Voice of the Faithful - In the Vineyard

Copy deadline for the January 2004 issue is Monday, December 29. Please send inquiries and comments to leaderpub@votf.org To receive the VOTF quarterly Voices please call the office at 617-558-5252. The next issue is due mid-February. This is a hard copy publication. Contributions to VOTF can be made on line or mailed to VOTF, P. O. Box 423, Newton Upper Falls, MA 02464-0002

In this issue, we wanted to consider the past year as a mound of wrapped gifts – of time given and received, of new faces and renewed friends, of fresh commitments and enlivened goals. For the January issue as well, our affiliates have been asked to package their reflections on their parish and diocesan lives; our working groups will “present” their gifts; our national office will bring to these pages their “keepers.” This month, too, Paul Kendrick takes us to Haiti. And the editorial page? I’ve decided to gift you with words that will resonate far more clearly than any I can write. As in E. B. White’s “Distant Music of the Hounds” – do read this some time in December – you may find yourself looking for a quiet wood. This small Edwina Gately poem was “discovered” on just the right, weary weekend of VOTF challenges. It has become my “keeper 2003” – as have all of you and the gifts you share with the Vineyard month after month. Merry Christmas to all.

Disciple of Jesus, weary and silent,
Aware in the darkness, of challenges failed
And longings unfilled,
Remembering the passion that sent you forth,
Young and bright and fired with hope
How is it with you now?

Disciple of Jesus, weary and silent,
World unchanged, its darkness still deep,
Dreams dispelled and visions blurred,
How is it with you now?

Trailing behind me the spark of fire
Of early passion,
Bruised and tender from love’s long thrust,
Now is the finest, greatest moment,
And now the ultimate death,
For I, disciple of Jesus,
To stand before my God,
Weary and deeply silent,
Claiming only,
I was there.

This poem appears in Edwina Gately’s book I Hear a Seed Growing, published by Sources Books.

News for VOTF members in the Boston Archdiocese
EVENTS, ETC. – why are these 2004 dates important – 1/6 (besides the Feast of the Epiphany) and 2/27? Surprising findings with regard to Catholic giving – is giving up or down? Live anywhere within driving distance of the Boston area? “A Dancer’s Christmas” is well worth the ride (Events – East); what are you doing April 16-17, 2004? VOTF Christmas Cards – it’s not too late! Where’s Jim Post going in February 2004?
VOTF ELECTION UPDATE – who’s running?

If you are not a registered member, you can not vote. REGISTER TO VOTE!!!!

Not sure if you are registered? Read More
Parish Voices – Who said, “We need to change … and be adults in our Church.”? More bishop dialogue – this time in CA. VOTFers On the Road
December’s Best Practices – no wonder our membership is growing!
Books for your short list - please check the November 2003 Vineyard, available on the Web site.
Join the fray! See what you thought about last month’s question and join us for the January discussion. What Do You Think?
Not one but two Prayers of the Month.
If you are not a registered member, you can not vote. REGISTER TO VOTE!!!! Click here
Working Group Reports – Survivor Community, Priests’ Support, Lay Education.

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