EVENTS, ETC.

VOTF EAST

****Order your VOTF Christmas cards, sponsored by the Winchester, MA Area VOTF! The four card designs were prepared by artists in our group. Proceeds will benefit the survivor community. The back of each card invites people to learn more about VOTF by visiting the national site. A PDF version of our order form, with color pictures of each card, is available on the first page of our local web-site (www.votfwinchster.org). For additional copies of the order form for yourself or your affiliate, or if you have any questions, please e-mail Bob Morris at rmorrisvotf@aol.com. Place your order today!

**** The Diocese of Rockville Centre - Long Island, New York has begun Synod 2007 (2007 is the 50th anniversary of the Diocese). In this first phase (Parish phase) each parish will hold Listening Sessions - several sessions have been scheduled from 9/15-12/15. These offer parishioners a chance to share their hopes, dreams and concerns with the bishop and the rest of the diocese (all responses are posted on the diocesan website www.drvc.org). Phases 2 and 3 will focus, respectively, on the Deanery and Vicariate levels. Laity are involved at all levels. Parishioners in the Rockville Centre diocese should check their parish bulletins for information. Additional information can be found on the diocesan Web site, in the diocesan newspaper and may be obtained by mail from Office of the Chancellor, Diocese of Rockville Centre 50 North Park Ave., Rockville Centre, NY 11570.

**** National Pastoral Life Center's annual parish convention in NY City 11/13-15. Bps. Untener and Ramirez, Fr. Bryan Hehir, Sr. Helen Prejean and others will be speaking. Check the Web site at www.nplc.org. for additional information. This organization is considered "…the most listened to and respected organization on lay involvement in the Church within the Church," according to Susan Troy, National Chair Prayerful Voice.

****VOTF president Jim Post and Executive Director Steve Krueger will join Boston, MA affiliate representatives in a first meeting with Archbishop Sean O'Malley on November 19. Readers are asked for prayers that this meeting will be a mutual step forward in Boston's Church-laity relations. Watch the Web site at www.votf.org and this space in December for an update.

****Boston College, MA, "The Church in the 21st Century" at www.bc.edu/church21 Check out Occasional Paper #4 "Is the Church Open to Change in its Governance? Some Historical Evidence" by Fr. Michael Sheeran, S. J.

Synopsis : Father Michael Sheeran, S.J., President of Regis University (CO), highlights changes related to the selection of bishops and the election of popes that have occurred throughout the Church's history. He also discusses the contemporary American experience of a laity increasingly well-educated and competent in professional expertise but often not well-educated "in the Faith." He calls for a "new evangelization" and for greater access to significant decision-making.

****Boston College, Chestnut Hill Campus, MA on Tuesday, November 18, 2003 - Panel Discussion: "Protecting Children: Models and Best Practices," moderated by Richard Rowland, Graduate School of Social Work, 7 p.m.-9 p.m., Merkert 127 Information: 617-552-4021, Sponsor: Graduate School of Social Work

****Conference Vignettes/Reports
NH Conference, Rivier College
Submitted by Anne Southwood

A conference geared to lay Catholics was held at Rivier College in Nashua, New Hampshire on October 25 and developed a focus on hope for the future of the Church. It was clear from the beginning of this day together that it would be "roll up your sleeves and work" despite the temptation of a perfect New England Fall day outside.

Psalm 92 set the tone as the opening prayer: "It is good to give thanks to the Lord, to make music in your name. Your deeds have made me glad. For the work of your hands I shout with joy."

Keynote speaker Paul Lakeland, chair of the Religious Studies Department, Fairfield (CT) University, and author of The Liberation Of The Laity, was so connected to his audience he stayed to be part of the final panel discussion.

The Lakeland keynote stressed the apostolic responsibility of all Catholics, in the lay theology developed by the documents of Vatican II. Lakeland's remark "An ordained priest does not displace the priesthood of the laity," brought applause from the audience, which included religious. He noted that a priest is defined in relation to the laity for the first time by Vatican II. "The burgeoning sense of co-responsibility for the Church should pressure the bishops," said Lakeland. "VOTF has positioned itself well," he said, in reference to changing the Church at the "front end." He supported lay activity, saying we could be effective at the grassroots level, despite being shut out of consultation. "The community is the complete church in the local unit," said the keynoter.

Lakeland, an Englishman, related traditional American qualities like vigor to the lay movement in the Church. "Vigor is connected to vitality in the public sphere," he said. Having spent a career in teaching theology, Lakeland stressed the need to anchor the spirituality of young Catholics to the Church. "If not accessed, they will walk," said Lakeland. This idea was incorporated into two of the workshops. Theologian Maureen Sullivan, O.P., from the St. Anselm's College Theology faculty, author of 101 Questions and Answers on Vatican II, said her book was written to offset the woeful lack of students' theological knowledge. Following the example of Pope John XXIII, Dr. Sullivan stresses the importance of living as a Christian in dialogue with the world. Participants were slow to close the workshop, so contagious was her passion for the call to seek out legitimate lay roles.

