The Bishop Writes

(From the Sept. 30, 1999 edition of the Inland Register)

Each year in September or in early October, we schedule our annual presbyteral convocation for priests within the diocese. This year as I write this, we are gathered in Nelson, British Columbia. Nelson is little less than a three-hour drive north of Spokane.

The inn in which we are staying is located on the water of the west arm of Kootenay Lake. The scenery is spectacular and provides a wonderful experience of the beauty of God’s creation. Most of us drove up through Metaline Falls to get here. That drive in itself is spectacular.

The purpose of the gathering is for reflection, rest, and socializing. Given the complexity today of priestly ministry, it is important to take this time aside and be together for these days of Monday afternoon through Thursday noon. Almost 50 are here.

The schedule has times for celebration of Eucharist, a time with the bishop on Monday afternoon, sessions for input and reflection each morning, free time in the afternoons for doing whatever one wants — some golf; others hike in the nearby mountains. Car trips to view scenery or soaking in hot pools are also popular.

On the first evening, we have dinner together. This year we invited Bishop Cooney of Nelson and his priests to join us for the meal. Unfortunately, Bishop Cooney was away for the installation of the new Archbishop of Edmonton. However, about 10 priests of the Nelson Diocese were able to come last night, some of them driving for over four hours to get here.

In advance preparation for the convocation, any priest can send in without attribution a request for me to respond to a certain issue. The discussion is open and, I hope, helpful.

In my presentation to the priests yesterday afternoon, I focused on five themes: spirituality, mission, celebration, administration, and pertinent issues for discussion.

Each year the presbyteral council tries to pick a theme which will be helpful to priestly ministry. Two years ago the topic was ecumenism. Last year we focused on the health and well being of a priest. In both of those past years, we had outside presenters.

This year, the emphasis is on the person who happens to be a priest. The three days of presentation and reflection focus on identity, intimacy, and maturity. Three priests from the diocese share on each theme with discussion following.

We have just concluded this morning’s session, on identity. The three presenters were open, frank, and very transparent. Everyone was moved. Although the session was confidential, I suspect that if parishioners had heard the sharing this morning, they too would have been touched and inspired.

The call to priesthood today is no easy task, just as the call to married and family life have their difficulties. However, it is the vocation in which one’s holiness and daily response to God’s call is worked out. Priests struggle with their humanity just as much as anyone else. That fact should be abundantly clear as one reads the New Testament. Priestly ministry is probably today more complex than it has ever been, and yet men in response to God’s call and out of love for God and the human family respond in the best way they can.

One of the thoughts which surfaced this morning is that we are a pilgrim people on journey and that concept refers to priestly ministry as well. No one has all the loose strings tied down. We must respond in faith to the mystery we preach and celebrate.

One of the frequent comments I have heard since coming here Sunday evening is that “I really needed this.” Time away in whatever way that happens can be refreshing and restoring. The break – to stand back and take a hard look at ourselves, whether in retreat or at a presbyteral convocation – can be very important and helpful in placing and keeping our lives and ministry in perspective.

I ask you to continue to pray for all of the priests in the diocese. I also ask that you continue to pray for those who are called by God to Religious life or priesthood, that they respond generously to that call. The call from God is a very special and sacred thing, and all of us must be in the business of supporting one another in our mutual response. A collective appreciation of the challenge of each of our vocations can only strengthen our community of faith.

May God bless you and give you peace.

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