Guess where I'll be on June 19th? Best Buy! I've waited for this gem for some time now. It's season one of Picket Fences from 1992, situated in the fictional city of Rome, Wisconsin. While studying in Chicago as a seminarian at that time, the entire Norbertine Community of Chicago would gather to watch the issues surrounding the Brock family and friends. Never conventional, always unpredictable, this was Wisconsin life at its greatest! Stay tuned!
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W I S C O N S O N I T E S -- U N I T E : Are You Ready for a Trip Down Memory Lane?
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While travelling to Antigo after the Sunday Mass to celebrate the 40th Jubilee of my hometown pastor, Father Jeremiah Worman (an Antigo boy himself!) and my parent's wedding anniversary, I heard an interesting interview that played on Fox News Channel via XM Radio. It featured a story of a man who created a website to explore the issue of confessing one's sins. From an emotional and psychological perspective the website creator spoke of the benefits gained from "releasing" one's feelings / guilt / emotions that are associated with human sin -- as we Catholics would say, sins of commission and sins of omission as well.
So he sets up this site wherein with complete anonymity, one can type away -- albeit briefly -- to discuss one's sorrow for having failed; in any number of ways! In his interview he mentions how freed his browsers feel -- how relieved they feel in simply letting go!
Striving for "fair and balanced" reporting (I'm smiling as I write that!), Fox News Channel then interviewed a member of the Church's hierarchy to get a Roman Catholic perspective on the newly created website. Surprisingly, the prelate mentioned how healthy this website may be for the general population, Catholics included. But he made it extraordinarily clear -- as the founder agreed -- the goodness of the intention only goes so far: absolution is not extended over cyberspace! So while it may feel good or be healthy to use this site to deal with one's transgressions, this is not meant to be a substitute for sacramental reconciliation.
I have not tracked how many hits the new website has gained, yet I am aware that confessions are on the rise at least at Old Saint Joe's. Throughout Lent and towards the end of the academic year, the 30 minutes that are allotted for the sacrament on Wednesday afternoons often extended to over an hour -- to up to two and a half hours on one occasion.
So are there more sinners in the world today? I suspect not; however, there must be some sort of goodness prevailing that people are looking for a variety of forums to deal with the consequences of sin. With the rise of spiritual direction, therapists, rehab programs and websites like the one introducing this blog, perhaps some confessionals remain empty -- people are seeking healing in other forums. However, if we truly welcome the saint and the sinner into our churches, making it clear that we are all one, that the confessor is no more saintly nor sinful than the penitent, then perhaps people will feel the freedom to approach the sacrament with the reassurance that reconciliation is not about punishment but about healing -- making whole that which was lost, broken, destroyed. If we provide a healthy pro-life, pro-forgiveness atmosphere in our churches -- from womb to tomb in good times and in bad, especially in our confessionals, I suspect people will come!
If you choose to check out the website, let's not forget the goodness that our Church provides for its faithful. Preface II for Reconciliation offers a pretty positive perspective on what happens when we seek Christ and the sacraments for spiritual healing:
"All powerful and everliving God, we thank you and praise you for your presence and action in the world. In the midst of conflict and division it is you who turn our minds to thoughts of peace. Your Spirit changes our hearts, enemies begin to speak to one another, those who were estranged join hands in friendship and nations seek the way of peace together. Your Spirit is at work when understanding puts and end to strife, when hatred is quenched by mercy, when vengeance gives way to forgiveness. For this we never cease to thank you and praise you!"
Father James Baraniak, O. Praem.
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....But Seeking Absolution? You Won't Find it There!
While travelling to Antigo after the Sunday Mass to celebrate the 40th Jubilee of my hometown pastor, Father Jeremiah Worman (an Antigo boy himself!) and my parent's wedding anniversary, I heard an interesting interview that played on Fox News Channel via XM Radio. It featured a story of a man who created a website to explore the issue of confessing one's sins. From an emotional and psychological perspective the website creator spoke of the benefits gained from "releasing" one's feelings / guilt / emotions that are associated with human sin -- as we Catholics would say, sins of commission and sins of omission as well. So he sets up this site wherein with complete anonymity, one can type away -- albeit briefly -- to discuss one's sorrow for having failed; in any number of ways! In his interview he mentions how freed his browsers feel -- how relieved they feel in simply letting go!
Striving for "fair and balanced" reporting (I'm smiling as I write that!), Fox News Channel then interviewed a member of the Church's hierarchy to get a Roman Catholic perspective on the newly created website. Surprisingly, the prelate mentioned how healthy this website may be for the general population, Catholics included. But he made it extraordinarily clear -- as the founder agreed -- the goodness of the intention only goes so far: absolution is not extended over cyberspace! So while it may feel good or be healthy to use this site to deal with one's transgressions, this is not meant to be a substitute for sacramental reconciliation.
