I thought of a myriad of excuses of why I could refuse to attend. Then another more sneaky thought started to grow… “be a spy… find out what they are really thinking.” So I did go. It was somewhat daunting on arrival. I could not see any other women bar the two who were behind the registration desk. I was feeling like a fish out of water and all I really wanted at that stage was to go home. Things did get a little easier when I caught up with a few men that I already knew. They were like my safety net on that first afternoon and I stuck to them like glue till the first liturgy was over.
Actually I was quite impressed by that first liturgy, it was simple, it acknowledged our Indigenous brothers and sisters and it said something of the history of Australia and Parramatta. In its own way it challenged me to be open to the process of the next couple of days.
The input sessions were excellent with a wide range of speakers. I was glad that there was one woman to add that extra dimension to this very male enclave.
The table sharing actually surprised me. There was never enough time to hear the wisdom, the questions and the experience that the input evoked in my table companions. I changed tables all the time and was moved by the welcome I received and the honesty of the sharing. I did not see or experience the power, position or prestige that so often accompanies the way our priests are so often portrayed in the media. I did not experience any put down because I was a woman. In fact the opposite was often the case when my thoughts were actually sought. It would have been good to have had some more women present, but this was their convention. I loved hearing all the male voices when there was a hymn sung or prayer shared. I delighted in the way priests among the group were honoured for their lives and service.
As I look back now I am so glad that I did attend. I was more than impressed by the men, our priests, who attended. Over the time of the Convention I had the chance to meet so many good men.
I was touched by their openness, their ability to share their vulnerability, their pain and also their hope for the future. I met men who showed me a side of priesthood that is not always seen. I saw a brotherhood that was about equality and not position. I experienced compassion and powerlessness in the face of much pain. I shared with men who revealed an intelligent questioning in their seeking of God and the proclaiming of God’s Kingdom. And I thought “God is present here”.
Yes, it was holy ground that I trod with these men. I received an insight into the struggles of our priests, their deep desire to be a real link between God and God’s people, and their humility in this role. My spirits were lifted and I gained new insight into what it means to be a priest in our Church today! Thank you for this opportunity to spend this time with you.
Veronica McCluskie sgs
Executive Director, CRA
