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In the Vineyard
Special Edition
VOTF One-Year Anniversary

"This is what the Holy One asks of you: only this, to act justly,
to love tenderly and to walk humbly with your God." (Micah 6:8)

No doubt there are as many ways to note an anniversary as there are candles on some of our cakes. Once again, VOTF chooses words and action to "speak" for us as we rededicate ourselves to our shared mission and goals and as we continue to draw Catholics into the conversation about our faith and its future in the Roman Catholic Church. If you have been following our progress on the website, in the regular editions of In the Vineyard and in the media, you already know the work that is being done and the work that lies ahead.

Susan Troy and the National Prayerful Voice team she leads, remind us regularly of the place of spirituality in all that we say and do. (See the Liturgy of Rededication on our website. http://www.votf.org/Prayerful_Voice/pvevents.html) Recently, Susan quoted Ronald Rolheiser, author of The Holy Longing: The Search for a Christian Spirituality, "Spirituality is not a private search for what is highest in oneself but a communal search for the face of God. What shapes our actions is our spirituality."

As our growing community searches for the face of God, we do so in a variety of ways - many of these focus on hearing each other and are well documented in the stream of reports from our 150 affiliates across the U.S. and, most recently, Canada. The written word is another of our efforts toward Rolheiser's "communal search." To progress this ambition, In the Vineyard is introducing some new columns with this issue. Our first Parish "Best Practices" piece appears; VOTF member Tom Smith has written a book review (other recommended reading appears on our website at Prayerful Voice http://www.votf.org/Prayerful_Voice/readings.html); VOTF member Mary Hogan begins a "Say What?" column that will "take on" some of the words we use in our faith journey, how we use them, and where they come from; Anne Murphy introduces a Q&A - we hope readers will challenge us! We also introduce the VOTF National office staff, whose work pretty much defines the how of what VOTF does. Were it not for our staff, volunteers, parish voices and affiliates, officers and working groups, VOTF would just be another great idea.

Looking back, of course, is part of any anniversary so we have reprinted the whole text of our Convocation statement delivered to Cardinal Law on March 9, 2002, along with a few reflections by those in attendance.

Right now, however, we begin where we began and welcome the first voice of Voice of the Faithful, our founder Dr. Jim Muller.

Peggie L. Thorp, Ed.

 

Dear Friends and Members of Voice of the Faithful: When the revelations of sexual abuse in Boston and its cover-up by members of the hierarchy occurred over a year ago, Father John Philbin said that the Holy Spirit would appear and revitalize the church. I believe that the emergence of the Voice of the Faithful is a manifestation of that holy intervention. It is a great pleasure to contribute to this Special Edition of In the Vineyard devoted to the anniversary of the Boston Archdiocese Convocation last March and so much more that followed that day. In particular, I recall the amazing Convention held by VOTF in Boston only six months after its founding - truly a manifestation of the spirit of renewal so badly needed by the church. I recall the skepticism that an event for 4,000 could be conducted with less than a year of preparation. Yet it was done by Paul Baier and his legions with fewer than three months of preparation. The success was the result of inspired and courageous leadership by Paul Baier, who took on personal liability for all bad events that might have occurred at the convention, in the tradition of Paul of the early church. As we commemorate and celebrate, it is useful to use the strength derived for the tasks ahead. The message of VOTF is now formulated in a very clear manner - we intend to support survivors, to honor priests of integrity, and work for structural changes that are not in conflict with the core teaching of the church. To do this we must participate in the governance and guidance of the church, as we are called to do by our baptism and the documents of Vatican II. As a former President of VOTF, my view is that the most pressing task of VOTF is to continue to grow in numbers of individuals and affiliates. This requires money and personal efforts. Millions of Catholics would join VOTF if they were more fully exposed to its ideas. Our current leaders are doing marvelous work to facilitate the growth of the organization - over 150 affiliates have now formed. The growth would be even faster if each reader of In the Vineyard became a modern disciple by spreading the word of VOTF to several friends - by passing on a copy of this commemorative issue. As we grow, let us give thanks for all of the good of the Catholic Church - for our many teachers and spiritual mentors, for the mystical experience of the divine we gain from the sacraments, and for the good work of the hierarchy for peace in our world. Let us continue to work and pray that we might help strengthen this struggling and beautiful church. KFCC, Jim Muller, Founding President VOTF, Chair VOTF Board of Trustees

VOTF president Jim Post looks back with gratitude on a year well spent.

