A short time before our National Deacons Conference, the front page of Western Australia’s award-winning Catholic newspaper carried the following headline on its front page:
“Deacons are still facing resistance by priests and lay people throughout Australia, the chair of the National Committee of Deacons has told The Record.”
Although this is a reality, at no time during our conference, was this at all evident. At no time was this allowed to affect the Spirit that engulfed us, from the time we gathered in the afternoon of Thursday, 6 August, until we reluctantly said our goodbyes in the early afternoon of the following Sunday. At no time did any of our presenters give that impression. On the contrary, we were affirmed in our ministry and the worth of the diaconate to the Church of Australia.
Thirty-one deacons, seventeen wives, four aspirants – from every state and territory, and Fr Frank Devoy, the Director of the Office for Clergy Life and Ministry, gathered together over the four days to share, to listen, to celebrate and to pray together. We were indeed blessed by the guest speakers who affirmed us, informed us and challenged us to be the best deacons possible. On our part, we gave thanks for the support of our wives and families, without which our diaconate ministry would be empty and meaningless.
We had taken as our conference theme, Word, Worship, Service and our guest speakers were always able to give new meaning to these elements so important to a deacon. We are indeed grateful to all of them, and also to our fellow deacons who prepared so well.
Following an evening meal together in the Pennant Hills Waldorf, we gathered together in prayer, bringing forward symbols representing the focus of the days to follow. As a bible, a deacon’s stole and a dish and towel were processed, we heard Scripture readings that reinforced the importance of each area in which a deacon is to serve. To finish, our conference candle was lit and continued to be displayed throughout our time together.
Because of the generosity of the Diocese of Broken Bay and the Broken Bay Institute, the sessions were able to be held at the Caroline Chisholm Centre, close to our accommodation. Bishop David Walker had made himself available for the Friday, beginning by addressing us and opening the Conference. Later in the day, he shared his wisdom on the first element of our theme, that of “Word,” before leading us in the celebration of the Eucharist at day’s end. Day’s end, that is, except for our meal and conviviality together.
Tony Abbott MHR also spoke to us, encouraging us, like all Catholics, to be, “very good at our job.” Fr Frank Devoy and Deacon Tony Aspinall, who are members of the Australian Council of Clergy Life and Ministry, informed us of their involvement and gave an overview of the Australian scene.
On each of the three days, we began with morning prayer in the chapel, led by one of the deacons. Throughout the conference, Mick O’Donnell insisted we sing the song composed for deacons – “We are Called”. Fr Gerard Kelly held our attention on the Saturday morning with his “Approaches for a Theology of the Diaconate” followed by a tour of the David Walker Library and lunch.
The afternoon was packed with interest, as Bishop Anthony Fisher concentrated on the “Service Ministry of the Deacon,” and Jim Fisher impressed us with his thoughts on “The Spirituality of a Deacon”. They were closely followed by Sr Kristin Johnston RSJ, who managed to fit us into her busy day of celebrations for Blessed Mary McKillop. Her spirited presentation on the life of the founder of her order allowed us to grasp the magnitude in which this (hopefully soon to be canonized) saint is held by the members of the Sisters of St Joseph both past and present. She set the tone for the Eucharist that was celebrated, the liturgy for the feast day. We were fortunate that she and Sr Antoinette Baldwin were able to celebrate with us.
Bishop Michael Malone was able to join us for our conference dinner at the Waldorf, on Saturday night. Mick O’Donnell had promised us an address for 20-25 minutes on, “a relevant topic that is not overly serious, slightly controversial, humorous, and that fits into the occasion.” Mgr Tony Doherty was all of this and more as he traced his pilgrimage to the Shrine of St James at Compostela in Spain. Nobody bothered to time the speech!
Our Sunday morning was again a time of listening, this time firstly to Bishop Michael Malone, who traced the life of the diaconate in Australia since its introduction. We will all remember “Shrek’s donkey”! After morning tea, Paul Simmons enlightened us on his role as the Australian Bishops appointment as the Co-ordinator of the Permanent Diaconate in Australia. Paul is a non-voting member of the National Committee of Deacons who were responsible for the organising of the conference. Also thanks to Sue and Sharon for enticing us back to the sessions with the “chocolate draws.” We sincerely thank all those who gave so generously of their time to speak and share their thoughts with us. Also our heartfelt thanks to our sponsors – the Manly Union and Australian Catholic University. Special thanks to the diocese of Broken Bay and the Broken Bay Institute – you made us feel welcome, you cared for us in every way possible. Thank you!
I’m sure I speak for all who were present for our 2009 Conference – deacons, wives and aspirants – when I say that while we were sad to have to return home, we were filled with enthusiasm by the affirmation and support of one another and those who gathered with us to show their support for the Permanent Diaconate in Australia.
Peter Olsen, Brisbane
Chairman, National Committee of Deacons
