MILESTONE III: A CHURCH IS BORN on 21 March 1999!

The weekend of 19-21 March 1999 was a great day for the Church of West DePere in as much as it was a day of celebration for the Norbertine Community of DePere as well. On 19 March 1999, the Feast of Saint Joseph, the Bishop of Green Bay, local clergy and the faithful of Saint Norbert Parish gathered for the re-dedication of Old Saint Joseph Church -- celebrating the beauty of this church which we all enjoy today. Two days later, the Bishop, the Norbertines and the faithful of the newly-established Our Lady of Lourdes Congregation would do the same as we dedicated our new church at the corner of Suburban Drive and Lourdes Avenue.

Back in the latter half of the 90's I had the privilege of being a part of the vibrant community of Our Lady of Lourdes for nearly six years -- working together with the pastor, Father Conrad J. Kratz, O. Praem. -- as I served the parish as its first associate pastor. When Bishop Banks -- with the recommendation of Abbot Thomas DeWane -- appointed me as associate pastor, it was a dream come true! I had served at New Saint Joe's for quite a stint of time after returning to DePere from Chicago as a brand-new, freshly anointed 'baby' priest; as such, I had come to know many of the people who would make up the new congregation of Lourdes. And as icing on the cake, I learned that I would be serving in parochial ministry with Father Conrad Kratz, one of my closest friends in the Order -- a person whom I truly admire.

For several years, Father Conrad and I would alternate Masses with a rather lofty weekend Mass schedule -- ranging from 4:00 PM and 5:15 PM on Saturday evening and then adding 7:30 AM, 8:30 AM, 9:30 AM and 10:30 AM on Sunday mornings. On some occasions when one of us would be away, only one priest would handle the entire weekend schedule -- no opportunity for long homilies: "those were the days," many of you are thinking, I suspect!!!

The faithful of New St. Joe's and St. Boniface came to the conclusion that it was time to move in a different direction. The enormous Mass schedule was taxing the priests and the liturgical ministers -- and while so many Masses did serve as a luxury of choice for the people, we realized that a new church facility would empower us to be better stewards of our human and physical resources. I still remember very clearly a committee of very gifted and dedicated parishioners gathered for a meeting on the college campus -- neutral territory -- to begin exploring the feasibility of building a new church. Father Conrad simply stated two guiding principles: 1st. That no decisions have been made as of yet. We did not have any preconceived notions of whether or not we could support such a project, and if we could venture out into these deep waters, we also did not have any idea of where the new church would be located nor did we have any preconceived notions of what the name of the new parish would be. And 2nd, Father Conrad empowered us to dream -- and to dream big! That wasn't to suggest that we will get whatever we want, whenever or wherever we wanted it -- it was just to imply that we should be covering all bases and not be afraid to envision not only who we are as a parish at the given time, but who would we choose to become as we begin the process of parish consolidation.

Those guiding principles were and are so characteristic of Father Conrad's ministry. While Conrad is quick to give so many people compliments of how well we all came together to build the church of West DePere, including giving me credit for many of the design elements in the building, I can honestly say that I have never seen anyone else build a [C]hurch with the ease, sensibility, respect and care with which Conrad built this church. I realize that building the church [with a small "c"] building was the easy part. Building the Church [with a capital C] as the people of God, was the much tougher role. Conrad was masterful in doing so; and for that I am most grateful as I try these days to build the Churches of Old Saint Joseph, the Green Bay Packer organization and the faithful at the Green Bay Correctional Institution; at many times I ask myself, "What would Conrad do?" The answer comes immediately -- albeit in the form of another question, "WWJD?"

As I ventured out to the construction site each day and took part in the building meetings each week, I realized that I was becoming much more familiar and comfortable with building, masonry, carpentry and architecture. At the same time, I noticed that our contractors were also becoming much more spiritual -- in fact, even pastoral -- as building OLOL would become for them a true labor of love.

Through the grace of God, the project was completed on time. I remember Bishop Banks coming out the day before the dedication as he inspected the space he would dedicate on the following day together with Abbot DeWane and the faithful of Lourdes. His excitement about the project was a great boost for all others who were so tired after so much work. It was also an energizing moment and an honor to the contractors to learn that their business cards would be signed and placed within the altar where the altar stone and relics would be housed. Thus, at each Mass when we consider Christ as our firm foundation, we also remember the workers and the benefactors who have also become a cherished part of our foundation.

