ONLINE MEETING PROVIDES INFORMAL SPIRIT FOR AGM FORMALITIES

The Federation held its 2020 annual general meeting in the second half of October as usual. What was unusual, however, was that it was held in the context of an Annual Assembly and it was held not in-person, but online. Due to the government’s pandemic travel restrictions and isolation policies, the members rightly decided to hold the meeting via Zoom, which was provided by the vice-President for the central region - Fr. Louis Groetelaars. The meeting got under way at noon central time with diocesan/eparchial representatives logging in from across the country.

The event was chaired by CFPC President Fr. Michael Kwiatkowski of the Archeparchy of Winnipeg. After the meeting was called to order, special guest, the Apostolic Nuncio to Canada, His Excellency Luigi Bonazzi, addressed the gathering with an opening message of encouragement and support. His words were very appropriate for the circumstances in which the Church in Canada presently finds itself and were well received by the priests attending the meeting (see a separate posting of the text of Archbishop Bonazzi’s message).

The regular AGM items proved interesting in themselves. The Financial Report showed that since the pandemic greatly reduced Federation activity – including the major National Assembly - the CFPC was still in solid financial standing, even though the Federation informed all member dioceses/eparchies that it was waiving the annual dues this year. The regional and general reports presented by the three vice-presidents and the president respectively revealed that in spite of the Covid-19 crisis, the local churches across the country are finding ways to maintain the life of the Church and even find new ways of fulfilling the Mission of Christ’s Church.

The Representatives, of course, discussed how the Federation moves forward even in these challenging times. Ideas were raised and proposals made and will moved forward under the leadership of the new executive and with what was obviously the enthusiastic support and collaboration of all representatives.

One of the highlights was the election/confirmation of a new executive. President, Fr. Michael Kwiatkowski, after fulfilling a three-year term, announced earlier in the year that he would not seek re-election. The same with long-serving Vice-President of the Atlantic Region, Fr. Edward Terry of the Diocese of Corner Brook and Labrador. The Western Vice-President, Fr. Pier Pandolfo of the Diocese of Prince George, was only hold the position on an interim basis as the former Vice-President resigned to pursue studies.

The CFPC membership was very pleased with the end result. They chose Rev. Louis Groetelaars who had been serving for a few years as Central regional Vice-President to serve as the new President of the Federation. They chose Rev. Peter Melanson of the Diocese of Saint John to serve as the new Atlantic Regional Vice-President. Rev. Pier Pandolfo was confirmed as the Western Vice-President. Fr. Grotelaar’s election as CFPC President left the position of Central Vice-President vacant. As the election of a regional vice-president is the prerogative of the Representatives of that particular region, the Representatives of Central will hold their election and inform the Federation of their decision.

The Federation was very pleased to have two of the “liaison bishops” present for the AGM deliberations – Bishop Joseph P. Nguyen of Kamloops Diocese and Bishop Robert Bourgon of the Diocese of Hearst-Moosonee. Each also shared a prayer and reflection with the Representatives.

The meeting ended on a bit of a bittersweet note as it would have been wonderful to meet in person. Furthermore, no one could say when we would meet again. However, there was a positive spirit that everyone took away, along with the determination to realize the activities and objectives of the Federation – in new ways as needed.

The Representatives all received a copy of Fr. Ed Terry’s famous exhaustive minutes. If a Representative didn’t, then please write to your Vice-President (or to the Federation via [email protected]) and request a copy.

NATIONAL ASSEMBLY 2019*
Canadian Federation of Presbyteral Councils
Montreal 7-10 October 2019

(* This article contains but a brief summary of the week, for details and to learn more about the myriad of invaluable insights and ‘tools’ for fruitful ministry, speak with your local CFPC Representative. He has much to share!)

Trains, planes and automobiles were among the means of transport to get the participants and guests to Le Nouvel Hotel in downtown Montreal - the site of the 2019 annual National Assembly of the Canadian Federation of Presbyteral Councils. Some did, however, also travel by foot from the residence of Montreal’s Archbishop at the Cathedral about 11 minutes away on foot.


 
The Assembly began with registration in the hotel’s Atwater room which went very well - thanks to volunteers like Fr Sean Lee Lung, our representative from the Toronto Archdiocese. As 5:00 PM drew near, the Atwater was transformed in to a what would serve as the chapel for the remainder of the conference. Central Vice-president Fr. Louis Groetelaars, brought all essential liturgical items from his parish in the Cornwall Diocese and spearheaded the change of the small conference room into a very prayerful chapel.
 
His Grace, Most Rev. Christian Lepine, the Archbishop of Montreal, was the main celebrant at the opening Mass of the Assembly. All the CFPC Representatives concelebrated. Archbishop Lepine, among several important themes, spoke of the absolute importance of the consistent prayer life of the priest and his strong relationship with Christ whom he serves.
 
Everyone enjoyed an excellent meal in the Hotel restaurant, after which everyone gathered in the St Mattieu conference room for the assembly’s ‘Keynote Address’. It has been a long-time tradition for the CFPC’s National Assemblies that the local ordinary is invited to speak to the gathered representatives on the designated theme of the year, thus setting the tone and spirit of the four-day event. The priests, gathered from across Canada, were truly impressed with Archbishop Lepine’s openness and candour in sharing what he is doing in his diocese to respond to various pastoral challenges, while also admitting that he did not have all the answers. As all the speakers at the event, he invited the assembly to engage in some ‘Q&A’ and discussion.
 