I have not tracked how many hits the new website has gained, yet I am aware that confessions are on the rise at least at Old Saint Joe's. Throughout Lent and towards the end of the academic year, the 30 minutes that are allotted for the sacrament on Wednesday afternoons often extended to over an hour -- to up to two and a half hours on one occasion.
So are there more sinners in the world today? I suspect not; however, there must be some sort of goodness prevailing that people are looking for a variety of forums to deal with the consequences of sin. With the rise of spiritual direction, therapists, rehab programs and websites like the one introducing this blog, perhaps some confessionals remain empty -- people are seeking healing in other forums. However, if we truly welcome the saint and the sinner into our churches, making it clear that we are all one, that the confessor is no more saintly nor sinful than the penitent, then perhaps people will feel the freedom to approach the sacrament with the reassurance that reconciliation is not about punishment but about healing -- making whole that which was lost, broken, destroyed. If we provide a healthy pro-life, pro-forgiveness atmosphere in our churches -- from womb to tomb in good times and in bad, especially in our confessionals, I suspect people will come!
If you choose to check out the website, let's not forget the goodness that our Church provides for its faithful. Preface II for Reconciliation offers a pretty positive perspective on what happens when we seek Christ and the sacraments for spiritual healing:
"All powerful and everliving God, we thank you and praise you for your presence and action in the world. In the midst of conflict and division it is you who turn our minds to thoughts of peace. Your Spirit changes our hearts, enemies begin to speak to one another, those who were estranged join hands in friendship and nations seek the way of peace together. Your Spirit is at work when understanding puts and end to strife, when hatred is quenched by mercy, when vengeance gives way to forgiveness. For this we never cease to thank you and praise you!"
Father James Baraniak, O. Praem.
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MEMORIAL DAY 2 0 0 7
Whether you're watching a parade, cooking out, taking the day off or at work on this holiday, make the most of it! Let's keep in thought and prayer those who gave their lives in service for this country and those who are defending it right now. We pray especially for the members of our parish and college community serving in the Armed Forces. God's blessing on all of them and all of us!
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If you think these movies all have the same, monotonous theme, hold on! Here's the books that I've begun to read over the summer break:
In the past couple of weeks, I have received several invitations to speak at various functions regarding my ministry at the Green Bay Packers. That should not be a surprise given the Packers are gearing up for a new season. I surely enjoy such engagements and I hope I represent the organization well.
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"So What's Up this Summer?" The 'Bellytelly' is all Charged Up!
It seems a little dated, perhaps, but I'm waiting for Amazon.com to ship me the movie, Colors. I remember the intense controversy that surrounded the release of this film back in 1988; young gang-bangers were actually being killed inside theatres in larger metropolitan cities as people risked their lives to see the movie at the hour of theatrical release. I'm not the greatest movie go-er; instead, I wait for it to come out on dvd so I can watch these shows at my own leisure, plugged into my 9 inch Sony bellytelly.
In actuality, I am waiting for four movies to arrive. Now the cheap price of these movies scares me -- I hope it's because they are a bit dated, not because they're some sort of B or C movie. I'll let you know after I watch them! Amazon has been pretty 'spot on' when recommending movies and books for me, but there have been a few duds over the years. So here's the names of the other coming attractions:
Mi Vida Loca (My Crazy Life)
My Family
American Me
If you think these movies all have the same, monotonous theme, hold on! Here's the books that I've begun to read over the summer break:
Inside the Crips:
Life Inside L.A.'s Most Notorious Gang
Gang Intelligence Manual:
Identifying And Understanding Modern-Day Violent Gangs
In The United States
Street Gangs
Gangbangers: Understanding The Deadly Minds Of America's Street Gangs
As you can imagine, not only does my reading and viewing list include material of the same genre, but it also makes for a pretty dark and heavy encounter. Therefore, I ran to Barnes & Noble last week to pick up a copy of Rick Reilly's,
SPORTS ILLUSTRATED: Hate Mail from Cheerleaders
And Other Adventures from the Life of Reilly
Now this book will be read for pure enjoyment! I don't get a chance to view Sports Illustrated all that often -- only when I'm waiting for my car's oil job to be finished or while I'm waiting in line for a haircut -- the wait these days tends to be longer than the cut itself -- and that's not a commentary on tardiness! Nevertheless, Reilly's articles are pure joy -- even homiletic at times! His recent article about Coach Tony Dungy is simply heartwarming and yet also challenging. The book will be a great summertime read. I'll keep you posted -- or blogged, that is!
But what's up with these other books? As I mentioned in an earlier blog, many of the members of my GBCI congregation are members of gangs -- from Milwaukee or Chicago -- or even from smaller cities throughout the Midwest. Let me make it clear, I do not find anything even remotely appealing or attractive to gang culture -- but because it is such a prevalent issue among my parishioners, I feel as though I should be aware of some of the issues that these young men are confronting. Already, I've been able to decipher some codes embedded -- or embodied -- within some of the tattoos I encounter during the Sign of Peace.
