By: The Rev. Canon Giulianna Cappelletti Gray
Last week, the priests and deacons of the Diocese of Indianapolis gathered along with Bishop Jennifer at Waycross Camp and Conference Center for Clergy Conference. This time is meant to provide opportunities for clergy to get to know one another better, learn topics relevant for ministry, and rest. As one new to this Diocese, this time was gold to me!
My first impression of the clergy is that it is a community that values collaboration, is open to learning, practices a great deal of everyday kindness, and listens to each other well enough to sing beautifully together. It was a great joy for me to begin my second week in this new role at Waycross with this group.
Keynote presentations were provided by Dr. Jody Horstman, a clinical psychologist, who guided us in themes relevant for the development of emotional intelligence. Early in her presentations, Dr. Horstman shared an insight from J. Freedman that “research suggests that emotional intelligence is responsible for as much as 80% of the success in our life.” After setting the stage for the importance of this topic, she walked us through sessions which covered self-awareness, social awareness, relationship management, and leadership.
While the concept of emotional intelligence may not have been entirely new for us, this was a timely and impactful topic. Not only is Lent a season when we are engaging in self-examination, but the ongoing work of ministry provides endless opportunities to focus on the work of heart.
Our modern world is one where constant change creates a sense of uncertainty, and we often feel pressure to move at a relentless pace. Studying this topic together has given us some shared language and practices which will help us do the work of ministry with greater balance, while also being connected to ourselves and one another. The beautiful grounds and building of Waycross provided us with a place where we could rest a while, play, and rest.
In her closing sermon, Bishop Jennifer encouraged us to live and serve courageously to practice empathy for one another, and to pray for each other. Sending us out, she offered, “We are called to live here—where there is uncertainty. But if we live here with open and unguarded and courageous hearts, we will inevitably find that Jesus lives here too.”
I am grateful to now be among this new community. I look forward to learning from, and with, this group of clergy in the years to come!
