January 2008
St. Joan of Arc Parish
Minutes
January 17, 2007
Attending: Suzanne Severson, Christina Bumgardner, Fr. Tim Powers, Fr. Tom Garvey, Jim Whalen, Shari Steffen, Jim Ayers
Suzanne opened with prayer.
Last month’s minutes were approved by email.
Agenda was approved (with some additions)
Tim Power and Tom Garvey brought two interesting articles to share from the November issue of Commonweal: Mind the Gap and The Other Health Crisis
The first speaks to the problem of a new gap between clergy and laity. The second article speaks to how priests see themselves and how they are taking care of themselves.
Tim P and Tom G have created questions and met with selected priests to begin a discussion about communication among priests. They chose men of varying ages and positions in the archdiocese. Sent them the articles referenced above. Planning to meet with 3 men, each. Some of the questions include: “Do we need a forum to reflect?”
“Are we taking care of ourselves?”
“What is our sense of ourselves?”
They hope this will lead them to other men to talk to about these subjects.
30 years ago there were support groups for priests. That has eroded now. There are some one on one discussions and sometimes it might develop into a forum. But there are few opportunities or means to gather as priests for reflection and deeper discussion. Deaneries are for the most part weak in supporting priests.
What event should we host? Shari talked to Michael Mertz, chair of the National Review Board. We have money to host speakers (up to a max of $2000 for all 2008 expenses). Jim has 2 tapes of the October 2007 VOTF conference. Jim W called John Moynihan of the National VOTF office: Still waiting for the followup report to come out from the John Jay Study
Among our tapes the election of bishops tape is excellent. Tim suggested each of us inviting 3 people or more to watch the video and discuss. This could include a potluck supper. Event is planned for April 17 at Pax Christi parish. Shari will call to reserve space.
Suzanne feels we need a public event. Other suggestions to keep our mission on the public radar included more frequent mailings. Honoring Fr. Mike O’Connell would probably bring people out. Could host a reception.
Shari suggested having a speaker and also honoring Fr. Mike. Group approved. She will try Mertz again. She will request either April/May or September – November.
Event to be held at the Basilica of St Mary.
Suzanne will contact Colin for his suggestions of VOTF conference tape ideas because of his professional expertise.
Tom asked what we hear from our mailing list. Suzanne said that periodically and during the legislative session we hear from people about specific issues.
Conclusion: we are approachable and have earned peoples’ trust.
Christmas letter went out late. We received 6 contributions. Two had never given before. Did not seem to matter that the letter was late as far as amount received. People still care.
Suzanne is still waiting to get on Archbishop Flynn’s calendar. She has made several phone calls to his secretary. Discussion and brainstorming took place. The following questions we would like to ask the Archbishop:
What does he want?
What is his vision?
What VOTF has done
Tim suggested sending a letter stating, “What advice would you have, knowing our three main goals?” We are aware of the fear that exists among the hierarchy. Dignity still does not have a meeting with him. Suzanne should ask if she can bring other people along such as co-moderator and one other.
Everyone was encouraged to sign up for the January 28th election of VOTF officers. Bob Schwiderski is our regional representative.
Statute of limitations discussion: could discuss with Bob Schwiderski on a conference call. Members could call in. Christina suggested putting together some form of agenda and sending it out ahead of time so that people can formulate their questions. This could be posted on the website.
If it will pass, go full throttle. If tabled don’t do anything. Perhaps do something after Easter.
How do we get the word out about what we do? Catholic Spirit does not print articles about VOTF. Event needed. Having Mertz as a speaker might get us in print. Need to remind people and donors that we are here and still functioning.
Meeting adjourned.
Respectfully submitted
Christina Bumgardner