Last week I learned that one of our college professors, Cheryl Carpenter, is a local expert on gang populations. I will compare and contrast my gang library with hers and I hope this new-found information will assist me in my ministry to the prison population.
But what's up with these other books? As I mentioned in an earlier blog, many of the members of my GBCI congregation are members of gangs -- from Milwaukee or Chicago -- or even from smaller cities throughout the Midwest. Let me make it clear, I do not find anything even remotely appealing or attractive to gang culture -- but because it is such a prevalent issue among my parishioners, I feel as though I should be aware of some of the issues that these young men are confronting. Already, I've been able to decipher some codes embedded -- or embodied -- within some of the tattoos I encounter during the Sign of Peace.
Last week I learned that one of our college professors, Cheryl Carpenter, is a local expert on gang populations. I will compare and contrast my gang library with hers and I hope this new-found information will assist me in my ministry to the prison population.
In the past couple of weeks, I have received several invitations to speak at various functions regarding my ministry at the Green Bay Packers. That should not be a surprise given the Packers are gearing up for a new season. I surely enjoy such engagements and I hope I represent the organization well.
And yet, interestingly enough, I am rarely asked to give talks about prison ministry! This reminds me of Bishop Bob Morneau's original assertion that, "this is a forgotten population" in our community. And yet, there is so much work that needs to be done proactively and reactively to address street and neighborhood violence -- it's even on a rise right here in Titletown!
The Catholic Church, via the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, offers an exceptional resource in offering tangible assistance in the general area of prison life. Pope John Paul II stated, "We are still a long way from the time when our conscience can be certain of having done everything possible to prevent crime and to control it effectively so that it no longer does harm and, at the same time, to offer to those who commit crimes a way of redeeming themselves and making a positive return to society. If all those in some way involved in the problem tried to . . . develop this line of thought, perhaps humanity as a whole could take a great step forward in creating a more serene and peaceful society."
For more information -- embedded with tangible and pastoral methods of prevention and response, feel free to check out, Responsibility, Rehabilitation, and Restoration: A Catholic Perspective on Crime and Criminal Justice: A Statement of the Catholic Bishops of the United States by consulting, www.usccb.org/sdwp/criminal.htm.
So, my work's cut out for me on this Memorial Day. Have a great time with family and friends; let's remember on this day those who gave their lives for the good of the country and those who find themselves in harm's way even today: "God's flock is in your midst, give it a shepherd's care!"
Father James Baraniak, O. Praem.
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So it is with our liturgical year as well! This weekend we celebrate the great Feast of Pentecost. Fearful no longer, the disciples were ready to move forward -- empowered by the abiding presence of Christ in their lives, the disciples would now become unstoppable in building up the Church that we so love today. While we come to the end of the Easter Season on Sunday -- in a more significant way, Pentecost marks a new beginning -- with great conviction and Spirit!
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Veni Sancte Spiritus!
Well, it took 50 days, but the Milestone Series has come to a conclusion. It was fun to take a stroll down memory lane -- remembering with great affection some of the more significant moments in my life over these past 14 years. But now it's time to shift gears.
So it is with our liturgical year as well! This weekend we celebrate the great Feast of Pentecost. Fearful no longer, the disciples were ready to move forward -- empowered by the abiding presence of Christ in their lives, the disciples would now become unstoppable in building up the Church that we so love today. While we come to the end of the Easter Season on Sunday -- in a more significant way, Pentecost marks a new beginning -- with great conviction and Spirit!
In a similar way, as we move into ordinary time (on Monday) it will be time to use this forum to share other thoughts, issues, dreams... ... as they present themselves to me. In the meantime, if you have any suggestions of topics I should address or anything that's on your mind, don't be shy to share those thoughts with me -- you know how to connect!
Until then, we take great joy in knowing, feeling and celebrating the true presence of the Spirit in our lives!
Holy Spirit, Lord Divine, Come, from heights of heaven and shine,
Come with blessed radiance bright!
Come, O Father of the poor, Come, whose treasured gifts endure,
Come, our heart's unfailing light!
Of consolers, wisest, best, and our soul's most welcome guest,
Sweet refreshment, sweet repose.
In our labor rest most sweet, pleasant coolness in the heat,
Consolation in our woes.
Light most blessed, shine with grace, in our heart's most secret place,
Fill your faithful through and through.
Left without your presence here, Life itself would disappear,
Nothing thrives apart from you!
Cleanse our soiled hearts of sin, arid souls refresh within,
Wounded lives to health restore.
Bend the stubborn heart and will, melt the frozen, warm the chill,
Guide the wayward home once more!
On the faithful who are true, and profess their faith in you,
In your seven-fold gift descend!
Give us virtue's sure reward, Give us your salvation, Lord,
Give us joys that never end!
--Sequence for Pentecost
Happy Pentecost, Everyone!
Father James Baraniak, O. Praem.