The evening ended, as usual, with a fellowship gathering in the hospitality room hosted by Atlantic Vice-President Fr. Edward Terry from Corner Brook Diocese.
 
The second day - which would turn out to be the most intense - began at 7:30 with morning prayer that the Representatives prayed from their smartphones and tablets. This was followed by a continental breakfast as a ride was sent for the special guest of the day - the Apostolic Nuncio to Canada, Archbishop Luigi Bonazzi. He spent time with the federation throughout the day… speaking, preaching and participating in discussions. The first session was an extended sharing/discussion on the most important goals and challenges of priestly life and ministry in Canada today. A mixture of priests from around the country in the smaller discussion groups was maintained at this time so that all representatives would learn about the unique challenges and movements in various areas of the country and also appreciate that some things are universal for pastoral ministry regardless of one’s region. Needless to say, that when representatives from each smaller group reported back to the plenary gathering, even more discussion ensued. The underlying movement throughout this and the two subsequent discussion sessions was to continuously winnow down the vast amount of possible important goals to two or three projects that the Federation would begin tackling immediately after the close of the Assembly.
       The representatives gathered in the chapel room where Archbishop Bonazzi led the Mass and preached the homily of the day. During this Mass, as with the other liturgical services throughout the Assembly, representatives took turns taking the readings and responsorials as well as choosing and leading songs. Some also always concelebrated at the Altar. The Federation is grateful to Fr. Louis Groetelaars for also serving as the Assembly “sacristan” assisting with all practical liturgical needs.
       The members of the Federation’s three regions gathered in the early afternoon to hold a meeting for their region. One of the highlights of the Western Region’s meeting was the election of their new Vice-President Fr. Pier Pandolfo from the Prince George Diocese.
      The Apostolic Nuncio then spoke again at the afternoon session during which he shared a true wealth of insights and information. Among his key points, he acknowledged that we are going through change, but that we would wade through these waters if we maintain a strong sense of fraternity and support each other.
 
       The third day was special with a unique schedule that included a pilgrimage and formality, but also organizational breakthroughs. The day began with morning prayer in the chapel which was the 1^st Hour according to the Byzantine Divine Office. This was an important experience for the gathering as the CFPC, of course, includes the eparchies of the various Eastern Churches in Canada. After a good continental breakfast, the Federation held its annual general meeting. The AGM, chaired by President Fr. Michael Kwiatkowski, included regional and financial reports, but was especially fruitful due to the determination of the Federation to establish concrete goals to be dealt with beginning immediately. Of the several proposals, two main themes surfaced. The first was the need for stronger communication between the member-representatives of the Federation, but also all the members, which includes all the priests of the member dioceses and eparchies. A group was formed that would study the practical needs for this (in fact, the group met the very next day for their first meeting!). This will include a regular ‘newsletter’ toward which various members would contribute and an enhanced, more practical website. The other major point stressed the need of providing brother-priests with resources to support them in their ministry – as has been the hallmark of the Federation – but now to address issues on the immediate horizon, such as: vocations (reawakening the local Church), emerging social issues (e.g. gender identity, the new approach to parish life, etc.) and priestly spirituality esp. in times of crisis.  The 2020 National Assembly will be held in the Western Region. Calgary and Winnipeg were proposed, but it is left to the Western representatives will propose a location and other practical details. 
 
       A highlight of the day, and of the entire Assembly, was a pilgrimage to Montreal’s famous St. Joseph Oratory. The representatives had the opportunity to visit the shrine, pray in solitude and even take advantage of the many Confessors. At the daily 12:15 Mass in the massive “crypt chapel”, Bishop Joseph Nguyen of Kamloops (a liaison bishop for the Federation), presided and preached and all the federation Assembly clergy concelebrated. It was an extraordinary experience of grace for both the Federation and the unexpecting lay-faithful that attended.
       The participants had a few hours to do their own thing in the city before the evening formal dinner. Some visited the city’s amazing churches, others visited the ecclesiastical supply centres, some shopped the downtown or wandered the old city, or all of the above. In the evening a formal dinner was held at the hotel as has been a long-standing tradition at the CFPC’s national assembly. The local Archbishop was invited as well as the Bishop for the Eastern-rite Maronite Catholics Bishop Paul-Marwan Tabet, who was also the guest speaker of the evening. Bishop held the undivided attention of the Reps throughout his fascinating talk that included a PowerPoint presentation and amazing accounts about serving as a priest in truly extraordinary circumstances.


 
       The following morning began with a Mass in the chapel, which was especially appreciated by members that would spend a good part of the day travelling back to their home parishes. After breakfast, the first session of the day was with auxiliary bishop of Montreal, Bishop Thomas Dowd, who had just returned from the Consistory in Rome, where a personal friend was among the newly created Cardinals. It was a much-appreciated presentation, as Bishop Thomas shared much about his own faith and vocation journey and his personal life as a priest and a bishop. He spoke about challenges and crises in ministry and in the Church, but especially about successful responses to the Lord’s calling and presence in daily living one’s vocation.
 
