“Parish missions are times of God’s grace, which can unfold throughout the year.”

Those words or something close to them were spoken as words of introduction at masses recently when I was in Baton Rouge. I know they are proving true for me.

I had the great privilege to be among the people of St. Jean Vianney in Baton Rouge for a mission called “Reality Living.”

Fr. Matt Lorrain, former pastor, invited me last spring to do this. I got a little nervous when I heard Fr. Matt was re-assigned (see Nov 9 blog). I was greatly relieved to know that Fr. Tom Ranzino was the new pastor. Soon after getting to the new parish, Fr. Tom called me to make sure things were still good.

The people of the parish were welcoming and affirming. There were 250-300 people every night as I used some current “reality” TV shows to look at our lives and where God is in all of that—to possibly see if there is a DIFFERENT reality (the mystery of faith).

I got to see old friends. What a support to see familiar faces when you’re a little nervous! I am grateful to Steve V., Charles and Wendy J., as well as Adele and Henry L. for visiting with me; it was a great help to settle me down.

One of the graces for me was getting to visit and enjoy the company of Fr. Tom Ranzino and Msgr. Doug Doussan. Msgr. Doussan is pastor of St. Gabriel’s Church in New Orleans. His parish (not just the church) was under a considerable amount of water. There is no electricity and he has been staying with Fr. Ranzino since Katrina.

I felt joy and privilege to be with 2 fine priests, who are, in my mind, holy men. Not because of their priesthood, but more so because of their faithfulness in serving people. I wish people who have doubts or concerns about priesthood, or who have been hurt by priests, could see the demeanor, joie de vivre and brotherhood and the example of these 2 men.

Msgr. Doug still keeps a busy schedule…when I arrived on Saturday to speak about the mission at the masses, he and Fr. Tom were getting all of the supplies together for a mass that was going to be held at St. Gabriel’s (even with no electricity!). Over 300 people, including some St. Jean Vianney parishioners (who have been helping in the rebuilding process), came to mass. I am impressed with the leadership of Msgr. Doug (and so many others who are working with him) TO STAY CONNECTED in his “virtual” parish.

I am so impressed with Fr. Tom, who gentle manner and attention to detail amid the demands of a busy parish, simply amaze me. His days, during my time there, were so full and I was tired for him! He is a gifted liturgist. He most impressed me by his manner of helping Msgr. Doug and the people of St. Gabriel’s. The support of the people of that parish is a tangible example of the mystery of faith and the mystical body of Christ. I got to see the very things I was talking about at the mission right in front of my face. And that is a grace.

There were so many kind parishioners there, who shared their won stories of faith with me. Those enriched me too. One family came to all three nights of the mission—before I got back to the rectory after the third night I found an e-mail from a parishioner with this drawing in it (good work). The kind words that accompanied it touched me deeply. Thanks Tommy Doran and family for being “in the front row” and being good sports.

A great way for me to end November and start Advent.