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Mike Donovan, the Catholic Chaplain at GBCI had been journeying with the men who were preparing for full incorporation into the Church. Mike always does a great job working with these men and their sponsors. Now normally the Bishop would come to the prison and preside over the Rites of Initiation. For this particular occassion, Mike asked me if I would be willing to serve as the minister of the sacrament for the inmates. Having obtained the appropriate delegation from the diocese, I was all prepared to celebrate the rites. However, I was freaking out, trying to image what I would say in the homily, given some challenges that were being presented in light of the occassion.
....Or in it's original form:
Esta cancion va dedicada a esa gente que esa gente que sueña pero que trabaja todos los dias para hacer ese sueño realidad Un dia mas en la batalla tratando de escalar otra muralla rodeado de sabidos y canallas pero sigo luchando estoy seguro que yo valgo pero el sabor amargo del rechazo traigo no hay nadie que me baje de las nubes en vez de criticarme mejor por que no subes el mundo es diferente de este punto de vista el mundo esta a tu alcance por qué no lo conquistas Quiero que un dia digas yo lo conocia yo sabía que ese nene iba a pegar un dia lleno de fantasias, lleno de ganas, lleno de vida el triunfo era inevitable que dios te bendiga y ahora que estas arriba no te olvides de los tuyos enseñale como hay que tomar puerta con los puños sigue soñando, cosechando tu destino y no te desvies de tu camino, ok? Cuando digan que no vales, no sigue no mas no cambies tu rumbo y dale no mires atras que cuidandote yo estare ... sueña Si parece imposible, ten la seguridad conmigo todo es posible yo se la verdad juntos somos invencibles ... sueña La palabra dice que con fe puedes mover montañas yo soy testigo y sé que si yo puedo tu puedes juntos podemos ser ejemplo para que ellos nunca dejen de creer No te des por vencido, quien dijo que era facil yo tambien mande al carajo a todos, bueno, casi es que da coraje cuando uno busca el apoyo y te das cuenta que estas solo en este rollo
No tires la toalla por si acaso falla termina tu azaña y veras como se callan toda esa gente que lo hizo dificil como aparecen cuando ya no hay crisis A esa misma gente le dedico esta cancion si no fuera por ustedes no habria motivacion sigan hablando, yo seguire soñando inspirandome hasta ver un cambio Cuando digan que no vales, no sigue no mas no cambies tu rumbo y dale no mires atras que cuidandote yo estare ... sueña Si parece imposible, ten la seguridad conmigo todo es posible yo se la verdad juntos somos invencibles ... sueña Yo sé que no tienes los recursos que terminaste solo ciertos cursos y por eso no eres culto pero dios es justo y ha de tener otros planes para que su caballo descartado gane No pierdas la fe, hay que ser positivo Lázaro levantate que dios te quiere vivo espero que tu objetivo no sea solo el dinero espero que tus motivos sean buenos y sinceros espero mucho de ti porque un hermano te considero tenemos el mismo padre y por el porque te quiero por el es porque este mundo me parece bello por el es que yo sueño, por el es que yo sueño Cuando digan que no vales, no sigue no mas no cambies tu rumbo y dale no mires atras que cuidandote yo estare ... sueña Si parece imposible, ten la seguridad conmigo todo es posible yo se la verdad juntos somos invencibles ... sueña
Un hombre justo cae siete veces y vuelve a levantarse qué clase de hombre eres tu? levantante!
MILESTONE I: "Turn Away from Sin and be Faithful to the Gospel" [at GBCI on the Feast of the Conversion of Saint Paul, 25 January 2007]
When the Packers asked if I would be willing to serve the Packer Community at home and on the road, I knew that I would need to seek approval from my superiors, because this ministry would take me away from home -- and Lourdes -- on a consistent basis. When I approached the Prior for permission, I was surprised by his response. He did not think it was appropriate for a priest belonging to a religious order to have such a job. In his mind, NFL players represent the young and the wealthy.
Having just completed 25 years of ministry in the poverty-stricken jungles of Peru, I think the Prior may have thought it was too glamerous for a Norbertine to be globe trotting across the country caring for the needs of men who appear to be on top of their game -- on and off the field. I guess that I respectfully disagreed with the Prior's stance; I felt awkward with our picking and choosing who -- or what types of people -- are 'worthy' or eligible of our ministry. Scripture reminds us that, "the poor, we will always have with us." While that certainly pertains to those who go without the many material blessings that others have, I believe there are other forms of poverty as well -- emotional, relational, spiritual... ... ... I know that those who drive Escallades need ministry just as those who walk -- albeit the needs are different.
Given I rarely traveled at that point in my life -- that I am a homebody by nature -- the Abbot had no problem with the Packer's proposal; he thought it would be a great way to get me out of the house! The fact that the former Abbot is a MAJOR Packer fan did not hurt either! Once I began the ministry, the Prior passed away rather unexpectedly -- effects from a parasite obtained from his bold and faithful ministry to the Peruvians. As such, the concerns he voiced to me earlier echoed in my mind and heart. "How would my ministerial life be balanced?" Bishop Bob Morneau had one suggestion: Green Bay Correctional Institution! Bishop Morneau suggested that I assist there, that this population represented the poor in our midst -- despised by many -- forgotten by most. It was then that I began my long-term ministry at the corner of Riverside Drive and 172.