In a neighboring workshop, Melissa Kelley of the Weston Jesuit School of Theology, focused on young Catholics. Dr. Kelley, whose 14 years as a campus minister complement her academic work in pastoral psychology, explored the experience of young adults as Church in our culture. Kelley was happy with the total workshop participation by those experienced with young Catholics at the parish and diocesan levels. "They are laborers in the vineyard; it is important to hear their experience - mine is never the full one," said Kelley. "They have so much wisdom, so much hope."

NY/NJ/CT Tri-State VOTF Conference, Fordham University, NY - October 25
Submitted by vignette holders

"Journalist Jimmy Breslin lumbered down the side aisle of Fordham's gym, tossing aside offers of a chair to perch on some folded bleacher seats as he listened to Eugene Kennedy's keynote speech. The 1500 attendees gave Kennedy a standing ovation and as he was leaving the stage he caught sight of his old friend Breslin. The two aging lions embraced, knowing they could both still roar when they wanted and needed to."
Ellen Vosbury, VOTF Manhattan

"It was about 6:30 am, still dark, a little chilly and very quiet when our car full of intrepid conference planners pulled up in front of McGinley Center at Fordham University on October 25th. We tossed our large, empty coffee containers in the trash and sleepily hefted boxes and shopping bags toward the conference site doorway. WAITING for us in front of the door with a huge smile and a wide-awake welcome was our first VOTF Conference participant - Ed Hill from Florida!! I knew right then, this was going to be an amazing event!"
Maria Coffey, Conference Co-Chair, New York

"Each person who attended renewed my energy and faith that Voice of the Faithful is making a difference and that we will move forward with confidence as united and devoted Catholics in the 21st Century! My deepest personal appreciation goes to all who participated in this very special gathering!"
Marie Ford Reilly, Conference Co-Chair

"I had a fine chat with Fr. Jim Sullivan at the Tri-State VOTF Conference in New York. Some of you will remember that Fr. Jim, now in his 80s, was a memorable participant at the VOTF 2002 convention in Boston. He has been active in Voice of the Ordained and in suggesting ways to make structural change effective (e.g., follow the example of the religious orders and elect leadership for fixed terms). It's always encouraging to re-connect with good friends.

Some people have wondered whether the passage of time and resistance from members of the hierarchy has sapped the strength of the VOTF movement. Based on what we saw yesterday, I don't think so!

The presence of so many people and so many new faces among those people, was a powerful testament to the yearning of the laity to "be together," share together, think together, and pray together. The personal welcome of Fr. McShane, newly installed president of Fordham University, was of great substantive and symbolic value. The quality of the presentations and the sheer presence of so many wonderful and talented speakers provided great "food for thought." And the closing Mass, drawing on so many musicians, lay ministers, and active participants provided a closing exclamation mark to a day that celebrated our presence as one VOTF community.

As VOTF approaches the end of two years of effort, we must recognize that there is no crystal-clear blueprint or plan that will chart our course. Days like this in New York, and in Cincinnati, OH recently, are vital. They provide an opportunity for the Holy Spirit to touch us and to provide energy and guidance for this movement.

That survivors, clergy, and laity were together to exchange ideas, discuss problems, and share creative ideas about how to respond to this crisis of our times underscores how clear it is that bishops continue to miss the opportunity to be among the people of the Church when they boycott such events."
Jim Post

"The VOICE OF COURAGE Award, moved my conscience deeply. Mrs. Busam is a 'Courageous Catholic Woman' and truly an authentic Christian. Afterwards I told her that our Cleveland/Akron VOTF will keep Joey in our prayers."

"I think our willingness and desire to be the adult people of God that we know we should and could be was a driving force in this day and I feel that God truly blessed that and worked through us to make that happen for a lot of people."

"I couldn't agree with you more. It is a new day in the Catholic Church and it is clear to me that the goals and mission of VOTF will play an important role in what that will eventually look like. I had an interesting exchange with our pastor as I told him about the day. He believes that change will only happen slowly, but I think it has begun to move in people's hearts and souls and that is an important step. Nativity VOTF was energized and affirmed by the day--it was truly a success in every sense of that word!"

"What a crew, what a mission we have, and isn't it wonderful to know we're not alone!" "Thanks to all the VOTF people for an insightful conference. You are doing a great job of presenting VOTF's objectives. Your speakers were outstanding. Your approach is balanced. Thanks."

"The Church was in crisis, on the verge of spiritual and meaningful decline, or a transformation, a rejuvenation of our Faith. We believe VOTF is an instrument to that rejuvenation."

VOTF CENTRAL

****TONIGHT!!! Holy Family Church, Fr. Richard Mc Brien's "The Crisis Continues: Reflections on the State of the Church," Thursday, November 13th at 7:30 PM at Holy Family Church, 2515 Palatine Road in Inverness, IL. Parish Phone: 847-359-0042

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