The Book of Bishops - The Maida Era (Retirement)

 Retirement!

That time of life was drawing ever closer. Social Security checks were already a monthly regularity. The parish which I was serving at the time was now fiscally solvent and spiritually and socially vigorous. It was easy now to consider that the time was coming to take that big step back.

As if to provide some frosting for that cake, we were engaged in something called "Together in Faith" or some such. A general meeting of a number of regional parishes with several archdiocesan officials made it very clear that the times, they were changing. The priest shortage was now become very real and increasing. A number of parishes were running into increasing fiscal difficulties. The overall impact on the archdiocese was beginning to show, big time.

And so I made a phone call.

To downtown.

With a question - can one retiree when one is turning seven or must one wait until actually turning seven.

The answer was a joyful relief.

Even if only still a youthful sixty-nine, if that would be the year of turning seventy, you can submit for retirement.

Nice to have a birthday in November.

And so the process began. 

One critical step, an early step in the process involved a one on one meeting with the Archbishop to formally submit the retirement request and to discuss retirement plans and possibilities.

Proving truw to form (mine) I asked where this meeting would take place.

Downtown in the Office of he Archbishop, I was informed.

To which I responded - "Nope!"

Can't be there!

Over all so many years I had so very many one on one meetings with the various Archbishops of Detroit in their private study in their residences. I wanted to go out with one more meeting in that familiar territory.

And my request was granted.

I would meet to submit my retirement request to Adam Cardinal Maida at his home and in his study. At that time he had also reached retirement age for bishops and had submitted his intent to the Holy Father in Rome. He was now awaiting a response to his retirement request.

We met. We discussed many of the usual and predictable matters. He asked about my plans, living arrangements, intentions for keeping busy and active as possible. We talked about the years gone by. We made the promises of praying for each other and remembering each other. Words of gratitude were also spoken.

And the time came to say, "Goodbye."

We stood together at the door.

And then Adam Cardinal Maida looked right at me and declared, "I think I should suggest to Rome that you now be named to take my place as Detroit's Archbishop. Then I could retire and you could stay busy for a few more years!"

Nice thought!

But not my thought, certainly and definitely not in my playbook.

And so it was that I said my Goodbye.

And began the countdown to July 1, 2008.

And there is still the Vigneron Era!

The Book of Bishops - The Maida Era (Don't Cry for Me . . . and bells!)

 Remember that Broadway musical, later a movie - Evita?

Many great songs within the telling of a great story but presently one of those songs stands out in my mind.

Don't Cry for Me, Argentina.

Evita sings that, reflecting on the many life sacrifices" she has made for love of her country.

Anyhow, the melody and especially the words, "Don't Cry for Me" are ringing in my mind as I begin this writing. My last blog installment relayed my producing a researched paper regarding the Sacrament of Confirmation at a time when the hierarchy was debating and discussing the proper age for the Sacrament. End result was that the paper was never acknowledged.

That prompted some messages to me expressing support and sympathy for hard work ignored. While I appreciate all those kind words, I have survived and now, in retrospect, can declare, "No regrets."

That research and resulting paper were never solicited by any authorities. I choose to do it feely on my own. Call it a work of love for the Church. Nothing was due me for it. And for those who asked if a copy might still be available, unfortunately this goes back to a time before storage disks and such. So, lost in time. But if anyone really wanted to do a study of Confirmation and its disintegration in the Western Church, other, even more thorough and technical studies have been done and can be found. (Not, I would suspect, in most bishops' libraries!)

But let's get back to those tales about Detroit's bishops and some of my dealings with them.

Like this little episode.

This one takes place in my days as pastor of St. Margaret of Scotland Parish in St. Clair Shores.

Let  me suggest that this parish was something of a scavenger!

We had stained glass windows in certain areas, retrieved from a closed parish and restored. We had bells from Immaculate Conception Church in Poletown, retrieved when GM managed to gain land rights.

And in my time we retrieved the majestic pipe organ from the recently closed St. David's Parish in Detroit. Having rescued this beauty, we hired professionals to completely rebuild it and modernize it into a state of the art instrument. The project lasted a number of years and at various times needed review by the Archdiocesan Board of Consulters, headed, of course, by our very own Archbishop, Adam Maida.

