Site Seeing
Memorandum shows that pope once considered relaxing celibacy rules
http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/world/
2011/0129/1224288526897.html
For a translation of the pope’s original letter
http://www.thetablet.co.uk/blogsub.php?id=70&ti=18
Southern Illinois Association of Priests releases statement criticizing an appeal filed by their Bishop against a legal decision made against the diocese. The Bishop claimed that he had no responsibility to warn parishioners when he sent a priest there with a history of sexual abuse.
http://www.wsiltv.com/p/news_details.php?
newsID=12537&type=top
227 Theologians confront hierarchy – asking for among other things the end of celibacy requirements for priests, opening the priesthood to women, and in general introducing significantly more democracy into the church’s structures.
http://ncronline.org/news/accountability/
144-theologians-confront-hierarchy
Catholic college fires gay teacher
http://articles.philly.com/2011-02-27/news/28635445_1_priest-catholic-college-sister-carol-jean-vale
Follow-up on Philadelphia Grand Jury Report:
Several state lawmakers from the Philadelphia area introduced bills on March 1 that would abolish the statute of limitations on all future sexual assaults on children, and create a two-year legal "window" of opportunity allowing victims to file civil lawsuits against their assailants no matter how long ago they were abused:
http://www.philly.com/philly/news/117177023.html
Affiliate News
Update on SOL in Virginia
On February 24 the Virginia House of Delegates passed a bill that agrees with the Senate version and sent it for signature to the Governor who has 30 days to sign it. In Virginia, changes in law typically become effective on July 1 of the year in which the law is signed.
The Governor has not indicated his decision except to say that he plans to have the Attorney General review it before he decides.
If signed, the law would then give victims of child sexual abuse 20 years past the age of maturity (18), or 20 years after the date of recovered memory of the abuse, to bring a civil action against the person who committed the sexual abuse or the organization with responsibility for the behavior of the abuser.
The current statute of limitation for civil actions is 2 years past 18 or the date of recovered memory. In Virginia, there is no statute of limitation on any felonies, so law enforcement officials could prosecute an abuser without a time limitation.
You can learn more about the statutes related to child sex abuse in your state on this web site: http://www.sol-reform.com/
VOTF Greater Philadelphia sponsors “Justice and Renewal in the Church: A Journey”
In another in a series of discussions on the future of the Catholic Church, Sr. Maureen Turlish, SND, longtime sexual abuse survivor advocate, will address the issue on Saturday, March 12, 9:30 a.m. at Chestnut Hill College, Sugarloaf Hill, 9601 Germantown Ave., Bells Mill Road and Germantown Ave. A donation of $10 is requested. Register at maritag6@aol.com<mailto:maritag6@aol.com>. This event is sponsored by Voice of the Faithful Greater Philadelphia (VOTF-GP) and American Catholic Council (ACC).
To learn more http://votf.org/vineyard/March4_2011/journey.html
Book Corner
VOTF member, Susan Vogt recently wrote, Parenting Your Adult Child: Keeping the Faith (and Your Sanity) which addresses such thorny issues as:
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When to rescue and when not to
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When to push and when to restrain yourself
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How to keep your faith when your child seems to be abandoning it
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How to forgive yourself for the mistakes you made in parenting along the way
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How to move into an adult-adult relationship with this amazing person you have raised and the virtues that one needs along the way.
It is of special interest to VOTF members in their 50’s and 60’s who have adult children. Since VOTF members are involved/concerned Catholics they usually are also concerned about the faith of their children, yet many young adults are leaving or ignoring the Church in disproportionate numbers. Parents are concerned.
VOTF member Don Brophy has published a new biography of St. Catherine of Siena, in whose name VOTF honors a distinguished lay person at national conferences. Don focused on St. Catherine’s public life, to show her role in the political and social events of the Church in the 14th century—a fitting focus for one of the only two women to be named a Doctor of the Church. Catherine of Siena: A Passionate Life is a “compelling and detailed study” says one reviewer, and Library Journal calls it “gripping and enlightening.”
If you are interested in purchasing either of these books, please click on the Amazon link at votf.org, and VOTF will receive a credit.
Letters to the Editor
Dear VOTF:
I have not heard a word from the Catholic Church in any of the national media regarding the stand-off in Wisconsin.
Clearly, the issue is not the budget but the very existence of the union.
This is not a Democrats versus Republicans issue.
If there is any teaching on social justice that is crystal clear, it is the right of workers to unionize.
One can’t expect any public support from the current bishop in Madison.
As a long-time member of VOTF, I think it would be entirely in keeping with the history, mission and priorities of the organization to very publicly remind Wisconsin Catholics and politicians everywhere of the Church’s teaching on the right to unionize. The bishops threaten to excommunicate politicians when they ignore Church teaching on matters of sexual mores.
How about confronting bishops on their silence in face of this attack on the rights of working people?
J. McMahon
Boise, ID
I wrote this prayer last year for Voice of the Faithful - the first time I ever attempted to write a prayer - and I am really pleased with the result. If you like it, you are more than welcome to use it any way you like.
I have always felt that St. Joseph, because of his unique role as the Protector of the Child Jesus, should be the special patron of VOTF. I'm sure he would be pleased to intercede for us who are advocating for children.
Christine S. Milne
(Leadership Team, VOTFSBA)
(votfsba.org)
Prayer to St. Joseph
St. Joseph, whose crucial role in the Salvation story we celebrate today, please intercede for us with your Stepson, that parents and other community members can provide a warm, safe and welcoming home for every child – as you did for Him.
Ask Jesus to support parents, teachers and others as they help every child to learn whatever is needed to grow in wisdom and strength and become responsible adults and faithful models of God’s love – as you and His Mother Mary did for Him.
St. Joseph, throughout the early years, you modeled for us protection of the Child Jesus. Remind Him that we who are working for the safety and innocence of children need His constant guidance and encouragement as we do it all in His Name. Amen
