Thanks, Allie and Saul, for a Trip Down Memory Lane -- Lourdes Avenue!

As I mentioned in an earlier blog, this summer has been a summer of weddings for me. Often times I am presiding over two weddings each weekend -- this weekend [today], only one. Today I had the privilege of presiding over the wedding of Allie VandeHei and Saul Van Lanen. Because Allie is a daughter of Lourdes parish and a recent graduate of St. Norbert College, I have known Allie for the majority of her wonderful life. In fact, I not only know her, but her parents as well. I consider Dave and Ann to be good friends; but I also know all of Allie's grandparents -- the VandeHei's and the Baeten's are good friends of our local parishes, of SNC and SNA as well.

Unfortunately, I do not know Saul quite as well as Allie. Nevertheless, on all counts he seems to be a great guy -- a person of incredible integrity; so I suspect, hope and pray that this will be a lasting endeavor -- bolstered by their families of origin and the Church as well. But what I did not expect was that so many young folks from Lourdes -- former students from Lourdes Elementary -- would be present for the nuptial event.

During the Liturgy of the Word, I took an opportunity to quietly survey the congregation that gathered at Old Saint Joe's at 4:00 PM tonight. The church was filled with so many young folks who were grade school student at Lourdes during my formative priestly days as I served the parish as their associate pastor. As a means to get to know each kid by name, I served lunch to each and every kid in the parochial school each and every day during my years there. It was a quick and easy way to get to know their names -- and their temperaments as well!

Today, many of those kids gathered for the 4:00 PM Wedding Ceremony. At the conclusion of our liturgy, I thanked Allie and Saul for allowing me to preside over their wedding, but also -- given the congregation that gathered -- I thanked them for taking me on a trip down memory lane -- or at least, down Lourdes Avenue!

Throughout the ceremony, I noticed how much so many of these kids -- now adults -- have grown - in years, in size, in confidence and in grace. I instantly recalled memories of their First Communions, First Confessions, graduation from Our Lady of Lourdes Elementary and their Confirmation as well. Now, I have the wonderful grace to celebrate in their wedding celebration. In fact, I encountered another young student from Lourdes who asked me if I would attend his wedding celebration which is on the horizon for next year -- I have the privilege of knowing four generations of his good family!

Upon returning to the priory after the wedding, I noticed the DVD on my shelf which is entitled, "SLEEPERS." As you know, I relate many things in life to an already released DVD! In this case, I considered the DVD which stars Robert De Niro as a local parish priest. [Could there be anything cooler in life that that?] Robert, who plays, "Father Bobby" is called upon to represent in criminal court four of his parishioners who have gotten into a bit of trouble in life -- after so many years have separated them from their Catholic grade school experience. Because Fr. Bobby has been the only "father figure" many of these kids knew, he would continue to support them throughout their post-adolescent formative years.

Our story here is different than the Hollywood version of the Catholic parochial neighborhood in 1980's Bronx. The students who gathered at OSJ today have families who remain in tact. Their parents remain married, they continue to give to their church, the have stayed great friends with grade and high school classmates over the years. Sadly, after leaving the grade school, their relationship with Church often changes. Perhaps today they may not need their priests as much as they may have needed earlier on, unless a sacramental milestone such as today's approaches. And yet, today was a day to remember as a blessed past and a current situation wherein we recall how our church involvement in the past created a firm foundation which -- through the Grace of God -- gathered us together again, amidst one of the most holy and memorable days of their lives.

I have to admit, I felt pretty old today -- seeing these kids, now in the prime of their lives; knowing I am so much older than them! And yet it was a wonderful day, realizing that we could minister to each other so many years later as Church once again. Their needs have changed -- my ability to tend to their souls has changed as well. But it seemed so right earlier today. I am grateful that I am a priest who belongs to a religious order -- a religious family -- who ministers to a local church in any number of ways and at so many apostolates. Long ago, it was serving food in the cafeteria at Lourdes, preaching at the children's Masses on Thursdays. Today it consists of presiding over their weddings. What's next, their children's baptisms? Their parents' funerals? Who's to know? But serving in one local community over the entirety of my priesthood places me in a blessed position, reminding me daily that among the young and the old -- good friends from the past and people with whom I have yet to connect, "God's flock is in your midst, give it a shepherd's care!"