He was in on the project from almost day one and so,  when finally the instrument was installed and deemed ready to go, it was only proper to invite the Archbishop to preside at Mass and do the actual blessing of the restored, refurbished instrument.

The invitation was accepted and date and time were set for the blessing of the organ. Excitement was high because so much time, effort, and yes, even cash had gone into this work.

Pipes, gleaming like new now graced the wall above the choir as well as the wall behind the loge. The old electronic instrument was out and seriously outclassed.

Ministers were vested and ready in line to process in beginning this grand event.

At the end of the procession was the Archbishop with me, as pastor, at his side.

All was set to begin when the Archbishop leaned over to me as, just to be certain he was on the right page, asked me, "I will be blessing the bells, right? I'm here to bless your new bells!"

Several folk nearby must have heard that because there were several very audible gasps.

I believe that I found myself straining to hold back some serious laughter.

Remembering, I thing that laughter is still eager to burst loose!

Infallible - maybe not this time!

Maybe a bit more from The Maida Era

The Book of Bishops - The Maida Era (That topic again!)

Sometime early on, as I recall it, during the Maida Era, the bishops of the United States began examining yet again the proper age for administering the Sacrament of Confirmation. Over the years in many places various customs and practices had emerged.

While the general practice seems  to be Confirmation sometime around grade four, five or six, some parishes were being given permission to request Confirmation prior to First Communion. That had been in many places up to the early years of the Twentieth Century the common practice. Of course, in the Easter Catholic traditions that has always and still remains the practice. In fact in many of these traditions Confirmation is administered immediately after Baptism. And yes, that means to infants.

In the Roman Tradition according to the directives of the RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) or as it is coming to be known these days, the OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation of Adults) Confirmation is administered immediately after Baptism and prior to First Communion. The thinking behind this practice is that one is admitted to Eucharistic Communion as fully initiated, which means Baptized and Confirmed. Matter of fact in the directives for the RCIA (ok - the OCIA) it is stated that the practices of this Rite set the norm and standard for our practices with our infants and youth.

Add to all of this the fact that back in the days of that What Age debate there were also places, whole dioceses in fact, where Confirmation was being delayed until young adulthood, around ages 18, 19.

Many different views, approaches, manners of handling this thing called Confirmation. All of which makes me recall that sit down discussion I had so many years earlier with our then Archbishop, John Dearden.

And now Adam Maida was in the thick of the matter - not with me directly as of yet but as a part of the group of American Bishops, discussing and debating what to do with this thing called Confirmation.

And let us add to this mix still another factor. And this is one that usually makes me less than popular with this group, but, hey, I have to say what I have to say.

This group would be the very dedicated, very noble ministers involved in the field of Religious Education. While Liturgy and Liturgical Theology may not be their forte, concern for our youth and for their faith certainly is. And that is a force coming into play in the Confirmation Age debate.

In this field Confirmation coming too early, like say before First Communion, just might mean we loose too many right after First Communion. Making the age for Confirmation some years later means these youngsters need to stick with the program at least for a few more years, longer to work with them in the faith. Much experience has taught us all that a good number of parents stop "fighting" with their young about religious education just as soon as Communion has been received and those Confirming Oils have dried. Our liturgical rites are seen as a sort of Religiion Graduation. So, the longer the delay, the more time we have to teach.

And the question continued - when should we Confirm? At what age?

That is when I decided to enter the debate, uninvited of course, but eager and willing nevertheless.

I wrote and researched a paper on the very question. Citing history, historical and liturgical practices, theological and scriptural sources and all of that good stuff which you have just read plus more, I produced a paper that maintained that asking when to Confirm was really the wrong question. What was needed was to ask why we Confirm.

When we ask the "Why," we develop the theology of Confirmation. However, when we ask the "When," we are tempted to create all sorts of "theologies" for this sacrament. Like, for example, teaching that Confirmation is affirming those Baptismal promises made by godparent and parents for an infant, or Confirmation is entering Christian Adulthood. None of these are historically, theologically or scripturally justified!

