January 2009

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Minutes Twin Cities VOTF Steering Council, Jan 8, 2009, St Joan of Arc Parish Center

Present: Shari S, Colin L, Jim W, Christina B, Suzanne S (minutes)

Absent : Tim P, Jim A, Tom G

1. Poem Prayer by Bob Benton was read, brother of former Council member Joan Graham

2. Discussion of VOTF National Rep Council action against our Region VIII Rep Bob Schwiderski (Trustees voted him off the Rep Council against several members’ oppositions. We discussed a draft response to this letter communicating our disagreement with their decision and process. Colin agreed to write the final draft.

3. Future Meetings were scheduled as follows: Feb 19, Mar 19, Apr 23, and May 21 all 5-7 pm at St Joan of Arc Parish Center

4.  Discussion of drafting a letter to national VOTF leadership concerning a biblical approach to affecting change/dialog with a local bishop.  Colin agreed to compose the initial draft.

5. Discussion of scheduling future Film Nites. Suggested film is the NAPSAC Victor Veith educational film. No dates were set. Parishes will be contacted to host (see below).

6. Discussion of scheduling our annual Apology Service during Lent. Suggested dates were: Wed Mar 11 or 18, or Sun Mar 1,8,or 15. Suggestion to hold Apology Service at St Edward’s in Bloomington. Shari to follow up with parish for availability.

7. Misc November Action Items Review:

• All Council Members were reminded to go to the website and make suggestions for improvements.

• Suzanne agreed to re-contact Jim A concerning writing text addressed specifically to survivors visitng the site.

• All Council Members were reminded to contact parish directors of pastoral ministry ( 10 total) regarding their needs in ministry to survivors of sexaul abuse. These parishes will be asked if they are willing to host a VOTF Film Nite.

• Christina will split the email address list of recently bounced parishes and distribute to council members to contact directly for the current correct Parish Bulletin Editor.