Update on Priest Support Working Group
As of 3/31/03

Our efforts for Goal # 2 are part of a "seamless garment" of our three goals - for our work promotes justice for all, and hopes to break down the barriers of clericalism, lack of transparency, and lack of accountability that we believe are root causes of the crisis. We continually support the survivors on their journey, while supporting those who are also deeply wounded by the abuse and challenging the culture and structures that perpetuate the abuse of power.

The ongoing work of the Support Priests Working Group is focused primarily on building new relationships between clergy and laity, and encouraging local groups to do the same. We have articulated our goals as follows, and have posted information that should help individuals and parishes. We are eager to publicize efforts by individual parish affiliates, and as always, welcome your questions and suggestions.

Please contact: Pat McNulty (pkmneedham@aol.com) or Clare Keane (keanewin@aol.com)

Our goals in Support of Goal #2:

1. To promote opportunities for priests, survivors and laity to speak the truth.
2. To encourage collaboration and mutual support between priests and laity.
3. To affirm and encourage the universal priesthood of all the faithful by virtue of our baptism.
4. To model the Church as defined by the documents of Vatican II.
5. To advocate due process and justice for all.
6. To coordinate, communicate and encourage efforts by individual parishes and affiliates.

Sounding Boards
Foundational to all our efforts is the way clergy and laity relate to each other. In order to better understand our respective roles, we have initiated Sounding Boards in various parts of the diocese. Sounding Boards are small informal gatherings of an equal number of clergy and laity, initially formed to determine how we can be most effective in our support of priests in their ministry. Since listening to each other is critical to understanding, sounding boards signify the importance of hearing one another. Key to every Sounding Board meeting is beginning and ending with prayer and listening. It is increasingly apparent that our support must be mutual, and that providing opportunities to relate to each other in new ways will encourage collaboration and help to rebuild trust in the church. We need our priests as much as they need us - to stand up for each other and to speak the truth with compassion.

Summary Report: First Sounding Board
Our first Sounding Board was held on October 17, 2002. We had learned from the victims of abuse that they preferred being called "survivors." We knew that before we could support our priests, we had to hear their needs first. We always work in collaboration with the Coordinators of Parish Voice affiliates with the Membership Committee.

The first meeting included five priests and 10 laypersons (four of the priests were not able to attend). We asked the questions, "How can we support priests?" and, "What five things would you wish for?" We heard the following comments in response:

• "Work to accomplish our agenda within the official Church, and avoid the kind of polarization that could easily happen in today's charged atmosphere."
• "Energize large numbers of people to want to take a greater role in the life of the Church."
• "Raise consciousness about the role of the layperson in the life of the Church today, which requires education and imagination."
• "Avoid being patronizing: diocesan priests are not monks or part of a religious order."
• "Be sensitive to the fact that the local parish is where the rubber meets the road for most Catholics, and that the local pastor is often times overwhelmed, understaffed, overworked, and underpaid."
• "The common ground on which collaboration can move forward is the universal call to holiness."
• "Keep doing what you're doing."
• "Develop mutual trust in a working relationship."
• "Thank you for asking us."

We also learned how low many of the priests are feeling: isolated, misunderstood, self-conscious when in public with a Roman collar, "one telephone call away from being kicked out of the rectory," overextended. Some expressed discomfort with the wording of "priests of integrity" because it was seen as judgmental and potentially divisive.

Conclusions

1. On the Web site, a discussion of "what is meant by priests of integrity" was posted. Alternative wording was requested. There has been some response and a few alternate suggestions: "To support clergy" or "to support priests in their ministry" or "to support priests faithful to the mission of the Church."
2. Future Sounding Boards would draw priests who live in the same region, and would have a more focused agenda.
3. Since meeting with these priests, ongoing dialogue has continued via phone calls and emails.

Summary Report: Second Sounding Board
The second Sounding Board was held on February 11, 2003. Six priests and seven lay people attended (12 other priests were interested but had schedule conflicts).

This meeting had focus questions that were sent out before the meeting (attached at end of this report). One priest was hesitant to embrace VOTF, while the others were very supportive. The voices of those who question the goals and motives of VOTF are valuable and need to be heard in these sessions.