So I produced my paper.

And presented it to gatherings of clergy and theology minded folk for response, reaction and review, all affirming and acclaiming the work.

And then I sent it off to Archbishop Maida, hopefully, to provide him with some solid material to take into the discussions, debates and decisions on the subject taking place at that time.

And, sort of disappointingly, I never heard a word  back!

Not even a simple acknowledgement that the document had been received let alone actually read.

I simply say that I did try to serve with a little theological insight.

But a lot of years have passed now, a whole lot of years.

And still I wait to hear something.

While around me the Confirmation Graduation Dance into Adulthood (and out of Religious Education) continues.

Of Course: The Maida Era continues

The Book of Bishops - The Maida Era (Beginnings)

 Let's start this era off by warning that, from here on in, things are nowhere near as interesting or exciting as previous eras. And there are fewer tales to tell.

But I can start things off by relating our very first meeting.

It was interesting and most unusual.

Adam Maida took over the Archdiocese of Detroit while I was on sabbatical, studying over in Rome. I got the word while far from home.

However, as is the usual custom, when such an appointment is made, the newly appointed makes a special trip to Rome to meet with the Pope and, perhaps, spend some time discussing the appointment, expectations, findings and observations, and the like. This was no exception.

Adam Maida was making a journey to Rome.

And on the agenda during his time there, he was including some time for us to meet.

Matter of fact, his invitation involved a fine dinner at one of the nicer restaurants of Rome. Members of the hierarchy are usually quite familiar with places like that.

A couple additional Detroiters, also in Rome for various studies, would be included in the dinner but it would be a rather select, intimate gathering of merely a handful of us.

The evening arrived as did the car sent to pick us up and deliver us to the restaurant.

The meal, traditional Italian of course, was absolutely delightful as was the wine.

Eventually conversation and attention turned to me. 

The new Archbishop of Detroit wanted some advice and he had evidently done his homework. He  knew about my involvement in various projects and activities, most especially at that moment, my involvement in the Convocation of Priests that had been held in 198.

It was the first and only.

In the remaining years of the Szoka Era no additional Convocation had been held.

Now the new Archbishop was asking if I thought we should resume the practice. Is it worthwhile? Does it have possibilities? Should he call another one?

My advice was that it was a good took if handled properly and it had positive possibilities. I was not just strongly in favor of calling a second Convocation but I also offered to help in any way I could to make it happen.

That was the beginning for me of the Maida Era.

The new Archbishop of Detroit had actually sought out advice and from me no less!

Positive impression!

And even more, he took that advice!

Soon after his official beginning as the Archbishop of Detroit he called for a Convocation.

And, sure enough, I got "drafted" into service still again.

Matter of fact, I ended up having "work" to do on several more Convocations through the next ten years or so until, finally, I decided to step aside and make room for someone younger.

Next: The Maida Era continues

The Book of Bishops - The Szoka Era (Red Buttons)

 There are many other little stories I could tell about happenings in that Szoka Era, little things. Like when he was heading to Rome for his new assignment/ministry and I was soon to be in Rome for my sabbatical studies. I let him know that I expected to be invited to dine with him in his new digs in the Eternal City. "You will squeeze the last drop of juice out of this old orange," was his reply with a smile.

I got the invite, by the way, and enjoyed a fine, traditional Roman Feast!

But the Roman memory can provide one final, grand moment in my relating of the Szoka Era.

Edmund Szoka was soon to depart from Detroit, heading for his new challenge, organizing the finances of the Vatican and eventually serving as the governing head of Vatican City State. There were all sorts of events and festivities marking his Detroit departure.

And in the midst of all of the activities and events a good number of new monsignori were named. It was likely his was of saying, "Thank you" to several clergy who had served him well in his time with us. 