Father James Baraniak, O. Praem.

read more

SEEKING SANCTUARY -- Perhaps a Bit Further South

For several years now I've enjoyed my workout on the Fox River Trail. I wish my triathlon consisted of running, biking and swimming, as it does with many athletes. However, my triathlon is a bit different: I begin my trek on the trail by a steady jog which lasts for just a few moments, not miles. Before long the jog turns into a pretty brisk walk. An hour later I'm finally crawling back to my car! Because I'm often crafting letters in my mind or working on homilies or this blog while on the trail, and because I want to spare people from calling 911 as they see me run, I try my best to avoid the public while doing my 'therapy.' Towards that end, I usually drive out to Heritage Road over by Legends; I park the car there and then head south. The trail is gravel as I make my way out to the trestle beyond Old Martin Road. I'm the one donned in the black jogging attire. No, that's not due to my clerical state, but rather because I'm trying to catch a few extra rays -- the sun is attracted to those wearing black. Quite honestly, I'm usually the only one wearing such a drab color in the recent 90 degree weather!

Beyond avoiding the public on the trail, I also like the serene nature of this stretch of the route. Because of fewer walkers, runners and bikers at this point, other creatures seem to get their exercise on this stretch of property as well. There are rabbits and bunnies galore; many squirrels -- as you can imagine; I've encountered many, many deer over the years, and I've even come into contact with two skunks -- that freaked me out to say the least. Given the smell that sometimes exists on the trail, I would suspect that others may have encountered them as well -- in less friendlier circumstances, perhaps!

I have not been on the trail this week now that my route is closed on weekdays due to maintenance. While out there on Saturday, I could tell that there's quite a bit of work taking place on my most frequented stretch of the trail. While watching the news I've discovered that the stretch of the trail that I use most will now be covered by a nice layer of asphalt. In fact, some folks are now taking up a collection [we clergy aren't the only one's who do that, so it seems!] to continue pavement beyond Rockland Road all the way out to Old Martin. So, I have a bit of a dilemma; do I enjoy the new digs and take advantage of the trail's new luxury surface, or do I flee even further south to seek the greater solitude and quiet -- along with my critter friends?

This week's therapy has given me a bit of an answer -- albeit by surprise. Needing to avoid the trail construction, I've been hitting the treadmill in the priory each A.M. after Morning Prayer. The room has been like a sauna this past week, and there's not much to see out the window given the arrangement of the workout furniture. But there is good news. The TV in the workout room now works! It's a pretty new TV, but I haven't been able to get a picture since it was purchased. I suspect Father Tim may have pushed a few buttons while he uses the room -- somehow it just works now -- so that's a welcome distraction from staring at the walls. ...Or is it?


On Monday I tuned on the Today Show and guess what, "Today's throwing a wedding!" Again? You've got to be kidding. Now I realize that weddings are a Sacrament of the Church -- they were "instituted by Christ," as we believe. But I often preside over two weddings each weekend -- here at Old Saint Joe's and a couple on the road this summer for recent graduates. Actually, I really enjoy doing so. But watching these total strangers on TV gear up for the best dress and tux; stuffing their faces to taste the perfect cake; getting an artist's rendering to determine if the bee hive or the Paris Hilton hairdo accentuates or distracts from the bride's best look for a five minute skip down the Rockefeller Plaza --- it's just too much to endure. Skipping to other channels is even worse! All of a sudden, I miss the spray of the skunk, the stench of the DePere compost fields -- I never thought I'd think it, "Green acres is the place for me. Farm livin' is the life for me. Land spreadin' out so far and wide, keep Manhattan, just give me that countryside."


Hitting the trail is my therapy. Hopefully it aides in my physical condition. But beyond the exercise, it does get me away for some peaceful quiet time. As I've said here before, it is as much of a theological, spiritual and cognitive pursuit as it is physical. And sometimes it's homiletic as well. While out there on the former train route, I often think of the Rob Reiner classic, "Stand By Me" released back in 1986. The movie is the re-telling of the book, "The Body" wherein four buddies walk the railroad tracks in search of a dead body, hoping to receive a reward for finding the missing person. As the story unfolds they realize that in their search for a corpse, they actually end up finding themselves. Well on the Fox River Trail, I'm not searching for any corpses, thanks be to God. But in a search for the right words for a letter, a homily or the next blog, I often find people who add a pleasant beginning to a new day as they wave, say hello or simply catch my eye offering a rushed smile. Sometimes they inspire me to find something to think about, write about or talk about. Their story helps me find my story, and for that, I'm most grateful. Strangers becoming friends on the journey, they remind me even in DePere's wilderness -- in solitude or in company, "God's flock is in your midst, give it a shepherd's care!"