Comments heard:

• "We really need you guys. Don't be discouraged and don't back away. I am excited to hear this conversation and want it to go on."
• "The number of members seems to have stagnated at 25, 000. Is there any growth? If there is, it needs to be publicized."
• "Our training led us to be afraid to speak up to authority."
• "My urban parish seems to be running smoothly because the laity have responded well. However, very shortly, I will be all alone when I lose the other two priests. Tell me, what does this mean for now and the future?"
• "There has always been a longstanding separation dividing the priests and the laity. And now how can we restore the credibility we once had? People still want and need the sacraments. Priests are not seen by and among the people as they used to be. Also, there is a real gap between older and younger priests."
• "There has been real confusion for decades following Church Councils. This is no different. Although, I see in some places, there is a rise in vocations. Could it be because it is now some kind of challenge? I am not sold on VOTF, but there should never be a shut down of anything without serious discussion."
• "Priests are told/trained to be servants but with ordination they are given power, and service and power become confused."
• "We don't know how to deal with power. We go from serving to being pastor. We need to know teamwork, how to listen to all points of view. Transparency is necessary. Some priests are really present to people. Others withdraw. 'Outward Bound' is an example of how to learn teamwork."
• "We are the church, but people in authority set the tone."
• "Very few people or priests give themselves permission to speak."
• "I shouldn't have to, but I do give permission to people to think for themselves. It is wonderful to free them … it's one of the things I like the best about my priesthood, the opportunity to liberate people."
• "Encourage transparency not just in money matters."
• "There is a defensiveness in the hierarchy and priests."
• "Declericalization needs to happen."
• "I feel like I'm on the Charles River in a sailboat. It's foggy, there's wind, it's a pastel situation - blues, grays, no bright colors."
• "Collaboration is not possible if the priest is not a team player, regardless of his theology."

Conclusions

1. The benefits of meetings like this are intangible. But there is a sense that we have much to offer each other. It starts with listening. This group plans to continue discussions.
2. These meetings will continue in the southern region of the Boston Diocese. They could be going on in all regions of the Archdiocese. The next meeting is planned for the Central Region in May.
3. Support needs to be mutual: We need to support our priests by speaking up for them, and they need to do the same for us, especially if we are to grow in numbers.

Sample Agenda for a Sounding Board

A. Welcome and Opening Prayer

B. Introductions

Listening: hopes and realities

C. Starting Points - Suggested Focus Questions

1. How can Voice of the Faithful assist in protection of priests' rights and how can priests publicly support the rights of VOTF to truly share in the governance of the church?
2. Have you heard a survivor tell their story? Have you been part of a healing Mass or prayer service?
3. What steps can be taken to facilitate open communication and collaboration among the hierarchy, the clergy and the laity in order to enhance the growth of our Church?
4. In an address given at Marquette University, Dan Maguire said the following: "Catholic theology is at its healthiest when the search for truth rests on a tripod: the hierarchy, the theologians and the faithful." Would you support a coalition of clergy, theologians, and laity in Boston? How could this be promoted and accomplished?
5. "We shall insist on the right, where we think it is important for the good of the Church, to argue positions at variance with those that are presently official." (Avery Cardinal Dulles, S.J.) Is "faithful dissent" possible in the Church today? How?

D. Closing Remarks

Summary and possible action
Next steps?

E. Closing Prayer

WINCHESTER, MA AREA VOTF SURVEY

In the Spring of 2002, members of the Winchester, Mam,area VOTF conducted an anonymous survey of 30 priests in the diocese. It provides an invaluable resource as a tool for discussion (which can be used in Sounding Boards, for example) and can be replicated in any diocese.

Examples of Parish Voice Affiliates' Support for Goal #2
Efforts by individual parishes to support our priests include letters and prayer services. Below is a petition letter sponsored by St. Pius V in Lynn, MA, and a sample Prayer Service used at St. Agnes in Reading, MA. We are always looking for input from other parishes to share with all the membership.

Introductory Speech Regarding Letter of Support for a Priest
Hello my name is___________________________ . I would like to take a few moments to explain the books that you see placed around the Church.

Due to the difficult times in our Church, it has been trying for our pastoral staff, and especially for our priest, Fr. ________________. The latest articles in the Globe and the Pilot were so negative to the Priests' Forum that some of us St. Pius V parishioners got together before the 9 a.m. Mass last weekend to express our concerns for Fr. ________________. We thought that all parishioners should have a chance to give their support to them and the pastoral staff.

So, please stay after Mass this week or next week and sign a book and/or write a little note to them to tell our priest how grateful you are to him. Thank you and have a great day.

Sample Letter of Support for a Priest

Dear Father ________________,

The Vineyard here at our parish is rich, but the harvest is not easy. We parishioners know that you are devoted to our parish and the teachings of our Roman Catholic faith. We have found strength and great joy in your daily interactions with us and in your faith-filled leadership, which serve to bring the Gifts of the Spirit ever closer to us. You, and all the members of the pastoral staff, have truly been models of faithfulness to the Gospel. We thank you for the good work that you have dutifully, and so beautifully, offered to us. We offer up our prayers for you, as friends and parishioners, and we fervently pray for your continued ministry among us.

Name ______________________________ Message _____________________________

Introductory Information about the Sample Prayer Service St. Agnes Parish Voice of the Faithful in Reading, Massachusetts, has instituted a bi-weekly prayer service "In Support of Priests." The concept was the brainchild of and was initiated by a husband-wife team on our St. Agnes Steering Committee, who head up our parish Working Group on the second goal of the mission of VOTF. The service consists of a participatory hour of prayer each week before the Blessed Sacrament. VOTF members are asked to anchor the service as available, and publicity is placed in the bulletin. The prayer vigils are held on the first Wednesday of each month at 3 p.m. and on the third Monday of each month at 7 p.m. People are encouraged to come even if they cannot stay the entire hour.

