Leadership for Transformation in the Catholic Community
“In the company of 21st Century Prophets”
Easter Conference
Leadership for Transformation in the Catholic Community
The conference “Leadership for Transformation in the Catholic Community” organised by the Dioceses of Hallam and Leeds attracted over 150 priests, religious and laity from every diocese in England and Wales together with friends from Scotland, Ireland, South Africa, Canada and Australia.
One of the key speakers, Bishop Willie Walshe (Diocese of Killaloe, Ireland) challenged participants to “always display the leadership qualities of Christ, rooted in compassion and forgiveness. Remember, Christ was only harsh with those who laid burdens on people” Bishop Willie’s comments, which were greeted with enthusiastic applause, continued “we must be compassionate communities where the walls that divide and separate crumble. A deep, deep respect for every other person has to be the basis of our approach to leadership.”
The importance of leadership being a true expression of our humanity was emphasised by Fr Donal O’Leary. “If you never take risks then you’re never vulnerable and it is very difficult to be vulnerable enough to wash feet”. Talking of the importance of awareness of self, Donal emphasised that “…. There is no dispensation from gentleness, tenderness and sensitivity.”
Kathy Galloway, Leader of the Iona Community gave a powerful presentation on the theme of servant leadership. She called for Christian Communities to be genuinely counter cultural where leadership was open, transparent and shared. “The Church we live in is between the no longer and the not yet.”
John West-Burnham, Senior Research Adviser of the National College of School Leadership challenged participants to look to education for transformation. “There is a great danger that we are becoming very effective at schooling but very poor at education.” He encouraged those present to remind parents that “.. the purpose of a school is to help a family educate a child based on a clear philosophy of childhood.”
The conference, facilitated by Theresa Laverick, Donal O’Leary and Frank McDermott hopes to be a launch pad for a timely renewal of approaches to pastoral and educational leadership within the Catholic Community based on the real meaning of the Incarnation.
Reaction to this unique experience has been overwhelming. Liturgy, prayer; guided meditation and discussion were woven together with inspirational presentations.
Comments received from participants include;-
“The impact each speaker made was deep, overwhelming and empowering. I feel I have been in the company of 21st Century prophets”
“…there was joy, hope, laughter, tears, love…….”
“…. Just what we needed, hope for a better future for the Church. …. a window in the Church of the future”
“ … what a wonderful snapshot in time of our Church – full of hope, willing to share, open to others reaching out to the margins and ready to take small faltering steps into a future as yet unseen and small”
I feel privileged to have experienced the speaker’s heartfelt passion – it spilled into my heart and I am forever grateful”
“The distinctly real, human, compassionate heart of the Gospel pervaded the two days. …. a truly magnificent vision”
“It was so encouraging, affirming, thought provoking and challenging – thank you”
“…. the liturgies were awesome”
“ a deeply enriching experience”
For further information please contact:
Clare Thorpe, Conference Administrator, Diocese of Hallam
Frank McDermott, Conference Facilitator, Director of Schools’, Diocese of Hallam
Theresa Laverick, Conference Facilitator, Adviser, Diocese of Leeds
Fr. Donal O’Leary, Conference Facilitator, St Wilfrid’s, Ripon
Leadership for Transformation in the Catholic Community
16th & 17th April 2004
Prior to lunch on day two of our conference, each “table” reported their feelings, thoughts, reflections at that time while quiet background music was played . . .
“God meets us where we are and vice versa.”
“Leadership in an inclusive group means listening to all voices and ensuring that all have the opportunity to speak, and that contributions are heard.”
“A long journey is like giving birth, both very daunting experiences that can be accomplished by taking one step at a time.”
“Accept all people with compassion for we are all hurt, and treat with respect. We are all God’s children.”
“Jesus thought for a while and said – I have made no other plans, I am counting on you.”
“We are honestly worried about who is not listening to the heartbeat and want to find ways to commit ourselves to do so.”
“Hospitality is a way of being.”
“We ask the Holy Spirit - empower us to have belief, that we have something valuable to offer, as individuals, to the community, done with passion, but compassionately. Deo Gratias.”
“If we are faithful, the child emerging will be God’s child and that child will be faithful.”
“Have the courage to take risks in responding to the reality of the situation in the Church as we perceive it.”
“We pray that our first small step is mutuality: a friendship of equality, true hospitality.”
“Christ, be our companion on the journey. Help us to embrace all whom we meet on the road and full us with your love, compassion, peace and hope.”
“Encourage life and respect others with compassion through and with Christ as our centre. Take time for silence and reflection and God will transform us.”
“Excitement of new birth that is inclusive.”
“We need each other to hold on to the mountain top vision, to know that what we have shared here is real and that we will take the next small step.”
“The transformation has begun in our hearts, we return with faith, hope and courage to take the first small steps.”
. . . The comments were greeted with prayerful silence!