It was obvious from the start that all of us were keen to hear each of the major presenters. And I think that the number who attended the conference, including the eight bishops, was indicative of the great interest that the topics aroused and we were not disappointed.

The lead given by Donald Cozzens in his address was a wonderful and thought-provoking start that gave us plenty to get our teeth into.

For me, these are the words of the conference. It was during Donald Cozzens keynote address that I suddenly realized what it was that I had been praying about and for these past numbers of months.

The Parramatta drawcards were certainly Cozzens and Lennan, and they certainly didn’t disappoint. Cozzens told us, “this is our time to be priests, so don’t wait for another time — my aim is to honour your commitment without flattering you.” He talked of integrity, of not wanting to be held in favour, of wanting open-ended questions from bishops, of how our secular world needs our sense of reverence of people.

Because of the quality of the presenters, plus the proximity of Wollongong to Parramatta, it was decided this year to make the NCP Biennial Convention our Annual Diocesan Clergy In-service, as we could never muster such a star-studded cast of speakers on our own.

…and their effect on the newly retired Melbourne priest, Len Thomas

What made this conference stand out beyond all others?
1. The speakers. 2. The fellow travellers. 3. The humour.

Earlier this year an invitation to attend the National Council of Priests arrived on my desk. My initial reaction was not all that positive. Another Conference! Thoughts such as, “Am I really interested in what might be of interest to a priest?” “Will it be more male power!” “ What’s the point of my going?” , “How many women will be there anyhow?” all raced across my mind.

In one of the largest gatherings of priests in the history of NCP, 250 priests met in the Parramatta Sebel Hotel, July 12-16th this year.

Using the title of his book: The Risen Christ in the Changing Face of the Priesthood, Donald Cozzens led us in reflection, supported by presentations from Richard Lennan, David Tacey and Geraldine Doogue.