Please forward your inquiries and comments to leaderpub@votf.org

In the Vineyard
May 2003

Volume 2, Issue 6

"That servant is fortunate whom his master finds busy when he returns." Luke 12:43

This is one sweet moment for Voice of the Faithful. In this issue, the Chicago Area VOTF notes their commitment to VOTF's goals by moving forward "…one person, one parish at a time." A few days ago, we saw the rich fruit of such an effort. Our Brooklyn siblings, banned by Bishop Daily from meeting on church property in that diocese, have been heard. Bishop Daily has listened and the ban has been lifted. (http://www.votf.org/vineyard/vineyard7/bishopdaily.html) In their dialogue with the Brooklyn diocesan leadership, Brooklyn VOTF has modeled for all of us the truthful telling of "Who We Are," (http://www.votf.org/Who_We_Are/statementofbeliefs.html) the patience of familial love and the wise knowing that comes from good hearts and discerning minds.

VOTF continues to be banned in seven dioceses around the U.S., something in which no Catholic, regardless of VOTF membership, should acquiesce. We continue to pray for and support banned parishioners in Connecticut, Maine, New Jersey, New York, and Oregon.

Regardless of hardships, the steady, persistent drive of VOTF members to achieve our goals is inspiring. The conviction from our very first day and the very first day of every one of our Parish Voices and affiliates is that VOTF's "prayerful voice, attentive to the Spirit" will prevail. "

• Not one affiliate looking for dialogue with a bishop has given up in the absence of a response from their diocese (as in Colorado - see Affiliate News http://www.votf.org/vineyard/vineyard7/voices.html#colorado) or, worse, in an ecclesiastic environment of hostility. VOTF SE Wisconsin has even proposed a diocesan synod, a call heard with increasing frequency among concerned Catholics.
• Not one day of Lent passed at the seat of the Boston, MA archdiocese without a VOTF member "keeping watch" in support of survivors. (http://www.votf.org/vineyard/vineyard7/survivor.html)
• Not one affiliate has limited their efforts to their own group. They constitute a marvel of innovative and ambitious outreach to survivors and their caregivers, to theologians and to a growing roster of speakers informed and informing on our Church. (http://www.votf.org/vineyard/vineyard7/voices.html#DC)
• Not one month has passed in VOTF history without leadership gathering to speak and respond to the crisis on its many levels as well as to address the challenges of VOTF growth. (http://www.votf.org/vineyard/vineyard7/council.html)
• Not one month passes that someone hasn't devised yet another engagement activity with our priests. (http://www.votf.org/vineyard/vineyard7/voices.html#Florida. See the website at www.votf.org at Priests' Support Working Group, Vineyard Archives)
• Not one day passes that someone in the wide world of VOTF doesn't send us a prayer, a wish, a pat on the back. (http://www.votf.org/vineyard/vineyard7/international.html and http://www.votf.org/vineyard/vineyard7/comments.html)
• Not one week passes that VOTF isn't humbled by the generosity of our members both in volunteer time donated and/or in financial contributions to our work. (https://app.agnisoftware.org/jsp/donation/donations.html, volunteers link)

  VOTF is the never-ending story of Church in the 21st Century with more good hearts arriving all the time. It must have been at a time like ours that Trappist monk Thomas Merton offered this prayer:

  My Lord God, I have no idea where I'm going. I do not see the road ahead of me. I cannot know for certain where it will end. Nor do I really know myself and the fact that I think I am following your will does not mean I am actually doing so. But I believe that the desire to please you does in fact please you. I hope that I will never do anything apart from that desire. And I know that if I do this you will lead me by the right road though I may know nothing about it…. I will not fear, for you are ever with me….

  Peggie L. Thorp, Editor

VOICE OF THE FAITHFUL
BROOKLYN/QUEENS CELEBRATES BISHOP DAILY'S
DECISION TO LIFT THE BAN ON VOTF MEETINGS

Bishop Daily States VOTF Is in Accord with the Teachings of Catholic Church

Brooklyn, NY, May 1, 2003 — Voice of the Faithful (VOTF) members in Brooklyn and Queens learned today that Bishop Daily has reversed his earlier decision to ban VOTF meetings on church property, opening the way for local VOTF groups to meet in their churches, parish halls and other diocesan facilities for the first time since last autumn.

VOTF is a Catholic lay movement started in early 2002 in Boston, MA, in response to the clergy sexual abuse scandal. Last autumn, like seven other Catholic bishops around the country, Bishop Daily prohibited the group from meeting on church property in the diocese of Brooklyn (which includes the NYC boroughs of Brooklyn and Queens). But, he subsequently established a committee of diocesan representatives to meet with local VOTF leaders, and that dialogue evidently persuaded Bishop Daily to reverse his earlier decision.

