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From the Executive Director

Dear Friends,

We are in the midst of our first year anniversary months. Formed in February and March 2002, VOTF has grown in unbelievable ways in the past twelve months. From a listening session in the basement of a church, VOTF has grown into an organization with over 25,000 members, 150 affiliates, a Representative Council, and a national office. But we are more than just a growing organization with an annual affiliate growth rate of over 100%. We are a community of mainstream Catholics who seek the inspiration of the Holy Spirit to build a stronger and healthier Catholic Church, and who support one another - and the Church itself - in this ambitious and courageous undertaking.

Many Catholics who support the efforts of VOTF but who have yet to join us, as well as our own members, are asking several questions appropriate for consideration at this moment in our formative history.

  • "What does VOTF offer?"
  • "What has VOTF accomplished?"
  • "Where is VOTF going from here?" and "Who can we become?"

As a strategic planning process is undertaken during the next six weeks you will be hearing more from us about the answers to these questions, particularly the last two. For now, allow me to offer some thoughts about these questions and invite you to share yours.

First, VOTF offers hope - hope for a Church that will heal and feed the survivors of clergy sexual abuse, priests, and the laity, by "walking the walk" as well as "talking the talk." VOTF is hope in action galvanized by a commitment to do something - something out of love for our Church, God, and one another. Our hope is reinforced by the success of our truth.

Second, VOTF offers opportunity and empowerment. As Catholics we have learned the significance of one universal Church and the importance of community. VOTF offers us the opportunity for our "voices to be heard" as a community of Catholics who can offer solutions to the problems confronting our Church. In community with one another and the Holy Spirit, we are empowered to act in accordance with our conscience and to dream of the Church we hope for.

Third, VOTF offers consolation. Whether you are fortunate enough to be part of an affiliate, or a member seeking community in one, from our own experience and those we have heard, the hope, opportunity, and empowerment we have experienced have revealed to us the presence of the Spirit. This revelation has provided survivors, priests, and the entire VOTF community with the consolation that can only come from God's presence in our lives.

Hope. Opportunity. Empowerment. Consolation. Can you imagine what your life and relationship to the Church would be like, if our community did not exist? As we enter this Lenten season many of us will reflect on the effect the past year has had on our lives and in our Church. As we discern where we go from here and who we can become, it may be helpful to reflect on what we have already given to one another and to the Church. We invite you to share your reflections with us. You may email them to anniversary@votf.org.

Warm regards for a fruitful Lenten season,

Steve Krueger
Executive Director

 

 

 

 

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In the Vineyard
March 2003
Vol 2, Issue 3

Page One

From the Executive Director

What Can You Do for Lent?

Working Groups

Voices, Voices Everywhere!

Announcements and Events of Note

Legislative Reports

In the Vineyard Archives

Current VOTF members, please re-register as part of our database update. New members, please register.


Voice of the Faithful is recognized as one of the most promising lay organizations to evolve in the Catholic Church. Your support is absolutely necessary for us to continue. The online donation form and the mail in donation form are both quick and easy ways for you to participate, and we are most grateful.

VOTF™
Mission Statement

To provide a prayerful voice, attentive to the Spirit, through which the Faithful can actively participate in the governance and guidance of the Catholic Church.

Purple Cross

Our Goals

1. To support those who have been abused

2. To support priests of integrity

3. To shape structural change within Church
More

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Pray Each Day
at Noon

Jesus, Lord and Brother, help us with our faithfulness. Please hear our voice, and let our voice be heard. Amen. More

 

         

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