From Jim Post, President of VOTF

This Spirit-ed Year

What a grace it is to be marking the first anniversary of Voice of the Faithful. Our actual date of birth is still debated by the founders, but there is no doubt that we first introduced ourselves to the public on March 9, 2002. On that day, a group of pioneer women (and three men) from Wellesley, MA - each wearing red - attended the archdiocesan convocation in the name of "Voice of the Faithful."

It did not take very long for our pioneers to make an impression on the thousands in attendance that day. They were intelligent, articulate, and identifiable in their red outfits.

They spoke of shame, sin, and scandal. They called for justice, awareness, and commitment to correcting a system that had failed so many innocent children. They asked the archbishop cardinal to listen and to act. They were angry and they said so.

Looking back on the year that has passed, I think none of us could have imagined the incredible experience that VOTF has become. Our goals on that convocation day in March were clear: support those who have been abused; support priests of integrity; and shape structural change within the Church. These are the same goals we seek to achieve today. And we are making progress.

VOTF has captured the imagination of lay Catholics long silent. The laity need no longer tolerate being marginalized by the hierarchy of the Church. VOTF members are the parish leaders - teachers, Eucharistic ministers, lectors, sacristans - the heart of the church. They are highly educated, faithful Catholics whose talents deserve to be used to the fullest in service of the Church.

VOTF has inspired Catholics to organize parishioners into affiliates that can take positive action to promote healing in their parishes and faith communities. Today there are over 160 affiliated groups across the country, each numbering from 30 to over 600 members. VOTF has motivated parishioners to educate themselves about the rights of the laity as described in Church documents from Vatican II and Canon Law. These new insights have created a spirit of hope and renewal out of the ashes of shame.

This moral awakening of the laity - and its attendant moral voice - has been heartening. It began one year ago when VOTF's pioneers stood up and said to their bishop and to the world, "We are the Church. We are the Body of Christ."

I am proud to serve as president of Voice of the Faithful. It is a blessing to be in the company of so many wonderful people. One year old. One year young. Either way, we have come a long way. Either way, we have far to go. But you - we - are people of conviction and commitment who will not give up this fight. The Catholic Church matters to us. We are the Church. Let's get on with the work!

Convocation Reflections

On a clear, brisk March 9 of 2002, twelve founding members of Voice of the Faithful took our new name, our red blazers and ties and a consensus-driven statement to the windy waterside of Boston's World Trade Center. There we would join over 3,000 Catholics from all corners of the Boston Archdiocese at convocation, a regular feature of archdiocesan governance held for parish leadership and representatives of parish life. The agenda for these convocations is usually set by the Cardinal and his advisors but in 2002, what would take place at this gathering was driven exclusively by the greatest crisis of the Catholic Church in its 500-year history in this country. Clergy and laity found themselves with one voice - a combination of outrage, pain, prayer and inquiry around the discovery of sexual abuse of children by clergy and what appeared at the time to be a system-wide cover-up. And speak we did.

Representatives from the various parishes met with Cardinal Law in one space while the rest of us were divided into diocesan regions. Each region had its own room and its own facilitator who would record for the Cardinal what was said in words and tone.

VOTF was only weeks old and we hadn't yet refined our mission statement and goals but according to many who were there, the St. John's contingent was remembered for its steady and articulate statements.

Each of us wore something red that day - Svea Fraser's idea since red symbolizes the Holy Spirit. No one remembered to mention this to Jim Muller, the founder. Nonetheless, Jim showed up wearing a red tie and credited the Holy Spirit, Who, it turned out, prevailed throughout the day. March 9, 2002 was the first time VOTF left our birthing space at St. John the Evangelist in Wellesley Hills, MA and took our voices into the fray alongside fellow Catholics we might never have known otherwise. The blessings of that day linger as do memories some of the 13 of us share below. Representing VOTF that day were Kathi Aldridge, Paul Baier, Mary Calcaterra, Luise Dittrich, Svea Fraser, Andrea Johnson, Fr. Bill Kremmell, Jim Muller, Maura O'Brien, John O'Brien, Jeannette Post, Peggie Thorp and Susan Troy.

