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| In the Vineyard
“As consent moves into surrender and trust takes hold, remind me to expect Your image in the most unexpected places.” Excerpt from “September Prayer” written by Sheila Norris of Colorado Concerned Catholics VOTF At Work in the World VOTF’s
Prayerful Voices are heard along the Gulf Coast Spiritual Director Susan Troy shares thoughts, a song and some recommended reading. “Today, as the world watches the devastation along America’s Gulf Coast, we are again confronted with the reality and mystery of human suffering in a world we believe was created out of love and for love. How do we proceed?” Also note: SNAP has initiated a Hurricane Relief Fund. Click here for tax-deductible donation information; and our Baton Rouge members tell us there is a need for shoes. National NEWS WATCH
SITE- SEEING, Etc. Resurrection Tapes is waiting for your order on audio and video coverage of the Indianapolis Convocation; Catholic News Service would like to hear from you – IF you would like to hear from them; you can “log on and learn” at Boston College; the National Pastoral Life Center has published the Catholic Common Ground Initiative talk delivered by Archbishop James Weisgerber as well as the “Response” delivered by VOTF president Jim Post What Do You Think? In the diocese of La Crosse, WI, the National Catholic Reporter (Sept. 2, 2005) reports that Bishop Jerome E. Listecki has issued a new “policy of prudence” to parishes such that any speaker on church property must be approved by the chancery. This is the case in several dioceses around the US. Correspondents, however, have been unable to identify one diocese where such a decision involved anyone other than the bishop and his confidantes. Is there a place for lay involvement here? Write to pthorp.ed@votf.org Letter to the Editor – Fr. Heagle in Oregon supports a “renewed and revived ecclesiology.” Commentary – VOTF Maine: “Dialogue As Prelude to Action” September Prayer – "A Reflection on 'Goofing Off'" Next issue: September 22. Please send comments and inquiries to pthorp.ed@votf.org VOTF at Work in the WorldNEWS WATCH: Spokane, WA – Bishop Skylstad of Spokane, WA plans to appeal federal bankruptcy court decision that would include parish properties among diocesan assets in the settlement costs of clergy sex abuse claims. When filing bankruptcy protection under Chapter 11 in 2004, the Spokane diocese did not include parishes, parish schools or cemeteries in its list of assets. Click here for Catholic News Story coverage. VOTF president Jim Post issued a statement that considers the implications of the federal bankruptcy court decision in Spokane and the Vatican’s response to the management of closed-parish assets in the Boston, MA diocese. San Francisco, CA – National Catholic Reporter News Brief in the September 2, 2005 issue reported that Archbishop William J. Levada was handed his second subpoena in two weeks, this one commanding him to testify in sexual-abuse cases involving the Portland, Ore., archdiocese. The archbishop will be “… deposed in January for a case alleging, among other things, intentional infliction of emotional distress by a Portland parish priest and a parish school principal.” Meanwhile, VOTF Northern California is moving ahead to an October 9 “day of discernment” to reflect upon the qualities needed for the next leader of the Archdiocese of San Francisco. All Catholics in the Bay Area are invited to participate in a day of discernment, prayer, and selection. This day of reflection will include names of prospective nominees to the seat of bishop of this diocese. The meeting will take place at Saint Matthew Catholic Church, San Mateo on Sunday – October 9, 11:30 am – 3:30 pm. The results will be forwarded to the Vatican Congregation of Bishops and to the Holy Father, Benedict XVI. In so doing, VOTF Northern California hopes to follow the example of ancient Church practice where all the People of God – the laity, the ordained, the vowed religious – living in a common geographical area, come together to pray, reflect and choose their next spiritual leader. Visit the VOTF San Francisco web site. Long Island, NY – Members and friends of Long Island VOICE of the Faithful will hold a regional meeting tonight at 7:30 pm at Unitarian Universalist at Shelter Rock, Manhasset. The topic is “PRESENT STATE of FINANCES” in the Diocese of Rockville Centre, NY. A Power Point presentation by H. Richard Grafer will advise as to “how much money the diocese has, where this money goes, who decides where it goes, and why we don’t have a say in the process. We encourage attendees to invite their pastors and parish staff as well as any and all questions. Among our considerations might be the formation of an elected diocesan finance council to work alongside the existing appointed diocesan finance council.” The outcome of this meeting will be available in an upcoming Vineyard. The VOTF Long Island, NY web site . Parish Closings – wherever you are, you are not alone. Read about the Boston experience in appealing their parish closing. The Herald Star in Steubenville, OH reported this week that two parishioners at St. Anthony’s Church, both VOTF members, presented a petition to Bishop R. Daniel Conlon of the Diocese of Steubenville signed by more than 400 people protesting the