"I think this demonstrates that VOTF is strong, that we are loyal members of the Church, not dissidents," said Melissa Gradel, a parishioner at the Oratory Church of St. Boniface in downtown Brooklyn and the VOTF Regional Coordinator for Brooklyn and Queens. "We are very pleased that Bishop Daily has recognized that we are seeking only to assume the responsibilities that are ours as baptized Catholics, and especially gratified that he has acknowledged the need for new forms of collaboration in carrying out the mission of the Church —- a mission that lay people, religious men and women, priests, deacons, and bishops all share by virtue of our baptism." Gradel continued, "We are very grateful to the members of the diocesan committee, especially to Auxiliary Bishop Ignatius Catanello, for their willingness to sit down with us and discuss difficult issues. I hope that this collaborative process points the way to the future, where lay people should be involved in every level of decision making."

Mary Keirnan, a VOTF leader from Rockaway Beach, Queens, and a parishioner at St. Rose of Lima, also welcomed the decision. "I feel this is a very important reconciliation. Like so many VOTF members, I am very active in my parish, it is my spiritual home. Not being able to meet in that parish, which I support both financially and as a volunteer, and not being able to meet freely with the people with whom I worship, has been very painful." (After several preliminary meetings, held before Bishop Daily banned the group, the Rockaway Beach VOTF Affiliate was forced to meet at an American Legion Hall.) "Lifting the ban recognizes our desire to contribute to the healing of victims of sexual abuse, as Jesus would surely want us to do, to support our priests, and to respond to the promptings of the Holy Spirit, who is calling us to become more active in the governance of the Church. I couldn't be more pleased."

John Gallagher, a VOTF member and parishioner at St. Charles Borromeo in Brooklyn Heights, said, "This is a significant movement toward collaboration. Real collaboration between the laity and the hierarchy is the only way forward for our Church. I applaud Bishop Daily's willingness to consider the evidence and revisit an earlier decision in this way. I hope other bishops will follow his lead."

E- Comments

(Ed. We couldn't begin to print all the wonderful, inspiring and supportive comments sent to the leaderpub@votf.org mailbox. This is a short sampling and represents the overall tone of the correspondence - prayerful.)

"Having joined VOTF in its earliest days, it is satisfying and a source of pride to see how it has grown and matured under strong, wise and intelligent leadership. Resisting the temptation to be strident, yet not compromising its principles, VOTF offers a model for bringing about change. From a fervent, scrambling start, VOTF, harnessing, directing. and occasionally tempering the enthusiasm of its supporters, has evolved into a well organized, sophisticated and effective vehicle for reform. Congratulations."
Mary Ellen Reese

"Great work. At this season of Easter, you, too, are a resurrection - for the Church. Thanks for all you do. Peace."

"I attended my first VOTF meeting this week and had decided not to return but a friend with whom I attended urged me to do so. The fact that Cardinal George has spent time listening has 'turned the tables.' Also, this e-mail connection is SUCH a good way of keeping members connected. Thank you for the efforts you are putting in to strengthening Christ's Body - our Church."

"In this season of Hope and New Life — this issue [April] of In the Vineyard has filled my heart with both for our beloved Church — and what better time than Holy Week."

"Wishing you all the blessings of Easter - what a gift, what a blessing, what a Miracle. God's Peace." Kathleen O'Grady, Concord Area Parish Voice

"Congratulations on your meetings with bishops. There is hope for us laity yet. I haven't given up but am saying the rosary each day for your group."

Survivor Support News

VOTF Lenten Watch in Boston, MA
Reported by Stephen A. Sheehan

"And Jesus said, "My soul is sorrowful even unto death. Remain here, and keep watch."

From Ash Wednesday to Good Friday, every day of the Lenten Season from noon to three p.m. and regardless of weather, a handful of the faithful, true to their baptismal inheritance, their innate sense of moral values, and the calling that they have discerned from the Holy Spirit, stood in solidarity with all the suffering children of God who have been abused by clergy and neglected by bishops charged with their care. The message of this VOTF Lenten Watch was a message of love, compassion, truth, and accountability. The aim was to remind the Archdiocesan staff that healing is far from complete and that the road to go is much farther than the road thus far traveled.

This Watch was inspired by the vigil conducted two years ago by survivor Steven Lynch when he stood in this same place by himself on behalf of survivors everywhere. The idea for a Lenten Watch came from the VOTF Working Group on Survivor issues. The group saw this as a way to demonstrate to the Archdiocese of Boston that healing cannot be claimed by merely conducting a series of prayer sessions within the archdiocese attended primarily by the faithful and exclusive of our wounded brothers and sisters. The participants were primarily members of VOTF and came from many different affiliates around the Archdiocese. Some came for one day, some for more. Others were there in spirit due to other commitments. But, regardless of their names and numbers, the spirit of truth, love and compassion was palpable in front of the Chancery on a daily basis.

A Book of Remembrance was maintained in which the participants recorded their presence and their thoughts and prayers as they kept watch. It is available for viewing in the VOTF office in Newton, MA and will be available at the VOTF Mass of Rededication and Reconsecration on May 20 at St. Ignatius Church, Chestnut Hill, MA.