Some of my most memorable moments of priesthood have taken place at GBCI. In all honesty, some of the most challenging moments have occurred there as well. Thursday mornings are often the highpoint or the lowpoint of my week. And yet, one of the most significant moments of my priesthood took place there at GBCI -- in the little free-standing chapel amidst the center square; ironically, the date was 25 January 2007: the Feast of the Conversion of Saint Paul!
Mike Donovan, the Catholic Chaplain at GBCI had been journeying with the men who were preparing for full incorporation into the Church. Mike always does a great job working with these men and their sponsors. Now normally the Bishop would come to the prison and preside over the Rites of Initiation. For this particular occassion, Mike asked me if I would be willing to serve as the minister of the sacrament for the inmates. Having obtained the appropriate delegation from the diocese, I was all prepared to celebrate the rites. However, I was freaking out, trying to image what I would say in the homily, given some challenges that were being presented in light of the occassion.
Issue #1.: VISITORS! Normally there are no 'visitors' at our Masses. This is one congregation where all are not always welcome; I suspect you understand! However, at this Mass we welcomed sponsors as well as family members of those engaged in the sacrament. I suspect I came off as a concerned 'parent,' hoping that the other inmates would receive our guests well and would appear to be under their best behavior!
Issue #2.: PEER PRESSURE! Keep in mind these guys not only worship together, but they also eat, work, recreate and sleep together. Therefore, it seems as though everyone knows everyone else's business! Seeking full incorporation into the Church is making a bold proclamation of faith -- you're placing yourself out there -- open to great affirmation from some, intense scrutiny from others.
So, on this feast of Saul's transformation to Paul -- from persecutor to protector, how would a homily appropriately disturb the comfortable and comfort the disturbed? I thought one such way would be to enter their world -- or use the experience and wisdom of someone from their own background to speak to their own experience. I did not need to look much further than my shelf of DVDs for such wisdom. I reached for my dvd/cd combo entitled "Gerardo." Gerardo is a very popular performer south of the border; one who is known for salsa/rap -- for lack of a more precise definition of lyrical genre. Gerardo claims that he has made a fortune using his music to promote violence, gratituous sexual activity... ... all those things of which we try to shield our children! But his most recent cd entitled 180 Degrees speaks of a different reality -- he now chooses to use his gift of music to give life to a sometimes broken world.
For over a year now, I truly loved the song Suena because of the great melody coupled with a mesmerizing video out on dvd. However, I never really knew what the song was about until a priest-friend of mine translated the music for me. Since that enlightenment, I've played the dvd at different gatherings of young peoples to express the notion of conversion and redemption. Given the feast that the Church celebrated that day, coupled with the community that gathered on the 25th and the rites that we were undertaking, Gerardo's Suena seemed perfect for the occassion. What do you think?
Dream
Gerardo Mejia
This song is dedicated to the people
To the people that dream but work everyday
To make their dream a reality.
One day more in the battle
Trying to climb another wall
Surrounded by those who think they know -- and mean people
But I keep fighting
I am sure I have value.
But the bitter flavor of rejection I carry
There is no one who can bring me down from the clouds
Instead of finding fault with me it would be better that you do not come up
The world is different from this point of view
The world is at your reach
Because you have not conquered it
I want one day to say to you that I do know
I know that this baby boy is going to hit one day
Full of fantasies, full of desires, full of life.
The triumph that is inevitable with God’s blessings
And now that you are above do not forget your own
Teach him how to take the door with his fist
Keep dreaming, harvest your destiny
And do not swerve from your path, ok?
When they tell you you don’t have value, don’t go on
Don’t change your direction and give up
Do not look back
But take care of yourself and you will be ….dreaming
What appears impossible, have certainty
With me all is possible
I know the truth
Together we are invincible…dream
The Word says that with faith we can move mountains
I am evidence of that and I know that if I can do it so can you
Together we can be examples for everyone that they never have to quit believing
Do not give in to defeat, who ever said it would be easy
I too send a message to all, good, almost
It’s that we get angry when one looks for support
And you are told that you are alone on this log
Don’t throw in the towel if by chance you fail
Complete your task and you will see how quiet they become
To all the people that made it difficult
It will appear that there is no crisis
And to the same people to which I dedicate this song
If it wasn’t for you there would be no motivation
Keep talking, and I will keep dreaming
Inspiring me to see the change
When they tell you you don’t have value, don’t go on
Don’t change your direction and give up
Do not look back
But take care of yourself and you will be ….dreaming
What appears impossible, have certainty
With me all is possible
I know the truth
Together we are invincible…dream
I know you do not have the resources
That would finish certain courses
And for that you were not cursed
But God is just
And God has given you other plans
So that your horse can put aside its gain
Do not lose faith, you need to be positive
Lazareth got up because God wanted him to live
I hope that your motives are good and sincere
I hope a lot for you because a brother treats you with consideration
We have the same Father and that is why I love you
The world is beautiful because of God
It is because of God I dream, it is because of God I dream
When they tell you you don’t have value, don’t go on
Don’t change your direction and give up
Do not look back
But take care of yourself and you will be ….dreaming
What appears impossible, have certainty
With me all is possible
I know the truth
Together we are invincible…dream
A just man falls seven times and seven times rises up
What class (kind) of man are you? Rise up! (Get up!)