After the church was dedicated, I was able to remain at Lourdes for one additional year. Quite appropriately, I was able to celebrate an entire year of liturgical milestones in our beautiful church at the corner of Lourdes Avenue and Suburban Drive. Along with the solemnities, feasts and memorials that each year offers, I have extraordinary memories of the baptisms, funerals, confirmations, weddings and anointings of the sick that have taken place in that church. While I have many pictures to remind me of many of these events, the images are also inscribed in my mind and heart of a beautiful church -- a beautiful Church, indeed.

When I learned that I would be leaving Lourdes, I made a conscious yet difficult decision to keep a bit of a distance from OLOL after my departure. You see, when I was appointed to Lourdes, I did not 'replace' anyone. I was one of two priests assigned to a new parish. I am very grateful that the congregation welcomed me to the very hospitable extent to which they did. However, as a new priest was being appointed to succeed me, it was necessary that he would have a similar chance to be as welcomed and accepted as was I.

Father Tim Shillcox, O. Praem. has served at Our Lady of Lourdes for three years now; he was appointed to Lourdes just as I was appointed to Old Saint Joe's. He is an excellent pastor and one of the best priests our Order has. I am grateful that he has been so welcoming of me and my ministry at Lourdes -- whether it is to fill in for him when he's away or to assist at Advent and Lenten Reconciliation services. When I am there I am amazed at how much the kids have grown -- perhaps they are equally amazed at how much I have aged also! It's always wonderful to see how the church has changed and all that remains constant as well.

And to offer you a little secret, I often find my eyes peering upon one of the last stones to be placed on that back wall behind the altar. Hein Construction allowed me to be a mason for a day -- or at least for just one stone! I actually signed, dated and then placed the beautiful stone I was allowed to choose myself! While that stone will always catch my attention amidst the thousands of Fond du Lac limestone that grace the church, I think also of the "living stones" that were a part of the congregation back during those beautiful six years of ministry and those who continue to make Lourdes their home. I then remember the beautiful Mass of Dedication on 21 March 1999 wherein we all prayer together:

Father, all powerful and ever-living God,

we do well always and everywhere to give you thanks.

We thank you now for this house of prayer

in which you bless your family

as we come to you on pilgrimage.

Here you reveal your presence

by sacramental signs,

and make us one with you

through the unseen bond of grace.

Here you build your temple of living stones,

and bring the Church to its full stature

as the Body of Christ throughout the world.

to reach its perfection at last

in the heavenly city of Jerusalem

which is the vision of your peace.

In communion with all the angels and saints

we bless and praise your greatness

in the temple of your glory:

... ...Feel free to continue your own prayer right here, right now!

A Blessed Ascension to One and All!

Father James Baraniak, O. Praem.

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A PASCHALTIDE INTERLUDE: Happy Easter to One and All!

Dear Friends,

Please allow me to take this moment to interrupt my Priestly Milestone Series to wish you all a very Happy and Blessed Easter! Life has been pretty crazy these days of TRIDUUM moving from one aspect of the liturgy to the next, with a few breaks to shift gears as we celebrate different aspects of the Paschal Mystery. Father John Bostwick reminded me of an expression that is sometimes used at Easter in the Orthodox tradition: "Christ is Risen! ...His priests are dead, but Christ is Risen!" Yes, there's a lot of work going on these holy days, but I am very grateful for the loving assistance of so many who have made our celebration of TRIDUUM at Old Saint Joe's such a wonderful, sacred event. I'm sure our music ministers, our liturgical ministers, our sacrastans, our church decorators and our social activities coordinators are also ready to drop, but their good works do not go unnoticed or unappreciated.

So before the Vigil begins tonight and before I resume my five-part series, I just wanted to say thank you to all who have made this week truly "Holy!" God love and keep you all!

Now the green blade rises from the buried grain,

Wheat that in dark earth many days has lain;

Love lives again, that with the dead has been;

Love is come again like wheat arising green.

In the grave they laid him, love by hatred slain,

Thinking that he would never wake again.

Laid in the earth like grain that sleeps unseen;

Love is come again like wheat arising green.

