VOTF Affiliate Highlights
VOTF Falmouth, MA – “The Parish of Tomorrow”

Report from Anne Southwood

After an opening prayer by Janice Gouveia, keynote speaker Jesuit theologian John O'Malley "set the scene" based on his extensive historical knowledge of Church.

"Don't think the lay role is new," said O'Malley when asked the most important concept he wanted to leave with the audience. "It's an old role – suppressed.” O'Malley noted the emphasis on holiness in Vatican II. "The decree on the Church is about holiness," he explained, citing the significance of naming the Church as mystery and members as the "People of God." In singing the praises of the new horizontal idealism evident in the documents of Vatican II he stressed the lack of rules and punishments in the new vision.

O'Malley showed a sense of humor about his book Four Cultures of the West. He noted that it was a "good buy," covering 25 centuries at $25 - only a buck a century.”

Fr. Tom Mahoney of Watertown, MA looked at tomorrow's Church from the point of view of a young priest thinking in terms of becoming a pastor. He moved from an outline of a medieval type power structure to "post-scandal" dynamics. He warned that authority that is used to break the spirit of reform can marginalize both VOTF and the "Priest Forum," which he chairs. Though the Forum struggles, he said he looks forward to working with VOTF together on reform. Mahoney stressed patient reform, avoiding overt attachment to the word change. "I love being a priest with you," said Mahoney, but he worries over the consuming emotional involvement of a pastor with parishioners. He noted Americans have high expectations of pastors compared to other places in the world. Mahoney offered the suggestion of trained and well-paid full-time ministers.

Deacon Mike Iwanowicz, lay parish leader Pam Chaplin of Hopedale, MA and pastoral associate Sister Marie LaBollita of Our Lady Help of Christians parish in Newton, MA shared their own lived experiences of parish life. The realistic Deacon Mike, coping with his Sharon parish for an extended time on the death of their beloved pastor, noted that as Catholics we stand at the edge of a precipice right now. Pam Chaplin and Sister Marie then expanded on ways of dealing with present conditions.

Chaplin explained the planning process in implementing a new vision in her own parish based on principles of joyful worship, stewardship, evangelization and service. LaBollita stressed a similar approach - geared to creating an active and inclusive parish. She noted the importance of a pastor empowering his congregation to "use your Baptism" while Chaplin laid out a path of self empowerment without a regular pastor. When asked later what her parish would do if her Church was closed, she said the parish would continue worshiping as they do now, with Jesus as the model.

The audience appreciated candid answers to their questions by the panelists. In answer to questions about relating better to clergy, LaBollita suggested inviting clergy to be on committees and getting to know them as fellow humans. In answer to questions on the failure of the local bishop to respond, LaBollita again went to the "use your Baptism" concept. "We need more forums for women," she said, recommending an upcoming Boston College lecture on "Why Do Women Stay." Her other recommendation included bonding together and planning together to make things happen.

In answer to a question on formation and younger priests seeming more regressive, Fr. Mahoney said he thought this true. O'Malley honestly noted that not all segments of the Church are interested in continuing in "the spirit of Vatican II." O'Malley handled a final tough question on whether there should be a Vatican III Council of Bishops easily: "Not right now," he boomed. He explained that the outcome might not please the audience.



In the Vineyard
September 22, 2005
Volume 4, Issue 12
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Page One

VOTF Affiliate Highlights


Commentary and more: “In a Mother’s Words: Watch Your Language” – Ginny Hoehne

“Why Women Choose To Stay” A Boston College Church in the 21st Century panel discussion

“Reflection on the Body of Christ” - Joe O’Callaghan, Fordham University professor emeritus

A poem from the time of Katrina: “Sea Change”: reprinted with permission, 2005 © by Denise Roy

Letter to the Editor

National Representative Council NOTES


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