Gerardo Mejia
This song is dedicated to the people
To the people that dream but work everyday
To make their dream a reality.
One day more in the battle
Trying to climb another wall
Surrounded by those who think they know -- and mean people
But I keep fighting
I am sure I have value.
But the bitter flavor of rejection I carry
There is no one who can bring me down from the clouds
Instead of finding fault with me it would be better that you do not come up
The world is different from this point of view
The world is at your reach
Because you have not conquered it
I want one day to say to you that I do know
I know that this baby boy is going to hit one day
Full of fantasies, full of desires, full of life.
The triumph that is inevitable with God’s blessings
And now that you are above do not forget your own
Teach him how to take the door with his fist
Keep dreaming, harvest your destiny
And do not swerve from your path, ok?
When they tell you you don’t have value, don’t go on
Don’t change your direction and give up
Do not look back
But take care of yourself and you will be ….dreaming
What appears impossible, have certainty
With me all is possible
I know the truth
Together we are invincible…dream
The Word says that with faith we can move mountains
I am evidence of that and I know that if I can do it so can you
Together we can be examples for everyone that they never have to quit believing
Do not give in to defeat, who ever said it would be easy
I too send a message to all, good, almost
It’s that we get angry when one looks for support
And you are told that you are alone on this log
Don’t throw in the towel if by chance you fail
Complete your task and you will see how quiet they become
To all the people that made it difficult
It will appear that there is no crisis
And to the same people to which I dedicate this song
If it wasn’t for you there would be no motivation
Keep talking, and I will keep dreaming
Inspiring me to see the change
When they tell you you don’t have value, don’t go on
Don’t change your direction and give up
Do not look back
But take care of yourself and you will be ….dreaming
What appears impossible, have certainty
With me all is possible
I know the truth
Together we are invincible…dream
I know you do not have the resources
That would finish certain courses
And for that you were not cursed
But God is just
And God has given you other plans
So that your horse can put aside its gain
Do not lose faith, you need to be positive
Lazareth got up because God wanted him to live
I hope that your motives are good and sincere
I hope a lot for you because a brother treats you with consideration
We have the same Father and that is why I love you
The world is beautiful because of God
It is because of God I dream, it is because of God I dream
When they tell you you don’t have value, don’t go on
Don’t change your direction and give up
Do not look back
But take care of yourself and you will be ….dreaming
What appears impossible, have certainty
With me all is possible
I know the truth
Together we are invincible…dream
A just man falls seven times and seven times rises up
What class (kind) of man are you? Rise up! (Get up!)
....Or in it's original form:
Esta cancion va dedicada a esa gente que esa gente que sueña pero que trabaja todos los dias para hacer ese sueño realidad Un dia mas en la batalla tratando de escalar otra muralla rodeado de sabidos y canallas pero sigo luchando estoy seguro que yo valgo pero el sabor amargo del rechazo traigo no hay nadie que me baje de las nubes en vez de criticarme mejor por que no subes el mundo es diferente de este punto de vista el mundo esta a tu alcance por qué no lo conquistas Quiero que un dia digas yo lo conocia yo sabía que ese nene iba a pegar un dia lleno de fantasias, lleno de ganas, lleno de vida el triunfo era inevitable que dios te bendiga y ahora que estas arriba no te olvides de los tuyos enseñale como hay que tomar puerta con los puños sigue soñando, cosechando tu destino y no te desvies de tu camino, ok? Cuando digan que no vales, no sigue no mas no cambies tu rumbo y dale no mires atras que cuidandote yo estare ... sueña Si parece imposible, ten la seguridad conmigo todo es posible yo se la verdad juntos somos invencibles ... sueña La palabra dice que con fe puedes mover montañas yo soy testigo y sé que si yo puedo tu puedes juntos podemos ser ejemplo para que ellos nunca dejen de creer No te des por vencido, quien dijo que era facil yo tambien mande al carajo a todos, bueno, casi es que da coraje cuando uno busca el apoyo y te das cuenta que estas solo en este rollo
No tires la toalla por si acaso falla termina tu azaña y veras como se callan toda esa gente que lo hizo dificil como aparecen cuando ya no hay crisis A esa misma gente le dedico esta cancion si no fuera por ustedes no habria motivacion sigan hablando, yo seguire soñando inspirandome hasta ver un cambio Cuando digan que no vales, no sigue no mas no cambies tu rumbo y dale no mires atras que cuidandote yo estare ... sueña Si parece imposible, ten la seguridad conmigo todo es posible yo se la verdad juntos somos invencibles ... sueña Yo sé que no tienes los recursos que terminaste solo ciertos cursos y por eso no eres culto pero dios es justo y ha de tener otros planes para que su caballo descartado gane No pierdas la fe, hay que ser positivo Lázaro levantate que dios te quiere vivo espero que tu objetivo no sea solo el dinero espero que tus motivos sean buenos y sinceros espero mucho de ti porque un hermano te considero tenemos el mismo padre y por el porque te quiero por el es porque este mundo me parece bello por el es que yo sueño, por el es que yo sueño Cuando digan que no vales, no sigue no mas no cambies tu rumbo y dale no mires atras que cuidandote yo estare ... sueña Si parece imposible, ten la seguridad conmigo todo es posible yo se la verdad juntos somos invencibles ... sueña
Un hombre justo cae siete veces y vuelve a levantarse qué clase de hombre eres tu? levantante!
