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October 21st.
2009
WALKABOUT
WALKABOUT:
A journey on foot undertaken by an Australian Aboriginal
in order to live in the traditional manner.
An informal stroll among a crowd conducted by an important visitor.
This week the Prior family has embarked on a journey to Minnesota for
what is referred to as a “Walkabout.” To be honest, I believe my first
introduction to this term came from the movie Crocodile Dundee (if it
turns out anything like what transpired in the movie it should indeed be
both an adventure and hilarious).
The Church’s use of the term, which came into popularity about 15 years
ago, has to do with introducing Bishop candidates to the Diocese and the
Diocese to Bishop candidates. It is a chance for said candidates to get
an in-person feel for the life and ministry of the Diocese. Likewise, it
is a chance for a larger spectrum of the Diocese to engage in
conversation and on a personal basis, to get to know the candidates for
their next Bishop.
We, as a family, will be riding a bus for over 30 hours and traveling
over 1000 miles throughout the state of Minnesota. Along the way we will
meet with tribal elders, school board members, youth groups,
environmental groups, multicultural groups, clergy, and Sunday Schools.
We also will spend time in a retreat center.
From the beginning the Diocese has been insistent that we bring the
Prior boys. Not necessarily an easy proposition for two lads who are
very serious about their school work. Yet, between lots of cooperation
with Freeman School District (the history teacher actually assigned work
relevant to Minnesota) and the graciousness of the Diocese we agreed to
bring the boys. In the end, part of what tipped the scale for me was the
opportunity to show them the homeland of their recently departed, and
much-loved “Papa.”
In the end, what the Walkabout is all about is discernment. This
discernment is both for the people of the Diocese of Minnesota and for
those who have been called to explore the possibility of being the next
Bishop of Minnesota.
In this regard, we ask that you continue to ask for God’s guidance in
this discernment, and that, thy will be done.
Blessings,
The Rev. Brian N. Prior, Rector
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