With its May 29-30 meeting, the Diocesan Pastoral Council will bid aloha to members whose terms have ended. One of them is Mary Talon, the current council president and central Oahu vicariate representative. Here she graciously shares her reflections on being a member of the council which serves to advise Bishop Larry Silva.
As I am nearing the completion of my three-year term on the Diocesan Pastoral Council and look back at what this has meant for me, I realize how truly blessed I am. It has been a wonderful and deeply enriching experience.
Prior to this term that began three years ago, I had been asked on two previous occasions if I would contemplate being on the DPC. I declined the first “ask” because I had only recently returned to the Catholic faith after a prolonged absence, and truly did not feel that I would be the best representative for the vicariate. I was still in the early stages of returning to a church that had changed significantly since my absence (pre- versus post- Vatican II). It was this change that had deepened my faith even more, although I knew that “returning home” to my childhood and early adult faith was the right choice.
I became very involved with my parish life at Our Lady of Sorrows Church in Wahiawa, and, at the second “ask,” felt that I was not ready to accept yet another task with the church as I was heavily involved in other personal and professional activities as well. When that third “ask” came, I felt that I was being “tapped on the shoulder” and accepted the challenge, or in other words answered yes to the “invite.”
Unlike many of my other obligations, Diocesan Pastoral Council meetings are held four times per year — hardly overwhelming as compared to some activities that are weekly or monthly. For me, these meetings are like a retreat from my overly busy schedule, truly forcing me to slow down and providing an opportunity to focus on my faith life.
I use the option to stay overnight at the St. Stephen Diocesan Center — a spectacularly beautiful location. I turn off my cell phone (checking only once per day for “important” messages) and enjoy the nature that surrounds me. Mass is offered on both Friday evening and Saturday morning, again offering me time for personal reflection and participation in Communion.
These quarterly meetings have afforded me the opportunity to meet with representatives from throughout the diocese. Many important, interesting and spiritually-filled discussions have occurred over the three years as we work together as an advisory council to the bishop. There has been an opportunity to also meet and learn from the various diocesan departments about the good things happening at all levels, whether it be a discussion on stewardship, the Catholic school system in the state, or learning more about the Marriage and Family Forum. It is humbling to feel I have been a small part of these discussions on issues that affect our entire diocese.
As the lay representative for the central Oahu vicariate, I have enjoyed being part of the vicariate meetings as it has afforded me an opportunity to not only meet the various pastors, priests and deacons, but to feel that perhaps in some small way I can share the “good news” that happens in our parishes with the bishop. And likewise I can share with the vicariate the “good news” that is happening on the diocesan level. I have also met and worked with many of the other staff and parish members of all of the vicariate parishes.
As I and other Diocesan Pastoral Council members complete our terms, the opportunity opens for others to serve. You don’t need to wait for the three “asks.” I strongly urge you to consider serving. It is a humbling, rewarding and spiritually fulfilling opportunity.
Mary Talon served on the Diocesan Pastoral Council from 2012 to 2015.
Anyone who is interested in being nominated for the Diocesan Pastoral Council may find the guidelines and nomination forms on the Diocese of Honolulu’s website, www.catholichawaii.org. Go to the Office of Pastoral Planning page. Listed under “Resources” is the “Diocesan Pastoral Council Guidelines.” Download, read and send in the completed guidelines to finalize nomination decisions.
