Okay, I have some moments of insecurity and nerves when I am a presenter. Some of that is completely natural, I think.

Well, I had a nice big heapin’ helping of them when I presented to the priests of the Archdiocese of Chicago for their annual day of reflection and priestly solidarity.

I was initially asked to be one of 2 presenters that day to talk with priests about staying healthy and taking care of one another. I was already a little intimidated because the other presenter would be a priest, meaning I might be the only lay person there.

Then I found out I would be the only presenter! The priest who recommended me, Fr. Larry Sullivan, said that it would be a pity to give me only one hour, so I would now have both sessions.

I was also a little intimidated by the fact that Cardinal Francis George would be sitting “front and center.” It’s not often that my audience includes cardinals…well, actually, next to never.

The talks went well. The message was mixed with humor as well as some statistical findings on priestly ministry from CARA (Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate) and a book by Fr. Stephen Rosetti, The Joy of Priesthood. Cardinal George was complimentary as well as many of the priests. I was relieved…to be done, but also to have hopefully given some priests words of hope, affirmation, challenge and encouragement.

Two things made a big impression on that day:

1) being with priests when they pray as a group. It is so POWERFUL to be present and included when that happens.

2) Cardinal George.

No, this is not “sucking up.” The Cardinal spoke for 30 minutes after I did, giving the priests some updates and offering his own reflections to them about the challenges the local church is facing. Then he fielded questions in an “open mike” forum. Some of these questions were difficult (and that’s putting it mildly). He didn’t dodge questions; he caught all of the major points being mentioned. I was impressed by his conviction and integrity in this conversation and setting. It was a powerful witness to me.