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.
Through the lens of the Risen Christ: a Bishop reflects
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.
Priestly impulses at Parramatta
…and their effect on the newly retired Melbourne priest, Len Thomas
Inspirational, memorable… so worthwhile!
What made this conference stand out beyond all others?
1. The speakers. 2. The fellow travellers. 3. The humour.
A woman’s perspective
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.
A former Chairman reflects
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.
Listening to the Voice of the Spirit
I believe that if we start out with an honest and realistic assessment of where we are as a Church (and that’s where I part ways with many of our leaders) and if we can be guided and enlightened by the Spirit to be people of hope and vision, then we can move ahead with confidence and a renewed sense of purpose.
I’m an eternal optimist, loving life and priestly ministry and stimulated by a dynamic parish community, but at times I feel as though I’m a spiritual schizophrenic being energized and challenged by parishioners and brother priests but distracted and dismayed by some of our leaders.
Bishop weeps and sobs at washing of the feet
The Holy Thursday congregation had gathered in the Cathedral to celebrate the first of the three holy days of Easter. This evening the people came to remember the Last Supper and the direction that Jesus gave to his followers to live in communion in memory of him.
Catholic Church needs total reform
The current crisis facing the Catholic Church arising out of sexual abuse is arguably the most serious challenge the Church has faced since the Reformation in the 16th Century.
The response must in the first instance be clearly focussed on the victims of such abuse, their families and other secondary victims.
ACU Graduation address
You have been told that I am a church historian… I write about dead Catholics. For the past 20 years the writing I’ve most enjoyed doing is short biographical sketches – no more than 750 words – that go into magazines. A dozen years ago I put 70 or 80 of these into a book. The latest government statistics tell me that this book is still in hundreds of school libraries, so teachers must still find it useful. This year I hope to do another collection of those sketches.
What sort of people will be there? Let me tell you about three of them.