Forth he came at Easter, like the risen grain,

He that for three days in the grave had lain;

Raised from the dead, my living Lord is seen;

Love is come again like wheat arising green.

When our hearts are wintry, grieving or in pain,

Your touch can call us back to life again,

Fields of our hearts that dead and bare have been;

Love is come again like wheat arising green.

- John M. C. Crum

In His Resurrection,

Father James Baraniak, O. Praem.

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MILESTONE IV: Packers VS Buccanneers VS American Pie on Christmas Day, 25 December 1999

It has been nice to see some of our Packer friends attending Mass at Old Saint Joe's. In particular, and in the venerable tradition of Coach Mike Sherman, Coach Mike McCarthy also frequents our Masses because he appreciates the wonderful spirit of our people who gather here week after week. After Mass a couple of weeks ago Coach McCarthy and I had an opportunity to catch up a bit on each other's lives amidst some extra time that is availed out-of-season. At one point in the conversation Coach remarked, "Father Jim, do you remember your Christmas homily back on Christmas in 1999?" I was shocked by the coach's question and the clarity of his memory. In all honesty, I often cannot really remember the topic of my homily one week out! Eight years ago? Amazing! But in all honesty, I remember that particular homily very well; in fact, I think of it often. I share the context of that homiletic moment here as my 4th in a countdown of a five-part series addressing the milestones in my priestly ministry.


Many people are intrigued by my work with the Green Bay Packers -- certainly Catholic media services like diocesan newspapers or national church publications. Even when I would go on the road to preach on vocations or to speak on restorative justice issues, it seems as though the Packers is what people want to know more about -- that tends to be the general topic of choice after one of my presentations.


I'm never sure how I should respond to these questions, because I fear as though I will bore them with my answers! That is not to imply that the work with the Packers is boring -- certainly not. It also does not mean that they find me boring -- at least I hope not! It means simply that the ministry to the Packers is not all that different from my ministry to the students at Saint Norbert College and/or my parishioners at Old Saint Joe's. In actuality, it's not all that different from the work I do at GBCI. Well, perhaps that's a stretch; I tend to stay in nicer places with the Packers than with the inmates!


My ten years with the Packers have been quite rewarding because of their simple goodness and their down-to-earth approachability. That attitude starts from the top: Bob Harlan is a very well-respected administrator because he makes everyone feel important! His goodness is reflected in his love for Madeline and his boys (all products of Norbertine education I might add!). I am sure that Bob's goodness has trickled down to John Jones who has his own unique leadership style that should be fun to watch as it unfolds; but I've come to know JJ as a very good, devout man and friend as well. These guys have tapped incredibly good people with great talent. And yet, things seemed a bit different back in 1999.


Coaches Mike Holmgren, Mike Sherman and Mike McCarthy seem to run pretty tight ships. They demand excellence; and from what I can see, they offer excellence. Coach Rhodes' style and philosophy seemed a bit different. A man who was loved and befriended by many, he seems to have had a more 'brotherly' approach with his players. I can't help but think that some may have taken advantage of Coach Rhodes laid back style. That certainly was true as we travelled to Tampa Bay on Christmas Day in 1999. A movie was shown on the flight that seemed to be out of context when compared to other flics we normally watch. Now I am no prude by any stretch of the imagination; but from my perspective this movie seemed to be a bit inappropriate for a flight on one of the holiest days of the year.

I Struggled with the movie that was shown, but I felt as though the movie seemed to be a metaphor for the 'relaxed' atmosphere that was so different from what was experienced in the past. So on the Feast of the Holy Family, 26 December 1999, the very next day, I addressed the issue of the movie -- and the character of the year -- in my homily. Somehow, I thought it would be my last homily with the Packer organization. You see, I was being a bit controversial, or so I felt. The Packers had been -- and continue to be -- extraordinarily kind and generous to me. And now in my third year, I call some of the guys under the carpet. Was I being too sensitive? Did I have the authority to raise such issues? Was it my place to be priest-disciplinarian?