planned closure of the church. In Kansas, OH The Advertiser-Tribune published an op-ed from VOTF member Steven Johnson. . Excerpt: “I am writing as a concerned resident of Kansas, Ohio. The Diocese of Toledo has announced its plans to close St. James Parish here in Kansas. A Decree of Suppression dated April 21, 2005, has been issued which clearly states that it is to be published immediately. Under Canon protocol, a parish has 10 days to petition for recourse, yet the decree was not formally shared with any parishioners by our priest until a May 25 Parish Council meeting. So it has become plainly obvious to us that we have been shut out from having a say in the future of our faith community. Therefore, those of us who believe it is a mistake to separate a community from its foundation have to move forward while being kept in the dark…. If the diocese and its Parish Futures Task Force thought that we would go quietly into the night, they may need to take some time to become better acquainted with our parish. I was raised by a Protestant minister, and I have called six different parishes all over the East Coast and Midwest ‘home’ at one time or another. The members of St. James Parish comprise a church community that is among the most resourceful that I have ever seen. Many who read this newspaper may be among the 33,260 in attendance for one or more of the 150 performances of ‘His Last Days,’ which has been presented during Lent by the St. James Choral Group since 1989 (17 years). For Mass, we have 79 percent attendance on a weekly basis. We have an abundance of active lay people who participate as lectors, commentators, servers, musicians, and Sunday School/CCD teachers. The grounds and building maintenance has all been managed by members who volunteer, and the parish has a very healthy budget. We are self-sustaining, and the one and only component we are missing to remain open is the one which the Toledo Diocese says they are unable to provide. Our church is not closing because we failed the diocese; it is closing because the diocese failed our church. If the parishes that the bishop wants to close were no longer necessary due to modern transportation, as the Parish Futures Task Force says, then they would die a natural death on their own. How can a parish be viable and antiquated at the same time??? The answer: When a hierarchy has an agenda that is out of touch with the needs of the community that it is meant to serve. No vibrant parish should ever be closed, and I would invite anyone reading this to come and witness the magnitude of our parish. Mass takes place on Sunday at 8:30. For more information, you can also click here.” Steven D. Johnson This statement appeared in the June 2005 issue of The Advertiser-Tribune. The substance of Mr. Johnson’s remarks resonates with many whose parishes, while viable, have been notified of closing. Mr. Johnson attended the Indianapolis Convocation and with his wife is a member of VOTF. VOTF Boston is planning distribution of a post-card template (pdf) for use in requesting the MA State Judiciary Committee to move the Marian Walsh bill out of committee to the full Senate. The affiliate is also distributing the names and addresses of the joint committee of senators and representatives. See the August issues of In the Vineyard for additional details on Bill 1074. National Representative Council: In September representatives will be focusing on making sure that all affiliates and members within their respective regions are discussing and voting on narrowing down the nine draft resolutions from the Indianapolis convocation to the three resolutions that are judged to be the most important and actionable. Bishop accountability still missing in NH: “Forgive us Father, for mistakes were made” – VOTF NH member Carolyn Disco’s op-ed published in the Union Leader finds little or no accountability in bishop’s statements. “What they say now about what they did then reveals a clerical mindset bent more on damage control than honesty.” Carolyn is co-founder of New Hampshire Catholics for Moral Leadership; Practice – Support survivors and get a jump-start on those Christmas cards! VOTF Winchester, MA continues their annual survivor support fundraiser with the sale of original-art Christmas cards. Contact rmorrisvotf@aol.com or visit the VOTF Winchester web site. VOICES Out of Louisiana
From Billie Bourgeois of Baton Rouge, just after they returned home: “We are readying our house for my daughter’s manager from NO who lost her home. She is coming tomorrow with husband, father and two boys. Once she gets settled in her new home, we’ll probably have new refugees with us. Every house in BR has extra people in it now. Our city doubled in size over night …. It is now the largest city in Louisiana. The streets are gridlock and we are actually fearful of venturing very far from the house since stores have hour-long lines and gas is becoming very scarce. All colleges and universities, law firms and doctors’ offices, etc., out of N.O. are getting set up with headquarters here. … Rumors have been wild. The intense heat is an indescribable burden on the thousands who have lost so very much…. Knowing your prayers are with us means more than we can say.” Billie noted that many people who left their homes with only the clothes on their backs have had to discard their soaked