EVENTS, ETC.

VOTF NATIONAL NOTES

****Nominating Committee Report – Svea Fraser
Election News: A nominating committee was formed after the October 16, 2003 Council meeting. National representation was an important feature of the committee and the following people volunteered: Svea Fraser (MA), chairperson; Eileen Knoff (WA); Frank McConville (MA); Kristine Ward (OH); Anne Wilson (NY). Kris Ward subsequently recused herself when she accepted the nomination for vice president. She was replaced by Jim Walsh (MA).

Starting on October 30, 2003, nominations for President, Vice President, Secretary/Clerk and Treasurer for the year 2004 were mailed in (by those without computer access) and logged in by registered members. The complete list of those who were nominated will be posted on the VOTF Web site at www.votf.org.

Each nominee was contacted and asked if they wanted to be considered as candidates for office. Those who chose to run were asked to submit background bio's or resumes, in addition to answering questions about their involvement in VOTF, their interest in the office they seek, their hopes for VOTF, and their commitment to keeping strictly to our mission and goals. They were invited to write a brief summary of why they seek their particular office. Their responses will be posted on the Web site (and mailed to those without computer access) for all to read. All registered members are eligible to vote. It is important that everyone be sure they have done so by December 12, 2003.

There were ten names placed in nomination for President, thirteen for Vice President, eleven for Secretary/Clerk, and eight for Treasurer. The incumbents each received a nomination, and the complete list of names will be posted on the Web site.

The nominating committee has forwarded the names of every person who chose to run for office, and recommends each as a qualified candidate for office. The others either disqualified themselves, or chose not to run at this time.

Here is the slate of candidates for election: President: James Post (MA) Vice President: Gaile Polhaus (PA) Kris Ward (OH) Bob Strong (MA) Secretary/Clerk: Betsy Conway, CSJ (MA) Anne Southwood (MA) Treasurer: Ann Carroll (MA) Ken Forton (MA)

All details, including statements from each of the candidates, will be publicized on the Web site and through the mail. All ballots are due by 5:00 p.m. on December 22, 2003. Questions can be addressed to the Elections Committee (Jim Walsh at rwalsh1140@msn.com or Svea Fraser at sveaandscott@comcast.net). PLEASE REGISTER AND VOTE!

****A heads up note from VOTF vice-president Ann Carroll. Based on the news reports from the US Bishops Conference in DC, please note two important upcoming dates. The National Review Board (NRB) has announced that on January 6, 2004 they will release the results of the diocesan audits. (Every diocese is being audited to measure its compliance with the Charter for the Protection of Children, which was approved by the bishops a year ago.) On February 27, 2004 the NRB will release the results of the survey they commissioned to catalogue sexual abuse cases. (The survey is being conducted by the John Jay College of Criminal Justice.) Another report by the NRB, on the causes and context of the crisis, is also anticipated in February.

For those of us in Boston, the January 6 date bears noting. Not only is it the Feast of Epiphany, but January 6, 2004 will be exactly two years since the initial newspaper article about the clergy sexual abuse crisis was published in the Boston Globe – this devastating news became the catalyst for the formation of VOTF.

****Parish Pastoral Council Survey by the Structural Change Working Group has been distributed. Check the Web site at www.votf.org and the January issue of this publication for developments.

**** Catholic Giving Joseph Harris is an independent researcher in Seattle, WA. A former Associate Director of Religious Education for the Archdiocese of Seattle and author of The Cost of Catholic Parishes and Schools, Harris has analyzed data from the Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate, which studies finances among US Catholic dioceses. His research report is available at: www.josephclaudeharris.com with an excellent Executive Summary, available at no charge. The complete report is available to download for a charge of $9.95. The site also displays the table of contents of the report.

****This conference may be in Boston, but the issue is global. “Envisioning the Church Women Want: A Conference on Women in the Church” will be held at Boston College April 16-17, 2004. Workshops include Elizabeth Johnson, Miriam Therese Winter, Mary Gordon, a “Student’s Speak-Out” and EVEN a “Men’s Response and Dialogue: Is the Church Women Want the Church Men Want Too?” with Tom Groome, Tom Beaudoin and Bishop Thomas Gumbleton. More information at www.bc.edu/church21 or call 617-552-3489.

****VOTF Christmas Cards will help support survivors. (See Events – East)

EVENTS - VOTF EAST

****VOTF Christmas cards This is a reminder that the Winchester, MA VOTF is still selling the first-ever VOTF Christmas cards, but they're going fast! All proceeds will benefit abuse survivors. Cards are just $12 for a box of 12. We have sold over 5000 cards to VOTF members in nine states and counting.

You can view and print an order form (showing the cards and messages) by visiting our group's web-site (www.votfwinchester.org) (please disregard the Oct. 31 date on the form. Cards are still available, but quantities are limited). If you have any problems accessing the form, or wish to obtain order forms or sample cards for an affiliate meeting, just send an e-mail to Bob Morris at rmorrisvotf@aol.com.

Your support can really make a difference. Even an order of just one box can help us raise thousands of dollars for survivors. Please place your order soon.

****A Dancer’s Christmas returns to the Robsham Theater at Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA. This Boston Liturgical Dance Ensemble performance is fast becoming a must-see during the holiday season. Performances are scheduled on two weekends, Fri-Sun 12/12-14 and 12/19-21. General and ticket information is available at www.blde.org/home.htm or call 617-552-4002; 617-552-6110. (This is not a VOTF event but we thought you’d like to know about it just because it’s Christmas!)

****Voice of the Faithful president Jim Post will be a panelist at Boston College's conference, "Towards an Ecclesial Professional Ethic" Feb. 13-14, 2004 (part of B.C.'s two-year initiative, "The Church in the 21st Century"). Dr. Post's panel will discuss, "The Catholic Church in a Period of Organizational Crisis."

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