Well, the song did not even get as far as the refrain when I noticed the congregation, especially the men of Hispanic culture, were totally engaged in the music. The young gentleman pictured above, Joker*, chose to translate parts of the song for the rest of the congregation. Joker seemed to have loved the beat -- and the message -- and I suspect the culture as well.
The congregation seemed to enjoy the message and its connectivity to the Feastday and the rites being celebrated. I reminded them that these sacraments are for all of us -- not just those being baptized and confirmed: we all have a state in these rites -- we all have a role and a responsibility. The approval I noticed on their faces was in sync with the baptisms that followed the homily -- the first time I've ever fully immersed an adult -- and serveral -- into the Church. Spontaneous applause accompanied the rites. I could not have asked for a more 'present' Church, a more supportive and prayerful congregation. That Mass: the welcoming spirit, the spirited music, the full and active participation, the 'welcome home' to our newest Catholics -- it all represented what brotherhood is all about. The guys made me feel proud that day; it will be a day remembered not simply by our neophites, but all in attendance, I am sure.
Shortly after the sacred rites, the Green Bay Correctional Institution would begin its longest emergency lockdown in the history of corrections in the state of Wisconsin. Unfortunately, the timing would not allow us to maximixe upon and continue the great spirit we all celebrated that day. However, since my return to the institution I realized that Joker, our translator, would be released soon. In fact, I started to offer my own "farewell discourse" to Joker at Mass today.
Before he leaves our institution, I will search for opportunities to remind him not only of St. Paul's conversion or the conversion of his fellow inmates who were received into the Church on 25 January 2007, but I will remind him that we are all called to conversion; humanity consists of a lifelong conversion of our ways -- sometimes only taking one step forward and two steps back. But we never give up on our persuit to a closer union with Christ, which always results in a closer union with one another! I pray for Joker's good -- inside the institution and on the streets as well. Let's pray for his success, and may he be reminded that, "The just man falls seven times, and seven times rises up.... Get Up!"
As young men enter the prison and as some are parolled, I'm never sure if my ministry there makes a difference -- only time will tell. But what can be said of the Packers, my Old Saint Joe's parishioners, my St. Norbert College students and my Norbertine brothers, can also be said of the inmates at GBCI: "God's flock is in your midst; give it a shepherd's care!"
Yours in Saint Norbert,
Father James Baraniak, O. Praem.
* The picture that accompanies MILESTONE I was obtained from FFUP: Forum for Understanding Prisons. For more information on how you can better understand life at GBCI and similar institutions please consult:
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A PASCHALTIDE INTERLUDE: Happy Ascension of Our Lord to One and All!
Dear Friends,
My thanks to those who have written and spoken to me about my blog that has been M. I. A. since Holy Saturday. Steve Jackups, Peggy Moran, my friends at St. Mary's and a few 'anonymous' writers have made their point -- it's time to update!
Now that the summer is here, hopefully I'll have some extra time; I plan on spending some of it here. In fact, I already have!
Enjoy the writings and enjoy the conclusion of our Easter Season as it approaches this Sunday. And yet in many ways, it's just the beginning!
Happy Ascension!
Father James Baraniak, O. Praem.
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At All Saints Day Mass a year and a half ago, I asked the faithful who gathered in our church to take a good look at the windows that surround our community of faithful who gather at Old Saint Joe's. The request seemed a bit strange given it was dark outside and the images embedded in stained glass (of our church heroes) were not easily recognizable. That was by design! Instead, I asked our students to consider the other windows! You see, in Old Saint Joseph Church, the windows were repositioned back in 1999 -- as such, every-other window is 'open' without a sacred image to adorn the space. We're "advertising space" in a sense!