Enjoy the sun and the drier weather, folks! ...And, oh yes, "Happy Trails!"

Father James Baraniak, O. Praem.

read more

"Sometimes You Want to Go Where Everybody Knows Your Name!"

Every now and then, while visiting my family in Antigo, I decide it's time to head over to the Hair Shack on Superior Street in the midst of my native downtown. It's always a pleasurable experience. Nevertheless, it's a bit tragic how I've gotten to the point that the travel time to see Lyn Sanders at DePere's Classic Dimensions or Denny and Mary at Antigo's Hair Shack takes much more time than the cutting itself! In fact, I sometimes stop in to simply see what's happening around town. (After all, most barbers and hair stylists hear more confessions than your average Catholic priest; and they're not bound!)

I know what some of you might be thinking: the sight of me getting a hair cut takes you on a trip down memory lane that is reminiscent of the tacky skit from Hee Haw (of very unhappy memory) where at the guy sits in the chair for a trim, has the tarp thrown over him, the barber stands with scissors in hand and does absolutely nothing. After catching up on all the gossip, the tarp is collected and the customer moves on looking exactly the same as when he entered, but filled with sooo much more knowledge! So it is with me.

While it's always good to see what's new in the homeland, I have to say that not much has changed. And for a person who truly cherished his upbringing, that's good news! The barber shop looks the same; our high school graduation pictures are still posted on the back bar representing the 80's, 90's and AHS graduates over these past 7 years as well. Denny was my boyhood barber -- joined at work in the 80's by his wife, Mary. I've discovered that the candy is even stuffed in the same drawer below the cash register as it always was. And what's surprising is that I even pay the same amount there that I spent throughout my childhood. (I suspect that's Denny and Mary's generous 'clergy discount'!) The only thing that is different is that Mary and Denny no longer ask me to hop up on the upholstered board that used to be placed upon the chair's arms. They denied me that honor about five years ago!


Denny and Mary have a true gift -- they are like very successful soap opera producers who can plug into your life even after years and years' absence; and somehow the two make it seem as though you were there in that chair just three weeks ago. While in the chair we catch up on the local news, talk about my parents' activities; I hear how wonderful my siblings are; I get caught up in the Antigo Red Robin / Merrill Blue Jay rivalry; and occasionally I encounter faces of classmates who have remained in town. It's the only place where I'd ever go and allow a person to place a razor-sharp blade against my neck and somehow I still feel at ease. That's what going home is all about!


This past Sunday, I had a similar experience -- just east of the Hair Shack. I went home for Father's Day, but arrived a bit earlier than expected. Because the house was pretty full and I did not want to wake any niece or nephew, I decided I'd pop into St. John the Evangelist for the 9AM Mass. I had not planned on doing so, that was apparent by my attire: jogging clothes. I was, I surmise, the worst dressed person in church. But being 'out of uniform,' I suspected no one would recognize me. That anonymity lasted until Father's opening greeting, asking us to greet those around us. Upon turning around, some lady -- I did not catch her name -- said, "Welcome home, Father!" I wanted to crawl into the monthly OCP missallette.


Once I got over the clothing issue, I simply tried to focus on the Mass. Boy was that a blast from the past! Over the past several years I have presided at St. John's to fill in for the Antigo patriarch, Father Charlie Hoffmann, who has served at the church for the past 28 years. Trust me, he has tremendously large shoes to fill. He is one of my favorite priestly role models, so taking his place while he golfs in Arizona is a bit of a head trip for me. But this Sunday, I was trying to "blend in" with the congregation, being ministered to by Fr. Charlie like so many times in my formative years.


It was just like the Hair Shack: all was well, it was home, indeed! Today when people ask me, "Father Jim, where's home for you?" I'm quick to respond, "DePere!" even though I know they mean 'home-of-origin.' I immediately respond 'DePere' because of so many good people who have welcomed me like family. I am truly happy here. But I love to go back to my other home -- to see family -- the closest people in my life, my former classmates, the customers at the Hair Shack and the parishioners at St. John as well as at Ss. Mary & Hyacinth. The trips to the native land are more frequent during the summer -- in the course of the school year and the NFL season, those trips are few and far between. Nevertheless, I often think, "You can take Jim out of Antigo, but you'll never take the Antigo out of him!" You'll see how true that is when you see me donning the "ANTIGO" hoodie in the fall and winter, when you encounter my ANTIGO afghan on my couch in the priory, or when you drop your chin when you encounter the ANTIGO population sign in my JMS office. [That's an entirely different blog!]