New England Notes

Boston area Parish voice affiliates are gearing up for a plenary/conference in June. Five hundred of our most active Boston-area volunteers will be coming together to discuss: "Our Vision for the Archdiocese of Boston in 2005, And Action Steps to Make our Vision a Reality". A questionnaire has been distributed to each of our 45+ Boston-area affiliates to stimulate pre-conference discussions, and to determine the areas of most interest for the 10+ workshops at the conference.

Seating for this June 7 plenary/conference is very limited. Tickets are being allocated via our Boston-area affiliates. If you are from the Archdiocese of Boston and are seeking more information, please contact your local VOTF parish voice affiliate. More information about affiliates can be found on the VOTF website (http://www.votf.org/Parish_Voice/groups.html.) If you are from the Boston area and would like to help with the conference, please contact Ann Carroll via voices_conference@votf.org for more information.

Boston VOTF Mass of Rededication and Reconsecration will be held Tuesday, May 20, 7 pm at St. Ignatius, Chestnut Hill, MA. Volunteer ministers will be needed and a strong turnout will help us all remember our mission to be a prayerful voice, attentive to the Spirit. Please watch the website for additional information under Prayerful Voice.

The Boston College Initiative, "The Church in the 21st Century," is offering a free subscription to a new publication, C21 Resources, that reprints articles and presentations on the current crisis and the path to renewal. The inaugural issue was published in April. There will be three issues annually through 2004. Visit the Boston College website at www.bc.edu/church21/subscribe.

Boston Area VOTF members are invited to join Natick Parish Voice at their Sunday Prayer Service after the 11:30 AM Mass. Since January, Natick Parish Voice has been conducting a prayer service immediately following the 11:30 AM Mass at St Patrick's Church in Natick, MA. We reverently pray the Rosary and request Mary's intercession for the intentions of VOTF and to be allowed to meet on our Church property. Please consider joining us on a Sunday in May either by attending the 11:30AM Mass and gather with us in the center pews toward the back of the church, or join us around 12:30 at the conclusion of Mass. Prayer sheets will be available. The service lasts about 15 minutes. St. Patrick's Church is on Rte. 135, (44 East Central St.), Natick, MA two blocks east of the intersection with Rte. 27.

Worcester VOTF will present Attorney Wendy Murphy on Wednesday, May 14, 2003 at 7 PM in Rehm Library, Smith Hall, at the College of the Holy Cross, Worcester, MA. Wendy Murphy is a highly respected and tenacious advocate for victims of sexual abuse. Ms. Murphy was the lawyer who defended the right of the Rape Crisis Center in its refusal to turn over the transcripts of private counseling to an attorney for an accused rapist. This landmark case was carried all the way to the MA State Supreme Judicial Court, where it was decided that only the judge in each individual case need review such records for relevancy. Ms. Murphy is also a professor of law at Northeastern University and a legal commentator for Fox Channel News.

Around the World with VOTF

A View from Down Under
Reported by Svea Fraser

The bone-wearying, muscle-cramping 22 hours in a Boeing 727 are well worth it when the destination is Australia. I headed in that direction in a snow squall on April 1st and returned to Boston on April 21st. In Melbourne, my home from 1991 to 1997, cockatoos, magpies and kookaburras in gum trees added to the welcome of my friends. Many of those friends were keenly interested in VOTF and several meetings had already been organized, along with interviews on ABC National Radio and the newspaper The Age.

I was amazed at how closely Australian Catholics have been following the crisis in Boston, and how many have already signed up on the website as members of VOTF. Much of the interest has been fueled by publicity on television and in the press. Two Australian books have recently been published and both cite VOTF by name - Muriel Porter's Sex, Power and the Clergy and Chris McGillion's A Long Way from Rome. A month ago, the program "Compass", an hour-long documentary on national public television, reported on our activity in Boston. A friend of mine taped the program, and it gave me a strange feeling to see ourselves broadcast on the other side of the world -everything from the vigils at the Cathedral to the 7/20 Convention, Arthur Austin's stirring words at the Chancery Vigil, and comments made by Louise Aleo and Cathy Mosca! At the end of the program, the reporter made the poignant admission that he himself had been a victim of sexual abuse at the age of 14. Hearts are moved and people are seeking ways to respond with truth and compassion.

Maria George, a pastoral associate, was quoted as saying the discussions about VOTF are valuable. "I felt challenged about taking the risk to speak out, not to be afraid, to be visible, to use your voice, even if it comes at a cost." Mary Williams, a bright star in the constellation of committed Catholics, said that Melbourne Catholics are considering launching a local Voice of the Faithful group. "There's been some talk about it, but the Australian climate and culture is so very different to the States. What's so wonderful about this is that it's the middle ground of the Church, not the radical wing," she told The Age reporter.

All of you who are working with such faith and perseverance need to know that you are a light of hope to people around the world. Our website has been described by many as their "favorite," and it is enthusiastically received. I felt that I was representing thousands of you, and like the early disciples in The Acts of the Apostles, encouraging our brothers and sisters in far-flung places. I hope you can feel the radiation of appreciation I have for each of you. At the end of one of my talks (which was enriched by showing the video of "The Solidarity Walk" and an overview of the 7/20 Boston, MA convention, "The Response of the Laity") a woman came up to me and, taking both my hands in hers, looked me in the eye and said, "Whenever you get discouraged, just remember that there is a nun in Australia who is praying for you." Her prayers will not go unanswered!

