Not all of Green Bay Packers' chaplain's parishioners are in uniform

Published: 2004-02-03

MILWAUKEE (CNS) -- The Green Bay Packers' team chaplain, Norbertine Father James T. Baraniak, found his role this season to be especially challenging -- and rewarding. When Irvin Favre, quarterback Brett Favre's father, died just days before Christmas, Father Baraniak mourned the loss of one of his "parishioners." Irv Favre, 58, had been a regular at the home Catholic Masses Father Baraniak celebrates on game days, four-and-a-half hours prior to every Packers' kickoff. The Packers were in Oakland, Calif., in preparation for their Dec. 22 game against the Raiders when news of Irv's death came via a phone call from Deanna Favre, Brett's wife. Coach Mike Sherman, a devout Catholic and daily Mass attendee, told the priest about Irv's death and asked him to be available when Brett Favre returned from golfing with some teammates. After a long visit with Sherman, Favre asked to see Father Baraniak. Glad to be of assistance, Father Baraniak said, "I think it's more a statement of (his) faith and love for the church than me personally. I'm glad I could be there for him in a tremendous time of need."

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