Convocation Statement Voice of the Faithful,
St. John the Evangelist Church, Wellesley, MA
Delivered on March 9, 2002 at the Boston Archdiocese Convocation,
World Trade Center, Boston, MA

We are the Church.

We speak on behalf of a group of committed Catholics from St. John the Evangelist parish in Wellesley. In our pain, outrage and sense of betrayal we came together six weeks ago to speak out about the crisis in our Church. Strong feelings of anger, anguish, faith and love of Church moved us to put aside an hour after each Mass on two consecutive weekends to address the pedophilia crisis.

Led by parish members, the listening sessions were a powerful indicator of the Faithful's need to be heard individually and as Church, and of our need to speak out and to demand accountability and reform. Hundreds of parishioners participated in these sessions and a weekly 90-minute session has been initiated on Monday nights. Our number grows and those from other parishes who need a place to have their voices heard have joined us. We call ourselves Voice of the Faithful.

Voice of the Faithful seeks consensus in order to effectively respond to this scandal threatening our Church. We are sadly aware that pedophilia is a problem not only here, but in other cities and countries. The culture of secrecy and abuses of power that produced this crisis must end. The overriding concerns that have emerged from our discussions are: the desire to be full responsive to the victims of pedophilia and their families and to ensure that appropriate measures are taken to preclude future occurrences; to support clergy of integrity tarnished by this scandal; and to seek correction of the institutional structures of the Catholic Church that resulted in a gravely flawed response to this terrible betrayal of children.

We urge other parishes to consider this new model of Spirit-driven dialogue. Our weekly sessions are a model for consensus built on mutual respect, genuine listening and a commitment to act. The gospel of Jesus Christ demands our action in support of the most vulnerable among us. We expect Archdiocesan leadership to hear us today and to provide channels for lasting communication and genuine collaboration.

Today, we raise our voices to claim our place at the table.

We are the Church. Come join us.

Midge Nealon Seibert

1 Corinthians, 13 verse 13 " And now abideth faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love."

Then: Reflecting back to Convocation one year ago, I experienced a range of emotions:

Anger: that the titular and moral head of the Archdiocese of Boston, our Shepherd, had permitted priests suspected of sexual abuse to be moved from parish to parish under his watch

Awe: of the historical significance of a laity-empowering movement starting in my own parish

Pride: as an individual that I was part of the committee responsible for drafting the Voice of the Faithful statement that was read at Convocation and would serve as the fundamental blueprint for the beliefs held by VOTF

Faith: that the Voice I heard was the Holy Spirit calling me (for the first time in my life!) to be a full member of my Church and that it would never steer me onto the wrong path

Hope: that our Cardinal and his bishops would comprehend what we, the laity, their sheep, were saying during the listening sessions and that our actions would cause them to take immediate, morally correct and healing steps to resolve the scandal

Love: for my Church which was threatened by the power-preserving actions of the hierarchy, love for the brave, decent priests that encouraged Voice of the Faithful to bloom and love for the victims, men and women whom I had never met.

Now: Today I experience these emotions:

Anger: at the true extent of the sexual abuse scandal and the continued obtuseness of the hierarchy in not recognizing the commitment of concerned laity to solving this problem

Awe: at the progress that Voice of the Faithful has made in one year's time in diffusing awareness of the rights and responsibilities given to the laity by Vatican II

Pride: in all that Voice of the Faithful has accomplished and pride in my small contributions to those successes

Faith: in the strength of the laity and, in Voice of the Faithful in particular, and our ability to stay the course to truly change the Church

Hope: that the centrist, loving message of Voice of the Faithful will continue to be heard and understood by the laity and hierarchy around the world

Love: for my Church, a love which is deeper than I ever imagined, love for the priests who have demonstrated many times this year that they are truly priests of integrity, and love for the victims and survivors, many of whom I have now met.

