At the appointed time Joe arrived at the bishop’s house.
“Bishop Neil is on a call at the moment. He won’t be long,” Joe was advised by his secretary.
Shortly after he was shown into the bishop’s office where he received a warm welcome.
“Glad to see you again Joe. Good trip? Ready to join us?”
Morning tea was already on the table. Over refreshments, current news was briefly discussed.
“Well, I suppose you’d like to talk over future placements,” Bishop Neil eventually stated.
“Yes,” Joe replied nervously.
“Look Joe, don’t be worried. I’m not a tyrant. I have plans for you. But discussion first – to see what you think.”
“Thanks Bishop.”
“Actually,” Bishop proceeded to explain. “A week ago my offer – or suggestion – to you would have been different. We are in the throes of setting up the CYMS here in Bathurst. Oh – you know to what I’m referring?”
“Yes Bishop. Catholic Young Men’s Society.”
“Yes – great. Well, with your sporting expertise and,” he added with a smile, “your spiritual leadership, you are the obvious choice as chaplain.”
“Thank you Bishop.” Immediately the idea appealed to Joe.
“But,” continued the bishop, “we have a slight problem. The parents of Bruce, our curate in Blayney, were involved in a very serious car accident. They have survived but will need extensive rehabilitation. Bruce has asked for six months leave to help them through this traumatic time. Of course I didn’t hesitate. Ordinarily the parish priest would carry on, on his own. Our parish priest there has taken for granted he will remain there until he retires in two or three years time. And,” he added with a smile, “that is a boat I do not wish to rock!”
“Now the problem is, this gentleman – a great old man but very set in his ways – suffers from severe arthritis to the point that he can’t walk without technical assistance. His car is set up so that he can legally drive. He can still fulfil the duties he sees as his as a parish priest. But he does need assistance. And that’s where you come in. Would you ‘fill in’ at Blayney for the next six months? Of course I’ll give you time to think about it. And please don’t feel pressured.” He paused, then added, “At this stage, do you have any questions?”
“Everything is new to me, Bishop. So in whatever you suggest I would be feeling my way. Yes – just one question. If I go to Blayney, who will be inducted as the CYMS chaplain?”
“Sorry Joe. I forgot to mention. You are certainly the ‘man’ for that job. Formation of the new CYMS club will be put on hold for six months. Actually, we’ll need that time to make sure we set it up without hitches and without leading to future problems. This is just a fill-in for six months. Bruce will probably return by then. But, if he needs more time to help his parents, we’ll organize someone else for Blayney. We want you back in Bathurst in six months. That is, of course, if you agree. But, Joe, take a day or two to think it over. Sorry I can’t give you more time.”
“It’s fine Bishop. No worries. No need for more time. Being part of the new CYMS is an exciting thought and quite a surprise. But – Blayney for six months is fine. I’m ready to roll!”
“Thanks Joe. This is a great help. Our old patriarch, Steven, is quite a character. Has his own views on running a parish. But he’s okay.”
“Sounds interesting,” laughed Joe. “When do you want me in Blayney?”
“As soon as possible,” smiled the bishop. “But take a few days around here if you like.”
“It’s okay thanks Bishop. I might as well bite the bullet today!”
“Thanks, Joe, for helping us out. One less problem to solve! We’ll see you back in Bathurst in six months. In the meantime I’ll keep you posted on how the formation of our CYMS club here is going.”