The gospels remind us how Jesus had a tough time going home, "No prophet is without honor except in his native place." My story has been different. Obviously that's because I'm no prophet. But it's also true because of the goodness of the folks up north. "Sometimes you want to go where everybody knows your name!" For me, that's Antigo -- where the good people who live there were the first people to teach me, "God's flock is in your midst; give it a shepherd's care!"


Happy first day of summer, folks! In your time off, consider taking a trip up north -- you won't regret it; you won't forget it!


Father James Baraniak, O. Praem.

read more

Thanks, Father Carr, For Giving So Many People, "A Place 2B!"

Over the years I've gotten to know the majority of diocesan priests who serve the faithful of the Green Bay Catholic Diocese. Unfortunately, there is one priest I've heard so much about -- and have even read of his great achievements -- but have never had the opportunity to meet. That fine person is Father Marty Carr. Father Carr died this past Father's Day after a prolonged illness attributed to diabetes. The tributes on screen and written in many local newspapers honoring this good person have been numerous; but the most intriguing and impressive tributes, I believe, were voiced and embodied at my Thursday morning Masses at the Green Bay Correctional Institute over these past few weeks. Inmates attending the 8:15 and the 9:30 Masses have approached me before and after the Masses to give me updates on the kind priest's condition. And yet, the "Prayer of Petition" offered at the 9:30 Mass last week is what really caught my attention.

At that particular Mass, one of my parishioners offered his own prayer for his priestly friend, "For a quick and speedy recovery for Father Carr. I thank God for the kindness he has shown to me and so many of us in the Oshkosh area." The prayer seemed heartfelt -- similar to a prayer you'd hear invoked at any parish church. But what really caught my intention was the crackling in his voice, the pause in his speech, and the flow of tears running immediately down his cheeks.

Over these past eight years at GBCI, I suspect I've seen and heard it all. The inmates are very open and honest in their conversations with me. And yes, their intercessions are usually quite personal -- very honest -- incredibly conciliatory. However, last week's intercession was different. It is the ONLY TIME I have encountered a bit of a 'breakdown' in the public forum at the maximum security prison. Most men at the institution would consider such emotion as weakness -- and as I've said before, it's not all that often that one is willing to allow himself to show such 'weakness' [from their perspective] in such a public way.

As I listened to the prayers and observed the emotion over these past few weeks -- amidst the peak of Father Carr's illness -- I realize that I did not have an opportunity to meet the man many of the inmates consider to be truly holy! Nevertheless, it will be an honor and a privilege to offer Mass for Father Marty Carr at GBCI this Thursday amidst those who knew him best and loved him most. Until then, rest in peace, faithful friend of God. May the Angels now lead you into paradise to the New and Eternal Jerusalem where all are welcomed, where all are loved, and where all are One!

Father James Baraniak, O. Praem.

read more

HERE AND NOW: A Pastoral Statement on Youth by Joseph Cardinal Bernardin, Autumn 1994

Coke Colstad, Old Saint Joe's out-going Parish Council Chair, was impressed that I used an image of one of our beautiful Innsbruck stained glass windows to illustrate my Trinity Sunday homily a few weeks back. She was doubly impressed that I also used a reference from a book for my homily; thus far, I've only quoted from, "Entertainment Weekly!" It's a tough crowd, folks!

Since that Sunday, many of you have asked for the reference that I quoted during Mass. I've loved much of what Cardinal Bernardin has written, taught and preached, especially during my seminarian days at the theologate nestled in the heart of the Archdiocese of Chicago. The reference I used is printed in the Liturgical Press'"Selected Works of Joseph Cardinal Bernardin, Homilies and Teaching Documents." The Cardinal stated the following,


I remember hearing this message at the Youth Hearings -- it came through very loudly and very clearly. there was a great desire on the part of the people who participated in those hearings to be more involved in the life and ministry of the Church. But somehow, they felt this was not happening. The feel that the doors are physically open, but they don't feel that they really belong. And, as I listened, I think they feel that, in many instances, everything that is done in the Church -- is geared toward adults, older people, or very young children, and that teenagers -- those of you who are in the middle -- are somehow overlooked. People keep telling you, "You're the future of the Church," and so, the impression is given that you don't have to do anything right now. Well, that's not true, as you know. You're a part of the Church HERE AND NOW and you have a contribution to make. You've got responsibilities in the Church. But it is up to us, who are leaders in the Church, to make sure that the opportunities are presented to you, that you are invited to take part in the life and ministry of the Church."