      The Assembly deliberations were not yet over. There was a concluding brainstorming session as to the immediate next steps as well as proposals for the regional gatherings and especially the next National Assembly – location, facilities and proposed speakers. The Assembly, as always, ended with a fellowship meal before everyone started on their way back home. It is hoped that bishops and brother priests will give an ear to the diocesan and eparchial representatives that attended the Assembly and learn about the ideas, pastoral insights and renewed enthusiasm with which they parted from Montreal.

National Assemby 2019 Montreal

The Canadian Federation of Presbyteral Councils chose to hold their annual National Assembly in Montreal for 2019. Aside from being a major air travel hub at a central location with a rich Catholic history, it was hoped to explore the possibilities of collaborating with the Dioceses and Eparchies of Quebec in the future. The Assembly took place from 7-10 October 2019 and included a pilgrimage to the world renowned
 Saint Joseph Oratory and a series of excellent speakers - Archbishop Luigi Bonazzi, Archbishop Christian Lepine, Bishop Paul-Marwan Tabet, Bishop Joseph Nguyen and Bishop Thomas Dowd

ANNUAL EXECUTIVE MEETING HELD IN MONTREAL 2019
 

The executive of the  Canadian Federation of Presbyteral Councils gathered in Montreal during the first week of February for their 2019 midyear assessment and planning meeting. It was a very fruitful three days of scoping out and studying facilities for the 2019 National Assembly, working out the Assembly’s theme and fundamental presentations, as well as times of prayer and very positive meetings with individuals and offices with which the CFPC hopes to be collaborating in the immediate future.

Montreal was chosen as it was decided at the last National Assembly in Charlottetown that this year’s Assembly would be held in Montreal. Montreal is the perfect location for a CFPC event it is a major hub which makes it relatively easy for representatives to make travel arrangements… the Federation wants to explore new opportunities for collaboration with our brother priests in Quebec… and, after all, Montreal is rich with Catholic history and so much Catholic culture to explore. [Mark Twain famously referred to it as “the city of a hundred steeples” and that is probably a modest estimate.] It will be a perfect location for National Assembly 2019.
 
The first session was held Tuesday evening and the executive looked at the present financial status of the Federation and discussed how to preceded with extending an invitation to dioceses and eparchies which presbyterates are not presently involved with the CFPC. They also discussed possible models as to how the federation could responsibly realize the motion at Charlottetown to financially sponsor delegates from dioceses for which cost would be a concern. The main discussion that began at this point and carried on throughout the following days was the 2019 National Assembly and all the associated details that would need to be addressed. Although priests in our day face a number of challenges and hardships, there was a strong consensus not to focus directly on the negative, but to propose a theme and program that could offer hope and the additional aids to live our ministry with increased confidence and joy (Romans 12:12). The banner theme chosen was “ Priestly Vitality” and the dates would be [SAVE THE DATES!]  7-10 October 2019.
 
Although all meals also became times of discussion, another session was held after breakfast where the Assembly theme and related prospective sub-topics were discussed as well as potential speakers and the plan to reach out to them.The group then left for a noon-day Mass at the famous St. Joseph Oratory where they were graciously welcomed by chaplain Fr.  Charles Coroso, CSC. Following the Mass and daily devotions, that apparently are the custom at the Oratory, they also were met by the Rector of the shrine, Fr.  Claude Grou, CSC who also graciously invited the CFPC to include a pilgrimage to the Oratory at some point during the National Assembly - for a Mass and tour.
 
Aside from meeting at the hotel again in the afternoon, the executive also made the trek to the Chancery of the  Archdiocese of Montreal where they met with a number of individuals involved with  pastoral ministries. The Regional Vice-Presidents also reported on developments within their region and their plans for the three Regional Gatherings coming up in April and May.
 
Locations in and around Montreal were considered as possible places where Assembly 2019 could be held. The practical needs of the individual Representatives that would be attending the Assembly as well as concerns about cost and appropriate accommodation and meeting facilities for the number, considerably narrowed down the possibilities. Unfortunately, a similar situation as was had at the Charlottetown retreat centre is not available. However, negotiation is now in progress and an adequate place will decided upon soon.

2018 NATIONAL ASSEMBLY OF THE CFPC - Charlottetown, PEI

November 22, 2020

CANADIAN FEDERATION OF PRESBYTERAL COUNCILS
2018 NATIONAL ASSEMBLY OF THE CFPC
 

The Canadian Federation of Presbyteral Councils held its annual National Assembly this year on Prince Edward Island. Graciously hosted by the Diocese of Charlottetown, the event took place at the new diocesan Our Lady of Hope Retreat Centrewest of the City just past the town of “Avonlea”, made famous by the legendary Anne of Green Gables. The Federation frequently uses a hotel in the host city as retreat centres are not always available. However, the everyone was simply amazed at the accommodations, the conference facilities with excellent technology setups, the wonderful meals and the amazing hospitality provided at Our Lady of Hope. Although the distance seemed to be a bit prohibitive for some representatives (especially from the far west), everyone that came agreed that the facilities and reasonable fees (and, again, the hospitality!) made the trip worth it. 
 
