Reflections on the ACC

http://ncronline.org/blogs/ncr-today/reflections-after-american-catholic-council-meeting

From Anne Southwood of the Boston Area Council VOTF

Taking part in the ACC was like coming up out of the rabbit hole into the light. I absorbed the joy of being with like-minded people like a thirsty towel.

Communication with my “Strategies for Empowering Women in the Church” panel of women from different places in the U.S. prior to and during our breakout session was a pleasure--as were post-session chats with women and men in the audience.

There was no need to articulate the meaning of clericalism with these people. They know the meaning first-hand and will make creative escapes from this tight rubber band wound around the expansion of our Church in Christ.

I heard nothing but good things about both the VOTF meeting and the conference as a whole and saw nothing but determination to continue our journey toward the light.”

From Patti Perkins, VOTF, Weymouth Affiliate

“What an AMAZING Council! I feel privileged to have attended! The Spirit paid a special visit to Detroit this past weekend. He was truly present in the speakers, the workshops, the get-togethers, the people who attended and in the celebration (in the true sense) of the Mass on Sunday! The Council was the real definition of the word “Church.” May we continue its journey!”

From John, Bridgeport VOTF

Personally as a runner of six marathons, I know what completing the course means. John Hushon and Janet Hauter are to be congratulated for completing the course in planning, preparation and execution of American Catholic Council in Detroit this past week after three years or more of dedicated effort. Bussing a number of persons of a certain age when the rain comes can cause patience to be exercised, but there were plenty of opportunities to listen to Catholics with a Vatican II message from Kung, Padovano, Carroll, and Chittister among others.

Having had the opportunity to attend a Listening Session last December and then to learn what many others had said and finally see it formulated was important. Detroit offered time to speak, question, listen and reflect on multiple issues.

I return home with a firmer knowledge that I am not alone, nor am I foolish or crazy. The Church as people of God or body of Christ is importantly more than the small group of people who have attempted to command all earthly power and control (and along with it money and sexual behavior) in the name of the true religion. This is not the Catholic Christianity that is scriptural and timeless but a selfish, misguided and prideful administration of a most valuable legacy. The liturgy on Sunday (matched the African American women of Detroit I saw carrying signs with bible lines while walking silently while praying for the people of the City) in my mind both are examples of people in their own way calling on God to bless them in their time of need.

From Julie & Frank McConville, VOTF members and organizers of listening sessions in New England

To describe the American Catholic Council, we are limited to using only superlatives! This ACC conference IS the historic beginning of a new Catholic reform movement.

The conference climaxed by the grandest Christian celebration of the Eucharist! The music, homily and red stoles for all the baptized! Beautiful people all!

We have enough information, materials and energized spirit to keep the ACC alive in our parishes and Christian communities until we gather together in Rome in 2015!

From Alice Campanella, VOTF National Office

It was an uplifting and energizing experience: 1,800 to 2,000 people, inspiring talks, a great sense of hope and a knowledge that we ARE the Church and we can make it better.

Kudos to the organizers who thought of everything and provided a welcoming, accepting, inclusive atmosphere.

From Dr. Nick Mazza, VOTF National Secretary

The ACC was both a personal retreat and inspiring acknowledgement of the power of the Holy Spirit in witnessing all that has been accomplished to date and all that is needed to be accomplished in the future. I personally experienced it as a new starting point and an affirmation of my calling to work for the transformation of our church.

From Francis X. Piderit, VOTF Manhattan

Several members of Voice of the Faithful New York traveled to Detroit to participate in the American Catholic Council gathering. We joined 2,000 of our sisters and brothers there, and return enlightened and inspired by the Spirit working through the speakers, sessions and liturgy. Initial news reports appear below. The event was spectacular from beginning to end, prayerful, Spirit-driven and filled with an “All Are Called” attitude.”