I remember my voice during the homily was shaking as much as my hands. Throughout the remainder of the Mass, I couldn't help but wonder how I would approach -- and be received -- during the exchange of peace. Furthermore, how would we say our characteristic light-hearted good byes after Mass? Only time - bolstered by prayer -- would tell. Jim Nelson, a player for the team back then and Frankie Winters were the first guys to say goodbye. Jim was a pretty rugged player, yet he had a very obvious pastoral spirit. His kindness to me after that Mass put me at ease just a bit -- after Frankie's hug (something he does not readily do, if you've noticed) made me realize that they received my message and seemed to have understood how uncomfortable I was in delivering the homily, and yet how necessary that message might have been -- to deliver and receive. Coach McCarthy's memory of that moment -- now so many years later in the midst of so many other NFL experiences for him since that Christmas Mass --gives me the impression that it was a milestone moment for others as much as it was for me.

Why does this stand out as a top 5 moment in my priestly ministry? Perhaps because of the time, energy, emotion, fear and honesty that went into that Mass. Trust me, it would have been much, much easier to preach a light and fluffy Christmas homily about the baby Jesus nestled in straw and warmed by common beasts, adored by wise men from the East. But I took a chance in taking a stand. Somehow, it all worked out well in the end.

Today similar thoughts run through my mind when I prepare my homilies. As you notice in the Gospels, each pericope for a Sunday Mass involves elements of both affirmation and challenge. So too must a homily! Jesus realizes that the People of God function most healthily when there is a balance of both. Too much affirmation: we can grow cocky, complacent, haughty or despondent to the needs of others. Too much challenge: we can feel beat up, weathered, unappreciated. Christ somehow has a great barometer to know how far to go with the disciples -- how far to go with us -- as he lovingly and tenderly comforts the disturbed and disturbs the comfortable in all of us. The priest, as homilist and teacher, is called to do the same. And yet, some want only to be affirmed, and are even offended by challenge. [Trust me, that's when the phone calls, emails and unsigned letters tend to appear!] Perhaps the key to doing what Christ did -- as I tried to do in Tampa Bay -- is to realize that I am the first one who needs to live up to the expectations that are being preached. If the preacher only stands in judgement, pointing out the specks in others' eyes while disregarding the plank in his own, well, this is a recipe for disaster. But if the preacher can honestly convey that the preacher is not above the law -- and that the challenge is to build up and never to cut down or destroy life, well then perhaps the message will be delivered and received appropriately.

I'm not sure how challenging my homilies are these many years later. It is a bit of my nature to affirm, given my sonship with parents who are professionals at affirming and friends who are so very kind. Affirmation is the easy part for me; I take pride in my ability to honestly affirm others -- I believe I am quick to do so. But as for challenge, I know that I need to strive to 'go deeper' and somehow empower the people I serve to strive to be at their best -- to strive for the perfection that Mary, the Mother of God achieved by simply choosing to be the very good and decent person she was created to be. She seemed to be comfortable with herself; she seemed to say 'yes' to God's plan for her because she believed in God's belief in her. For her, that was enough.

The 4th of 5 milestone moments in priesthood took place while striving for authenticity and honesty -- within a Christmas liturgy celebrating the Feast of the Holy Family. Whether it is among the members of the Packer organization, the inmates at Green Bay Correctional Institution, our students and parishioners at Saint Norbert College and Old Saint Joseph Church or within our own families of origin, I believe that it is our hope to be brothers and sisters in the Lord, united in faith, united in one baptism -- as family. The prayer offered for the Packers that awesome day is a reminder that "God's flock is in your midst!" "Giving it a shepherd's care" on this Good Friday, I offer this prayer for each and every one of you:

Father in heaven, creator of us all,

you ordered the earth to bring forth life

and crowned its goodness by creating the human family.

In history's moment, only when all was ready,

you sent your Son to dwell in time,

obedient to the laws of life in our world.

Teach us the sanctity of human love,

show us the value of family life,

and help us to live in peace with all others

that we may share in your life for ever.

Amen.

A Blessed and Holy Good Friday to One and All!

Father James Baraniak, O. Praem.

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MILESTONE V: The Feast of the Epiphany of Our Lord, 3 January 1993 -- The Beginning!

Well the title introducing this first edition of my five-part series is a bit misleading. While the Sacrament of Holy Orders for my presbyterate was celebrated on January 3rd, 1993, I believe a sacramental moment celebrates both what has been happening in one's life -- an affirmation of a process already underway; and it also serves as a road map for the future -- a challenge! In some ways I was ordained a priest long before that date in early 1993 -- yet in some ways, I am still hoping that the fullness of this ordination will finally take hold as I journey well into 2007! And yet, the memory of that day is always a source of great joy!

