Priests’
Support Working Group
Report from Svea Fraser
On
December 1, 2003, representatives from VOTF and the
Boston Priests Forum (BPF) met to consider opportunities
for mutual support and collaboration. Attendees were
Fr. Bob Bullock, Fr. George Carlson, Fr. John Dooher,
Jim Post, Pat McNulty, Jim Morrissey, Svea Fraser, Steve
Krueger, and David Castaldi. The desire and the necessity
to work together for unity and healing were affirmed
by everyone. After considering our perceptions of the
present landscape in the Boston Archdiocese (RCAB),
and recognizing the limited time available in our busy
schedules, all agreed that a tangible, simple and inclusive
task is required.
Because
the BPF and VOTF provide a forum for members’ voices
to be heard, it was suggested that a survey mailed to
all the presbyterate (the union of all priests including
religious order priests) would solicit input from many
viewpoints. The results of the survey could be useful
for dialogue, conversation, better communication and
understanding, especially if the questions are developed
by both priests and laity. In addition to a commitment
to keep each other informed and to continue liaising,
the proposal for a survey will be shared with others
in the Boston Priests Forum.
We continue to welcome all activities and suggestions
for support of Goal 2. Creativity is demanded for initiatives
that are not time-consuming, but that develop mutuality
in order to rebuild trust, model an inclusive Church,
and prepare us for the challenges that lie ahead (such
as church closings and the decreasing number of priests!)
****DECEMBER
BEST PRACTICES ****
From
Westford/Chelmsford, MA – an idea to share: A Christmas
project to show support for our Priests of Integrity.
Our Westford/Chelmsford Area PV has initiated a Christmas
project that we hope will show support and thanks for
the priests in our local parishes.
- We
are arranging to have a Mass of Intention said at
each of the four parishes our members are from,
for all of the Priests in all of the parishes. Our
members will make a special effort to attend each
of these four Masses.
- We
are also collecting money for a donation to the
local Lowell Catholic Charities Food Pantry from
our VOTF group to be sent in honor of our parish
priests.
- We
will then send all of the priests of the parishes
a bottle of Gus's Honey and a VOTF Christmas card
(sales of both products benefit Survivors)
telling them about these gestures and wishing them
a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
In
our 4 parishes we have some priests who support us,
others who are apathetic toward us, and some who are
adamantly opposed to VOTF. We hope that our gestures
of prayer and charity are received with as much good
will as they are sent.
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