Looking forward

For the third and final presentation at the annual meeting of the National Federation of Presbyteral Councils, Rev. John Jennings, a priest of the Diocese of Saint John, NB was invited to share some wisdom about how to begin the discussion.

The thesis of Father Jennings' presentation was that change, no matter the context, is always in response to circumstances which precipitate it. Beginning with the Early Church, he outlined how the identification of circumstances such as persecution, the need for definition of terms, establishment of order and other factors have all necessitated change during the history of the Church.

In his article entitled "Vatican Council II: Did Anything Happen?", published in Theological Studies, J.W. O'Maley spoke of the importance of balancing the lived tradition and the tendency to overemphasize the need for change. As such, one of the important roles of the Council was to concentrate on continuities while also recognizing discontinuities which have been effected by change throughout the Church's history.

One thing is certain, there is always change afoot, and when the Church is at its best, it has always been able to absorb and adjust the societies in which it is found, all the better to respond to the changes which are happening around it, and all the better to respond to the needs of the people of God.

Change represents a pivotal point in life. While it is important to be aware of the shifts in realities we face, it is equally imperative that we be aware of the gifts we bring to this moment, gifts which enable us to face the challenge of change head on and to maintain an atmosphere of hope as we look to the future.

The NFPC National Assembly wraps up tomorrow.