From St. Elizabeth's Parish, Sidney, British Columbia, Canada
Reported by MaryAnne Gervais

Congratulations for a wonderful year. I read about VOTF in The New Yorker September, 2002 and was deeply inspired. VOTF, please remember to count me as one of your voices, for love has inspired changes in our Church.

Last month I attended the first meeting of a potential affiliate at St. Elizabeth Parish, Sidney B.C. Canada. I am a member on my own because Sidney is a distance from me but I keep in touch with Terry Renshaw from St. Elizabeth's.

Recently in our Victoria Press (Times Colonist) there was an article about dwindling numbers in Christian parishes. The article elicited many letters next day in the editorial page. I decided to send a letter to our local Catholic paper and forwarded a copy to our Bishop Remi Roussin. I would like to share it.

"The recent article "LOW STANDING IN THE PEWS" (printed in the Times Colonist) has prompted me to write this letter. Solutions for the dwindling numbers stand waiting to be heard as the LAITY finds its voice in Church reformation.

It was Blessed Pope John XXIII who called our Church to 'aggiornamento,' an updating, and recognition of the evolutionary process in the material and spiritual world of the 20th Century. Thanks to Pope John and his successor Pope Paul VI, one of the 16 documents of the Vatican II Council now stands as an achievement never before reached in the history of the Catholic Church. That document is the "DECREE ON THE APOSTOLATE OF THE LAITY." This decree is a channel through which our voice and energy as Laity is born and comes to light in the Holy Spirit.

Just last month in Sidney, B.C. at St. Elizabeth*s Parish, a group of concerned Catholics joined the Voice of the Faithful Organization as its first international affiliate joining over 30,000 Catholics world wide. VOTF attempts to sit tall in the pews of our Church. Here you will find a forum with a loving but constructively critical voice that prays and probes for solutions to the problems which render our Church sterile in the 21st Century. As disciples of Christ the whole Church is called to His mission - man, woman, and child. The mission is LOVE and the means is a Church which fully integrates these disciples.

I congratulate the initiative of the St. Elizabeth's group and wish many blessings to all who endeavour to be heard and to act in the name of GOOD."

VOTF Affiliate and Parish Voice News

VOTF Arizona
Reported by Sandy Simonson

At a recent meeting we welcomed several members from our local SNAP chapter who shared their stories as survivors of priest abuse. We then brainstormed ways that our organization can support them in their healing and in their efforts to communicate with the Diocese of Phoenix.

Next month our speaker will be the director of the Catholic Newman Center at Arizona State University who will address the crisis from a priest's perspective as well as explore root causes.

We have requested that Bishop O'Brien allow us to meet on Church property but he has been unresponsive for over a month now.

CCC-VOTF* Colorado
Reported by Sheila Norris

As we come upon our May 1st anniversary date of one year, here are a few highlights of our efforts here in the Colorado region:

Monthly gatherings continue to deepen our sense of community and solidarity - we now have speakers scheduled for each of these gatherings who are our "Companions on the Journey," sharing their personal experiences of being Catholic. To date our guests have included clergy, religious and members of the laity.

Numerous attempts have been made to engage the Archdiocesan Pastoral Council in dialogue. There is presently no interest on their part for such conversation

We are in conversation with The Institute For The Common Good, an adjunct organization of Regis Jesuit University, to mediate between ourselves and the APC around co-sponsoring certain future events

Archbishop Chaput has responded to our letters and emails but has not yet accepted the invitation to attend our gatherings.

We join in solidarity via email prayer on the first of each month to empower us in our efforts of being Spirit-driven, faithful voices.

We continue to get word out to our community of local education programs such as the Regis Univ. series on Vatican II with both local and national presenters, along with other educational opportunities.

A Liturgy is being planned for June that will incorporate the movement from struggle and voicelessness to voicing, healing and hope.

Another project in the works is a Celebration of the Laity - more on that later. We shall continue to apprise you of what the Spirit is instigating here in Colorado!
(*Ed. note: VOTF Colorado had originated as Colorado Concerned Catholics.)

VOTF of Southwest Florida
Reported by Peg Clark

In Naples, our VOTF of SWFL is having a remarkably active New Year. In January we sponsored a concelebrated Mass where seven priests from the Greater Naples area concelebrated and two other priests, who were unable to attend, sent letters to be read at the Mass. In March we introduced our Speaker's Forum to a larger-than-capacity crowd. Our guest speaker was Eugene Kennedy, renowned author of The Unhealed Wound. Our March meeting was informed by VOTF Massachusetts member Penny Kirk's biographical sketch of the actual deterioration of her son who was sexually abused at age ten by Fr. Shanley.

We here at VOTF of SWFL have the greatest respect for those who have come forward and volunteered their talents, especially Dr. Kennedy and Mrs. Kirk who have made a marked difference in our organization, and each of whom extended themselves personally to our members.