After registration and orientation, the first day began with the Eucharistic Liturgy in the retreat centre chapel, presided at by the Bishop of Charlottetown, Most Rev. Richard J. Grecco. He also preached the first homily of the Assembly. This was followed by a supper and then the opening session which is the Keynote Address of the Assembly, setting the tone for the national gathering. It is the tradition of the CFPC that a local bishop would give this address which is then followed by an open Q&A. Bishop Grecco, who has a doctorate in theology and considerable teaching experience, delivered an excellent treatise on eschatologyand how it should inspire and guide the attitude of the Church. What he had in mind was not merely a consciousness of the “last things” (as is sometimes the given as the essential subtitleof eschatology), but rather a looking and moving forward toward the promise of Christ of a new a resurrected life… a new life that begins already now.
       
The evening continued with fellowship and discussion among the Federation representatives and the local clergy and guests. Tuesday morning began with morning prayer from the Divine Office. It must be mentioned that the Federation was very blessed to have Mr. Leo Marchildonnot only lead all the liturgical services throughout the Assembly, but he had prepared a booklet with all the essential texts for the participants to use every day. Leo is the Music Director of the Diocese of Charlottetown and a member of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops’ National Council for Liturgical Music. 
       
The first session of the day was presented by well known Catholic journalist Rev. Raymond de Souza. He had just come in from Rome where he covered the Canonization of the seven new saintson October 14th. He would shortly be returning to Rome to continue coverage of the Synod on ‘Young People, the Faith and Vocational Discernment’, but he was able to spend time with the Federation. The theme of the 2018 Assembly was to inspire a renewed appreciation for the gifts of ordination in a priest’s sacramental role among the People of God. This is the theme that Fr de Souza spoke on – encouraging priests to revisit the awesome gift that their sacred orders can give to people, especially those entrusted to their pastoral care. He spoke about witness of their mere presence as well many opportunities that they have to Evangelize.
       
A bus transported the entire group to St. Dunstan’s Cathedral Basilicain the heart of Charlottetown for their daily noonday Mass. Bishop Grecco was the main celebrant, but he was joined by Bishop Joseph Nguyen of Kamloops and the Cathedral Rector Fr. And, of course the CFPC member-representatives. There was relatively large gathering of people for a week-day Liturgy. Bishop Grecco gave a brief homily then invited the President of the Federation, Fr. Michael Kwiatkowski(Winnipeg Archeparchy) to tell the congregation a little about the CFPC and why they are in Charlottetown. In closing, Fr. Michael thanked the Bishop and the people of Charlottetown for their extraordinary hospitality and support and he gave special recognition and thanks to the Charlottetown Diocese’s CFPC Representative Fr. James Willick, for all his work in helping arrange the Assembly program.
       
Following the Mass, Fr. Willick arranged a bus tour of significant churches and sights in the Diocese. The tour stopped at a number of places along the way, including the amazing “Harris church” of ------ designed by the famous PEI architect William Harrisand, of course, Confederation Bridge.  Members went to various local restaurants for supper to have a taste of Atlantic Canada’s local and authentic seafood. Everyone met back at the Basilica to take the bus to the University of Prince Edward Islandwhere Charlottetown Youth Coordinator, Lauren Van Vliethad organized an encounter with young people. The idea was to parallel the themes that during this month were being discussed at the Rome Bishops’ Synod on “Young People, the Faith and Vocational Discernment”. It was a very inspiring evening that saw the group of priests from across Canada engage in a dialogue with young people ranging from high school students to university students to young professionals, including a university professor and a married couple. Van Vliet facilitated the encounter with some questions throughout the evening, but everyone was free to ask their own questions and share their observations. You can always tell when the event went well… when no one is in a hurry to leave, but wants to stay and continue meeting and conversing.
 
The following morning began at 7:30 with morning prayer, followed by breakfast. The first session was presented by Monsignor Stephen Rossetti, who tackled the question of “Priesthood in a Time of Crisis”. He spoke a bit about understanding and dealing with crisis in general, but he mainly tackled the great crisis of clergy abuse of children that is presently rocking the Catholic Church globally. His presentation was actually encouraging and hopeful in spite of the fact that he insisted that we must be honest in recognizing that the accusations are real, the crisis is large and it will only grow in the next couple of decades and we all need to take tough measures to clean up our act.
 
The Assembly broke for the Eucharistic Liturgy which was presided over by the Federation’s liaison bishop for the Western Region – Bishop Joseph Nguyenof Kamloops, who also preached the homily. After lunch and a bit of free time, Monsignor Rossetti presented at the afternoon session. He spoke about a subject that has always been important to the Federation – the integral wellness of priests in their ministry. The session, that included an excellent presentation that allowed for questions throughout, was entitled, “Health, Burnout, Happiness and Joy”. Basing his comments and insights on accurate data resulting from years of research, Monsignor Rossetti dismissed a number of common “myths” about clergy stress and burnout and how best  to deal with such phenomena. He offered concrete information about clergy happiness and successful ministry. Among the 10 top predictors of priestly happiness were such factors as: a sense of inner peace; an authentic relationship to God; mutual support among priests; sense of being lonely and unappreciated; close friends and unresolved issues from one’s past. This presentation was received very well by the Assembly as it obviously touched upon everyone’s life.
 