shoes or, worse, continue wearing them. Shoes of all sizes are needed and can be sent to the Baton Rouge Red Cross, 10201 Mayfair, Baton Rouge, LA 70809-2506. Phone 225-291-4533. From Gerry Stark whose home expanded overnight to 11 adults, three teenagers, one baby, three dogs, a cat and there’s another family on the way: “There are many difficult days, weeks and months ahead. It will take all our strength, tremendous courage and unwavering faith for us to survive this natural disaster and I know we will come through this experience as stronger and better people. Many from our VOTF family in Baton Rouge find themselves in a situation very similar to mine. We are repairing our damage, taking in evacuees, and volunteering within the community. The need will be great for some time to come…. If people want to know what they can do to help, PRAYER is at the top of the list. My personal appeal would be not only for personal prayer but for organized, communal prayer services on behalf of all impacted by this hurricane. God will hear our plea and will provide us with the courage and strength to follow Him. Personally, I am spread too thin with basic survival needs at the moment to do this, yet when things begin to stabilize it will be at the top of my list…. We feel your prayers, we feel your love and concern, and it is our source of comfort and strength. We do not ask for this suffering to be taken from us, only that we be given the grace to grow into stronger, more Christ like people.” From Adele Foster in New Orleans: Adele and Mark Foster of VOTF New Orleans are "AOK" in Tennessee. On their way there, they were stranded in Mississippi - no gas. Because they could not take their dogs to a shelter, she and her husband spent three days and two nights living in their car in "...triple-digit temps and the bugs to go with them." Their children were safely housed elsewhere. “Poor New Orleans … whole sections are already under water and fires are burning everywhere with no way for fire trucks to get near them …. Turning off the electricity and walking out of our house was one of the hardest things we've ever done but we are out and AOK…. We are counting our blessings and champing at the bit to return…. We are so grateful to all of you for remembering us, emailing, praying…." From Susan Troy, Prayerful Voice In VOTF our beginnings, our constancy, and our strength are grounded in our collective experience of and reaction to suffering; the suffering of thousands of children, victims of clergy sexual abuse and their families informed us and led us to enter into that suffering. We chose to act out of that suffering. Today, as the world watches the devastation along America’s Gulf Coast, we are again confronted with the reality and mystery of human suffering in a world we believe was created out of love and for love. How do we proceed? We need to ground ourselves in prayer and ask God to give us the wisdom to act – to comfort and be comforted; to be the Body of Christ in this broken and suffering world. Please consider coming together as an organization in prayer. Our gathering speaks to our understanding of our total reliance on God in face of this human suffering. Where are we to find hope? How must we help? How can we begin to accept? Perhaps you too sang this Marty Haugen hymn at Mass this Sunday. Perhaps you can sing it together when you meet as VOTF.
The other four verses are equally beautiful and speak to this moment. A recommendation: There is a wonderful book by Daniel Harrington, SJ, Why Do We Suffer? A Scriptural Approach to the Human Condition. It is a broad survey of the question of suffering as it is presented in Scripture. It is a very accessible book, and contains much of the pastoral and scholarly wisdom Fr. Harrington presented to his students at Weston Jesuit School of Theology in his excellent course on suffering. At the end of each chapter are questions and suggestions that assist the individual or group in further exploration of the question of suffering. This book could help begin a prayerful, ongoing, discussion in order to break open what seems so impassable. Another comforting resource is Joyce Rupp’s Praying Our Goodbyes.
[Both books are available at New England Area Calendar Watch This Sunday, September 11: VOTF Falmouth, MA will host a presentation on “The Parish of Tomorrow.” See the August 11 issue of In the Vineyard for more details. Saturday, October 15: VOTF South is hosting a one-day retreat on the grounds of Stonehill College. “We Thirst for the Living God” will take place from 9:30 am – 5 pm at the Holy Cross Retreat House. To register by email, contact Fr. Joe at frjoe@retreathouse.org. The $25 fee includes coffee and lunch. October 23 – Boston College will host the presentation of a study of Voice of the Faithful as a movement in the Catholic Church of our time. Watch the Boston College web site for details or see the August 11 issue of In the Vineyard. October 29 – A Small Group Leadership Workshop will be held at Holy Family Church, Amesbury, MA. VOTF member and Youth Minister at Holy Family Church Katie LeBlanc says, “This workshop will train adults and teens in leading Small Groups. It is meant to help teachers and leaders of prayer to be more effective in leading a small group.” Contact hfyouth@comcast.net for registration information. SITE-SEEING, Etc.
