Bishop Michael Warfel just completed his 3-year term on the Administrative Committee of United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB). In this position he worked on the topics that bishops would address at their fall and spring meetings. As the bishops work on these timely pertinent issues they also seek the advice from a cross section of Catholics from all areas of life including the laity (women and men: single, married, deacons, priests, and religious women). This 48-member group truly is the church in miniature called the National Advisory Council (NAC) to the USCCB. Members are invited by their bishop and represent the 15 geographical regions of the United States. The members range in diversity of age and of experience; views range from conservative to liberal. Not all members work for the church, but some do. The council meets in Baltimore, MD a couple of weeks before the bishops meet two times a year in the fall and spring.

Cindy Eultgen, has been a NAC member since 2015. She is halfway through her 4 year term. In March, she will meet with NAC members in Baltimore for the 4th time. She is a parishioner and on staff at Holy Spirit in Great falls as the coordinator of Elementary Faith Formation and Christian Service. Here she talks to the Harvest about her experience.

Cindy, what has the NAC been for you?

C: I am humbled, impressed, and challenged. My faith has grown and changed. In some ways I feel more committed to working through the challenges of our shared faith and humanity. It is easy to feel daunted with the challenges we face, whether social inequality, human justice, or perceived lack of faith and religiosity. The Catholic church has a long and diverse history, being a part of NAC reminds me of the responsibility I have to stay with these challenges, to stay with the church in overcoming obstacles. Rather than entertaining dismay regarding those who have left the church, I am more encouraged to speak honestly, which is what we are asked to do as members of this council.

This experience has made an impact on you.

C: Yes, I am grateful for this opportunity to serve and work with such a diverse range of Catholics on important issues that affect us all. We discuss thoroughly and listen deeply with mutual admiration and respect. This truly has been an awesome responsibility and opportunity to see the inside workings of the larger church. We are all Catholic. There is such a rich diversity of perspective and leadership, each one of us contributes to the whole and completion of the tasks requested by the bishops. We really get to know each other during the four days and connect with each other through the year. We pray for one another and have created bonds across the country from this common council experience.

You mention the tasks, what do you do at the four days?

C: First, we pray. We center our hearts and minds on the Eucharist and the work of the Holy Spirit to lead, inspire, and guide us in our conversations and final votes. Members bring distinct perspectives yet the process happens in the context of communal prayer and mutual respect; the Holy Spirit is consciously invited into our work. As members, we represent the needs of communities and geographical area from which we come, not only during the meetings but through our four years together. Currently a priest from Alaska and I represent Alaska, Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Montana for region 12.

Generally, our work is confidential and stays within the meetings. We are asked to review (materials provided ahead of time to read). In small groups we discuss and react to particular items that the bishops request. Then further those comments are written and shared with the larger group for discussion. This happens over the three days so we can attend to the details thoroughly.

After discussion, council members vote on each item to express the extent of their agreement or disagreement. Some issues can be difficult or more complex than others. We take our job seriously.

A written report and a verbal presentation are given to the Bishops on the first day of their meetings. They really want to know what we as a body think and how we responded. Last fall was really neat, I watched our presentation on EWTN. There were my friends, the two representatives speaking to the bishops on the exact issues we discussed!

While your work is confidential, can you talk about any specific tasks or work that you have done?

C: Yes, often when the Bishops have published something, I can see the impact of the work we have done. Two examples are:

  • The interests of Catholic Campaign for Human Development and Catholic Relief Services. I have learned so much more, in depth, about each one of these important organizations and the work they do. When I see these collections come up in the parish, I have a substantial understanding of some of the deliberations they have invited us into.
  • Many pastorals, including these two:
    – When I call for help: A Pastoral Response to domestic Violence Against Women.
    – Create in Me a Clean Heart: A Pastoral Response to Pornography.

You talked about challenges what has been the most challenging?

C: Three things have given me an opportunity to grow.

Personally, the time is a requirement. I am able to make the long term commitment of four years. I enjoy the preparation reading the 300-700 pages that arrive about 10 days before we meet. I am also available to be present at all the meetings, for me the challenge is taking the time off of work.

I thoroughly enjoy our discussions, where reasonable, respectful dialogue and cooperation are needed. Good listening skills are a requirement in the midst of tough topics. In some of our more formal discussions, as a large group, speaking is more formal with a 2 ½ minute time limit. It is important that we speak our thoughts concisely and clearly. I am impressed with the value that my opinion counts in our parliamentary procedure voting for the final report.

A final challenge is about misconceptions from the laity. As I talk to people about NAC it seems that individuals think that our meetings are about the ‘message’ that we as members ‘are to’ bring to the bishops and that we come to the bishops with our agenda. Of course we come with the needs of the people in our geographical area. But we also need to listen and respond accordingly too. In some ways, there is a small portion of the weekend that is our agenda; in that we have a proactive group in where we brainstorm issues of concern. These are discussed, filtered through and then brought to the entire council. As stated earlier, some have come out as a pastoral, others fall out, and yet others have been used as topics for discussion at Synods.

Finally, what has been most surprising?

C: That the Bishops formed the National Advisory Council just three years after the close of Vatican II. Cardinal John Dearden, who in 1968 was president of the NCCB and USCC, had wanted a structure that reflected the total American Church with shared responsibility at the national level. This structure would help the bishops meet their responsibilities to that Church. Of course NAC has developed and evolved over many years, but the goal has been the same, that NAC’s opinions and advice to the bishops would be conducted in a structured and ordered way. I truly am grateful for having the opportunity to serve on this council.

Submitted by Cindy Eultgen

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