February 2008
Present: Suzanne Severson, Fr. Tim Power, Fr. Tom Garvey, Jim Whalen, Shari Steffen, Christina Bumgadtner, Suzanne gave an update on the status of proposed Statute of Limitations legislation and encouraged members to call Mee Moua and Joe Mullery to urge passage of the bill out of committee. March 13 will be the “Day on the Hill” at 2:30 for a rally concerning the legislation. Tom will call the Justice Coordinator from the CSJ Justice Committee. Voices of Hope committee members will meet with the SSND leaders Mar. 13. Suzanne will contact Archbishop Flynn to urge a reply about jointly requesting funding for the study of abuse of children. Shari described the launch of the Victims and Family Resource Group. Christina and Suzanne are continuing the cleanup of our membership data list. Frs. Tim and Tom spoke about their progress in interviewing priests about the effect of the abuse scandal and possible service to them. Each had interviewed several and had a few more from their original lists to go. Topics that have risen include existing as a divided presbytery, cultic or servant models of the priesthood, the willingness to engage in self-reflection, “tradical” relevance (tradition/radical). An interesting question arose about how older priests (Vatican II) relate to younger (JPII) priests and comparing that to the situation in the late 60’s and 70’s and the relation of the older priests (pre-Vatican II) relate to the then younger priests (Vatican II). One priest wondered if Archbishop Nienstadt would talk with priests about this topic. Plans were laid for a video night for members and friends at Pax Christi to be held at Pax Christi on April 17. Jim Whelan suggested video by McBrien, “VOTF and the Church: Where “ Do We Go From Here?” Shari will recontact Judge Merz concerning a speaking date. Plans include presentation of award to Fr. Michael O’Connell at that time. The Whelans will get Jim Ayers apology message and send it to SC members. It is hoped that the message can be re-used for future apology services. SC members approved the spring/summer schedule: April 17 (video night), May 15, June 26, (skip July), Aug. 28. Respectfully Submitted, Shari Steffen