The Notebook
Fr Vincent Shelock
“There were people of all ages, gathered ‘round the gable wall”, so begins Dana’s wonderful hymn telling the story of the Knock Apparition of August 1879. It’s a lovely image of Church – people of all ages, gathered, content to be with one another and respectful.
I often think that the church, the parish church, is quite likely the only building in the parish where this happens on a regular basis. There are places where groups gather, for sure, during the week: parent and toddler groups, active retired, soccer teams, Gaelic training, social dancing, etc. but in the church, the ages are all represented from the oldest parishioner present to the youngest babe in arms. There is something very right about this – long may the ‘gable wall’ of all our churches be places of gathering.
As I write these words, I am in Glencomeragh House, Co. Waterford, coming to the final hours of a diocesan retreat with some priests of the Diocese of Cloyne. The days have been good, and I have enjoyed meeting these men, only two of whom I’d known before this week. We have spent a bit of time together, reflecting on priesthood and the road that we too are travelling together. One of the men, this very day, celebrated the 64th anniversary of his ordination and he is two years junior to another one of the retreatants. From a man ordained 66 years to me, ordained 32, we have reflected on the bond that joins us – the bond that is priesthood.
Only three of the men attending were in the seminary in the same decade as myself. It’s fair to say, we are a seasoned group! A group, nonetheless, gathered in the belief that our ministry is of significance and that what we do continues to matter and always has the potential to make a difference.
Decisions
What has struck me very much since coming here is a group of young people who live in this place, as their home, for an academic year. During that time, they seek to deepen their own Faith, look at their lives and make – quite likely – life-changing decisions about their future.
Young men and women of Holy Family Mission, together with a resident priest and team leaders, give this time to deepening their faith and recognising Christ’s place in their lives.
The first young man I met on Sunday evening told me that he is going to Spain in September in preparation for entering the seminary next year. Though Sunday was drawing to a close, he gave me such hope. He was so happy and clearly looking forward to what the future might hold and totally sincere in his decision and desire to be a priest.
Another young man spoke of meeting a girl at a Youth 2000 retreat, who three years later is his wife. His happiness, too, was palpable. Young men and women, from Ireland and beyond, served us food during the week and the food, welcome as it was, paled in comparison to their joy and contentment.
There is no denying the Lord is at work, calling, calling, calling to people of “all ages” to gather at the gable wall and, having gathered, to go out and spread the good news.
Religious life
For some this may include priesthood or religious life but for the majority, I think, it will mean bringing their Faith to the highways and byways of life, to their places of work and relaxation that others too may come to recognise Christ and welcome him as they so clearly have.
It’s likely that church personnel might change, roles may be re-defined but, from what I’ve seen this week, from priests in their 90s to young people in their late teens and 20s, the Church is alive.
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BUMPS AND SPILLS
Recently someone shared with me an interesting thought. Imagine drinking a mug of coffee and someone bumping into you, causing the coffee to spill. The only reason the coffee spills is because it is in the mug. Equally were the contents of the mug tea, water or any other beverage, they too would spill. The contents spilt are whatever is in the mug.
Likewise, the thought ran, when someone bumps against us, what spills is what is within so if we react with anger, the truth is that anger is the main content of our ‘mug’. Equally, rudeness or hostility of any kind. If, on the other hand, we are content in ourselves, gracious and at peace – that’s what will spill out when we are inevitably bumped into. I’m paraphrasing someone else’s thought but only because I wanted to remember and share it.
There’s something being said here…