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 28^th 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