Twin Cities Voice of the Faithful

Draft Minutes Twin Cities VOTF Steering Council Meeting, May 15, 2008 St Joan of Arc Parish Center Present: Tim P, Shari S, Colin L, Tom G, Christina B, Jim W, Suzanne S (Minutes) Absent : Pat W, Jim A 1. Prayer: Meeting opened with a prayer reflection on Pentecost 2. Eval of April Film Nite: People were eager to gather together for discussion; scheduling was timely given proximity to the Pope’s visit; over 40 in attendance; the depth and quality of discussion was commented on. Next Film Nites: August 14 and Oct 2nd, possibly at Lumen Christi and St Richards. Suzanne and Shari to contact these parishes to schedule. 3. Reports: • VFRG (Victim/Family Resource Group): New group/session starting July 5. This is a time to welcome new members. Twelve week sessions are held. Contact Shari Steffen FFI. • Conversations with Priests: Continuing with one-on-one interviews by Tim P and Tom G regarding the impact of the clergy abuse crisis on ordained priests in our community. • Conversation with CSJ leadership regarding their becoming involved in the Statutes of Limitations for Childhood Sexual Abuse legislation: After several phone interviews, they stated they have not raised the question/issue of SOL within their leadership or Justice Ministry outreach. It does not appear that this is an issue they wish to become involved in. 4. Events Planning: • Judge Mertz as a speaker: Shari has further calls into his office for possible dates in Oct/Nov. Previously he expressed interest in coming to speak here with TC-VOTF sponsorship. • Additional Film Nites very favorably agreed to as stated above. • Abbot Klassen thought to not be interested in speaking in the TC based on his last communiqué. • Will invite Kevin McDonough to a future SC meeting to speak to us about his “new” role in the archdiocese and for us to offer assistance in his new role. Suzanne to write a note of congratulations and invitation to this end. 5. Mailings to VOTF-TC Members: Wait to send a membership mailing for confirmation of speaker events and Film Nite dates( target date is mid-summer). 6. Letter to Archbishop Nienstedt: Review new draft in next 24 hours via email and mail out following Memorial Day weekend. 7. Film produced by NAPSAC (condensed lecture by Victor Veith): Shari viewed the film and thought it was excellent. Passed it on to Jim to view. Council decided to show this film at the August film nite. She will order a second copy to send to Archbishop Flynn along with a follow-up note inviting him to attend the viewing and “be there with us” as well as another reminder about our January 30 meeting with him ( Shari, Suzanne, and Archbishop Flynn) and the need for him to review the draft letter to the Gates Foundation requesting funding for a comprehensive study of the causes for childhood sexual abuse. Next meeting June 26, 5-6:45 St Joan of Arc Parish Center