Old Saint Joseph Church houses a very unique, gifted parish made up of all sorts of talented young people. You are a major aspect of what makes OSJ such a wonderful place. I thank you, our youth, for your presence and action at our liturgies. 1 Timothy 4 sums it up nicely,


"11Command and teach these things. 12Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity. 13Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching. 14Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through a prophetic message when the body of elders laid their hands on you.

15Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress. 16Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers."


For all you do -- but most especially for all that you are, your fellow parishioners give thanks and praise to God!

Father James Baraniak, O. Praem.

read more

BUILDING BRIDGES Across the Fox River and Beyond!

Have you noticed that travel is moving much, much slower on DePere's Claude Allouez Bridge? Not just because of the obvious construction taking place over the Fox River, but there's a bit of a "gaper's block," to coin a Chicago phrase, taking place on the bridge. Everyone who crosses the bridge seems to look south to see what's up on the new bridge's progress.

Such was the case as I was headed back to the college on Tuesday afternoon, making my way to the priory after my Fox River Trail therapy. At 4:30 in the afternoon, I encountered my Norbertine brother, Father Gery Meehan, O. Praem., walking the bridge headed home for 5:00 PM Evening Prayer.

Father Gery has walked the streets of DePere for years now, making his way to St. Mary's for a quarter of a century for sacramental assistance at our neighboring parish; headed to the Abbey for Canonry business; and in recent years, walking over 4 miles to St. Wille's for bilingual Masses at our downtown church. On Tuesday afternoon, Gery was a bit loaded down, carrying a nice-sized package, all wrapped up with a fancy bow to top off the gift. Driving past Gery, I felt like a contestant on Let's Make a Deal, wondering what Father Monte Hall had wrapped up in that impressive looking package. Given Gery's many friends that he has cultivated in the high school and parish apostolates over the years, I could not help but wonder if someone was giving Gery a token of their appreciation for any number of cool things Gery does for so many. And while the faithful of DePere / Green Bay have been so generous to Gery over the years -- especially his students -- I am sure the gift was purchased by Gery for some unsuspecting person whom Gery would eventually surprise with his characteristic generosity.

Father Gery Meehan, O. Praem. is a true giver. He never takes; in fact he is quite uncomfortable and even embarrassed in doing so. But he is the first to give. Over these past 20 years since I've been in the Order, I've become very aware of how Gery gives of his time, talent and meager religious income to make someone else feel noticed, special, loved.

As I crossed the bridge during Tuesday's rush hour, I felt a deep since of pride seeing him in his characteristic simplicity, walking the Claude Allouez Bridge with what I am sure was an out-going package that would eventually make someone's day a bit more special. We priest's have suffered a bit of a hit over the years given the bad press we have received in light of the sexual abuse scandals. Yes, we need to be accountable for our offenses and take responsibility for such actions. But in our understandable anger, we sometimes fail to notice the good that is exercised by many good priests, Norbertines included! The scene on the bridge yesterday was a reminder of those good men who knock themselves out doing good for others. Gery embodies such goodness; he reminds me what I learned as a young boy watching out-dated Westerns, "Good guys wear white!" Gery does that not only in word, but in his generous, self-emptying action aimed at others as well. "God's flock is in our midst." You can be assured that Father Gery Meehan, O. Praem. and many of his brothers will do their best to, "Give it a shepherd's care!"

Yours in the Bond,


Father James Baraniak, O. Praem.

read more

BUSTED BY THE BLOG: By a Doctor Who Makes House Calls!

I had just finished doing my therapy on the Fox River Trail when I returned to the Priory to get cleaned up before heading to the office. While at home, I noticed the message light was blinking on my phone. Upon retrieving the message, I thought as though the number of the caller seemed familiar. Sure enough, it was a call from Dr. Gray -- one of the people featured in my most recent blog.

Dr. John left a message suggesting that I give him a call because he heard that I was in some pain and that he's willing to help me out. Well, to be perfectly exact, Dr. John "read" that I was in pain -- he referred to this blog site and mentioned he had read my recent entry.

Now I am aware that there are several friends from St. Mary's Hospital Medical Center who read this blog quite frequently. Now I'm getting a 'house call' from a doctor from Aurora Bay Care -- I'm wondering, "Who's all out there reading this stuff, and how did you find out about this site?" (I better watch what I write!)

