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To: Priests
From: Monsignor Jim Schillinger, director, Ongoing Formation of Priests
It is difficult to believe Holy Week is just around the corner. And, as you know, it has become the hallowed tradition of our Atlanta presbyterate to gather at the Cathedral every year on the Tuesday of Holy Week for our Lenten day of reflection, the celebration of the Chrism Mass and a banquet celebrating our priest jubilarians. This is always a great day as we come in from all corners of the archdiocese and reconnect with one another. The day away from routine is a welcome break and a valuable opportunity for us to pray and celebrate together as we renew our commitment to the priesthood, to one another and to our archbishop.
I am happy to announce that this year’s presenter for our reflection is Bishop Robert Baker. Bishop Baker, a native of Ohio, attended the Pontifical College Josephinum in Columbus Ohio. He was ordained a priest in 1970 for Diocese of St. Augustine. He earned an STL and STD degree in Dogmatic Theology from The Gregorian University in Rome. During the years 1975-1999, he served in various assignments in Florida. On September 29, 1999, he was ordained and installed as Bishop of the Diocese of Charleston. On October 2, 2007, he was installed as Bishop of the Diocese of Birmingham. He is now retired.
We will begin our time together promptly at 12:45 p.m. with Archbishop Hartmayer’s remarks and introduction of Bishop Baker. There will NOT be a lunch provided at the Cathedral so you will want to plan accordingly. In fact, I would encourage you to do some pre-planning in this regard. Perhaps this would be a good opportunity to get together for lunch with a group of priest friends, classmates or your priest support group/prayer group. Whatever you do, please make every effort to be in Kenny Hall at the Cathedral, and ready to begin at 12:45 p.m.
At the end of our afternoon of reflection, there will be an opportunity to celebrate the sacrament of reconciliation. Several priests have agreed to serve as confessors. Instructions for this time will be given after the second talk.
Finally, the Chrism Mass will begin at 4:30 p.m. and will be followed by the banquet celebrating our priest jubilarians. Information about the Chrism Mass and dinner will be sent out by the Office of Communications.
To RSVP for the Lenten Day of Reflections, please contact Amanda Hailey at ahailey@archatl.com.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me by phone or email. I can be reached at jschillinger@archatl.com or at 404-931-7913.