Our "off season" will be devoted to the grassroots work in the Diocese of Florida.

VOTF Southeast Wisconsin Affiliate
Reported by Terry Ryani

Easter greetings and Happy Springtime to everyone!

On April 22 a group of about 100 people met at St. Alphonsus parish for our monthly VOTF meeting, which featured Fr. Pat Lagges, a canon lawyer from the Chicago Archdiocese, as speaker. His informative presentation generated a lot of questions and discussion regarding the gap between the language in Canon Law and the reality that people have experienced at the parish or archdiocesan level. Our Chancellor Barbara Ann Cusack, who is also a canon lawyer, attended the meeting.

At the conclusion of Fr. Lagges' talk, I suggested that perhaps the time is ripe to begin planning for an archdiocesan synod. The last synod in the Milwaukee Archdiocese was held in 1986, and there are many new problems and issues that have arisen since that time that could be incorporated into an agenda for a synod.

Members are also discussing effective ways to support various priests in our archdiocese who have taken actions based on their convictions and suffered consequences. One of the priests, Fr. Dave Cooper, recently allowed the Women's Ordination Conference to hold a prayer service in his church. This service received publicity in local papers, and Fr. Cooper was then summoned to meet with Archbishop Timothy Dolan. As a result, Cooper issued an apology in the archdiocesan newspaper and the editor of that paper issued a formal written clarification/apology for reporting on the prayer service.

Some of the survivors of clergy sexual abuse are in the process of mediation with the archdiocese in the hope that restorative justice will be achieved. Recently their request to allow the presence of an attorney at the mediation sessions was granted.

VOTF members continue to focus on the need to secure passage of legislation in the state of Wisconsin to make clergy mandatory reporters of abuse, to extend the statute of limitations, and to allow civil suits in our state. A bill has been drafted but not yet introduced. Our next meeting on May 20th will feature former Congressman Tom Barrett, who will talk about the legislative process and ways to effectively lobby for passage of legislation.

VOTF Chicago Area, Illinois
Reported by Terry O'Connor

During Dr. Jim Muller's meeting with Cardinal George, the cardinal agreed to meet with the Chicago leadership of Voice of the Faithful. Meetings are currently being held to identify areas for an agenda. A date for the meeting will not be requested until committee discussions are completed and refined to a few points in an agenda. Our target date is mid-June.

In conjunction with the planning process, VOTF in the Chicago area continues to organize with other communities and Voice of the Faithful nationally. We are also looking toward a new level of growth. Our goal by the end of this year is to be a network of 225 (65%) parishes within the Chicago diocese. Very shortly, a new network of communications through parish affiliates will be completed in the hope of even exceeding this goal.

We are encouraging VOTF National registration on the VOTF website as well as the formation of new affiliates. In both cases, we are offering whatever assistance might be needed as well as contact information. We are also asking for help as we move forward one person and one parish at a time.

VOTF Washington, DC Metro Affiliate
Reported by Evelyn Mercantini

The April 15th meeting of the DC Metro VOTF affiliate continued the efforts to support priests of integrity and to reach out to survivors with compassion and an understanding heart. At our monthly meeting on April 15, we had a very hope-filled meeting with three local priests whose openness was deeply appreciated. We explored the clergy sexual abuse crisis through the lenses of these priests, and we considered some ways in which to reach out to survivors in a parish setting

As a next step, we plan to meet with priests to discuss concrete steps that they might consider in their own parishes. We will continue to invite survivors from our parish vicinities (via pulpit messages, church bulletins, etc.) for fellowship with a caring and concerned church group. We will explore the opportunity for healing masses and/or prayer services as opportunities to bring survivors together with a Church that must not forget the responsibility of caring for these injured souls. We will seek, also, to refer survivors to support services (e.g., SNAP, local counselors, Healing Voices) and secure parish space for survivor support groups.

DC Metro VOTF Tri-State Coalition Summary, March 22, 2003

The first-ever tri state coalition of VOTF and SNAP met on Saturday, March 22, 2003 at the Dunn Loring Firehouse Hall in Vienna, Virginia. SNAP and the DC Metro VOTF affiliate co-hosted the meeting. Representatives from Holy Trinity VOTF (Washington, DC,) Montgomery County VOTF (Gaithersburg, MD,) the Relay VOTF (Relay, MD) were also in attendance. Combined 43 VOTF and SNAP members attended.

The day started with Mark Serrano, national spokesperson for SNAP and regional leader, who described the SNAP organization, its goals and objectives. Mark told us about the Broken Angel Fund, which supports a young girl in New Britton, CT who was abused by a priest and whom her pastor blamed from the pulpit. (Funds collected at this meeting were contributed to this fund.) The Washington Diocese just published a new guide on handling sexual abuse allegations. Neither Mark nor survivors were asked to review or participate in this publication.

Since we were unable to have a national VOTF representative attend this meeting, Bill Casey gave an overview of the national organization and explained how the DC Metro group came into existence back in July 2002.

