Catherine of Siena Distinguished Lay Person Award
Continued
Catherine of Siena’s deep faith propelled her to care for those labeled as “least” in her society. Neither hardship nor schism, war or persecution detained her from carrying out the Lord’s work. She was an innovator led by the spirit and an agent of change in a tumultuous time. The Church ultimately recognized her contribution by proclaiming her both a saint and a Doctor of the Church.
Judge Ann Burke, the head of the National Review Board at that time, was the first recipient of this award. Carolyn Disco, recognized as a champion of survivors who worked tirelessly to right what is wrong, received this award at VOTF’s 2007 Convention.
Models of exemplary lay leadership are needed as torchbearers of light in our Church. Many lay people use their gifts willingly for the church’s service. VOTF seeks to light the lamps of recognition for those lay leaders and to call forth the talents of all members of the Body of Christ.
All members of VOTF are encouraged to submit the name of a lay person who has exhibited the faith, courage, aptitude for unprecedented action, and the outspokenness of Catherine in his/her own arena in the past few years.
When submitting a name, please include the following:
- Name of nominee
- Name of nominator (or affiliate)
- Role of nominee (theologian, lay minister, parishioner)
- Reason for nomination (main reasons why this person exemplifies the virtues of Catherine of Siena)
- Supporting evidence (Testimonies, newspaper articles)
- Likelihood of nominee to attend conference (High, medium, low)
- Contact for follow-up
Please send nominations to sheila_peiffer@yahoo.com
Letter to the Editor
Dear VOTF
My eyes are wide open to the mistakes the hierarchy has made and continues to make, but I see them as men who are equally as imperfect as me. I assume that the laity is equal to the hierarchy -- that the hierarchy can't exist without us, and we without them. And that's because I've been lucky enough to witness that from the inside. The Archdiocese of Boston has made it pretty clear that in the foreseeable future, our parishes will be sharing priests, and the daily pastoral care will be administered by the laity. So why the fight for a seat at the table, when the table's already set? We have an obligation as Catholic Christians to participate fully. It's a model my parish has already begun. Our pastoral associates (two nuns who shared the position) left this winter. Lay Catholics, including me, have been tapped to fill many of their duties while we look for a replacement. But even when we hire someone, we will continue many/most of those duties. Bottom line -- assume that VOTF has helped forge a way for the laity and encourage people to take an active role in their faith communities, to be leaders, to let their voices be heard. Frame it like the battle is won, because there is, in fact, no other option. And take credit for making the laity important to the future of the Church. Above all, get to the point -- our faith defines us as Catholic Christians. Our goal is to move ever closer to Christ. VOTF may likely share that belief, but they're not saying it. It seems the mission is rooted in animosity. I know many people have suffered and are righteously indignant, but to move forward, VOTF needs to start from a place of unity, a place of common love, a place of Christianity. Hope springs eternal. Not blind faith, but hope. That may be too simplistic a view, but I don't see any other way for VOTF to expand.
Linda Phelan
Dear VOTF,
Thanks so much for your criticism of the bishops' conference. It was well deserved. I have always wondered about the other priests in the rectory while all this abuse was going on. Most of this happened when there were several priests living together. Did no one speak up, were they squelched, or what was the role of the pastor?
Mary Z.
Questions, Comments?
Please send them to Siobhan Carroll, Vineyard Editor at Vineyard@votf.org. Unless otherwise indicated, I will assume comments can be published as Letters to the Editor.
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