Svea Fraser

The excitement rose when we prepared to go to the Convocation that Cardinal Law had turned into a Listening Session: We prayed and produced a statement and three goals that I believe were truly Spirit-inspired. We printed a paper with our carefully crafted statement and decided to wear red to the World Trade Center (mistakenly understood by the Boston Globe to be a penitential sign, when in fact it represented the Pentecostal Holy Spirit!). The media was there and was all over us (because we were so organized). Thus were we were launched on the journey that has never slowed.

Andrea Johnson

Those of us from St. John's went into the World Trade Center walking between groups of protestors on either side. Many were survivors whom I would later grow to know and honor. I wanted to tell them "We are outraged, we are upset. We are bringing your pain and suffering inside with us." I remember so much about the meeting that day but especially the strength of person after person, red jacket after red jacket, from our delegation, getting up and expressing their positions, their compassion for the victims and their anger. Many expressed sadness and concern about our church. After the meeting, Jim Muller and I went together to talk to a group of protestors, which would later become The Coalition of Catholics and Survivors. Jim and I drove back to St. John's together. He talked about his experience in the peace movement, about the compelling nature of grassroots work and about the effects on family and work. I felt excited, exhilarated and discouraged by the day. I knew I was committed.

Peggie Thorp

Jim Muller and I had been co-facilitating the first rather wild months of Monday evening Listening Sessions, so by the time we were heading into the convocation, I was feeling both confident and challenged, energized and nervous. Our pastor Fr. Tom Powers saw us off that morning, which made me feel nostalgic on behalf of all the victims for the loving trust denied them. I was no longer sure of my own trust.

When we got to the World Trade Center, I found a new place for my trust as soon as I walked into that cavernous space, the whole definition of "sensus fidelium" came alive. I felt immediately assured by these thousands of people I'd never met. I knew them because I knew me. This is where I would put my trust - in these People of God. I would listen, learn and move accordingly.

I remember the off-putting sight of so many clergy in their formal garb and so many priests serving the Cardinal during the Mass. There was so much ritual and attention to image and propriety. I found it ironic and surreal and not at all comforting. I was missing the Mass even while it was being said, loving its inherent mystery and beauty but feeling oddly disconnected.

I remember all of us blessing Maura O'Brien as she headed into the separate meeting with the cardinal, the surge of a kind of humbling pride that said, stand or fall, we believe.

I remember Mary Calcaterra leaving her seat in the regional meeting to haul a floor mike to my immediate left so I would be among the first to speak. (I had to leave early for a funeral service in NY.)

And I remember hours later feeling that I had stumbled into a new sort of Catholicism. I hoped then and I hope still that the "sensus fidelium" I understood that morning, continues to prevail. What I learned is that our church needs us one by one, day by day, year by year.

Luise Dittrich

I have many intense memories about that day, but what I'd like to share is my surprise and relief that the opinions that our fledgling group, Voice of the Faithful, found so daring and scary to express in our "Declaration" turned out to be - relative to the opinions of other participants - relatively conservative. Many Convocation participants were, in fact, WAY ahead of us -- registering disapproval in stronger terms, calling for Cardinal Law's resignation, etc. Their outspokenness said to me that discontent and disillusionment were Archdiocese-wide, and not confined to our small, suburban, red-blazered band. It also said to me that Voice of the Faithful had a potential movement on our hands. That realization turned out to be prophetic.

From the Executive Director

Dear Friends,

In the past 12 months, VOTF has grown from a listening session in a church basement into an organization and a movement with over 25,000 members, 160 affiliates growing at a rate of 100% a year, a Representative Council, and a national office. We are a community of mainstream Catholics who seek the inspiration of the Holy Spirit to build a stronger and healthier Catholic Church, and who support one another - and the Church itself - in this ambitious and courageous undertaking.

Many VOTF members and other Catholics are asking questions appropriate to this formative moment in our young history:

• "What does VOTF offer?"
• "What has VOTF accomplished?"
• "Where is VOTF going from here?"
• "Who can we become?"