Commentary“I read with interest the article by Mr. Clohessy regarding ‘healing masses’ and patronizing efforts to support the healing of survivors. His article poses many questions – whether survivors have been asked if they wish to have a prayer service, whether they want to participate, whether prayer is necessarily part of the healing process and/or what is desired by persons who have been profoundly hurt by the sexual abuse crisis. There may be a presumption that VOTF or others have eluded the questions when offering survivors a prayerful voice and that there is insufficient energy expended in the areas of bishop accountability, changes in the law and Church governance. Presumptions can assume the mantle of fact if one does not responsibly inquire as to what VOTF is doing at the National, state and affiliate levels in those aforementioned areas to which Mr. Clohessy refers. I would like to offer an example at the affiliate level in Maine. The Northern York County Voice of the Faithful has sponsored several Prayer Services at Most Holy Trinity Church in Saco. The decision to hold these events was made by members, several of whom are survivors. The planning included their input regarding the format, the liturgy and the music. The Planning Committee also included representatives from the Parish Team, church cantors and the Women's Club who provided the refreshments. Those who attended from several parishes described the prayer service as a ‘religious moment’ and, more significant, two victims came forward as did the father of a victim who had, heretofore, never spoken about his family's ordeal before. It is important to note that in preparing the liturgy for the prayer services, several readings were drawn from the book ‘Winter's Song,’ which is a compilation of prayers composed by victims. The Maine Representative Council has proposed to Bishop Malone that the Council and the Diocese jointly sponsor a Prayer Service in Support of Victims at the Cathedral in Portland – it will be modeled after the Northern York County affiliate. Sample programs have been forwarded to VOTF National to share with other interested affiliates and it would seem appropriate to share this same information with SNAP members as one of many examples of sensitivity, respect and inclusiveness. The journey of healing, renewal and reconciliation invites dialogue as a prelude to action.” Doris Buonomo, vice president, Maine Representative Council; vice president, Northern York County Affiliate Letter to the Editor
On the election of bishops, Fr. John Heagle of Lincoln City, OR writes: Dear Brothers and Sisters in the Leadership of VOTF, I want to support the emerging vision of reclaiming the election of bishops by the community of the faithful. The system that protects the perpetrators and prolongs the pain of victim/survivors will not change until the baptized once again have a voice. Episcopal rhetoric has just about run its course; now we need a renewed and revised ecclesiology. As a diocesan priest for 40 years and someone who has journeyed with many victims of clergy sexual abuse over the last 20 years, I see this movement as a sign of the Spirit stirring in our midst. I am committed to helping nourish and facilitate this vision and its possible implementation here in the Northwest. Thank you for your courage and leadership. September PrayerWhat a gift to live in Colorado during this transition between seasons, to savor simultaneously the full flowering of summer's lavishness while previewing autumn's crispness in the early morning air. "Goofing off" is still permissible for those of us who have not yet "returned to school." While the practice of play has been proven to benefit mind and soul as well as our physical bodies, the demands of adulthood in conjunction with societal expectations of productivity, often condition us to ignore the rewards of holy leisure. But take heart in knowing that the Carmelite community in Crestone, CO has chosen "holy leisure" as one of the four vows their members are asked to embrace in order to live a balanced, whole life! Geoff Godbey, a professor of leisure studies at Penn State University, is a fervent advocate of "goofing off", especially at summer's end. "If you stand in your garden and actually do nothing for awhile, you begin to see things differently. You suddenly make connections that you did not see before, gaining understanding about cycles. Every living thing has its own sense of time." Is it possible to honor the cycles of our own lives by incorporating a more playful, contemplative stance into our days? Might it be time to overlook the weeds that need pulling, to observe and be with our own inner rhythms? Perhaps fostering indulgence in holy leisure can help to ease us into this posture. On a recent, early morning of "goofing off" in Wash Park, I became mesmerized by the placid surface of the lake that reflected back to me a perfect mirror image of the surrounding landscape. Soon the wind began whipping up small waves and ripples, distorting clearly delineated shapes, creating impressionistic clumps of color rather than distinct images, much like the effect of disquietude in my own life. How I need to come from a place of deep stillness and awareness, O Gracious One, and to detach from the compulsions and fears that distort Your Divine Image within me. Dare I hope to be a free and true likeness of You? Play reminds me that I am not in charge of the universe, that the planet still rotates when I am not at my duty station and that You have commissioned me to delight in Your creation. Grant me a humble, Sabbath spirit that acknowledges my need for refreshment. As consent moves into surrender and trust takes hold, remind me to expect Your image in the most unexpected places. |