I must say that a call from John Gray is totally characteristic of his kindness. I became friends with John and Ann when I served at his parish, Our Lady of Lourdes. I've been blessed to be around long enough to see the Gray children, Molly, David and Jackson grow up. In fact, Molly stopped by the office last Friday afternoon as she was wrapping up a summer school course for the week here at the college. Every day I see the Gray family picture here on my office bulletin board, but I haven't seen Molly for a couple of years now. Molly was simply beautiful this past Friday --as I suspected she would be. Her kindness, charm and beauty are obvious a mile away. I have no doubt that we will see her name in lights some day, she's just that good at what she does (not unlike her mom). David will soon be making his way to our hockey rivals up at St. John's (following in his dad's footsteps) and Jack will be heating up the ice for the Tritons as he continues at Notre Dame Academy. But then there's John!

In the midst of my pain in the neck, I immediately thought of John -- no pun intended! But then I realized that he would give me heck for not being on the trail as much as I should be. The way I see it, I have two months to get in shape before John sees me while we board the plane for Packer travel. It is my hope that by then, he'll have less to nag me about!

So John, I am most grateful for your very kind call today; be assured that I will return it later today. And yes, I am avoiding you for the time being. But that won't be long because I have a new Packer vestment arriving and I will not wear it until I travel many, many more miles on the trail -- those sorts of mind games work well for me, so we will meet up soon -- I promise!

In closing, thanks to all who have been so kind over this past week -- I appreciate your kindness. It seems as though so many of you realize that, "God's flock is in your midst...." ...You know what to do!


Father James Baraniak, O. Praem.


I'm wondering if I am avoiding Dr. Gray and his office in a similar way as some may avoid me in the confessional? All those things that trip our triggers! I'll have to think about that one!

read more

With All Due Respect, Last Weekend's Masses Were a Pain in the Neck!

So now that the title has grabbed your attention, I must say that the "pain in the neck" is not a statement of attitude, but of my physical condition these past couple of weeks. You see four years ago as I was celebrating Tim Shinkten's Confirmation Mass (where I served as his sponsor), I felt as though I was having a heart attack. Intense pain was shooting down my left arm while my right hand fell asleep with that "tingling" feeling. Unfortunately, I do not remember much from that Mass; I just wanted to get out of there as quickly as possible. It was time to give an urgent call to Dr. John Gray.

Dr. Gray did not seem to be as concerned as I was; he's extraordinarily laid back, you know. And while he was putting me at ease to some extent, his dismissing my self-diagnosis was a concern for me. He blew off my diagnosis to inform me that it sounds as though I have a slipped disk or a pinched nerve. John ordered an MRI which confirmed his hypothesis -- that's why he gets paid the big bucks -- me, not so much!

The MRI reported that I have major disturbance in the pink zone (Cervical Vertebrae) depicted in the picture above. Specifically, there is damage in disks 4 - 7, 5 & 6 being the worse. Back then, I was told I have three options: 1. Undergo neck surgery. 2. Have a series of cortisone shots to dull the pain. 3. Just hold tight and wait until it works itself out. Honestly now, what would you choose? I chose door # 3, and sure enough, the pain went away. But a week or so ago, now four years later, it came back with a vengeance!

For the most part, I can handle the pain during the day. There are so many issues, activities and appointments that serve as a very welcome distraction from the constant pain. However, the pain seemed unbearable at Neil and Hannah's wedding rehearsal last Friday night. My dear friend and wedding hostess, Carole Guyette, was there to encourage me, to "hold my hand," and make a referral to see someone whom she thought could assist me in my physical need.

The wedding on Saturday was not as painful as I thought -- and that's not a commentary on Neil and Hannah's goodness. They're very kind people. But Sunday's Mass was quite uncomfortable, especially when I raised the newly baptized, Grace Suxanne Olejniczak, high above the congregation. It wasn't until after Mass that I looked at the notations and realized that baby Grace was born back in January -- by now she was "full of Grace" and was too heavy for me to lift as high as I would like! After that moment, I was afraid to encounter the elevations at Mass. I was fearful that I'd drop to the ground!

While the pain during the day has been constant, I must say it is not as intense as it is during the evening. Immediately upon hitting the bed, I am racked with pain. Perhaps worst of all is that there are no distractions. I venture out of my room to find the priory completely darkened and silent -- the brothers have all settled down for a little nap before Morning Prayer. Watching re-runs of the evening line up on Fox News Channel or watching Jay Leno twice just doesn't cut it. Infomercials? Forget it. The nights have been terrible. Having become exhausted with a week of being "Sleepless in DePere," I decided to get help on Monday morning.

