Pathways, July 2010
More than 240 bishops, priests and deacons from across Australia gathered at Parramatta during July to reflect on the changing face of contemporary priesthood.
Held from 12-16 July, the National Council of Priests of Australia (NCP) Convention involved a broad cross section of young, old and in-between diocesan and religious priests from rural, regional and urban areas working in parishes and in special ministries.
They gathered together at the Sebel Hotel at Parramatta to consider their ministry as pilgrim leaders of God's pilgrim people in the light of dwindling numbers, abuse scandals and discounted credibility.
They took an honest look at why priests need brave hearts and deep faith as they bolster the hope and promise of God's pilgrim people.
They also listened to excellent keynote speakers including Father Donald Cozzens, writer-in-residence and Adjunct Professor of Theology at John Carroll University in Cleveland, Ohio, Professor Richard Lennan, a priest of the Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle and Professor of Systematic Theology at Boston College, Associate Professor David Tacey, author and teacher at La Trobe University on literature, spirituality and Jungian psychology and Geraldine Doogue, respected ABC commentator and broadcaster.
Father Ian McGinnity, Chairman of NCP said: "This is a watershed time in our history — with the priesthood and indeed the institutional church in many quarters being battered by the winds of discord and discouragement.
"The convention was an opportunity for priests to honestly face the challenges ahead, to reflect on their ministerial priesthood, and to renew their hope an
d vision that the risen Christ moves in and through this time."
Sister Veronica McCluskie SGS attended the conference as Executive Director of Catholic Religious Australia (CRA).
She said there was there was a wonderful sense of brotherhood at the convention that was tangible, and of obvious enjoyment of being with one another.
"The thing that really impressed me was the spirit of the priests and their openness and readiness to be vulnerable; to share their pain and their obvious love of the Church and their desire to spread God's kingdom.
"What I heard was a deep desire within them to be really priest — not to dominate or have power but to be that link between the people and God and to be bridge builders."
Sister Veronica said many expressed a sense of powerlessness in their church.
"But they haven't opted out. They want to stay there and have a deep openness to trying to hear God in the midst of pain and struggle."
Sister Veronica added that the quality of the speakers was excellent with broadcaster Geraldine Doogue raising important questions about accountability and transparency in the Church.
"She said the corporate world can teach the church a lot in this area if the Church wants to listen."
Using an image from an earlier NCP Conference, Sister Veronica said Professor Richard Lennan presented a thought-provoking image of the Church as a lifesaver on the beach, still trying to get people to swim between the flags.
He said the church puts the flags where it feels it is safest for the people to swim.
"But Church and society have significantly changed over the last 20 years but has the position of the flags changed?"
Sister Veronica said Professor Lennan encouraged an openness and receptivity between all members of the Church — not an 'us and them', but an openness to the spirit at work in everybody.
During the convention the priests also spent time in prayer and reflection. They joined together for liturgies and celebrated Mass at St Patrick's Cathedral with the Bishop of Parramatta, Anthony Fisher.
"All the liturgies we had were wonderful," said Sister Veronica. "It was great to hear the full voices of all these men singing. I was delighted to be part of it.
"The convention lifted my spirits and gave me new heart. I was honoured to have shared the time with such an amazing group of men."
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