As a strategic planning process is being completed in the coming weeks, you will be hearing more about the answers to these questions. For now, allow me to offer some thoughts about these questions:

First, VOTF offers hope - hope for a Church that will heal the survivors of clergy sexual abuse, priests, and the laity, by "walking the walk" as well as "talking the talk." VOTF is hope in action galvanized by a commitment to do something - out of love for our Church, our God, and one another. Our hope is reinforced by the reality of our truth.

Second, VOTF offers opportunity and empowerment. As Catholics, we have learned the significance of one universal Church and the importance of community. VOTF offers us the opportunity for our voices to be heard as a community of Catholics who can offer solutions to the problems confronting our Church. In community with one another and the Holy Spirit, we are empowered to act according to our conscience, and to dream of the Church we hope for.

Third, VOTF offers consolation. According to members fortunate enough to be part of an affiliate, and from individual members seeking community in VOTF, the hope, opportunity, and empowerment VOTF offers continually reveals the presence of the Spirit. This revelation provides survivors, priests, and the entire VOTF community with the consolation that comes only from God's presence in our lives.

Hope. Opportunity. Empowerment. Consolation. Can you imagine what your life and relationship to the Church would be like if the VOTF community did not exist? During this Lenten season, many of us will reflect on the effect the past year has had on our lives and on our Church. As we discern where we go from here and who we can become, it may be helpful to reflect on what we have already given to one another and to the Church. We invite you to share your reflections by emailing them to anniversary@votf.org.

Warm regards for a fruitful Lenten season,

Steve Krueger
Executive Director

A Call to Commitment

Dear Friends and Colleagues,

So many of you are working countless hours each week to support the efforts of VOTF at the local level around the country. For this we are extremely grateful.

What you may be less aware of is that every day, your VOTF office is filled with a group of committed individuals performing inspired work in a wonderfully collaborative fashion together under challenging circumstances. Our efforts here, I believe, have been a learning experience for all of us in what is possible through faith, commitment, and collaboration. I have never seen people give more of themselves and expect less in return than the volunteers and staff I have been fortunate enough to work with here. Their work fortifies our faith as they move mountains with theirs. Their work is ministry.

Our energy centers around six activities:

While the environment here sometimes feels like a high-growth start-up company, at the same time there is a feeling of family, commitment, and collaboration that would be difficult, and highly improbable, to cultivate in any business environment.

In addition to the legions of volunteers who serve on committees and make all that we do as an organization possible, below is a list of the shining faces who work here in the office, as paid staff or as volunteers, and come in several times each week to perform key assignments "in the vineyard" of VOTF. Of the 29 persons listed below, 10 are paid for part-time, and 2 for full-time, services. The total compensation for these 12 is the equivalent of 6.75 full-time persons (FTE's). However, in effect, everyone is also a volunteer because of the volunteer time each gives to our organization. We are so fortunate for this and thank them - and you - for your collective commitment and dedication to Voice of the Faithful!

Warm regards,

Steve Krueger
Executive Director

VOTF Office Staff, Newton, MA

 

Linda Atlas	Administrative Team
Jean Boyle	Development Team
Anne Moynihan - Coursey	Administrative Team
Robert Davis	Technology Team
Luise Cahill Dittrich	Communications Team
Mike Emerton	Communications Team
Bill Fallon	Development Team
Eileen Powers Hespeler	Communications Team; Technology Team
Ann Hynes	Development Team
Jean Kelly	Development & Gift Processing
Kate Kenney	Parish Voice Team
Mary Ann Keyes	Parish Voice Team
Steve Krueger	Executive Director
Henrietta Maloney	Administrative Team
Pat Merlo	Administrative Team
Joe Milando	Technology Team
Howard Miller	Administrative Team
Marianne Miller	Administrative Team
Mary Moran	Administrative Team
Suzy Nauman	Parish Voice Team
Ann Potts	Parish Voice Team
Julie Rafferty	Development Team
Martha Rowland	Development & Gift Processing
Donna Salacuse	Development & Gift Processing
Bev Spencer	Development & Gift Processing
Margaret Sudbey	Development & Gift Processing
Jim Sullivan	Administrative Team
Peggie Thorp	Communications Team
Rose Walsh	Administrative Team
Dot Winslow	Administration Team

Book Review The Prophetic Imagination
by Walter Brueggemann Fortress Press, 1978
Reviewed by Tom Smith

