Catholic leaders reflect on Brett Favre's impact on, off field

Published: 2008-03-12

GREEN BAY, Wis. (CNS) -- While the sports world came to halt at the March 4 announcement of Green Bay Packer Brett Favre's retirement, Catholic leaders in Green Bay and Mississippi also paused to reflect on the impact the near-certain Hall of Fame quarterback had on and off the field. Father Richard Getchel, pastor at St. Agnes Parish on Green Bay's west side, presided at Brett and Deanna Favre's wedding in 1996, and baptized their daughter Breleigh in 1999. The couple grew up in Mississippi. "I thought he would return, so it surprised me," Father Getchel told The Compass, newspaper of the Green Bay Diocese. "I'm happy for him and the family. I sent Deanna an e-mail. She wrote back thanking me for my concern, which was nice." Norbertine Father James Baraniak, chaplain for the Packers, attempted to reach the Favres in the days prior to the announcement. He was unaware of the pending retirement. Instead, Father Baraniak sought to share a special invitation from the papal visit advance team for Brett and his wife and the Packers' Coach Mike McCarthy to attend the papal Mass in Washington. Both priests spoke of their admiration for the Favres. St. Agnes was the family's home parish, while they were in Green Bay. Daughters Brittany and Breleigh had both attended Holy Family School, located on the parish grounds.

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