During his keynote presentation to the clergy of the Archdiocese of Perth, Bunbury Bishop George Kolodziej SDS reflected on the Emmaus story (Luke 24:29–33), inviting priests to see their own ministry through the experience of the two disciples whose hearts were renewed by the presence of the risen Christ.
Drawing on the Gospel, Bishop George reminded the clergy that priesthood is a journey marked by both great joy and real challenges.
Like the disciples on the road to Emmaus, priests can experience moments of fatigue, disappointment and uncertainty.
Yet it is precisely in those moments, he said, that Christ comes alongside. He does not interrupt, nor immediately correct, instead he listens, he accompanies and he renews.
“The question is not whether we become tired,” Bishop George said. “The question is: where do we go with that tiredness?”
He emphasised that the Eucharist remains the heart of every priest’s life and ministry, highlighting that it is in the breaking of the bread that priests continually rediscover their identity, renew their hope, and receive the strength to continue their mission.
Bishop George also introduced the importance of pastoral supervision as an essential element of healthy and sustainable ministry.
He described it as a confidential and supportive space where priests can reflect on their ministry, their wellbeing and their relationship with God with a trained supervisor. It is walking alongside someone in the pastoral journey.
“Pastoral supervision is not counselling, and it is not a performance review,” he explained.
“It is accompaniment – a place of listening, a place of reflection and a place of discernment that helps us recognise both our strengths and the challenges we carry.”
Bishop Kolodziej noted that regular pastoral supervision can help priests develop greater self-awareness and recognise the signs of burnout and compassion fatigue.
“It can strengthen their pastoral identity, and it can deepen their capacity to serve God’s people with joy,” he said.
He reminded the clergy that “self-care is not self-indulgence. It is an ethical and spiritual responsibility.”
“Caring for one’s spiritual, emotional and physical wellbeing enables priests to remain faithful and effective in their ministry,” he explained.
Concluding his presentation, Bishop George encouraged his brother priests to embrace the Emmaus journey, to allow Christ and others to walk with them, receive the nourishment of the Eucharist and return to their ministry renewed with hope.
“Pastoral supervision is not a burden,” he said, “It is a gift – a gift that helps us remain faithful, joyful and alive in the mission entrusted to us.”