We knew going into the city that we had a potential timeslot of 2.5 hours, but were unsure just how long we'd actually be allotted. Jumping ahead, dose to noon, after literally talking non-stop for the whole morning, Bob asked if we would be able stay and join him for lunch. We did, and continued our meeting for another hour and a half As CORPUS board members, we came away with an appreciation that our brothers in canonical ministry are being well served through his presidency.
Standing on the shoulders of those CORPUS representatives before us, we spoke of CORPUS and NFPC founder Frank Bonikeﾒs presentation at an NFPC anniversary celebration, and Anthony Padovano and others' meetings with Bobﾒs predecessors. We thanked him for the ongoing connectivity that NFPC has had with CORPUS through Bill Manseauﾒs Pension Advocacy Campaign. Our mutual expectation is that collaboration on pension reform issues will continue. We are still working out additional ways in which CORPUS can be of immediate value to the NFPC membership. We did make it clear in our discussions, however, that one-time "high level" meetings provided little mutual value.
Almost sheepishly, to underscore NFPCﾒs commitment to continued dialogue, Bob, at one point, brought out a camera to document our meeting for the rest of his board. We returned in kind, mentioning that David Gawlik is always looking for pictures to enliven CORPUS REPORTS
Together we shared stories of our ministries and personal experiences that have helped define us as who we are today. We spoke of our hopes and dreams for a truly reformed and renewed priesthood in our Church. We traded stories that highlighted how much further we have to go to heal pain still manifest in both canonical and non-canonical ministry.
Bob shared with us that NFPC is one of six Catholic organizations receiving a significant grant from a Lilly foundation to research new theological foundations for ministry. We spoke of CORPUS desire to be made a partner in that research dialogue, and how one of our current goals is working toward 'normalizationﾒ of our relationship with other mainstream Church groups.To facilitate our connectivity, we are in the process of writing to each of these grant partners outlining the value that CORPUS representation would bring to their study and deliberations. We will keep you apprised of our activity.
Certainly all the media coverage during the past year highlights that institutionally our whole Church is in need of governance reform. NOW. We know that there are limitations to the liturgical service that the ordained members of CORPUS can provide officially within our current Church structures. An underlying theme of our board activities this year, however, is to underscore that we represent literally millions of years of canonical and market-place pastoral service. We are ready and willing to share the fruits of our experiences with the wider Church. Far from rearranging deck chairs on the Titanic, being able to influence change would be a win-win for all of us.
There are multiple hurdles to be overcome in regaining a seat at the dialogue table within our wider Church community. Furthermore, it would be naive to think that, without a major shakeup by the Holy Spirit, a la a John XXIII, that all walls to service will be broken down soon. In a later conversation, however, Bob Silva personally commented that it should be considered normal that CORPUS be at the table whenever anyone meets to discuss the future of priesthood ministry in our Church.
Where do we go from here? We will keep in contact with Bob and his team. From his side, Bob has taken steps to have us invited to one of his board meetings later this year. And so, the journey of a thousand miles continues ... a step at a time.
