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In the Vineyard
August 2003

“Build up, build up, prepare the way, remove every obstruction from my people’s way.” Isaiah 57:14

This month In the Vineyard offers several invitations and much inspiration, all from the hands of our committed members. Conferences and reflections, statements of purpose and moments of “breakthroughs” – these have been the markers of a movement gaining in wisdom and community. Alongside steadily growing numbers of supportive Catholics across the country, VOTF is working to “remove every obstruction.”

Isaiah’s words are resonating wherever we look: the VOTF Structural Change Working Group (SCWG) has risen to the task of articulating our most controversial goal – “To shape structural change within our Church”; East regional readers have an opportunity to “build up” at the Pastoral Summit in Boston, MA and the October tri-state conference of NY/NJ/CT in New York, NY; and the Tucson, AZ affiliate offers its own blueprint for “clearing the way” as they progress a mutually respectful conversation with their bishop.

To our far-flung supporters and readers, we share all of these invitations, updates and stories both as models for your region and as a gesture of inclusion and action-based hope. As always, we invite coverage of any events in your area that you feel are re-shaping our Church for the better.

Please note the inclusion this month of a prayer section – compliments of the Winchester, MA area affiliate on the installation of a new archbishop in Boston, MA. We think it’s a good idea to include your prayers, whatever the wellspring, in this way – what do you think?Let us know at leaderpub@votf.org.

Peggie L. Thorp, ed.

• The Structural Change Working Group tackles what we mean by “change the Church” and takes first steps toward realizing the third goal of VOTF. Read More
  
  
• Affiliate News – Vince Guerra from Northshore Affiliate, MA captures the VOTF spirit in one sentence. Can you find it? And Tucson, AZ is walking with their bishop – what’s their secret? VOTF Virginia Beach, VA is finding a VOTF impact in the Richmond diocese and the Bay Area FL affiliate is finding measured support from a local pastor. VOTF “Down Under” – a report from the VOTF piece of the Mullaney trip and an Aussie response.
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• Events – Plan ahead for your RSVPs to the October Pastoral Summit in Boston, MA and the NY/NJ/CT tri-state conference. And don’t forget the gift of music on September 28. AND the NJ/NY/CT affiliates are up to something big – what are you doing October 25?
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• Survivor Support – If you couldn’t visit with survivor Steve Lynch during his fast, Steve Sheehan captured a few moments for all of us in his reflection on “The Healing Tree”; what is SOS?; Paul Baier reports on Survivors Forum success.Read More
  
  
• Letter from VOTF president – What have we learned one year after the July 2002 Convention? VOTF president Jim Post has learned a lot and shares his thoughts. Why not share yours – send your response to leaderpub@votf.org.
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• Archbishop O’Malley takes his seat in Boston, MA. VOTF was there in prayer and action.
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• Letters to the Editor – a call for reflection and a call for action. Read More

 

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