I asked the congregation to imagine what those windows might look like if they were decorated with the images of Jessica Martin, Kyle Anderson and Ava Cimafranca. What stories would be told by those sacred images? And then I asked the congregation to imagine what our church would look like if those "open spaces" would bear the image of each and every one of us as we make our way towards the Communion of the Saints. Little did I know back then that in less that three years, all windows would bear images of our deceased students -- and that we would begin a second lap around the church!
Throughout these three years, we have lost so much; so many young lives filled with such vitality and promise. And yet, even amidst our losses, time and time again, we have seen how much we have to celebrate: so many good people [even today] who come to offer prayer, hope, life and love amidst such loss. Again today I have learned through the goodness of this community that good will always conquer over the bad; life always trumps death.
As our community begins the mourning process in these next few days, we do so in an Easter Spirit with this past Sunday's celebration of the Ascension of our Lord in mind. As we face our own Pentecost, we believe in mind and heart -- even amidst such loss -- that Christ ascended to the right hand of the Father -- "not to abandon us, but to be our hope." In essence, it's our belief in sacred scripture that, 'life has changed not ended.' And, 'Where Christ -- and Cassie -- have gone, we hope to follow." ...A reassurance that if we live like Christ and die with Christ, we shall also rise with Christ!
Dear friends, in our loss and in our consolation, let us remember especially this day: "God's flock is in your midst, give it a shepherd's care!"
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MILESTONE II: A College Community that Mourns, 25 July 2004 - Today!
During Holy Week and in anticipation of the Chrism Mass on Holy Tuesday, I considered the different milestones that have had a significant impact on my priesthood throughout these past 14 years. As you have read, the first three milestones -- for the most part -- indicated moments of great celebration. And yet, I also thought back then -- still mourning the loss of my dear student, Andy -- that the deaths of our students that the college community have suffered has become a significant aspect of my priesthood at Saint Norbert.
When appointed to Old Saint Joe's on 25 July 2004, I knew this ministry would be unique. A few tasks were placed before me: reduce the parish debt that was incurred upon the 1999 renovation; try to bring "year rounders" and students together, find a way to get more students involved in the Sunday evening Masses. I believe that through the hard work of our parish council, our parish staff, student workers and the goodness of our parishioners and students, that these tasks have been adequately addressed and that there is much to celebrate here beyond those goals -- and still there is much to be accomplished.
Nevertheless, what I did not expect was the task of burying so many students over these past three years. As I began to write this article -- this MILESTONE II -- earlier today, I was alerted to the news of the death of Cassie Voss, a student who just completed her junior year of study, who was killed in a tragic car accident in Nebraska en route to California. As Maymester students and faculty heard of our announcement earlier today, folks started to gather at the doors of my JMS office, hoping to engage in some sort of discussion to make sense of another tragic loss.
At All Saints Day Mass a year and a half ago, I asked the faithful who gathered in our church to take a good look at the windows that surround our community of faithful who gather at Old Saint Joe's. The request seemed a bit strange given it was dark outside and the images embedded in stained glass (of our church heroes) were not easily recognizable. That was by design! Instead, I asked our students to consider the other windows! You see, in Old Saint Joseph Church, the windows were repositioned back in 1999 -- as such, every-other window is 'open' without a sacred image to adorn the space. We're "advertising space" in a sense!
I asked the congregation to imagine what those windows might look like if they were decorated with the images of Jessica Martin, Kyle Anderson and Ava Cimafranca. What stories would be told by those sacred images? And then I asked the congregation to imagine what our church would look like if those "open spaces" would bear the image of each and every one of us as we make our way towards the Communion of the Saints. Little did I know back then that in less that three years, all windows would bear images of our deceased students -- and that we would begin a second lap around the church!
Throughout these three years, we have lost so much; so many young lives filled with such vitality and promise. And yet, even amidst our losses, time and time again, we have seen how much we have to celebrate: so many good people [even today] who come to offer prayer, hope, life and love amidst such loss. Again today I have learned through the goodness of this community that good will always conquer over the bad; life always trumps death.
As our community begins the mourning process in these next few days, we do so in an Easter Spirit with this past Sunday's celebration of the Ascension of our Lord in mind. As we face our own Pentecost, we believe in mind and heart -- even amidst such loss -- that Christ ascended to the right hand of the Father -- "not to abandon us, but to be our hope." In essence, it's our belief in sacred scripture that, 'life has changed not ended.' And, 'Where Christ -- and Cassie -- have gone, we hope to follow." ...A reassurance that if we live like Christ and die with Christ, we shall also rise with Christ!
Dear friends, in our loss and in our consolation, let us remember especially this day: "God's flock is in your midst, give it a shepherd's care!"
+ Jessica Martin
+ Kyle Anderson
+ Ava Cimafranca
+ Irwin Cotrell
+ Kevin Fallon
+ Ryan Gallagher
+ Leslie Kroschel
+ Alya Sami
+ Andy Domagola
+ Cassie Voss -- 21 May 2007
Eternal Rest grant unto them, O Lord,
And let perpetual light shine upon them!
In the Easter Hope of Pentecost,
Father James Baraniak, O. Praem.
