AUSCP Executive Director’s Report
The Association, as I see it, is a gathering of priests and Friends interested in keeping current on Church issues and trends to witness and effect the sacred presence of the Incarnate all around us and to offer mutual support and encouragement as we all live our baptismal priestly identities. Through our assemblies, working groups, and webinars, we continue our education, identify areas of concern, and, in many cases, plan actions to further the work of creation.
Our tax-exempt status as a not-for-profit organization binds us to strict regulations in our public activities related to lobbying and legislation. It’s crucial to note that we cannot endorse specific candidates for office, but we can support positions that align with the values of particular candidates. We are permitted to promote non-partisan voter education. Our actions must always align with the mission stated in our 501(3) application, as outlined in our articles of incorporation.
Greg has shared our activities and efforts over the past year. Among them is a vital outreach for new, significantly younger members. We have welcomed newly ordained priests and gifted them with membership, funded by our promotions budget. If we want to keep them as members after their free membership expires, we need to offer something that they will find valuable in their ministry.
One of my goals, always in my mind as I perform my job, is bridging polarities. We all know the polarity that exists in the Church and the Presbyterate. To bridge it, we must identify our commonalities rather than try to convert, change, or transfigure one group into the other. What we all have in common is the Risen Christ. By focusing on Jesus’ message and sharing ways of applying it to our ministries, we can sit at the same table. Once there, we must respectfully listen deeply to hear the realities words cannot capture.
What are some of the common concerns that go beyond polarity? Developing positive relationships with the episcopacy; how to serve more than one parish at a time; co-responsibility with ministers who are not ordained; how to sensitively yet effectively deal with issues brought up in the sacrament of reconciliation, such as pornography, divorce, remarriage, etc.; ministering with people of varying temperaments; balancing ministry and health; dealing with loneliness in the priesthood. There are many others.
We all have a role in this process of reconciling and healing. Any member or Friend can identify crucial issues for a webinar or Zoom discussion and can help with the planning. A few of our working groups have done this quite well, with one drawing over one thousand participants to a webinar. We can each recruit at least one member or Friend to join us. Local gatherings of members, such as in Toledo, Rochester, and elsewhere, can increase mutual support and commonality. My job description calls for me to travel recruiting new members, so let me know if I can help you wherever you might be. Planning social events with no agenda except fellowship can be effective. And please invite friends and wealthy strangers to participate in our annual appeal!
These are just some of my ideas. You have your own. As we build up Christ’s kingdom on earth, we must all play some role, whether small or large. As an association of US Catholic Priests and Friends, we can do it if we work and play well together!
Steve Newton, CSC
June 24, 2024