Priests from the Diocese of Buffalo gathered from June 4-6 at Christ the King Seminary in East Aurora for theirannual Convocation. The theme of this year's gathering was "Together: Renew, Recommit, Restore - to giveyou a future of hope."
During these three days priests reflected on current circumstances, learned more about the Movement to Restore Trust from Organizing Committee member John Hurley, had dialogue about plans for renewal and targeted future goals. A very poignant and solemn moment of the Convocation included a presentation by a victim/survivor of clergy sexual abuse. At the conclusion of the Convocation, the reaction of the priests was that it was one of the best/most productive Convocations in recent years because it was based on dialogue focused on the commitment to move forward together, to renew and reform.
The priests recommitted to working with the Bishop, and to immediate and significant action working with the MRT by strengthening the partnership with the laity, enhancing communication, supporting accused priests, increasing prayer, worship and retreats, and among other things, addressing the spiritual well-being of priests.