April 29, 2026

By Father William Muench
NCC columnist

In every Church, there is a sacristy, a place where the priests and deacons prepare to celebrate Mass. There is a library of books there, books that are used during liturgy. One of the books is called the Ordo. This is a handy book with all sorts of useful material, especially for each day’s liturgy. The Ordo indicates the day’s feast, the day’s color, the saint who is celebrated that day and also the various Breviary prayers assigned to that day. In addition, the Ordo has a necrology – a listing of the dates of the death of the bishops, the priests and the deacons of the diocese who have died. Each year they are remembered in a special way on the anniversary of their deaths. This necrology reminds me of many priests and deacons, who are my friends, many of whom I worked with and are now with the Lord. So, each day I look upon the necrology, and I know who I am praying for, and – I must admit – I call to mind so many memories and stories from the past.

Today, I noticed that this day is the anniversary of the death of Monsignor Joseph Bailey. He died many years ago. Father Bailey had a profound influence on my priesthood. When I was still a seminarian studying at Wadhams Hall, Father Bailey taught a course in English and, more importantly for me, a class in public speaking. I know well that he developed in me the qualities to become a good preacher as a priest. Father Bailey gave me the love for preaching.

Those classes were many years ago, however I still remember that Father Bailey challenged us and developed us into good speakers. I remember he could be a tough teacher; you could call him a bit nasty. But he made us confident to speak before others. You know, I have never feared speaking before a group after facing Father Bailey all those years ago.

I must also tell you that my very first assignment as a newly ordained priest, my pastor was that same Father Bailey. I remember well standing before the congregation now as a priest, and who would be standing at the back of the Church? You guessed it: Father Bailey. Just like those classes of old. He was a gift, continuing to push me to improve. He did make a few suggestions to me. I still remember.

One more memory: As time went by, I was asked to write for the North Country Catholic. I remember one day receiving a letter from Father Bailey. He wrote to tell me that my writing was good – even, excellent. I was rather pleased. I still have that letter.

So, you see the necrology constantly reminds me of many priests – friends and confreres. Thinking of them, I remember so many memories from the past. I will never forget them. Last week, I noticed in the necrology the name of one of my classmates and friends. We were in the seminary together, and we were ordained priests on the same day – Father Larry Deno. He died several years ago. The necrology will continue to remind me of him when I come to that day each year, and I will again remember to pray for him on that day at Mass and remember our days together.

So, you may often see me in the sacristy thumbing through the little book, the Ordo, each day remembering priests that I knew and worked with – important friends from my past and now with God.