Father Brad Baker Installed as Rector

Joliet Bishop Peter Sartain presided over the installation of Father Brad Baker at the sixth Rector of the Cathedral of St. Raymond Nonnatus this evening. Father Baker’s parents and extended family were there for the occasion as was about 750 other people. Afterwards, there was a chili supper which was still going strong three hours after Mass had ended.

Bishop Sartain’s homily tied together the reading from 1 Samuel 3:3b-10, 19; 1 Corinthians 6:13c-15a, 17-20; and the Gospel of John 1:35-42. After discussing key points of being called to listen to the Lord, how our bodies are not our own, and how what is law may not be moral, Bishop Sartain addressed the upcoming anniversary of the Roe v. Wade decision. For those unfamiliar with the Bishop’s position on Life, he left no doubt.

After installation, Father Baker presented the Parish Clergy, Staff, Administration Commission, and Parish Pastoral Council of which I am now a member officially.

From the program of tonight’s Mass:

As the sixth record, seventh pastor of the Cathedral of St. Raymond Parish, the Very Rev. Brad Baker now leads a congregation that is 2,100 families strong. More than 515 students are enrolled in the parish school with nearly 300 more attending Religious Education Programs.

I am happy for Father Brad. He came to the parish only four years ago, took over administration at a difficult time, and now has the full authority of the Bishop to grow the parish family. It is a great time, and I am glad to be part of it.