any cameras pop up -- I'm out of there! I'm not exactly the 'Lord of the Dance,' you know!

As it's time to turn the page on the calendar, it's also time to call it a night. You know, I find that using a calendar is not solely useful for keeping your days in order or to plan ahead. Further, it allows you to look backward as well as forward and to re-consider in a prayerful manner all of the events and activities and people that have filled one's day, one's life. As I look forward to a different sort of week next week, I am grateful for this past week in all of its stresses and joys, blessings and hardships, trials and tribulations. Perhaps you can look over your own calendar in a moment of free time this weekend. And in doing so, perhaps you, too, will discover that, "God's flock is in your midst, give it a shepherd's care!"

Yours in Ss. Norbert & Joseph,

Father James Baraniak, O. Praem.

PS: I realize I will be away for Valentine's Day on Wednesday -- or as purists would say, the Feast of Ss. Cyril & Methodius. Upon my return, I'll offer a few thoughts about some of our students who have become engaged recently. God's blessings on them and all of you throughout the week ahead. Thanks to Cathie in the office and my Norbertine brothers, Father Sal Cuccia, Father Brian Prunty and Father John Bostwick who will help steer the boat while I'm away!

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Searching for Mr. Right?

Dear Friends,

Well this weekend's homily has caused a bit of a chat on campus! For the most part, I am taking calls and reading emails from some of our men on campus who are either giving me permission to give their name to the woman who was one of the primary characters in my homily, or they are asking me to cough up her name! Looking for a conservative, Roman Catholic, Republican age 20-24? Well, my lips are sealed! (It seems as though St. Valentine's day is quickly approaching, doesn't it?)

As the correspondence continued today, I received a very kind and thoughtful email from one of our parishioners who stumbled upon some poetry and thought that our college students who are in a search for Mr. or Mrs. Right might benefit from the wisdom embedded within the poem. So for those who are single as well as for those who are committed, this seems to give us all a bit of a pause and a good piece of mind. Advent continues in our day:

WAIT


Desperately, helplessly, longingly, I cried:
Quietly, patiently, lovingly, God replied.
I plead and I wept for a clue to my fate…
And the Master so gently said, “Wait.”

“Wait? You say wait?” my indignant reply.
“Lord, I need answers, I need to know why!”
Is your hand shortened? Or have you not heard?
By faith I have asked, and I’m claiming your Word.

My future and all to which I relate
Hangs in the balance, and you tell me to Wait?”
I’m needing a ‘yes,’ a go-ahead sign.
Or even a ‘no,’ to which I’ll resign.

You promised, dear Lord, that if we believe,
We need but to ask, and we shall receive.
Lord, I’ve been asking, and this is my cry:
I’m weary of asking! I need a reply.

Then quietly, softly, I learned of my fate,
As my Master replied again, “Wait.”
So I slumped in my chair, defeated and taut,
And grumbled to God, “So, I’m waiting…for what?”

He seemed then to kneel, and His eyes met with mine…
And He tenderly said, “I could give you a sign.
I could shake the heavens and darken the sun.
I could raise the dead and cause mountains to run.

I could give all you seek and pleased you would be.
You’d have what you want, but you wouldn’t know Me.
You’d not know the depth of My love for each saint.
You’d not know the power that I give to the faint.

You’d not learn to see through clouds of despair:
You’d not learn to trust just by knowing I’m there.
You’d not know the joy of resting in Me
When darkness and silence are all you can see.

You’d never experience the fullness of love
When the peace of My spirit descends like a dove.
You would know that I give, and I save, for a start,
But you’d not know the depth of the beat of My heart.

The glow of My comfort late into the night,
The faith that I give when you walk without sight.
The depth that’s beyond getting just what you ask
From an infinite God who makes what you have last.

You’d never know should your pain quickly flee,
What it means that My grace is sufficient for thee.
Yes, your dearest dreams overnight would come true,
But, oh, the loss, if you missed what I’m doing in you.

So, be silent, my child, and in time you will see
That the greatest of gifts is to truly know Me.
And though oft My answers seem terribly late,
My most precious answer of all is still…
“Wait.”



By Russell Kelfer

For those who are in waiting and for those who have found what they're looking for, we stand together knowing that "God's flock is in your midst; give it a shepherd's care!"