I remember quite clearly when Abbot Benjamin Mackin, O. Praem. traveled to Chicago to visit Father James -- then Frater Seamus -- Neilson and me with one agenda item: he had his calendar in hand and he wanted to book the dates for our deaconate and priestly ordinations. As we both offered dates that corresponded to the pending fulfillment of our academic obligations, he simply closed his book and said, "Ok, it's all in order; I'll take care of this and get back to you." I was surprised at how easy this process seemed to be. It was so easy, in fact, that I stopped him in his tracks as I began to ask all sorts of questions. This was not a brilliant idea, I discovered, because he now began to have second thoughts about my hopes to be ordained on Epiphany. His concern was the unpredictable weather in Northern Wisconsin.

Given 400 people from Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota and Wisconsin would be travelling to DePere for the Ordination and then a week later to Antigo for the Mass of Thanksgiving, Abbot Mackin had legitimate concerns about travel. I seemed to have put him at ease, however, when I suggested that all would be well; after all, I suggested that only two people really needed to be there in the first place: the Bishop to perform the sacred deed, and Jerry Turba to get some shots of the occasion. I guess I began to eat my words when an ice storm hit Green Bay on January 3rd, 1993! My cocky nature does not always serve me well; I realized back then that it's true, "it's not nice to fool with Mother Nature!"

Despite the terrible weather that morning, I was shocked and humbled as I processed with my Norbertine brothers into the beautiful Abbey Church while singing, "O Come, All Ye Faithful." It appeared as though all of the invitees were there. Given the ordination date was in the heart of the Christmas season, all of the songs at the Mass were basically Christmas carols; as such, the church echoed loudly with beautiful harmonious voices.

The liturgy was simply wonderful; the musicians were terrific and Bishop Banks preached a beautiful homily and he presided with dignity and grace as he is known for doing. At first, I simply assumed that Bishop Bob Morneau would ordain me. After all, he ordained me a deacon five months earlier and he had become a good friend given his previous residency at the abbey as an honorary member of our community. I would have loved to have been ordained by Bishop Morneau once again. However, Bishop Banks was new to our diocese at that time and I was his first Norbertine ordination; at first I felt a bit disappointed that I would be ordained by a man who did not really know me: we met only once at that point. But he did a fantastic job and one would assume we had known each other for years given how personal his approach seemed to be. To this day, I have great respect and admiration for Bishop Banks. I'm not sure if he really knows what a blessing he has been to my family -- and to me, personally. Obviously I should take the moment to share those sentiments with him.

After the day's events, I would journey back to Chicago for more classes. The task of that week was to prepare for the Mass of Thanksgiving in Antigo on the following Sunday, the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord. Guess what? The entire ensemble journeyed to the northwoods for that celebration as well. Perhaps there was an added incentive for so many people to journey to Antigo: the Menominee Casino! Several friends -- Norbertines included, I hear -- made their way to the casino before and after my "First Mass." While many of the guests stayed overnight at the Cutlass, I was a bit embarrassed yet also curious to discover whether or not my guests were aware of the "Fantasy Suites" that were added to what was Antigo's finest hotel back then. Trust me, the place has slid downhill ever since the 'Arabian Nights,' 'Northern Igloo,' and 'Lover's Lane' fantasy suites were added. I must admit, I was tempted to see who -- if anyone -- occupied those spaces! I guess that is meant to remain a mystery!

My mom and dad were very generous in hosting nearly 400 guests for the Mass, reception and dinner. Mom spoke eloquently at the reception (she should be my ghost-writer!); Father Conrad preached provocatively at the homily, as always. It was wonderful also to be in the parish church that was so instrumental in fostering spiritual guidance in my Catholic upbringing. Granted, I have been at that altar many times before! Several times, some of my friends and I would 'play priest' just as so many young Catholic kids do. But this time it was for real; this time there were spectators, also! And, you know, it seemed somewhat lonely this time. In fact, it is often a lonely experience. You see, when you are at Mass in attendance in the congregation, you are one of many -- focused on the minister-of-the-moment: the priest, the cantor, the reader, the communion minister... ... But when you are at that altar, looking out upon a 500 person congregation who is looking at you as at Old Saint Joe's, that can be a bit overwhelming at times. And yet it is also an honored privilege to serve so many.