Brueggemann presents a classic study of the prophet as a change agent in the face of a recalcitrant power structure that exploits the weak. He uses Moses as the paradigmatic prophet, and the pharaoh and his hierarchy as the governing power elite. To the extent that the Israelites were brought from freedom into slavery, the power elite have a need to suppress memory of truth and historical freedom and to ridicule hope. The elite replace Yaweh with the religion of static triumphalism and the politics of oppression and exploitation. Thus, Egypt organizes against history, which means everything must be frozen in the now, either in urgent now or an eternal now. Energizing memories or radical hope is held to be a curiosity and a threat. As the Egyptians gather around the static god of order who only guards the interests of the "haves," oppression cannot be far behind. Brueggemann reminds us that it is the aim of every totalitarian effort to stop the language of newness, and we are now learning that where such language stops we find our humanness diminished.

Moses offered an alternative consciousness of a God who answers the cries of the oppressed. This alternative consciousness is characterized by criticizing and energizing. Real criticism begins in the capacity to grieve. Grieving is the most visceral announcement that things are not right. Bringing criticism to public expression, in the primal scream of grieving, began a new history of the Jewish people in the Exodus. Energizing is launched through the prophet who retains the memory of things the way they used to be, and understands the power of language - the ability to speak in ways that evoke newness, amazement and, above all, hope. In Moses' case, the newness and hope sprang fresh from "the Word." All of these factors must precede the action it takes to effect change. Real change begins then, when the prophet imagines how things should be. Brueggemann offers three parts to the prophetic imagination: the use of symbols adequate to the horror of the situation, bringing public expression to the suppressed emotions that need visibility, and to speak metaphorically but concretely about the deathliness that hovers over them and gnaws within them.

There is much more to this book beyond this short review. Brueggemann shows how the prophetic imagination can transform the present in powerful and unexpected ways. He describes the prophetic imagination as a force which brings traditions together with the realities of our society.

Tom Smith is a deacon in the Archdiocese of Boston.

Say What?
by Mary Hogan

As the title suggests, the aim of this column is to take a second look at concepts and phrases we tend to think of as common currency. Exploring their root meanings, historical twists and turns in usage - and what we really understand by them - may get us out of some traditional but unnecessary dialectical boxes. For followers of the Word, it's ironic how often we let words get in our way. Our amazing gift of speech is mean for communicating truth - for conveying the realities of what is and the wonders of what can be. Yet we persist in using words to bludgeon and obfuscate, mislead and manipulate. (Who spins best, wins?)

Just as often, of course, there is no deceptive intent - we simply assume that everyone's understanding of a term is the same as ours, and forge ahead or take offense accordingly. Khrushchev's folk-quote about seeing one's opponents in their graves could have been read as a mocking "We will outlast you," but translated as a belligerent "We will bury you," and evoked near-lethal repercussions. Sociologists tell us that what is perceived as real is real in its effects. Leery of our tendency to argue in absolutes, theologians advise "never affirm, seldom deny, and always distinguish." Taking time for that Thomistic level of discernment doesn't always jibe well with contemporary impatience for action, but we're facing enough real dilemmas and grounds for debate without letting casual usage or unexamined concepts skew our dialog and growth. Unfortunately, Lewis Carroll's Humpty Dumpty "When I use a word, it means just what I choose it to mean," is not as unique as he might be. (His further insistence that the question is "which is to be master" deserves a follow-up column all to itself.)

Could goal-refinement and reconciliation both be enhanced by re-examining words and ideas we sometimes take for granted - or sometimes overload? To what extent, e.g.,

• is "authority" tied more to authenticity or authoritarianism?
• does "freedom" tilt toward "freedom from" or "freedom to"?
• is knowledge more than "learned ignorance"?
• does "choice" entail unfettered whim or responsibility for consequences?
• does "power" convey positives or negatives, imply domination or capacity?
• is "faith" identified with basic trust or wishful thinking?
• does "equal voice" signify a right to be heard or the weight of input?
• can "and" be more productive than "or"?

