A decade of great memories

Ten years ago I walked into the Diocese of Baton Rouge overflowing with enthusiasm sprinkled in with a smidge of anxiety.

I was thrilled, albeit humbled, to be handed the reins by former editor and much beloved Laura Deavers. I understood and embraced the challenging task of maintaining the standard she had set for more than 30 years.

And I also wondered how someone with such an annoying N’Awlins accent would be received. 

Fortunately, the concerns were unwarranted.

From the “villas” of the bayou parishes to the Tri-Parishes in the west, from the inner city of Baton Rouge to the rural parishes dotting the eastern landscape, I was blessed to meet so many wonderful people. Every church I visited, every event I covered, I was always heartened by the welcome doors that had been swung wide open. 

The past decade has been nothing short of exhilarating, delivering the news of the diocese as well as spiritually inspiring stories and commentaries into your homes every two weeks. It was a responsibility I took seriously.

But it’s with a sense of  sadness to announce this is my final column with The Commentor. To paraphrase Bishop Michael G. Duca during the recent Ordination Mass at St. Joseph Cathedral, he warned the new priests that they probably had expectations and plans for their ministry. With a chuckle, he said to be prepared that those same plans will take many unexpected twists and turns during the course of their ministerial careers.

We have our plans and God has his own plan. Guess who wins?

That is why patience and trust in the Lord is so necessary in our daily lives, and so critical to me personally at this unexpected crossroad in my life. 

On page 1, Bishop Duca announced publication of The Catholic Commentator will be suspended July 1 as the diocese finalizes a new format. Discernment for the new publication began nearly two years ago, and I have been privileged to have been a part of that process. 

Stay tuned for updates.

So I leave with a deep sense of pride and gratefulness, humbled by the relationships that have been formed with so many amazing people. From the pulpits to the classrooms, from the parish fairs to dedications of new and renovated churches, from covering floods to hurricanes, the people of the diocese have been unwavering in their support and generosity. Words cannot adequately express my appreciation.

As I stumble toward the exit door, there are several people I need to thank publicly for helping make the past 10 years such a joy, beginning with Bishop Emeritus Robert W. Muench, who took a quantum leap of faith when he gave the nod to bringing me aboard. My relationship with Bishop Muench extends back many years when I was scribing for the Clarion Herald and he was still a monsignor for the Archdiocese of New Orleans.  

Bishop Muench, I appreciate all that you have done for me and for your kindness and your support.

And speaking of bosses, to Bishop Duca I thank you for your encouragement and your willingness to allow me to present my input. 

I’ve repeatedly said to anyone who would listen that the diocese is blessed to collectively have the greatest group of priests I’ve been around, and that includes an archdiocese and two dioceses. Each of you bring your own special gifts that you  generously share with your congregations.

Just as the bishop understands his role as shepherd to the diocese, you guys understand your roles as shepherds to each of your own parishes. 

Parishioners should take a moment on Sundays to thank their pastors and parochial vicars for being their spiritual leaders, their beacons of faith in a world where organized religion continues to recede.

Of course there are far too many priests to list and with advanced apologies to those I miss, but a few of the many that have made a difference in my life include Vicar General Father Jamin David, the diocese’s top priest, for his counsel and who  talked me off the cliff when needed; Father Josh Johnson, a dynamic priest whose vast ministerial talents are renowned nationwide and a person when looking into his eyes one can see the Holy Spirit that fills his heart; Father Michael Alello, a priest of the people, immensely popular, a gifted homilist, unprecedented fundraiser, the greatest sock collection in the diocese and perhaps the only clergy member in the diocese to have participated in two Ironman competitions; Father Paul Counce, a man of immense intelligence and though we occasional crossed swords always guided me to looking at issues through a different prism; Father Jeff Bayhi, whose faith is an inspiration to so many and one of those rare individuals that after a conversation with him your life is better.

And to all young priests, I strongly encourage you to model your own ministerial lives following the examples of Father Matt Lorrain, Father David Allen, Father Matthew Graham and Father Tom Ranzino, who exemplify what every parish priest should be. 

Father Trey Nelson and Father Jerry Martin, may your drives be long and your putts short.

Finally, and the tears are already dampening the keyboard, I give a special thanks to my wonderful staff. During the past 10 years we have been through what no staff should be forced to endure, including the death of one of our members, two staff members losing children, one staff member surviving what could have been a life-threatening illness, another losing a home in 2016, two separate layoffs that stripped a third of our colleagues and an unprecedented worldwide pandemic.

But through it all they never doubted when others did, their dedication and commitment to publishing the best product possible never flickered. As a result, The Commentator has been fortunate to have won Newspaper of the Year and two General Excellence awards through the Louisiana Press Association, unheard of for a religious publication competing with secular publications.

To Wanda Koch, Lisa Disney, Debbie Shelley, Nicole Latiolais, Bonny Van, Penny Saia, Rachelle Smith and Barbara Chenevert, who was taken from us far too young, I say thank you. I had the easiest job in the world; just get out of the way and let everyone do what they do best. 

We hope we made you, our loyal readers, proud.

I do not believe in goodbyes, so I say to parishioners in every corner of the diocese thank you again for bringing such joy into my life, for allowing our little publication into your living rooms 26 times a year and may the Holy Spirit and the love of Mary fill your hearts.

Meek is the outgoing editor of The Catholic Commentator and can be reached at rsmjr@aol.com.