| "This is the disciple who is bearing witness to these things, and who has written these things; and we know that his testimony is true." John 21:24 |
Whenever a person puts a pen to paper, he begins to express himself in a unique way. The written word seems to contain something
more of the person’s spirit than other means of communication.
Bishop Robert J. Baker frequently sought to express himself in the written word. Of his many accomplishments, the pastoral letter “The
Redemption of Our Bodies,” as well as the books “When Did We See You, Lord?” and “The Questioner’s Prayer,” along with his novel
“Cacique,” can be cited as examples. Each of these works contains a portion of his heart and demonstrates his intense desire to share
the message of the Gospel with all humanity.
In these selected works of Bishop Baker, we can see the human, spiritual, and pastoral dimensions of his ministry. In “When Did We
See You, Lord?” the Bishop sought to explain the life and actions of a Christian.
The book stands as a catechism on charity and a crash course on practical discipleship. Co-authored with Father Benedict Groeschel, a
Franciscan Friar of the Renewal, the book is an instruction and invitation to live the Christian message without compromise.
In “The Questioner’s Prayer,” the Bishop sought to address the inquiries and struggles of life which a disciple of Christ might
experience. He provided consoling and helpful counsel for difficult moments in life. The book is marked by its insightful and caring
approach.
Through the novel, “Cacique,” the Bishop showed, in fictional form, the joys and sorrows, triumphs and agonies of the Christian disciple
in the world. Although placed in a different time and culture, the message of the novel is clear: The Christian is called to be a light and
leaven to his peers. In story form, the bishop illustrated his understanding of discipleship and zeal for evangelization.
In his first, and only, pastoral letter as bishop of Charleston, Bishop Baker addressed one of the pressing issues of our time. He affirmed
and taught the theology of the body of Pope John Paul II. He encouraged this theology in the catechesis and pastoral strategies of the
diocese. He sought to provide answers to the questions relating to sexuality, marriage and family.
Through his writings, Bishop Baker’s heart and ecclesiastical priorities become clear. The pastoral letter, books and novel present the
man and the shepherd to the people of the Diocese of Charleston, and to the people of the Diocese of Birmingham. Through them, we
see a person of prayer, a teacher of truth and a reliable guide in the ways of God.
more of the person’s spirit than other means of communication.
Bishop Robert J. Baker frequently sought to express himself in the written word. Of his many accomplishments, the pastoral letter “The
Redemption of Our Bodies,” as well as the books “When Did We See You, Lord?” and “The Questioner’s Prayer,” along with his novel
“Cacique,” can be cited as examples. Each of these works contains a portion of his heart and demonstrates his intense desire to share
the message of the Gospel with all humanity.
In these selected works of Bishop Baker, we can see the human, spiritual, and pastoral dimensions of his ministry. In “When Did We
See You, Lord?” the Bishop sought to explain the life and actions of a Christian.
The book stands as a catechism on charity and a crash course on practical discipleship. Co-authored with Father Benedict Groeschel, a
Franciscan Friar of the Renewal, the book is an instruction and invitation to live the Christian message without compromise.
In “The Questioner’s Prayer,” the Bishop sought to address the inquiries and struggles of life which a disciple of Christ might
experience. He provided consoling and helpful counsel for difficult moments in life. The book is marked by its insightful and caring
approach.
Through the novel, “Cacique,” the Bishop showed, in fictional form, the joys and sorrows, triumphs and agonies of the Christian disciple
in the world. Although placed in a different time and culture, the message of the novel is clear: The Christian is called to be a light and
leaven to his peers. In story form, the bishop illustrated his understanding of discipleship and zeal for evangelization.
In his first, and only, pastoral letter as bishop of Charleston, Bishop Baker addressed one of the pressing issues of our time. He affirmed
and taught the theology of the body of Pope John Paul II. He encouraged this theology in the catechesis and pastoral strategies of the
diocese. He sought to provide answers to the questions relating to sexuality, marriage and family.
Through his writings, Bishop Baker’s heart and ecclesiastical priorities become clear. The pastoral letter, books and novel present the
man and the shepherd to the people of the Diocese of Charleston, and to the people of the Diocese of Birmingham. Through them, we
see a person of prayer, a teacher of truth and a reliable guide in the ways of God.
| "The Catholic Miscellany" September 27, 2007 “Bishop Baker’s publications show pastoral priorities” By Father Jeffrey Kirby Special to The Catholic Miscellany |