I have pondered many times the essence of my ministry to Corpus Canada.  At times I feel inadequate about contributing so little.  Recently, Chris Diamond requested that each National Coordinating Team (N.C.T.) Member provide an item to The Journal describing “How one ministers to Corpus as an N.C.T. member”.  To respond to this request required some deep soul•searching, a quiet place, and an ample space of time.  These allowed my thoughts and images of the initial Corpus experience to come flowing back to present memory.  When and why Corpus appealed to me as a Catholic Woman in the early 90's was easily recalled.

Initially my support for Corpus grew out of my concern for ordained priests who served our faith communities prayerfully, faithfully and compassionately, and my subsequent embarrassment of the severe way our church leaders have punished them when they decided to leave.  It was only a few years later that I attended the National  Corpus Gatherings and felt privileged to be present, to pray, to plan, and to party with Corpus  wives, families and friends.  Then, I came to realize that those present were members of caring, supportive communities across the country.  I was also attracted to this faith community’s dedication to renewal, to justice for all including women, the marginalized, the disenfranchised, the local faith communities, etc.

In my ministry as an N.C.T. member for Corpus I
•try to respond to the requests of the N.C.T. via discussions, responses, etc.;
•use every opportunity locally to heighten awareness by explaining Corpus Canada and its aims; 
•am the regional contact/liaison/bridge between Corpus Canada and my area;
•continue to keep us plugged into the National Level;
•have provided others with an insight to the “what and why” of Corpus;
•have been available, in a quiet supportive manner, to priests leaving the ministry; 
•have distributed copies of Journal articles (e.g. Anthony Padovano) to grateful clergy; 
•played a leadership role in the Catholics of Vision campaign;
•feel very connected and in tune with the Spirit of Corpus.

Whether I am sitting with the women in our local “sacred circle” or ministering to grievers at “Support and Share” groups, I feel that the Corpus message of healing, and of accepting and  sharing gifts is ever present, promising, and hope-filled.

I would like to conclude by expressing my gratitude to the N.C.T. and Corpus members for the hospitality and nurturing at the National Gatherings.  You have been a source of inspiration, hope, support and encouragement for the faith journey of this small cell group on the Atlantic Coast, unique in the “lay persons only” identity that fate seems to have bequeathed to us.