In a bid to enhance their pastoral effectiveness, Sandhurst priests participated in a Crucial Conversations workshop at their recent Inservice. Grounded in a Catholic context, the workshop addressed the sensitive and complex situations that arise in parish life, aiming to equip priests with tools to navigate these challenges with grace and understanding. The focus was on fostering communication that is not only effective but also imbued with the warmth and compassion central to their ministry.

The two-day Workshop was facilitated by staff from Catholic Education Sandhurst, Tanya Mullane and Sam Dowling, who worked with the diocesan Director of Clergy Life and Ministry, Fr Jake Mudge to adapt the ‘Crucial Conversations’ workshop to be relevant for the Catholic Parish context.

“Communication is important in any profession,” said Fr Jake. “As pastoral ministers, priests often need to have sensitive conversations, and choosing the right word or tone is crucial to the effectiveness of those conversations.”

Facilitator Tanya Mullane said she is a staunch advocate of the ‘Crucial Conversations’ workshops and enjoys delivering it to groups. "The workshops give participants strategies to stop and think about the conversations they are having and make it a safe environment for the person you are speaking with and for yourself,” she said.

Tanya said it was a pleasure to work with Sandhurst’s priests over two days of their annual in-service in Moama. “It was a real gift to share a good amount of time with them, attend Mass, share a meal, and get to know many of the priests and their stories,” she said.

Through having Crucial Conversations, participants learn to see issues through the lens of others; make it safe to have dialogue on important issues; work more effectively as committed team members; and problem-solve in ways that reduce barriers.