Our next speaker was Mary Liz Austin, founder of Healing Voices, Inc. Healing Voices is a recently formed non-profit group with the specific goal of serving survivors of clergy sexual abuse. Mary Liz's presentation included the following:

"Healing Voices wants you (survivors) to know that there are Catholics and people of faith who want you to hear these words….

• I believe you.
• It wasn't your fault.
• No one should ever have to experience what you did, not even once.
• SPEAK YOUR TRUTH! TELL YOUR STORY.
• We'll go with you. We'll support you. We'll hang in there with you for as long as it takes.
• You are not hysterical, go ahead and be angry …..and make us earn your trust.
• Healing Voices is committed to being around long enough for some of these words to actually sink in."

We then heard from each of the local VOTF affiliates:

• Holy Trinity is now officially a Holy Trinity VOTF affiliate with approximately 140 regular attendees. For more information about Holy Trinity VOTF you can contact Ellen Murphy at 202.337.2840, extension 122.
• Montgomery County VOTF, which meets at St. Rose of Lima, has focused on the VOTF #1 goal, to support the survivors. They have taken a strong role with the Maryland legislature and have attended and spoken at these meetings. For more information about the Montgomery County VOTF you can contact Judy Miller at 301.330.4211.
• The Voice at Relay VOTF affiliate meets at The Church at Relay, Maryland on the 4th Tuesday of the month. For more information about the Voice at Relay contact Frank Dingle at dingle1@comcast.net or www.voiceatrelay.org.
• Bill Casey represented the DC Metro VOTF. The DC Metro group has approximately 50 members who are interested in VOTF but only about 15 attend the regular monthly meetings. Because our group is small, we have chosen to focus primarily on one of VOTF goals - to support the survivors.

Five survivors spoke briefly about their personal abuse and recovery journeys.

After a break, we regrouped and heard from Mark Serrano again. He introduced a new SNAP program "Search and Rescue." Mark spoke about the strong possibility that there are clergy abuse victims in our area who have not come forward. Since this is such a transient area they may not have been abused here but are now living here. What can we do to reach them? How do we get them to come forward? What can we do to help them? These were some of the questions we discussed next.

We broke into groups, which offered some suggestions:

1. Hold small group meetings/listening sessions in homes for a survivor(s) who would be invited to a home where the host/hostess has invited a number of people from his/her parish/area to listen to the survivor and to provide encouragement and fellowship. This was thought to be a good way to get the stories when it can't be done in a parish or larger group session.
2. Put together a website of "better practices" which shows how other parishes/dioceses were dealing with the crisis; groups such as VOTF affiliates, trying to organize and work with this crisis, will have a foundation from which to work.
3. Approach parishes where the pastor might be open to reaching out to survivors, and offer assistance to accomplish outreach.
4. Write to Bishop Loverde and ask him to make public the names of his sexual abuse panel, and request that he formally charge them to review every case of clergy sexual misconduct in the past 30 years; have the panel submit a report to him and the laity on their findings and have these printed in the Herald within six months. This would dispel any mistrust about the status of clergy abuse in the Arlington diocese.
5. Withhold contributions made to the Church until they respond appropriately to the crisis.

Our final speaker, Ed Grefe, a professor from George Washington University and an expert in grassroots organizations reminded us that we as the Church have a right to serve. We should do something bold but primed for success (not a short term outcome). He advocated activities focused on transparency and accountability in the management and administration of Church activities (as opposed to theological statements or beliefs). He strongly suggested development of a plan that has specific tasks with concrete messages and utilizing volunteers in their areas of strengths.

The groups agreed to meet again in June at a date to be determined. The Holy Trinity VOTF affiliate agreed to host the next session.

VOTF NW NASSAU, Long Island, NewYork PARISH VOICE AFFILIATE
Reported by Carol Bongiorno, Moderator

The NW Nassau Parish Voice Affiliate is a cluster of several parishes with a total membership of 87. In addition to all members, minutes are sent to the pastors of members in our Affiliate. Membership now numbers approximately 1200 across Long Island.

For letters from Bishop Murphy concerning Pastoral Councils and Sexual Misconduct of Priests visit www.votf-li.org. You can also link to the complete Suffolk County Grand Jury Report on the Diocese of Rockville Centre.

LOCAL NEWS: St. Aidan's Parish in Williston Park held a meeting of its Stewardship Council where, as one of the agenda items, the possibility of listening sessions was discussed. St. Joseph's Parish, Garden City, hosted two listening sessions, which revealed the desire of parishioners' collaboration with the pastor in the operation of the parish and for new procedures for the appointment of local bishops.

Our main presentation "One Victim's Story" was delivered by Robert Nesbit. Bob recounted a moving narrative of his experience of abuse by a priest when he was twelve years old in Pittsfield, MA. His ordeal impacted him throughout his life. He also pointed out shocking statistics regarding sexual abuse by family and extended family members and emphasized the need, as a means of prevention, for combined parents and children sex education programs. At the same time Bob expressed concern for those priests who are falsely accused, and are denied due process in a timely manner.

