Chapter Five





Parish life about to begin, thought Julian as he reached the front door of the Archbishop’s house.

“Welcome back Julian,” declared the smiling archbishop. “Congratulations. You certainly have done well – splendid results! We are all very proud of you.”

“Thank you Archbishop.”

“Time to drop formalities,” smiled the archbishop. “My name is Bernard.”

“Thanks, Bernard,” Julian smiled back.

“Sit down – refreshments on the way.” As though on cue he pointed to the tray at his side.

Over tea and scones Julian was advised of the archbishop’s plans for him.

“Nothing set in concrete, mind you,” commented the archbishop. “We’re open to any changes.”

“Thank you, Bernard. It’s just about how I envisaged my duties would be. I will contact you if changes need to be made.”

Conversation followed on general diocesan news.

Half an hour later in his car, Julian headed home. There had been no surprises in the archbishop’s plans for him – three days in the Canon Law section of the diocesan office building. The remainder of the week, apart from his ‘free’ day as the archbishop had noted, he would be involved in parish ministry. No surprises! All this to commence in ten days. After all these years of study, his life as a parish priest was about to begin.

Yet the beginning to Julian’s ministry was different from that of his three friends. Hopes and dreams for the future following Vatican II were quite prevalent for them as they began their lives as pastors. They were aware of mixed feelings among the minority of their elders. But, on the whole new ideas were sparking new life. Communication from his friends during his studies in Rome were always received with great pleasure and interest. He could almost feel the excitement in their letters. Yes, he thought, there is hope and talk of change. But during his life as a student in Rome there was no indication that the hopes back in Australia would be fulfilled. He had looked forward to returning home for many reasons, one being to see the Church, in some ways, returning to its roots.

Now home and at last beginning his pastoral life, Humanae Vita had sent the Church into a spin. The declaration came as a surprise to many.

Yes, he thought, my introduction to parish life is rather different to that of my mates.

It was obvious that the laity were certainly divided. And it was also obvious that some had begun to walk away – a situation that had never been witnessed before on this scale.

Julian thought deeply on the debate from the viewpoints of a canon lawyer, a priest and as a human being and prayed for wisdom. “Informed conscience” became a common topic for debate. How many times in the years ahead would his advice be sought on this question.

As his early years in ministry rolled on, it became so clear that the ‘black and white’ of Pre-Vatican years had changed. Doctrine remained untouched, but various shades of grey now appeared in many traditions.

Balancing his life in pastoral ministry and canon law presented challenges at first. But, soon he had it under control. Sometimes both areas overlapped. But generally he organized his day according to where he was scheduled. Brief home visits were always a happy and relaxing time. The special family excitement during that first year centred around the birth of Meg and Tom’s first child. The Baptism, weeks later, was an occasion of family celebration and of special significance to Julian as the celebrant.

A couple of times during the year the four friends had made time to meet – time to share experiences and reaffirm each other in their commitments. A time, too, for solidifying comradeship.