(For those unsure, monsignor is an ecclesiastical title of honor. It holds no special sort of I-got-more-clergy-in-me-than-you-do kind of element. It's just honorary. Such an animal gets to wear red buttons on his cassock (assuming that he even wears a cassock.) He also gets a red tassel on his biretta (if he knows what one of those is.) And he gets to walk a bit further back in line in solemn event processions. And  most importantly of all, it means no pay increase. Strictly an honorary thing! Matter of fact Pope Francis has nearly eliminated this title, restricting it almost exclusively to clergy seventy and older. In other words, it is now a kindly pat on the back before sending one out to pasture.)

Anyhow, long story short - I was not among the number named  as a monsignor upon the Szoka departure.

But it was also around that same time that I got a phone call informing me that I was being given the Farrell Award. That was truly a big news phone call. This particular award provided an all expense paid sabbatical for some three months at the North American College in Rome. I had to cover transportation, getting myself there and then back home again as well as covering any personal expenses. But meals, accommodations, tuition - all would be covered.

Study Time in Rome! Living expenses covered!

Awesome indeed!

It was some days after the naming of the new monsignors and also after that incredible phone call that my path again crossed with Edmund Szoka.

He simply said to me, "I trust you are pleased with your award. I just thought that you would appreciate that more than having some red buttons!"

He knew me and he knew me well.

Weeks of study in Rome! With some of the finest scholars of the Church! And time to wander those Roman streets! And enjoy the pastas and vino!

Yep!

Edmund C. Szoka - you got it right!

You did well!

Who needs those Red Buttons?

Next: The Maida Era!

The Book of Bishops - The Szoka Era (Bar Fight)

 Once upon a time there was a rather established institution in Detroit called Diamond Jim Brady's. It was an old fashioned bar where some of the most amazing hamburgers were served. It was also practically around the corner from the parish where, back then, I was ministering. Somehow, it became a meeting place after hours for some unwinding and processing of the day's events and meetings. In that time I got to know the owners of Brady's and one or the other  would often join us at the table for some animated conversation.

The Brady's were also quite active and involved in the Jesuit Community in Detroit and stayed closely in touch with the University of Detroit and U of D High.

This tale occurred after the decision had been made to close Precious Blood School. It was, as one can imagine, a difficult decision and a difficult time. It also meant that there was the possibility of a sizable vacant building in that part of Detroit.

That is something neither I nor the neighborhood wanted.

I began some work seeking potential occupants for the building. 

And, behold, one was found in Wayne State University. They were considering a possible extension campus program and our site seemed ideal.

Negotiations began and actually moved along quite smoothly. It definitely looked as if the building would not be vacant for any length of time. We were almost ready to sign on the dotted line when that particular evening occurred at Diamond Jim Brady's.

One of the Brady brothers sat down at the table with us. No big surprise there. The surprise came shortly after however.

"So, I hear that the Archdiocese has plans for your school," he announced.

"Say what," came my reply.

"Don't you know?" he asked.

"About what?"

Evidently the plan was for the Archdiocese to acquire the property and turn it over to De Porres High School, a vibrant city institution that, at the time, was functioning on the campus of Sacred Heart Seminary with no campus of its own.

The Precious Blood Campus would soon become theirs!

And that was the first I had heard of it! The word had come to the Brady's from their Jesuit U od D connections.

And that word came to me in a bar!

The next morning I was on the phone with officials Downtown, insisting that I speak with the Archbishop.

Of course there was a delay.

But I did get a call back that afternoon.

The Archbishop would meet with me on this matter - on a Saturday no less! And at his residence!

The moment I was shown into his study, words of apology were pouring forth from the Great Archbishop Edmund Szoka!

This was not the way it should have gone, he was explaining. I really should have been involved earlier. I should not have found out in this way. Definitely not in some bar!

A profound apology that still moves me.

And from that moment I would be included in the process. There would be a meeting of the Consultors of the Archdiocese and I will be present and a concrete offer will be presented to me.

And, please, do not sign any other contract!

The Consultors' meeting took place and an offer was presented to me, a rather good offer. Edmund Szoka looked across the great meeting table at me and declared, "It's a very good offer, Ron, isn't it?"

And I smiled right back at him and informed him, "I will take it back to the Parish Council. After all, it's their parish!"

