1 - Prayer Oct 2  - Feast of the Guardian Angels;  Prayer Oct 19  - Mass

2 - Issue with National - We reaffirmed our decision to disagree with National on its  decision to ask the Vatican to review its policy of requiring celibacy in the priesthood.  We reaffirmed our committment to focus our efforts primarily in advocacy of survivors of clergy and religious sexual abuse ( Goal 1 of VOTF), and to support Priests of Integrity (Goal 2).

3 - Communication with the Archbishop - We agreed that any communication we have with Kevin McDonough would be copied to the Archbishop. That way we can avoid the confusion that resulted after our inviting Judge Merz to speak at the Basilica.

4 - Merz Event Planning:

A - Publicity - Suzanne has done the bulk of  the work in this area. Colin and Shari will prepare and mail a postcard reminder to be mailed to members about a week prior to the event. (This was sent out ~ Oct 18).

B - Award for Michael O'Connell - We approved of the design and wording of the award drawn up by Suzanne. Tim and Suzanne will coordinate the presentation of the award. The award will be presented prior to Judge Merz's presentation. Tim will inform Michael of the timing.

C - Communication with Merz - Shari is the point person here. She will also see of his availability to dine with some of us after the event.

D - Moderator - Again, Shari is our person.

E - Q and A session - Cards will be placed on each table. Christina will coordinate and sort through the questions and give to Shari. Shari also has the discretion to open the floor for questions. It would be good to have a second mike available for this.  Suzanne to request extra mic.  Suzanne, Lonne, and Tim will collect cards and give to Christina.

F - Donations - Colin will prepare a donation card and envelope and put on tables. Shari will invite people to donate. Tom and Colin will act as ushers and pass baskets for the free-will offering.  This will occur as additional index cards are being passed out and collected. 

G - Hospitality - Shari will contact the Whalen's to see if they will cover this item.  Because they are unavailable due to a prior committment, Tim volunteered to set up coffee and lemonade, Shari will order and pick up the cookies, and Christina will help with set-up.  Disposable tablecloths and a centerpiece may be required.

H.  Opening and closing prayers:  Opening prayer is to be the hymn ”  Let Charity and Love Prevail” sung by Shari, Christina, and Lonne accapella or with piano if available.  Lonne/Shari to provide copies of the hymn as handouts.  Colin will lead the Closing Prayer tying in the program’s events and themes.

I - Other - Tom will act as greeter. Tim will bring name tags (Steering Council members bring your name tag it you have it at home - Suzanne will bring the others). Shari, Tim and Suzanne will coordinate hand outs. Tim will get them copied if needed.

5.  Merz Event Order:

•  Welcome by Shari and hymn leading by trio as our Opening Prayer

•  Shari introduces Tim and Suzanne as Co-Moderators and invited forward.  Tim makes a few remarks about the event and the history and work of our affilaite ( acknowledge Steering Council members and have stand).  Suzanne will talk about the Priest of Integrity Award and invite Michael O’Connell forward.  Tim a nd Suzanne will present the award together.  There will be time for Micahel to make a few remarks.

•  Shari will introduce Judge Merz and invite him forward.  Merz will talk for 30-40 minutes.  Shari will follow up with announcing that baskets are being passed for a free-will offering to support this and future Twin Cities VOTF events, and that cards are being passed out and collected for questions from the audience.  Christina will bring sorted questions to Shari for Judge Merz to answer.  She will be on a separate mic.

•  Shari will conclude the Q&A session,extend thank yous to Judge Merz and the audience for coming,  invite audience to stay and enjoy some refreshments, and then invite Colin forward to lead the closing prayer.