If we can reflect openly on some of our buzzwords and preconceptions - are willing in imitation of Christ to think radically, i.e., "at the root," rather than in conservative or liberal clichés - the process might help us grow in genuine humility, ability to listen, and evocative insights. We may keep finding more questions than answers, but that's O.K. too, as we place them in the care of the Omega, Whose grace and path call us forward.

Speaking of word roots, have you ever wondered about the derivation of "god" for the Deity? Clearly not from Deus, Theos, El or Yahweh, it has been traced through Old Norse to the ancient Sanskrit Ghuta: the One (to be) invoked, and Old Irish Guth: Voice (the One Who spoke). We could speculate that, like VOTF, it's all been about right relationships and conversation from the beginning, so let's pray we stay on that track. Please email your thoughts on the above and any other prospective for this column to saywhat@votf.com.

Introducing
VOTF Q & A
(and more Qs!)

From the Q & A desk of Anne Murphy

Welcome to the first in a series of questions, answers (and more questions!) from and for the members of Voice of the Faithful. We live in a torrential time of inquiry about the Church. We'd like to begin addressing some of the questions – about VOTF, about the Church, about the rights and responsibilities of the laity – being raised in your parish affiliates around the country. Our new monthly Q&A column will be dedicated to exploring and responding to the questions that come from the brothers and sisters "in the vineyard." Shocking as it sounds, we may not have all the answers. But we promise to seek answers by consulting Catholic tradition, teaching, history, experience and experts on your behalf.

This month's questions have been seeded by us. Next month we'd like the inquiry to spring from you. We welcome your questions, your quandaries and we look forward to an ongoing dialogue we hope educates and enlivens us as members of the Body of Christ.

Okay, the (planted) Question of the Month:

What kind of organization is Voice of the Faithful? Is it a lay association? Does it have or can it have any official standing in the church? The next issue of In the Vineyard will offer an answer that, we hope, will generate and feed the dialogue among us. So please begin to prioritize your list of questions and let’s tackle the answers together in the Christian tradition of inquiry, prayer and inclusive discussion. I welcome your thoughts at amurphy@votf.org. Please use Q & A in the subject line.

VOTF Best Practices, February 2003

Collaboration Key at Celtic Night in Canton

Saint Gerard Majella Parish hosted "Celtic Night in Canton," in their church hall on Friday, February 21, 2003, from 8:00 to 11:00 PM. The event was a benefit for members of the Survivor's Network for those Abused by Priests (S.N.A.P.) Bill Gately, a former Canton resident and current NE co-coordinator for S.N.A.P. was on hand for the festivities. Bill was raised in St. Gerard's Parish and is a past president of the youth group at St. Gerard's

Celtic Night in Canton was a collaborative effort begun by Director of Music Ministry, Greg Pare. He was later joined by members of St. Gerard's Parish Voice and St. Gerard's Youth Ministry.

The strains of "Macushlah" and "Kathleen Mavourneen" as sung by Parish Voice member Frank Mahoney signaled the beginning of an evening of Irish festivities, and the "craic"* was off and running! The older members of the audience were thrilled to hear Frank's rendition of these favorites of long ago. Musical accompaniment was provided by "Mad To Go" with Mike Reynolds on the guitar and accordion, Bob Ryan, bass guitar/vocal and Brian Queadley, flutes and whistle.

It should come as no surprise that the highlight of the evening was the presentation of Irish Step Dancing by six lovely colleens of the O'Shea-Chaplin Academy of Irish Dance, Aisling Nally, Emily Ponte, Bridgit Ponte, Hillary Sussek and Maeve Sussek. A lively program of group and individual dances thrilled the audience as the young ladies showcased their beauty, talent and their traditional costumes in designs drawn from the Book of Kells.

Storytelling by Joe Keane from Co. Kerry by way of Medford and a marvelous selection of Gaelic songs sung by Mairin Keady of Co. Galway by way of Dorchester completed the evening's entertainment.

Additional attractions were Art of Ireland provided by Aisling Gallery of Hingham, a gift shop operated by Celtic Revival of Medford, and a wide selection of raffled gift baskets taken home by the lucky few. This writer's usual streak of luck prevailed and he went home with green and white balloons defined, as he usually is, by being filled with hot air.