Following the extensive session, the priests had a moment to prepare for the “formal” dinner that traditionally takes place at the National Assembly, to which the local hierarchy and other dignitaries are invited. The Retreat Centre staff did indeed provide a banquet experience for the priests with beautifully decorated tables and an exquisite meal. At the dinner, the CFPC President and expressed thanks on behalf of the Federation to the staff and all that made the event happen the positive experience it has been. The Federation’s regional Vice-Presidents, Fr. Edward Terry(Atlantic), Fr. Gregory Smith-Windsor(Western) and Fr. Louis Groetelaars(Central) to express special thanks to Bishop Grecco and the guest speakers. Aside from the wonderful meal and fellowship, the highlight of the evening was the keynote address given by Fr. Raymond de Souza. Giving the example of three of the Church’s priestly martyrs, including the recently canonized Martyr Oscar Romero.
 
The following morning was a day dedicated to the Federation, its members and its future. Following morning prayer and breakfast, the members gathered to tackle a series of fundamental questions about what the CFPC needs to provide for priests across Canada and how it needs to evolve to fully live its vision statement to work, “in a spirit of unity and collegiality with priests and bishops in Canada.  We serve the pastoral needs of the people of God by supporting Presbyteral Councils in their role as advisors to individual bishops and by assisting priests in the integration of their spirituality, ministry and leadership”. This was surely one of the best and most passionate discussions of the entire Assembly and the only regret was that more time was not allotted for this session and the official AGM on the previous day. A number of important ideas and proposals came from these meetings and are to be implemented in the next months.
 
The Assembly concluded with two very important items for the Federation. The first was a concluding Eucharistic Liturgy which was presided over by the Western Vice-President Fr. Greg Smith-Windsor. The homily, as is the tradition, was preached by the President Fr. Michael Kwiatkowski. [It is significant to note that some of the Assembly participants that could not concelebrate in this special Liturgy, because of flight schedules, made the effort to offer an early morning Mass.]  (Presbyterorum ordinis, 13)This was followed by the last event - afellowshiplunch before everyone had to checkout and begin departures back to their home eparchies and dioceses. (Presbyterorum ordinis, 8)

