Contact: Suzanne Morse 617-680-2131, smorse@votf.org

For Immediate Release

Voice of the Faithful Encouraged by External Review Committee for Parish Closings

Organization Urges Resolution on Parishes with Ongoing Vigils

Newton, Mass. – October 8, 2004 – Members of Voice of the Faithful are calling yesterday’s announcement that Archbishop Sean O’Malley has formed an external committee to review the parish closing process a positive step. The organization of lay Catholics has called for greater and more meaningful lay involvement in the parish closing process and has leant support to many of the parishes who have appealed their closures. The review committee, chaired by Sr. Janet Eisner and Peter Meade, is made up of community and business leaders.

“It is a positive step to see Archbishop O’Malley involving laity in this reconfiguration process that so affects the archdiocese,” said John Hynes, chair of Voice of the Faithful Boston Council. “We are encouraged by the caliber of leaders appointed to this board, particularly because they have shown themselves to be independent and thoughtful leaders who care about the future of the Catholic Church.”

“Parishioners from St. Albert the Great’s and St. Anselm’s have expressed their disappointment that this committee is not including a review of their situations,” said Sheila Connors Grove, a member of the Voice of the Faithful Boston Council. “Those parishes, and the others working so hard for their survival, must be an integral part of this process, as well. We are hopeful that the committee will enfranchise these parishes by broadening the scope of its evaluation.”

“Given the leadership abilities and high standards of the individuals named to the board, we anticipate that the purpose of this committee will be clarified publicly and its charter made transparent,” said Hynes. “The Voice of the Faithful Boston Council is ready to assist the committee in its work. We believe that the individuals on the board are committed to the values of transparency and accountability, and we feel that we can help those efforts that will lead to a greater sense of these values in the archdiocese.”

“Again, Voice of the Faithful remains committed to supporting the Catholic Church by increasing meaningful lay involvement in all aspects of administrative governance, especially in the parish closing process in the archdiocese of Boston,” said Grove. “We are heartened by Archbishop O’Malley’s action and are hopeful that he will reach out to us as opportunities for all Catholics to become more involved in the Church are opened.”

//end

About Voice of the Faithful: Voice of the Faithful (VOTF) is a worldwide movement of concerned mainstream Catholics formed in response to the clergy sexual abuse crisis. The group's mission is to provide a prayerful voice, attentive to the Spirit, through which the Faithful can actively participate in the governance and guidance of the Catholic Church. Its goals are to support victim/survivors of abuse, support priests of integrity, and shape structural change within the Catholic Church in full accordance and harmony with Church teaching. VOTF’s supporting membership exceeds 30,000 registered persons from 50 U.S. states, 39 countries and 207 Parish Voice affiliates throughout the world.