Face-painting, bean-bag games and snow-globe making were some of the Youth Ministry sponsored activities enjoyed by the very young in spaces set aside especially for them.

Given attendance of over 130, and proceeds in excess of $1,500.00, the evening would have to be considered very much a success. A repeat performance next year would indeed be appropriate and appreciated. The gauntlet has been thrown down for other PVs to come forward with new, original ideas to keep the survivor support ball rolling.

Many parishioners and friends of St. Gerard's are to be congratulated for a job well done and a fine, innovative fundraising effort. They include:

Fr. Mac, Anne Semler, Claire Maranda, Jim and Mary Moran, Peggy Simons, Dave Keyo, Matt and Debbie Wellslager, Joe and Denise Thornton, Kathy and Bernie Donahoe, Maureen Hynes, Rosemarie Nally, Nora and Obie O'Brien, Stacia Hanlon, Paula Hanlon, Megan Keyo, Julie D'Agostino, Krista Cash, Erica Fletcher, Mary Rita Bustin, Sheldon Daly (South Region VOTF Coordinator) Debbie, Erin, Sean, and John Hynes

*craic - a good time

Watch for…

For MA area residents: James Carroll, author of American Requiem and Constantine's Sword and, more recently, a panelist at 2002 VOTF Convention, will be will be speaking at Governor Dummer Academy Performing Arts Center, Byfield, MA on Sunday, April 6 at7pm. Event is open to Public. Please contact the Academy for more details. Thanks to Mo Donovan of the VOTF Seacoast Affiliate, MA for passing this along.

For MA area residents: On Friday evening, March 21, 2003, at 7:15, Mary Jane England, MD, President of Regis College, will discuss the Commission for the Protection of Children in the Archdiocese of Boston at St. Elizabeth Seton's Church Hall, North Falmouth. All are welcome. Call for directions or further information - 508-563-5217.

For CT area residents: Friday, March 28 - Sunday, March 30, 2003, Yale University. Two-day conference exploring the challenges & opportunities facing the church in our time. VOTF president Jim Post a panelist on Saturday with Kathleen McChesney from the Office of Child and Youth Protection, USCCB. For registration and other information, visit http://www.yale.edu/stm/programs/govInfo.html

Major Regional Conference - Metro New York Survivors Support Conference co-sponsored by VOTF Greenwich, CT and Survivors First. Saturday, March 22, 1-5 pm, Christ Church, 254 E. Putnam Avenue, Greenwich, CT. Contact: Tom Malarkey at tomalark@aol.com or call 914-946-7315; Anne Barrett Doyle at barrett.doyle@attbi.com or call 781-944-7010

New England Tri-State GOAL #1 Forum co-sponsored by VOTF-NH, VOTF-ME and VOTF National Survivor Support Working Groups. The Tri State Meeting is at St. Thomas More Church in Durham, NH on March 29, 1-5 p.m. Bear left in front of the church and there is a parking lot 50 yards on the right. For details, contact Andrea Johnson at andreajohnson@attbi.com or call 781-237-2417.

Conference, Boston, MA - Taking Action to Prevent Child Sexual Abuse: Strategies for YOUR Community. Saturday, April 5, 8:30am-5pm, John Hancock Conference Center, Boston, MA. VOTF is a partnership member of the Massachusetts Child Sexual Abuse Prevention Partnership, which has organized this conference. See additional details under Protecting Our Children or visit our Web site at www.votf.org. Additional info available at www.masskids.org.

In the Boston, MA Archdiocese, VOTF members will join other groups for a peace-filled "Silent Watch" that will mark the sorrow felt by so many on behalf of the survivors. Organizers have also spoken of their hope for a just honesty in acts of repentance. The watch will take place at the Chancery, the seat of the Boston archdiocese, from noon to 3 p.m. throughout the forty days of Lent. Other affiliates around the country are planning similar actions. If you are interested in signing up for a day, please contact Andrea Johnson (Survivors Support working group in Wellesley) at andreajohnson@attbi.com.

VOTF's magnificent logo was designed by Healys' Graphic Ark. Please visit their Web site, http://www.healysgraphicark.com/VOTFlogo.html, where you can purchase many items bearing the VOTF symbol.