Keynote address given by Archbishop Anthony Mancini of Halifax/Yarmouth 2013

Dear Friends,
 
         Thank you for your invitation to address this national gathering of representatives of Presbyteral Councils.
         The theme which you have identified for this year’s conference and workshops is “Together in Ministry”.  The theme is an engaging one and it brings me back to my years when I was responsible for the Ministry to Priests program for Canada. I spent some 15 years crisscrossing the country meeting with priests and bishops in various dioceses, giving some encouragement and trying to be pro-active in supporting and caring for priests in the circumstances they found themselves in.
         In all of those years of working with priests and working for priests, I saw up close the necessity and importance of being together in ministry. When the spirit of togetherness existed among priests, it was seen and felt. The interaction between priests, among themselves as a group and with their bishop always reflected itself in the quality of pastoral ministry which they exercised.
         It is from this background experience, but also from my more recent dealings with priests as bishop that I share with you some observations on our lives and ministry and some concerns and pre-occupations, in the hope that what I share might be helpful and encouraging for you.
         In preparation for this conference, I did ask myself over and over again in these past weeks, what you hoped to hear from me and, perhaps more importantly, what did I really have to say on this important issue of how we live and do priestly ministry.
         I’m sure that you and the priests you represent, just as the priests who make up my own presbyterate, could use some encouragement and support.  We have been through some of the most difficult times these past few years, - and we have all been affected – by the crisis of abuse, the diminishment of our ranks, the aging of our priests, the work overload of those who have remained – and of course, there are also the effects of trying to minister in changed environments, in our dioceses and in our parishes. This has affected our self-perception; it has made us all anxious and concerned; it has also made us more cautious and distant, all of which has not been very helpful to the morale of priests and to our motivation to carry on with ministry. To get us over these obstacles and challenges, it is very important that we rediscover again, as if for the first time, what is central to our lives and how we can stay focused on where we are going, and not just be worried about the past. Pope Francis refers to this in a retreat he gave to Bishops as rediscovering our first love!
         I can understand, therefore, that you might appreciate some encouraging words – as you strive to fulfill your mandates and find meaning in the realization of your life’s purpose and commitment. I too would like such words of care and support in my ministry.
         What I have to say – is more personal than theological – but let me also say that in my understanding and experience, there is a close connection between my personal experience and my theological reflection. I don’t separate easily or compartmentalize the theological, the spiritual, the pastoral and the human.  They are all interconnected. In fact, it’s when these various facets of my life and ministry are integrated, that my priestly spirituality, prayer and the reality of faith, hope and love make sense and truly come together.
         I have often been reminded by the circumstances of my life – that I have only one spiritual life and that is the life I am living right now!
         I have not always been happy or satisfied with my spiritual life – but it’s the only one I have – I have often worked at improving it, and sometimes I have made it worse – but it is what it is! What’s more is, that God is to be found in the life that I am living right now! That’s where the Spirit is to be experienced. That’s where the Spirit speaks to me and to you and to our Churches. So from where I am, I share what I have.
         If “Together in Ministry” is a theme which has been chosen, because you think it needs to be highlighted and affirmed, I am with you and I agree. In this expression, I see reflected an ideal which should mark the life and ministry of priests. It is an ideal that each of us bought into, when we were ordained, because it describes how Christ’s mission could be carried out and how it needs to be carried on. Christ sent out his followers two by two. On the road to Emmaus they walked away together – but they also returned together.
         I hear in the statement “Together in Ministry”, the expression of a theological concept; a declaration of need for personal attentive care, as well as concern, for how to be effective, affective and affirmed in our lives as priests.  
         If we are going to do what Pope Francis is asking of us – to get out of our sacristies and go into the streets – we are not going to do that alone.  We need to do it together. The Challenge of the New Evangelization involves reading the signs of our present circumstances, and it means leaving behind whatever is holding us back from proclaiming, credibly and attractively, the powerful life-giving message of Christ. It means discerning again and re-choosing the Standard of Christ behind which we, as priests, have committed ourselves to follow Christ.
         Some of the matters, which have to be put aside in our lives as priests, are the very things which contributed to the various crises being experienced in the Church. Some of these matters, or if you will, some of these sins as Pope Francis calls them, are the sin of clericalism, the expectations of special treatment and entitlement, the priesthood as special status or position.  Priesthood as source of power, if you haven’t figured it out yet, no longer works, if it ever did. Just as in Rome these days there is a desire to reform structures and practices, so too in our respective dioceses –we must put aside the obstacles to mission and ministry, at the personal level as well as the institutional level.
         If we want people to believe us – then we must be believable – and “Together in Ministry” is about being believable. The crisis of credibility in our church is one which calls us all to institutional reform but also to personal conversions. This transformation is a spiritual reform, involving the recovery of some lost values, a return to some basics, if you will.
         At this point in time, what do you and I hold to be essential in our life and ministry as priests? What do we expect from the people we serve? What do we expect from one another and what are we ready to do for each other, as priests? These questions involve our values and many of us need to rediscover what we may have lost.
         The particular value which we are highlighting this evening, I believe, is priestly fraternity. “Together in ministry” – means nothing if there is no valid, corresponding, significant relationship between and among us as priests. Together in Ministry is when we give a visible and credible expression to what Vatican II called in Presbyterorum Ordinis #8 – “an intimate sacramental brotherhood”. This is the theological concept behind togetherness in ministry.
         When I was involved in Ministry to Priests, all the effort of that program went into promoting this sacramental fraternity. It wanted to provide priests with one-to-one personal care, spiritual and psychological guidance, retreat possibilities, continuing formation opportunities and on-going group support.  The support groups were the most important and lasting feature of this Ministry to Priests, perhaps because it was in such a context that fraternity could be lived and experienced and in many instances it was!
         Much was accomplished by these methods and the essential features and dynamics of what Ministry to Priests proposed, remains valid today. We need each other as priests and we need to care for each other individually and as a group. If we don’t, then we fail in an important part of what makes us priests. We fail to attend to our own need for pastoral care. What we do devotedly for others, we must also do for each other. It is important for each of us to be open and receptive to the pastoral care of healing, guidance, nurturing and reconciliation, which is our ministry.
         “Together in Ministry”, is not only about how and what we do for the people in our parishes, it is also about providing for each other as men in ministry, with the pastoral solicitude for which Christ called us to the priesthood and for which our Church exists.
         Where and when there is a context of fraternal care; when there are close personal connections with significant priests – that’s when we can keep each other honest, focused and on track.
         Today, we hear all across the country and elsewhere in the world, the call for accountability, transparency and responsibility and we have set up ways and means in probably every diocese to try to make this happen. However, I believe that such protocols and reforms will be effective only in a context of authentic priestly fraternity. If responsible ministry and responsibility for each other in ministry doesn’t happen there – then there is nothing sacramental about our fraternity. If we fail to care for each other our presbyterate will not be visibly significant; it will not be a source of grace for each other and for the Church; and it will not adequately or effectively represent Christ.