Over these past 14 years, I've served at so many different altars, preached in so many congregations. Each of the places has its own unique feel, its own personal character. And yet what unifies us in Jesus Christ is a common faith, a common hope, a common mission -- yesterday, today, forever. Shortly before my ordination on January 3rd, I received a letter from the Abbot that I cherish to this day. The Abbot and I did not always get along; we certainly were not buddies. Nevertheless, I'm not sure that I have ever appreciated a note as much as I do his letter to me on ordination day. Now after his passing, his words are even more cherished as I read his prophetic affirmation and challenge:

3 January 1993

Reverend James Thomas Baraniak, O. Praem.

Saint Norbert Abbey

1016 North Broadway

DePere, WI 54115

Dear Father James,

That sounds very well! Congratulations on your Ordination to the Priesthood. This is the day when your life changes radically, in the sense of being rooted forever in the Priesthood of our Lord Jesus Christ.

I realize this has been your lifetime goal, but the goal is just now the beginning. You have no idea of what lays ahead and the Lord keeps all that He will ask of you hidden. Bit by bit He will reveal the extraordinary joys, the Crosses, the mystery of how you will be led into so many lives. Sometimes you will only pass through lives, leaving a sacred touch or word. Sometimes you will become one with other lives and walk many miles with them. So much of it will illicit wonder, especially as you forgive sin, baptize children and adults into Christ, preside at each unique marriage, comfort the sick and dying with oil and words which, while they will have your tones, actually will be impregnated with the Holy Spirit.

May your priesthood be long and fruitful, satisfying to you and always a source of inexpressible joy.

Welcome to the Order of Priest. Your fraternity with the Community and the People of God only continues to deepen. I repeat how deeply touching your kindness was on December 16th. I thought then that indeed you are entirely ready for Priesthood. Continue to reach out to all with the Lord's own compassion.

Again, congratulations and God love and keep you always.

In His Epiphany,

+ Benjamin T. Mackin, O. Praem.

Abbot

The goal is just the beginning! 3 January 1993 was a hinge moment in my life thanks to the prayers, ritual, song and affirmation of so many. As "Milestone V" offered here in this series, that sacred day is remembered each and every day -- reminding me that it's all about ministry, not majesty, for: "God's flock is in your midst; give it a shepherd's care!"

Father James Baraniak, O. Praem.

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Looking for a Place to Retreat? Try the Keweenaw!

....Well not necessarily the peninsula, but perhaps the local establishment in downtown DePere! Frs. Tim Shillcox, John Bostwick and I frequently 'frequent' this local establishment for great buck-burgers, the best spaghetti in town and a cold Blue Moon or two. The company that gathers also adds to the enjoyable experience -- gathered at this little hole in the wall includes the young and the old, the parishioners from Lourdes as well as Old Saint Joe's. It's always a great experience!

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On our last excursion, we Norbertines were talking about priesthood, of all things. And in the course of our lively exchange, I stated that I thought it would be a great experience for each of us to consider our top five moments in our priestly ministry. Granted, I've only had 14 years in the priesthood; thus the challenge for me to come up with the top five would be a different task as compared to Fr. Tim's or Fr. John's reflections -- I'm not sure if my task would be easier than theirs or much more complicated.

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Fr. John suggested that this might become fodder for an eventual Norbertine Chapter -- he's forever the retreat master, isn't he? I thought that this blog might be my forum to share my reflections; imagine that! Perhaps your reading of these entries will be pretty boring considering all of the wonderful things you could be reflecting upon as we delve into the heart of Holy Week. Nevertheless, as the clergy throughout the diocese gather on Tuesday for the annual Chrism Mass where at we all 're-commit' ourselves to the priestly ministry, I can't help but think of my "Top 5" as we gather in prayer this week.

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So as the week unfolds, stay tuned; these entries will not simply be about me, but you will also be treated to the people I've had the privilege of serving -- and serving with. All five stories will remind you, "God's flock is in your midst; give it a shepherd's care!"

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A Blessed Holy Week to One and All!

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Father James Baraniak, O. Praem. ... ... ... ... ... ...

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