And the Bar Fight got good!

It almost seemed as if the Archbishop himself would be coming to the Parish Counsel's meeting. Unfortunately, he was leaving to join Pope John Paul II in Poland and, therefore unable to be present. He assigned a high raking Archdiocesan official to represent him instead.

And the Bar Fight really got good.

The official presented the offer to the members of the Parish Counsel.

And without flinching the Council president simply responded with, "Should we tell him to go home now and leave us alone!"

A few moments of silence and then the offer began to get sweetened.

There was room for negotiation and that clearly had the Archbishop's approval.

And the deal got sweeter and sweeter until, finally, the official declared honestly, "That is really the best I can offer you."

But it was now a very good deal and so it was accepted.

And the Archdiocese got its agreement. De Porres High moved into the vacant Precious blood School Campus after almost a year of building renovations and restorations (covered in full by the Archdiocese.)

And Precious Blood Parish became comfortably, fiscally solvent, all facilities utilized.

And the Bar Fight was over!

More is certainly to come!

The Book of Bishops - The Szoka Era (Quips)

 Edmund Szoka and I had numerous occasions through the years to exchange a quip or two. I could toss a quick quip right at him and he never even ducked and he knew when to come right back at me. Memory only provides me with a sampling of those exchanges through our years of ministry together.

On one of his visits to Precious Blood, the weather was welcoming and so we vested for Mass in the rectory and then did a small procession outdoors to the church. As I recall, this was in that time when females were not to be serving Mass. Gender restrictions were officially in place.

However, somehow at Precious Blood we managed to find a place for females, fully vested in what really looked like server's garb, to have a place at the Table.

And the day of this particular Szoka visit, one such garbed female, carrying the processional crucifix, was proudly executing her role. A typical teen with a bit too much make-up, hair nicely done up, and clearly, very evidently, a very female server. (Or maybe, taking that particular era into consideration, a mere assistant to the servers.)

Anyhow, she was leading the procession.

And, of course, Edmund Szoka noticed.

He leaned over toward me as the procession emerged from the rectory doorway, and he informed me.

"Did you notice that the crossbearer is a female!"

"I did notice," I responded. "It's rather evident."

And then silence as the procession proceeded.

Fact stated. Fact noted. End of the matter! And the Archbishop of Detroit survived.

I believe it may have been the same occasion that brought about still another moment of discovery for the Archbishop.

It was at the altar, at the entry into our most solemn moments. The Holy, Holy had been sung and the Eucharistic Prayer had begun.

And the People of God remained standing!

Again, this was a time when kneeling was expected.

It may have been "expected," but it was not in our playbook and so the People stood.

And again the Archbishop leaned in my direction and whispered the obvious.

"They are still standing."

"And they will continue to do so," I replied.

"Through the whole Eucharistic Prayer?" he asked.

"Through the whole Eucharistic Prayer," I replied.

And the Archbishop of Detroit launched into the words of the Eucharistic Prayer and the People continued to stand in reverent attention and again the Archbishop of Detroit survived.

And there were numerous other such occasions and exchanges but in all fairness, I need to include at least one of his moments when he got me.

The occasion was a very significant one. The Apostolic Delegate to the United States was visiting Detroit and there was a special gathering at Sacred Heart Seminary.

As that gathering ended, we began making our way down the corridors and to the parking lot. I was calmly walking along when I heard a familiar voice directly behind me.

It was the Archbishop of Detroit walking with the Apostolic Delegate and deeply engaged in conversation. At least that was the case until he noticed me walking directly in front of them.

Then his voice increased in volume, making certain that I could hear his every word.

Edmund Szoka announced to the Apostolic Delegate, that gentleman in front of us, he's our liturgist."

Nice to hear, I have to admit. The recognition was appreciated, still is.

But then came the rest of that story.

"Do you know the difference between a liturgist and a terrorist?" the Archbishop asked the Apostolic Delegate.

And then came the answer, words Edmund Szoka just wanted me to hear.

"At least you can negotiate with a terrorist!"

The Archbishop off Detroit had won that round!

More is certainly to come!