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Unity through Baptismal Responsibility:
Our Commitment to Help Strengthen Our Church
June 4, 2006

List of affiliates by state participating in the upcoming Pentecost action:

All of the following documents are in WORD format:

Pentecost commemorates the day when the Holy Spirit descended upon the disciples and all present in that room were commissioned to go forth and share the good news. They spoke in many tongues but were understood by all. Today, 2000 years later, we are called to work to reform our current church into a Church that is Accountable to its members and the world.Once again we are called to share the Good News and reach out, openly and compassionately as Jesus did, to those harmed by our society.

  1. The focus and intention of the action is shifted - rather than asking for a commitment from our pastor or bishop on Pentecost Sunday, let us focus upon our own baptismal responsibility to build up the Church. Let us frame this action as a chance to pronounce our own commitment, to ourselves, to each other, and to the laity who sit beside us every Sunday, to building an accountable Church. (We will be asking for Church and public officials' commitment in the summer months ahead through meetings, and for those who have already attempted collaboration, through direct action.)

  2. There will be two possible venues for this action - your parish or the diocesan cathedral.

  3. Since every affiliate is in a slightly different phase of their campaign, everyone will have two action options from which to choose. (Of course, either of the two may also be further refined to meet your needs)

These changes have resulted in the following revised plan for Pentecost Sunday (June 4th): National Day of "Unity through Baptismal Responsibility."

OPTION A: Wear red clothing and/or a red ribbon and attend mass at your parish or the Cathedral as a unified group.

OPTION B: Do the above, and add some or all of the following:

  1. Contact your bishop or pastor ahead of time, letting them know that on Pentecost Sunday your group will be announcing their commitment to working toward an accountable Church. You should also make clear that we want to work together with other laity, with pastors, (and if appropriate to your chosen campaign) with the bishop in order to accomplish this end. We wish to be as transparent and accountable as we are asking Church officials to be. (NOTE: A sample letter is provided)

  2. Organize and lead a procession from a place nearby to either your parish or your diocese's Cathedral. Consider the procession being in silent prayer, vocalized prayer (e.g. reciting the Our Father), or in song. (NOTE: Instructions for organizing this kind of procession is provided)

  3. Enter into Mass together and sit together as a group.

  4. Right after Mass have just a few participants ready to hand out flyers.
    (NOTE: Sample handouts are provided with room for local contact info. to be added.)

  5. Remaining participants can stay in the church, recite a prayer together and sing a hymn/song together to build up a feeling of our collective commitment and love of our Church. (NOTE: Sample hymn/song provided)

  6. When exiting, mingle with interested parishioners who stop to hear you sing and talk with them about your desire for an accountable Church, and the commitment you are making (to the campaign) as a result. Provide them with copies of the handout.

  7. Hold a small press conference, if desirable, to explain your action to the press. (NOTE: Media alert, press conference and talking points provided)

  8. Let VOTF National know how it went.

All of the following documents are in WORD format:

 
 
 
 
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