After examining the MRI reports from four years ago coupled with about twenty x-rays taken on Monday, the doctor thought I was in some sort of an accident years ago. I replied, "negative!" The thought that I was involved in some serious sports injury simply made me smile and think, "wouldn't that make for a cool Packer homily?" Not a chance! Quite honestly, while the x-rays show some serious concern, I have no recollection of any injury that would have caused such damage.

But then the doctor asked me to consider some "bad habits" that might have caused such damage over the years. I did not have to think long before I came up with several bad habits that are undoubtedly the cause of my neck injury. They include, but are not limited to the following:

1. PACKER TRAVEL! For the past 10 years, I have loaded up my Nike Packer NFL duffel bag, complete with shoulder strap. The bag has got to be close to 40 pounds if not more as I travel with a lead chalice and patten, sacramentary, lectionary, Mass wine flask, electric shaver, habit, vestments, running shoes, bellytelly, Batman-the-Series DVDs, book of the day, a month's worth of Entertainment Weeklys, civilian clothes, clerical clothing. Pretty senseless for an overnighter, isn't it? Naturally, that bag is strapped consistently over my left shoulder -- never the right side!

2. FEELING PARCHED! Both in my office and at the priory, I have one of those honkin' Culligan water coolers with a five gallon jug of water crowning the apparatus. So every-other-week I'm headed to Festival Foods to hand in my empty and pick up my new jug. Guess where that goes? While holding my groceries in my right hand, the five gallon jug is lodged on my left shoulder tucked in the corner between my shoulder and neck. It looks rather manly [perhaps], but now I'm realizing how stupid this is.

3. CARRYING THE CROSS! I hope that does not sound flippant, but it's true: I've been bearing the cross for the people of Old Saint Joe's! While readying the church environment for Lent, Easter and Graduation Sunday, I have helped carry the new crosses (in the bell tower and the Good Friday cross) from location to location. And yes, you guessed it, I have propped up this cross over my left shoulder. Mel Gibson would consider me a stand in if the Gospel had a sequel!

At the time, these occurrences seemed so very natural. Now I'm paying the price. This week I have missed much of the annual June Chapter. I'm at the doctor's office each day stretching here, bending there -- getting shot with that hammer gun everywhere! When at home, I am iced four times a day. And then when I do get to the meetings, I'm pretty much distracted by the nasty sensations that are lightening up but not going away as of yet. So time will tell.

So why do I share all of this with you? Well first of all, if I do not raise the newly baptized or the Book of Gospels as high as I normally do, or if I flash a few grimaces at Mass every now and then, you'll know what's up. But I share it with you also to let know know that so many of you are so kind in sharing with me all of the crosses you bear, all of the issues you confront. I feel blessed that you would share so much of your personal selves with me. It is my honor and privilege to keep you in thought and prayer amidst your physical, relational, emotional, spiritual issues. I simply thought it would be appropriate for me to share with you a personal issue I am confronting these days, while humbly asking for you to think of me and pray for my good as well.

So there you have it, walking the journey together in good times and bad, in sickness or health, being Church to one another. Keeping in mind that, "God's flock is in your midst, give it a shepherd's care!"


Happy Feast of Saint Norbert!

Father James Baraniak, O. Praem.

read more

THE SOLEMNITY OF OUR HOLY FATHER, SAINT NORBERT: 6 June 2007

On Christmas Day, 1121, after spending a year in prayer and meditation, Norbert and his followers made their first profession of vows, thus founding the Canons Regular of Premontre, also known as the Premonstratensians or Norbertines. The men and women vowed to seek Christ by living in common, sharing all things in holy poverty, and dedicating themselves to ministering to God’s People. Norbert held up the example of the first Christians gathered around Mary, whose community life, as described in Acts 2: 42-47, was marked by the power of the Spirit, the sharing of all things and the desire to serve others. Norbert’s dream continues to find expression almost 900 years later in the lives and ministries of his followers throughout the world, imitating the Jerusalem Christian community in a life "ever ancient, ever new."


Happy Feast of Saint Norbert, Everyone! I'll update the blog once I'm released from Chapter this week! Together with the brothers, 'just living the dream!'

read more

A TRUE DESPERADO -- And He's All Ours at Old Saint Joe's!

Perhaps you have not seen him enter the church lately with his wonderful wife Shannon at his side, with Michaela holding one hand as he carefully balances Hannah in the other! No, we haven't heard his wonderful voice in our choir lately, either! That's because our dear friend and parishioner Chris Greisen -- a Sturgeon Bay native -- is taking arena league football by storm.