         Unfortunately, fraternal relationships between and among priests are not always optimal. In my own life now, there are very few priests that I consider friends and brothers. I know this should not be the case, but it is.  It may be so for you too. Yet the desire for greater closeness and understanding among us remains.  The challenge is to take the risk and to open up our hearts to one or two of our brother priests. Since my arrival in Halifax, I’ve done this with a few of my priests and it has been a good and wholesome thing to do, even if it is not easy.
         What I have observed is that when fraternal relationships are weak; when they are too few or do not exist, priests find themselves interacting with each other as co-workers or like distant acquaintances, cordial but cautious! The outcome is that we do our priestly job, but there is always a little barrier or even a wall that seems to separate us. This has in many instances led to emotional and psychological isolation – and when you add the physical distance and geographical isolation, which often exists because of where we work and because of the multiple parish commitments which we have, the effect is unholy and unhealthy.
         When there is distance, lack of openness or the inability to share the “secrets of our hearts” as Cardinal Newman called it, this is when we retreat into a private world of our own; where we are reluctant to say anything.  That is when we fail most in facing the challenge to provide the kind of care which a sacramental brotherhood would demand and which comes from accepting the responsibility that “I am my brother’s keeper.”
Part II
         In the on-going challenge of promoting the value of being together in ministry, I think it is important to look deeper into the reality and constitution of togetherness.  Beyond priestly fraternity, there are other relationships which must be considered – as part of what goes into the experience of “together” and those are the relationships of friends.
         Because of ordination, it is important to recognise and relate to each other as brothers in Christ, - but we also have brothers and sisters in Christ by our baptism. These are the ones who make up our communities of faith; they are the ones who provide us with our networks of friends. Without these our ministry has no visible purpose, and our pastoral efforts can quickly degenerate into a functionalism which turns priestly ministry into a job; where parishioners are seen as clients and consumers, and where the parish can easily become a priest’s private domain or fiefdom. Friends, therefore, are important because they incarnate the Body of Christ; they give the Church a concrete, personal and human dimension and friends are the ones who practically keep us honest and focused. With their help, participation and heartfelt contribution, we can develop a significant lived experience of togetherness in the service of Jesus Christ, the gospel, and each other.
         As priests, the area of personal friendships is never an easy matter to deal with, because friendships are varied, complex and sometimes messy relationships. So is everyday life! In our experience with people, the quality of our relationships, how we see ourselves, how others see us; such matters are the content and substance of what goes into personal friendships.  For a priest, some significant and life-giving relationships are a “sine qua non” ingredient for understanding what “together” means.  Friends are a source of love, and where love is experienced, spiritually, emotionally, humanly, a clear outcome is a sense of integrity! This means a sense of self – which is “together”. Without such affectivity in our lives, there is little to refer to, as an analogical foundation, for understanding and proposing the love referred to in the gospel. How else can we appreciate the furious and passionate love of God?
         Jesus says of his disciples – I no longer call your servants, but friends, because I have made known to you, all that the Father has told me. In this passage, knowledge is the key – knowing and being known. I was once asked, a number of years ago, why I was still a priest – and my answer was – it’s because of God’s grace and a lot of love from a few friends. I was known and I allowed myself to be known! Thank God, I’m still here.
         “Together in Ministry” requires self-knowledge and it is important, as St. Paul prays in Ephesians, for our inner “selves” to be made strong which I interpret to mean get yourself together; it is important that we experience an inner spiritual and emotional integrity which comes about through the care and love of authentic friends, without which neither love of God or love of self is real.
         What makes talking about friendships among priests difficult sometimes, is because we are celibates, we are males and too often, we are unsure of how celibacy, love and friendships come together. In many of our lives, these areas of affectivity, sexuality and intimacy, get confused and we struggle to find answers, insights, as well as a balanced approach to them that will fit into our commitments as celibate priests.
         I certainly saw this in my work with priests in the past; I see it now, as a bishop trying to deal with the consequences of some priests’ actions, and what I see demonstrates not just confusion about relationships and about sexuality. The unacceptable and immoral behaviour which has surfaced in recent times, also reveals insufficient seminary formation, as well as inadequate human development. This is not necessarily our fault, but it is a failure which needs to be dealt with.
         It was not an accident that John Paul II, in Pastores Dabo Vobis, introduced a fourth major pillar in priestly formation, which is human formation. This area in the lives of our seminarians cannot be presumed or taken for granted and many of us need to be attentive to it even now, years after the seminary. The stages of proper human development cannot be bypassed. Human development has to be worked on, and part of the process involves, inevitably, facing the powerful forces which make up our human emotions, desires and needs – this area of human development is where, as priests, we come face to face with the reality of being human, which involves body, mind and spirit and the balance of the three. This is where celibacy is situated, in the balance. Celibacy is not just a spirit thing – it also has to take into consideration the mind and the body.  The experience and context where all three components of the human becomes real and must come together is in our relationships, certainly with each other as priests, but as well with the men and women, who are our friends and for whom we are their friends!
         It is important therefore to experience the sense that we belong to a circle of people, our families notwithstanding, who care for us by choice and who know that we choose to care for them. This “caring for them” is self-transcending love. It is this capacity to overcome self – to give one’s self to another which John Paul II defined as the quality which makes each one of us a person. To transcend self is the capacity to give myself over to another as a gift.  This is also what qualifies a priest, as John Paul II often stated, as an expert in humanity which simply means – I’ve been there! I know what you are talking about!
         Celibacy and love go well together, and must go together if it is to make sense. This happens when each of us has come to the point of freely giving himself to another in love – not an exclusive, private and self-centered experience, but one which is an authentic experience of caring, of close collaboration, open to criticisms and correction, but always life giving!  Such friends are few, but where 2 or 3 are gathered in the name of the Lord, He is there.
         “Together in Ministry” is a reminder to us all that, in the end, we exist for others. Ministry is for the care of souls, it’s our commitment to be instruments of God’s grace, so that God’s people can experience the love of God.  Fraternity among priests and the importance of friends in our lives are conditions which facilitate the adequate and effective communication of Christ’s message. These necessary supports to our lives, are what contribute to make the gospel real and receivable, and our ministry credible and welcome.
Part III
         However, the reality and credibility of the gospel and those of us at the service of the gospel – requires of each of us, the understanding, the conviction and the acceptance that we do not exist for ourselves.  The ministry is not about me – it’ about others and we can’t do ministry effectively, adequately, credibly - if we go at it alone.
         Vatican II in Lumen Gentium, #32, told us that we are not alone and that we need each other.  ("For the distinctions which the Lord has made between sacred ministers and the rest of the people of God entails a unifying purpose, since pastors and the other faithful are bound to each other by a mutual need.")
 
