Recent Members Regional Gatherings
In Columbus, Ohio, fifty-six priests from nine dioceses in five states gathered ... on January 24, 2012, for a regional meeting of our new association. The agenda included two talks, by Father Don Cozzens on the consequences of making a commitment to the priesthood, and by Father Jim Bacik on the "dialectical virtues" required of priests if they are to follow Christ faithfully. Small group discussions and organizational business items interspersed the day-long meeting.
This regional gathering reflects our effort to organize a collective voice for Roman Catholic priests across the country. Nine priests from the Columbus Diocese applied for membership at this gathering.
Most priests know that there is a division among priests in the United States, basically three groups or "cohorts" of priests modeling their theology and ministry on Pope John XXIII/Vatican II, Pope John Paul II, or Pope Benedict XVI. Jim Bacik clarified the difference between Vatican II priests and JPII priests under two operative models of priesthood: servant/leader (inspired by Vatican II) or spiritual father (inspired by Pope John Paul II).
The servant/leader model tends to see a priest in terms of ministry shared with the laity, of witness to social justice issues, and of exploring how the Gospel is to be translated into today's world. The spiritual father model tends to see a priest in terms of directing the laity in their service to the Church, of piety in prayer, of maintaining orthodoxy.
In discussions, many members complained of the awkwardness of the Roman Missal translation, and acknowledged stumbling over some phrases and omitting others. Some thought the language harkened back to a theology of our "meriting" God's love rather than the theology of seeing God's grace and salvation as gift. Still other priests acknowledged an atmosphere of fear in the Church, priests fearing their bishops, and bishops fearing the Curia.
Some lamented the inability to communicate with the hierarchy without fear of reprisal, and others acknowledged the threat to their personal integrity and the anxiety of following one's conscience vis-a-vis Roman control and certain diocesan policies and practices. All seem eager to preserve the legacy of Vatican II. The regional meeting also surfaced the priests' love for their people and their deep appreciation of their role as presider at liturgy.
For the full text of Fr. Norm Langenbrunner's visit his blog by clicking here.
AUSCP Regional Meeting in Detroit on Feb 28, 2012
Fr. Bill Petron sent in a good summary report on the Detroit Gathering which garnered some 29 brothers. He said that Frank Eckart gave an update from the AUSCP leadership board and a good peek at plans for the summer assembly at St. Leo's in Florida.
Bishop Tom Gumbleton spoke about how Vatican II changed his ministry from focusing on "saving souls" to answering the call to promote social justice. The council documents called us to minister with an emphasis on collegiality and subsidiarity, particularly as it was modeled by Archbishop Deardon, who set the pace for USCCB conferences for years to come.
Jim Bacik focused on how the disciplines of spirituality can help us hold our "center" amidst the many stresses of ministry today. He invited us to keep the best of Vatican Council II alive by retrieving the best values of Gaudium et Spes and the other documents and not by letting nostalgia distract us.
The general discussion affirmed the gift of pastoral ministry that we share. Vatican II was and is a pastoral Council. Thus we need to focus as pastors on the development of our own distinct wisdom tradition, our own voice as an association, "to grow our own spine gradually."
Upcoming Meetings
Saturday, March 24, in Anaheim, CA
Are any AUSCP members attending the LA Religious Ed Congress in Anaheim, California, this month? All are invited to attend a luncheon with Fr. Bob Cushing and Fr. Frank Eckert (board members of AUSCP) on Saturday, March 24 at noon at the Doubletree Suites, 2085 S. Harbor Blvd. (one half-block south of Convention Way). We would like to have your input on the Association and answer any questions you might have. If you bring a potential new member, their lunch would be free. For more info, call Bob Cushing at 706-495-1189 or Frank Eckert at 419-764-7244.
Wednesday, April 18, in St. Louis
All members and interested priests are invited to an introductory meeting, Midday prayer, and luncheon at Christ the King - Ryan Center in Lower Level School Building, 7324 Balson Ave, University City, MO, from 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM. (Parking on the rear lot off Dartmouth or on the street in front of the Church) This is an opportunity to learn more about the AUSCP and its vision.
RSVP by April 13 by calling 314-241-9165. For more information please contact Fr. Rich Creason (314-241-9165) or Fr. Tim Foley (314-721-8737) or Msgr. Nick Schneider (314-726-6212)
Friday, April 20 in Kansas City, MO
All members and interested priests are invited to an introductory meeting and luncheon at 11:30 AM, at Visitation Parish, 5141 Main St., Kansas City, MO. Please contact Fr. Pat Rush by April 18 if you are coming. frpat@church.visitation.org 16-756-4112. 
We stand before you, 