Bob told us of his disappointment with the formal response to a letter sent to Bishop Murphy describing his suffering as a result of being abused by a priest. The response was written by the Bishop's aide, Fr. Robert Batule, with no word from the Bishop himself and no subsequent contact.

Bob attributes the rekindling of his faith life to his wife, Carol, whom he described as his "angel." For many years he was a member of St. Aidan's parish. While there he became an Extraordinary Minister and graduated from the Diocese of Rockville Centre Pastoral Formation (Pre-Deaconate) Program. Currently Bob is a member of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal parish in Wyandanch. He is the co-founder and chairman of Star of the Sea Shelter for Homeless Women and Children in South Jamaica and is active in an interfaith evangelization movement.

A group discussion was led by Jim Howard in response to the question: "What suggestions would you give to Bishop Murphy to help with the healing process?" Replies included permitting VOTF to meet on Church property, having the bishop hold listening sessions, calling for the bishop's resignation and meeting with victims.

Joe Hassan, Treasurer, handed out a detailed financial report on the status of our group's finances. - Joe reviewed the status of the Long Island Voice of Compassion Fund, now tax exempt, and the list of charities it supports. - Joe also mentioned that according to VOTF-LI Finance Committee, the Budget Report issued by the Finance Council of the Diocese of Rockville Centre did not achieve the openness and transparency it claims. After careful review committee members found a number of exclusions (i.e., twelve Diocesan organizations are not mentioned). It was disclosed that the Diocesan bank holds $326,000,000 donated by our parishioners. Why this huge amount? Long Island Catholics expect and deserve full financial disclosures. The Finance Committee stressed the need for expert lay financial advisors and the establishment of a Diocesan Council.

Joe Bongiorno gave a legislation update. Bills before the NYS Senate (S2818) and Assembly (A-1516) can be read on the websites www.senate.state.ny.us and www.assembly.state.ny.us Senator Duane and Assemblymen McEneny sponsored these bills, which carry a provision for the mandatory reporting of clergy sexual abuse. An exception for the sanctity of the confessional is provided. Joe led a discussion on the matter of VOTF support of legislation:

Should we take a corporate stance or should we instead educate our membership to follow a wise course of action on their own? After taking a sounding of the group, which voiced opinions pro and con, Joe urged us to do our homework, i.e., become knowledgeable about the bills by visiting the websites. More discussion will follow at our next meeting.

VOTF of Eastern Connecticut
Reported by Grace and Bob Marrioni

The snowbirds have started flying North, so the attendance at our meetings will increase. At our monthly meeting on April 30, we will have a speaker on "The Impact of Sexual Abuse." The speaker is our daughter, Faith Marrion, who has 20 years' experience counseling survivors of sexual abuse.

On our minds: One of our strengths is the ability to say that we are not affiliated with any group that takes a stand on one of the "hot-button" issues. We are a centrist organization that includes, in the case of our affiliate, militant pro-lifers, members of the Knights of Columbus, and men and women who believe women should be ordained and celibacy should be optional for our priests. They have all agreed to "check at the door" their positions on everything except our goals and mission.

At our first meeting, we were asked if we were affiliated with Call To Action. Our bishop, in refusing to permit us to meet on Church property, said that we were associated with We Are Church - apparently because one of its leaders spoke at the July 20 convention. We can't avoid being unfairly criticized but we can and should continue to focus on the issues that brought us together.

VOTF Bridgeport, Connecticut
Reported by Jim Alvord from chairperson/ president Joe O'Callaghan's Easter message

We have been busy grape-growers numbering 200 plus from 35 parishes in the diocese of Bridgeport, CT.

In a recent interview published in The Hour (4/11) Bishop William E. Lori was quoted as saying "I don't know who the membership of Voice of the Faithful is and I'm not making any effort to track it." He further aspersed the good name of members of VOTF by suggesting that we do not share the same faith, the creed, and "all that flows from what the Church believes in faith and morals." Nevertheless, he did not specify just what he meant by that. The implication of his words is that all of us who are members of VOTF are somehow unorthodox and unfaithful Catholics. By banning us from meeting in our churches he has engaged in a subtle form of excommunication, encouraging other Catholics to shun us and to hesitate before attending our meetings.

VOTF does not propose "to reinvent the church," as the bishop stated (and his spokesman, Joseph McAleer, reiterated in an interview with the Stamford Advocate), but rather to reform and renew the Church so that tragedies such as the one that currently afflicts the Church can be averted in the future.

We will be meeting to discuss the continual efforts of Bishop Lori and Mr. McAleer to condemn VOTF and will include a report of this gathering in next month's In the Vineyard. We will also be electing new leadership and planning our activities for the coming year 2003-2004. Some of the tasks we might consider are an annual calendar of meetings and various formats for these meetings, the use of the Congregational Church, recruitment, publicity and the formation of a correspondence committee and a website.

