Best Buy Goes After Wisconsin Priest

[CATHOLIC CAUCUS] Best Buy Goes After Wisconsin Priest

National Catholic Register 
8/16/2010
Tim Drake

Posted on Monday, August 16, 2010 6:14:52 PM by markomalley

Father Luke Strand of Holy Family Catholic Church in Fond du Lac, Wis. wasn’t looking for attention from corporate America; he simply wanted to promote vocations to the priesthood. Instead, he’s facing a cease-and-desist letter from Minnesota-based electronics retailer Best Buy over his Volkswagen Beetle.  The black VW sports a “God Squad” decal on the door that’s similar in appearance to the logo used by Best Buy’s Geek Squad computer technicians.

Best Buy says that Father Strand’s use of the logo violates its trademarks.

“This was a really difficult thing for us to do because we appreciate what Father Strand is trying to accomplish with his mission,” Paula Baldwin, Best Buy spokesperson, told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. “But at the end of the day, it’s bad precedent to let some groups violate our trademark while pursuing others.”

Father Strand mentioned the cease-and-desist order during the 9:30 a.m. Mass at St. Mary’s Catholic Church on August 8, but cannot discuss the details of the case.

Then-Deacon Strand, received the car in 2007 from Father Quinn Mann (right) of the Diocese of Green Bay. ( Catholic Youth Expeditions ) Not only does the car sport the God Squad logo, but also the websites thinkpriest.org and cyexpeditions.org on the fenders. His license plate reads GODLVYA, and the very front of the Beetle has a white paint stripe to match his priestly collar.

“It stimulates a lot of conversation,” Father Strand told the Fond du Lac Reporter in 2009. “People don’t always know when the right time is to start a conversation about faith questions. The church is alive, young and vibrant. This is a new and creative way to bring the faith I love into everyday life.”

Blogger Brian Osborne, of Geek.com, said that Best Buy has “created a public relations nightmare…the kind that could only come as a result of a company suing a priest,” and that the company is now facing the “backlash” from its decision.

Baldwin said that Best Buy is working with Strand to try to alter the God Squad logo in a way that will still work for him without infringing on the Geek Squad trademark.

“We’re confident that together we’ll come up with a good solution for everyone,” said Baldwin.

Update: Apparently, the “solution” was for Father Strand to remove the decal. This story from TMJ4 in Milwaukee reports that Father Strand removed the decals today.

“I’m not going to make a big huge stink about it,” he told TMJ4 News. “I was surprised to receive the letter, but you know what, we can find other creative ways to spread the Gospel. Maybe we can come up with an even better God Squad logo.”

My favorite part of the story is Father Strand talking about being mistaken for the Geek Squad. Here’s an excerpt from TMJ4:

“There’s been a number of instances when I’ve walked in to a gas station and they’ve said, ‘You know, we don’t have any computer problems,’ and I say, ‘Hey, you might want to take a second look at the vehicle,’ that they saw it was the God Squad,” said Father Strand. “People have mistaken me for the Geek Squad. I don’t think they’ve ever expected for me to come in when I’m in my Roman collar and fix their computer.”

CBS Youtube video (sorry about the commercial)
H/T - In need of Mercy

2010 Retreat at Devils aka Angels aka Our Lady's Lake

Hey Everyone.... I made it back to the Desert without difficulty.  This year, as far as I can tell, was a great success.  No one was hurt, no Priest was required to give Last Rites, all went home safe....all in all a good trip.  A short summery.
Wednesday was HOT
Thursday was HOT
Friday included torrential downpours, shopping, and a great dinner at The Barn.
Saturday was a great blessing, the weather was perfect
Sunday, more of the same
Monday, well one could not ask for more perfect weather

Thanks to everyone that came, you guys make it possible.

All together we had a total of 10 guys show up over the course of the week.  Three Priests, and not that many raccoons. 
They say a picture is worth a thousand words so...... (link to all pics at bottom)

2010 Devils Lake aka Angels Lake aka Our Lady's Lake Retreat in full

2009 Devils Lake aka Angels Lake aka Our Lady's Lake Retreat in full

Catholic Youth Expeditions

Something I have wanted to blog about for awhile now, the Catholic Youth Expeditions.  Headed up by Father Quinn, base camped in Appleton, WI this youth ministry program is taking the Badger State by storm!! (And producing vocations, ..........I know in the Diocese of Green Bay, can u believe it?)  Actually, with Bishop David Ricken as the Shepard the faith is going in the right (no pun intended) direction.  Friend blogger keeps his eye on him too!  Badger Catholic stuff

If you are in the area, check them out, I know Fr. Quinn has some great things going on.  I hope to see him later this year, perhaps as a Chaplin for us???  Hint Hint Padre..........God's blessing to you, and CYE - keep up the good work, you are in our prayers.  Bl. Pier Giorgio, ora pro CYE.  I can't sign off without giving a shout out to another great Priest in the Green Bay area, Father Mark - you are in our prayers.  Thanks for all the support and direction.

Thanks to you both for answering the Call.

Fr. Quinn's Blog

Comin' Back to Sconnie Land for a short while.

Although not for the best circumstances -(ill family member)- My family and I are heading back to the place of happiness, friends, family, aahhhhhhhh yes. Eau Claire for a few days, La Crosse for a bit......it shall be good.