 This brings me to say a few things about mutuality in our lives and in the life of Church.
         I was introduced to the concept and experience of mutuality from my background in psychology and particularly when I was involved in personal accompaniment.  Mutuality is a quality and an essential quality of the therapeutic relationship. It refers to the trust factor which must be established between a client and a therapist, without which there cannot be any real or significant change or improvement in the client’s experience.
         Mutuality in the Church is also based on need and reciprocity; on care for each other and a commitment to provide it – and whether in therapy, in church relations, among the priestly fraternity or among friends, trust is the central feature of mutuality.
         “Together in ministry”, therefore, requires that we be more intentional about the quality and the reality of trust between and among each other as priests; with our bishops and with our friends, but above all with those whom we serve in our communities.
         The reality of our lives and ministry indicate that too often in the past, but still today, our commitment to mutual need, “our awareness that we are bound to each other…” has been weak or even lacking.  This is largely due to mistrust and when mistrust marks our relationships, then ministry suffers. In extreme situations, where mutual care has been absent, ministry has been turned from care of souls, to the destruction of souls. Where mutuality has been absent, silence has often been the response to abuse and indifference has often been the attitude towards persons in need. We have seen this to be true from Church leadership, the presbyterate as well as parishioners. How else can we explain that so many immoral, illegal actions, inhuman conditions and spiritually detrimental situations went unnoticed and unchallenged for so long in different parts of our Church?
         To appreciate the importance and the need to become more trusting and attentive to each other, I have found it useful to see how mutuality is founded on our theological tradition and expressed in our reflections on the mystery of the Trinity. More than anything else, Trinitarian theology tries to tell us about the relational nature of God; the God whom St. John the Evangelist defines as the God of love, and where the essence of that Godliness is expressed in the relationships among the Persons of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
         The language used to try to grasp this Mystery of God, is the language of family.  The human analogy for the Trinity is the love found and expressed in the experience which is foundational for all human relationships, the family circle. It is in this context of the familial connections and interactions that we develop our experience of trust or mistrust, and it is in this context that we learn what mutual care and attention to each other’s needs are about.
         As I look at our Church, at least the one that I am in, I see a great need to promote and deepen our awareness of mutual care in our Church and for our Church. My understanding of mutuality, and why I insist on it, is because without it, I believe, we reduce the experience of Church to a set of services. Life in our parishes, sometimes, becomes static and uninteresting; they are like a drive-through Tim Hortons, a kind of sacred Seven/Eleven we come to when necessary. But there is more to Christian life and parish life, including priestly life, than that.  It has to do with “see how they love one another” and if we don’t see it, then there is nothing substantive or significant going on there!
         Mutuality is part of this, “see how they love one another” – it is a condition, essential to a dynamic parish; necessary for the effective and affective life of priest and his parishioners and vice versa. When it is present it becomes tangibly expressed and experienced as an interactive, stable and supportive relationship between and among the members of the parish family.  The interactive mutual attentiveness of people to priests, and priests to people, the reciprocity of pastoral solicitude, the concern for each other’s spiritual well-being, including the freedom to be critical, when necessary, is what gives life and supports life, the abundant life, which Christ came to offer and continues to offer through our ministry to one another.
         “Together in Ministry” is wishful thinking if it is not put into action and it becomes a visible value for everyone only when it is lived! It is lived, of course, when we pastorally work together as priests – when we collaborate in the diocesan plans and strategies for the life of the local Church; when we help each other in our preaching mission and in the administration of the sacraments; or even when we need to take time off.  But “together in ministry” is also a call to review the quality of our relational lives, in their various manifestations, because our relationships with priests, with our close friends and with our communities of faith will impact directly on how ministry is offered, received and accomplished.
         Fraternity, Friendship and Mutuality when properly understood and experienced as part of our priestly lives, will generate in us and for us, a spiritual revolution; a revolution which calls for trust, which requires purification of ourselves and the letting go of that which blocks the way of credible ministry. Where the condition of mutual care exists, we will have a new way of being together; it will give rise to a new ministerial spirit, which will be significant and sacramental by the manner we treat each other as priests, and in how we care and provide for those entrusted to our pastoral care.
         “Together in ministry” is a worthy and challenging value to bring back to your respective presbyterates. Go home and promote an attitude of mutual care; help your fellow priests to acquire minds and hearts disposed to better respect and support each other; encourage their efforts in ministry by favouring a spirit of reciprocal fraternal charity and by providing an understanding for significant, healthy friendships.
         My hope is that a greater sense of togetherness in ministry, will bring about an environment, in our Church and in our personal lives, which will promote listening to one another and being more accepting of each other; where forgiveness and the values of transparency, accountability and responsibility – are not just words, but demonstrations of the sacramental nature of our ministry as priests.
†Anthony Mancini
Archbishop of Halifax-Yarmouth