As you watch him succeed on the field, you will come to know that his successes in football is not simply a byproduct of his obvious athletic endurance or his great knowledge of football. His successes are also due to the support of a very caring and loving family back here in Door County as well as the love and support that comes from the three closest women in his life.


And if that is not enough of a firm foundation, I cannot help but think that it is Chris' great determination and his love for God and the People of God that empowers him to live and give life to its fullest!


Chris and I have been exchanging voice-mail messages lately: I hope we can make contact soon because we have much to catch up on. Nevertheless, Chris wishes us well and has mentioned that he truly misses his Sunday mornings at Old Saint Joe's -- he also misses singing in the choir -- both as a solo and as a duet with one of his little daughters rising high above on congregation bolstered upon Chris' shoulders.


I truly miss Chris, Shannon and the girls. They have become close friends over the years, and I miss their presence in our church, Shannon's great cooking and some provocative wonderful, spiritual conversations with Chris. The Greisen's are very good people, and I am honored that they consider all of us at Old Saint Joe's to be 'family' at their home away from home in Northeast Wisconsin. Here's an update on Chris' status in the Arena Football League, courtesy Arena Football League:


AFL NOTES: In the search for a quarterback with indoor experience to battle for the starting job last season, the Desperados signed Chris Greisen on Oct. 18, 2004. After an intense competition through the 2005 training camp, Greisen was the backup quarterback behind Clint Stoerner as an AFL rookie last season. Greisen will return as the backup, but will look to better learn the nuances of playing quarterback in the AFL behind starter Clint Dolezel. Greisen - who has spent time with NFL and NFL Europe teams - was the second-rated signal caller in af2 in 2004. In addition to bringing knowledge of the angles and speed of the indoor game to Dallas, he also brings consistency as displayed by his accuracy and toughness at every level he has played.

AFL 2005: Greisen settled in as the backup quarterback and saw time in 14 games for Dallas. He became the club's holder on PAT and field goal attempts from Week Two. OTHER PRO EXPERIENCE: 2004 - Greisen gained indoor experience playing for the Green Bay Blizzard of af2. In 10 games, he finished second in the league with 2,718 passing yards, 61 touchdowns and 10 interceptions on 183-of-311 passing. 2003 - Greisen signed with the Rhein Fire of NFL Europe and connected on 76-of-131 passes for 843 yards, 10 touchdowns and five interceptions. 2002 - Greisen returned to training camp with the Arizona Cardinals but was released at the end of preseason. He signed to the Washington Redskins practice squad Dec. 18, where he remained for the last two weeks of the season. 2001 - In his third season in Arizona, Greisen was inactive for all 16 games as the team's third quarterback. 2000 - Greisen saw time in two games for Arizona as a reserve quarterback, completing six-of-10 passes for 65 yards and a touchdown. 1999 - After being drafted in the seventh round (239th overall) by the Arizona Cardinals in the NFL Draft, Greisen played in two games and was the emergency quarterback in 12 contests. He completed one-of-six passes for four yards.

COLLEGE: Greisen was a two-year starter and two-time All-America selection as he led Northwest Missouri State to the NCAA Division-II national championship. He finished his Bearcat career as the school record holder with 5,731 yards passing and 51 touchdown. As a senior, he shattered school single-season records by completing 200-of-332 passes for 2,937 yards and 25 touchdowns to earn All-America, All-Missouri Intercollegiate Athletic Association first team and conference offensive player of the year honors. In his first year as the starter, Greisen earned All-America first team and All-MIAA honors after connecting on 155-of-272 passes for 2,456 yards, 23 touchdowns and seven interceptions. As a sophomore, Greisen appeared in eight games as a reserve, completing 15- of-28 passes for 284 yards and one touchdown, earning Academic All-MIAA honors. As a true freshman, Greisen saw time in eight games as a reserve, hitting 13-of-31 passes for 178 yards and three scores. He also punted three times for 111 yards (37-yard average).

PERSONAL: A two-time all-conference selection at quarterback for Sturgeon Bay, Wisc., High School, Greisen also earned all-region honors for Sturgeon Bay's basketball team. Born July 2, 1976, Greisen earned a degree in physical education with a minor in mathematics. Greisen runs the Chris Greisen Quarterback Academy during the season at Texas Stadium and through the offseason in Green Bay, Wisc. Greisen and his wife, Shannon, have two daughters, Michaela and Hannah.

read more