Yours in Ss. Norbert & Joseph,

Father James Baraniak, O. Praem.

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It's Hard to Say Goodbye!

For those of you who watch the Superbowl only for the sake of the commercials, here's by far the best!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NQKck-W4XfQ

And here's a classic second:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PNk38QKzZLs

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4 More Years! 4 More Years! 4 More Years!

Little did I know at the time, that this scene from Oakland, California -- after Brett Favre's 'Game of a Lifetime' -- would be tagged by the Catholic News Service. As a result, it was posted in the majority of Catholic diocesan newspapers throughout the nation at Christmas, 2003.

After Brett's announcement on Friday that he would return to Green Bay for his 17th season with the Green Bay Packers, I thought of this scene taken just 24 hours after the death of his father, Irv. No doubt, similar scenes came to other Packers Fans' minds as so many rejoiced in Friday's good news of Brett's return. While the scene that played out on the field that particular December night came to my mind on Friday -- and many triumphant scenes before and since that hallowed night in Oakland -- one other scene came to my mind as well.

It was the scene of Brett with Deanna, Deanna's Mom, and their daughter, Breleigh, at dinner with a few other friends at Saint Agnes Rectory in Green Bay. Breleigh became a little bored with the length of the dinner, so it seemed, so she began to recruit participants for a quick and spontaneous game of hide and seek to be played throughout the first floor of the house. Forever the competitor, Brett was the first to volunteer.

The evening was simply wonderful; Father Getchel pulled out all of the stops: the dinner, an easy $400 worth of food; the window treatments in the rectory living room, $3000; the price of Brett Favre "on all 4's" hiding behind those drapes: PRICELESS! That night I couldn't help but think that he naturally embodies all that the Church hopes for in family life.

Over these past 17 years, we've all watched Brett grow before our very eyes -- on the field and off. We've seen his family grow and we've seen his love for family, friends and fans grow in exponential measures. Brett and Deanna have won the hearts of all of us -- especially in the midst of adversity, illness and loss. But his simple, down-to-earth goodness and love for others is what distinguishes Brett as a true MVP.

Welcome home, Brett! May 2007 be all that you hope for it to be -- both on the field and off. Your passion for football, family life and your Catholic faith reminds me that, "God's flock is in your midst; give it a shepherd's care!"

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GOD'S FLOCK IS IN YOUR MIDST; Give it a Shepherd's Care!

Dear Friends,

In my homilies in anticipation for the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, I reminded the congregations that gathered on Thursday that on Friday -- the 40th day after Christmas -- the traditional Christmas Cycle was drawing to a close. Now that all of the decorations that have enhanced our worship environment have been taken down, the challenge that lies before us is, "How do we keep the Christmas Spirit alive and well as we journey throughout Ordinary Time and the duration of this Liturgical Year?"

As I contemplated that question throughout the day, I thought that a way I could continue the Christmas Spirit is to begin a blog as a means to keep in touch with the fine people I have the privilege to serve. In the tradition of Sean Cardinal O'Malley, the Archbishop of Boston, and Rocco Palmo, the creator of "Whispers in the Loggia," this would become my [less-inspiring!] forum where I would let my 'parishioners' get to know me a bit better -- and perhaps, get to know each other a bit better as well. I offer the word parishioners in quotes given some are members of the parish I serve, but some of the people to whom I minister also belong to chaplaincies -- namely the fine folks at the Green Bay Packers and the inmates at the Green Bay Correctional Institution.

The writings that will follow throughout the duration of this blog will be about and for those blessed people. As I share stories with you about them -- and about other people or global or local events that shape my reflections as time goes on, I will try my best to show how these people reflect the presence of Christ in their holy lives -- in their own unique way, expressing in word or in action that Christ is born!

Who knows where this forum will take you or me? Perhaps the accounts will make you think -- or make you laugh -- inspire you -- or simply help you pass your time. But for me it will hopefully serve as a reminder of the challenge that my Norbertine brothers and I chant on each feast day of our pastoral Church heroes, "God's flock is in your midst, give it a shepherd's care!"

Yours in Ss. Norbert & Joseph,


Father James Baraniak, O. Praem.

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