VOTF Winchester, MA
Reported by Bob Morris

On April 13, Mary Gail Frawley O'Dea spoke to our group regarding her categorization of priests who abuse minors. Dr. Frawley O'Dea was the only person to address the June 2002 meeting of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops in Dallas on the issue of clergy sexual abuse. Survivors of clergy abuse, including Arthur Austin and Susan Gallagher, attended the meeting. At the close of the meeting, Art Austin presented Dr. Frawley O'Dea with a sword, in commemoration of her speech to the Bishops in which she urged the Bishops to raise the Sword of Shannara - a sword which reveals to the sword bearer every aspect of his or her being.

On Saturday, April 26, our group hosted a Potluck Supper in support of priests. Nine priests from the Archdiocese of Boston attended the dinner, as well as about 85 of our members. The wonderful food, good company, and live musical entertainment after dinner created an atmosphere of support and good will to the priests who serve us. Special thanks are due to Christina Hurley and all the members of her wonderful priest support team.

On April 7, we welcomed Fr. Walter Cuenin of Our Lady of Help Christians Parish in Newton. Fr. Cuenin's talk underscored for us the theological roots of VOTF, and how closely related VOTF is to changes brought about by Vatican II. About 150 people attended, despite the threat of a snowstorm.

Throughout Lent, several members of our group, especially Marge Bean, Eileen DiGangi, Jan Dolan, Paul Kellen, Jeanne Martin and Suzy Nauman kept the Lenten vigil for survivors at the Chancery in Boston. Their commitment and dedication have been an inspiration to all.

VOTF Representative Council
Reported by Maura O'Brien, VOTF Moderator

VOTF Representative Council is the elected policy-making body for Voice of the Faithful. Some examples of recent policies adopted by the Council are the Structural Change Working Paper, initiation of a study of the optimal governance structure for VOTF by the Governance Study Committee, and election of VOTF officers and moderator.

The Council was established in June 2002 by vote of the world-wide VOTF membership as the successor to the founding VOTF Steering Committee. It presently consists of 151 voting Council members. The Council meets monthly (alternating Thursdays and Saturdays) and consists of four distinct groups: 1) There are 70 Parish Voice members, currently, who represent VOTF affiliates. Each affiliate that forms is eligible to elect a representative and alternates. Second, there are eight at-large members representing VOTF members who do not belong to affiliates. Third, there are 39 regional coordinator members representing potential affiliates in various regions of the United States and abroad. The fourth group consists of the 36 members of the founding VOTF Steering Committee.

Council plans for the future include exploring ways to make participation possible for representatives outside the Boston area and improving Council communications on the website among Council representatives and between VOTF members and their Council representatives. Future plans also include centralizing and enhancing Council administration and staff support. The Council is regularly experimenting with the use of brainstorming workshops as a creative support for decision-making.

Voice of the Faithful Representative Council
Sat. April 26, 2003, St. Andrews School, Jamaica Plain, MA

9:30-noon - Morning Workshop: Response to Bans
The morning was devoted to a discussion and draft action session on the banning of VOTF from the use of Church property for VOTF meetings. Peggie Thorp presented an overview of the bannings in order to frame the discussion to follow. She introduced guest speaker, Stephen Pope, professor of Theology at Boston College, Newton, MA who spoke on some of the definitions of words used frequently against VOTF - dissenters, schismatic and heretic. By definition, VOTF is none of these.

Marty Green, Action Committee chair, directed those gathered into small working groups to propose possible responses to the bannings. These were presented to the full Council in the afternoon by president Jim Post and would also be taken up by the Action Committee to which Marty invited any additional interested members. Contact Marty Green at greenmahoney@charter.net.

Warrant

1:00 Opening Prayer and Invocation of the Holy Spirit

1:05 Welcome to new Council members and announcements

1:10 Article I President's Report

Report on morning Action Workshop: Bannings
Resolution: VOTF will launch a national campaign to end bans
News of Note

1:40 Article II Setting the Stage for a Response to Bannings: Who We Are (revised statement)

Motion 1: MOVED: that the Council remands the VOTF Statement on Who We Are Revised Working Document to Parish Voice affiliates for discussion and comment in preparation for further action at the June 21 Council meeting and that this Statement be posted on the VOTF web site as a replacement for the VOTF Statement of Beliefs Initial Working Document. (This was passed.) See the Statement of Who We Are on the website at www.votf.org.

2:30 Article I President's Report (continued) National VOTF Program Priorities (Ann Carroll annmhc@yahoo.com)

Motion 2: MOVED, the Representative Council shall provide input and advice to the VOTF officers on the determination of our VOTF national program priorities.

At the March Representative Council meeting and Strategic Planning Workshop, participants offered suggestions for our proposed VOTF national programs. Strategy is about making choices. As the next step in this process, the Council is asked to provide guidance on which of our many proposed program ideas should be pursued as our VOTF national program priorities.

3:00 Article III Endorsement of Candidates for Archbishop of Boston, MA. (Needham Parish Voice (Discussion, no vote)

3:30 Article IV An initiative to encourage Parish Voice affiliates to support survivors (Anne Barrett Doyle barrett.doyle@attbi.com Discussion, no vote

Motion 1

MOVED, that VOTF establish the "1,001 Club," an initiative to encourage every Parish Voice affiliate to support survivors.