The format is flexible, honoring the need for spontaneous prayer; however, the service opens with a Bible reading, and every 15 minutes or so, there is another brief reading, including a thanksgiving and an excerpt from a biography of a contemporary model. The services have been well attended, and continue to be publicized in the Bulletin with plenty of lead time so that people can plan to attend. We are happy to report the appreciation and support of our priests. Our pastor has attended these sessions. (Included below are samples of our Bulletin announcement and one prayer service.)

St. Agnes Parish VOTF includes over 107 registered members with an active steering committee. We meet on a monthly basis, alternating educational speakers and general discussion sessions. Our speakers have included survivor/victims of abuse, Arthur Austin and Susan Renehan, theologians Dr. Thomas Groome and Dr. Francine Cardman, and Father Bob Bullock.

Sample Announcement for Bulletin
PRAYER HOUR in support of Priests will take place on Wednesday, February 5th, 3 p.m. in the Eucharistic Chapel, sponsored by Voice of the Faithful. Come and join us for all or any part of an hour of informal prayer. Our aim is to provide prayer support for those priests who serve us so well here at St. Agnes and those who faithfully serve God elsewhere.

Sample Prayer Service
3:00p.m. Opening: 2 Timothy 1:6-14
3:20 The Priest: A Prayer on Sunday Night, from "Prayers" by Michael Quoist
3:30 A reading from "A Cry for Mercy" by Henri J.M. Nouwen
3:40 A reading from "Seasons of Your Heart" by Macrina Wiederkehr, OSB
3:45 A reading from "A Cry for Mercy" by Henri J.M. Nouwen
3:55 A reading from the story of Père Jacques Bunol from "All Saints" by Robert Ellsberg

Working Paper from Voice of the Faithful's
Priests' Support Working Group
As of 11/11/02

Background:
Since our inception, VOTF has continually sought ways to support our priests and pastors, and we have begun to formalize this goal.

Fifteen members of VOTF have been meeting for the past six weeks to define what is meant by Goal #2 and to facilitate and coordinate actions on behalf of our priests. We emphasize that turning our attention to our priests in no way diminishes our support of the survivors of abuse. In fact, the demand for justice in our Church is the common thread that ties our three goals together.

We have approached this task by:

1. Engaging priests and pastors in discussions for input and questions

2. Gathering information about similar efforts in parishes

3. Organizing a "Priests' Sounding Board" with five to ten priests for feedback

4. Planning strategy for implementing our purpose and goals

Process:
We are concentrating on four areas of concern:

1. Clarifying or modifying the wording of "support priests of integrity"
   Clarifying or changing the wording of "support priests of integrity" These words are not intended to label or divide priests. All of us are called to live with integrity and are encouraged to challenge and help each other to do so. The discussion around this vocabulary is helping articulate our expectations and assumptions. Some have suggested that we need to clarify what we mean, while others have suggested that we should change the wording of our second goal. We invite you to review and comment on our draft statement What do we mean by "Support Priests of Integrity"?

2. Advocating justice and due process
   Justice for everyone is a principle that links all three of our goals, starting with justice for survivors of sexual abuse and their families, and extending to due process for all priests accused of abuse from the moment an allegation is made. Those who are guilty also deserve justice and our constant prayers for mercy and forgiveness.

3. Building bridges of mutual understanding and support
   The local parish is where implementing change either does or does not take place; pastors report being often "overwhelmed, understaffed, overworked and underpaid." Part of our task is to determine how best to meet the challenges priests are facing in their parishes and support them as we initiate - and help to implement - meaningful change.

4. Collaborating and actively participating in all aspects of the life of the Church
   The current crisis has awakened the laity to our rights and responsibilities. Understanding the Church as all the People of God - clergy, religious and laity - demands that each of us claim our right to actively participate in the life and mission of the Church, and take the responsibility to do so. We need each other now more than ever. Prayer, education, and action are required of us all. We believe that commitment to Goal # 2 will help show us the way to be the Church that God has called us to be.

Update: To date, we have:

1. Held our first meeting with a "Priests' Sounding Board" to solicit input from diocesan priests. We hope to dialogue with the Boston Priests' Forum as soon as this connection is appropriate.

2. Hosted priest speakers in several parishes on the topic of supporting priests.

3. Conducted a survey of 30 priests in the diocese. Our summary results will be collated and distributed soon

4. Been holding one-on-one meetings in conjunction with the upcoming VOTF Membership Drive in an effort to reach out to priests.

5. Been gathering specific suggestions from many sources, clerical and lay, for "How to Support Priests."

6. We have created a draft statement What do we mean by "Support Priests of Integrity"?