VOTF Representative Leadership Council Minutes

Voice of the Faithful Representative Council Meeting, Saturday, December 13, 2003 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. at Our Lady Help of Christians Parish Hall, Newton, MA

Interim Moderator Frances O'Leary opened the Council meeting at 11:15 am. Susan Troy led us in the Opening Prayer. New Council members were recognized and welcomed, as were those who traveled from out of state. Several members were recognized to make announcements.

VOTF president Jim Post introduced guest speaker David O'Brien, Loyola Professor of Roman Catholic Studies at the College of the Holy Cross, Worcester, MA, and specialist in the history of American Catholicism.

Professor O'Brien offered a list of ten recommendations for the ongoing work of VOTF. He emphasized listening to and supporting the victims of abuse and predicted that there will be more revelations of sexual abuse by clergy. He also emphasized shared responsibility in the life of the Church and the need for ongoing lay education. A question and answer period followed.

Announcements

Bob Morris, St. Eulalia Affiliate, Winchester area, announced that the sale of Christmas cards to benefit the Lighthouse Foundation, a resource center for clergy sexual abuse survivors, would take place at the close of the Council meeting.

Bob Ott, Central Region Coordinator, announced a plan proposed by representatives from the five regions of the archdiocese to form a Boston, MA (RCAB) VOTF affiliate. Members of the Organizing Team met and were available to affiliate representatives at the conclusion of the Council meeting.

Fran Fox, Our Lady of Sorrows Affiliate, Sharon, announced that Svea Fraser will address their affiliate on January 15, 2004, in a discussion of Church documents.

Elia Marnik, Protecting our Children Working Group, announced that Kathy Kelly, trainer for the "Talking About Touching" program of the Children's Trust Fund, will speak at St. John the Evangelist, Wellesley, MA on Tuesday, December 16, at 7:00 p.m.

President's Report.

Jim Post noted that, one year and two days ago, the Council voted to ask Cardinal Bernard Law to step down, and, exactly one year ago, Cardinal Law's resignation was accepted.

Jim reviewed the month's major events and noted that monthly conference calls with national reps all over the US continue. The focus of these conversations has been on national issues and action priorities for 2004. Jim also addressed Strategic Plan priorities. Jim asked Paul Kendrick of the Portland, ME, affiliate to share a recent success story. After great perseverance by VOTF members, the Archbishop of the Portland, ME diocese Bishop Gerry announced that VOTF affiliates may meet on parish property, if the pastor approves. Those meetings are taking place.

Following the President's Report

• Executive Director Steve Krueger presented the VOTF Financial Report.

• Jim Walsh and Svea Fraser presented the Elections Report noting the remarkable spate of qualified candidates for the four national VOTF offices. (see Election Results in this issue)

• Affiliate Retreat Report - John Bowen, Northampton/Springfield, MA Affiliate, spoke about the benefits of a retreat they held after their first year. It centered on prayer and reflection and augmented their present working relationships.

• Susan Troy, Prayerful Voice Chair, announced a Conference on Spirituality, to be held on April 17, 2004, in Chicago, IL. The planning group envisions about one hundred Prayerful Voice participants, with discussions about "What is lay spirituality?" More detailed information will be available in the near future.

• Svea Fraser gave a Priests' Support Working Group report and proposed broad affiliate discussion of the meaning and wording of Goal #2, "Support priests of integrity." Fran O'Leary asked affiliate representatives to bring back to a future Council meeting the thoughts and recommendations of their respective affiliates.

• John Magilligan spoke about the governance structure and mission of the Representative Council. It was emphasized that any action in this area will be in concert with the Governance Committee.

• Fran O'Leary distributed a Summary of Comments on Council received on November 15, 2003. Attendees were advised that the dates for the next three Council meetings will be posted on the VOTF website.

• Susan Troy led us in a closing prayer.

The meeting was adjourned at 12:40 p.m.

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