A group of some 15 people met on July12, 2004 at the Scotch Plains Library to discern the level of interest in working to reform our Church in the light of the sexual abuse scandal.  Tom Quinn facilitated the meeting and it was clear that those in attendance were eager to try and make some changes in line with the Purpose and Goals of the National VOTF organization. Using these goals three groups were established to begin to work:

• Support for Priests of Integrity - Cy Massar            
• Support for the Abused - Eileen McMahon
• Structural Change - Mary Ryan, Ken Riley, Mary Ellen Fagan, Kay DeWeever

From the start we were rebuffed by Archbishop Myers who declared that no parish or institution in the Archdiocese was to cooperate in any way with VOTF.  Our numerous letters, personal contacts met with no success in changing this policy.  Notwithstanding, we have managed with the guidance of the Holy Spirit to bring forth an ongoing Speaker Education Series - beginning in the Fall of 2004 until the present -meeting almost monthly in the United Methodist Church of Westfield. In addition, we have maintained an ongoing relationship with the Survivors Network of those abused by Priests (SNAP) and been vocal in our public support of our good priests. We look for opportunities to convince our Bishop that we are a force for positive change and seek to involve as many of the faithful laity of our diocese in that effort

 For more information contact Madeleine & Walter Korfmacher at  info@votfnj.org 

      

UPCOMING SPEAKER NIGHTS - 2008 - 2009

Goal: To provide opportunities for growth in the knowledge of our faith and to explore structural change in our beloved Church.  Except where otherwise indicated Union County holds it's speaker nights at the First United Methodist Church, 1 East Broad St. in Westfield at 7:30 PM. -- For more information call Madeleine Korfmacher at 908-789-8477.

 

See home page for announcements of upcoming speaker nights.

May Book Discussion

In early May of this year, Union County VOTF will be sponsoring a book discussion on Richard Rohr's, Hope Against Darkness. The discussion will be held at Mary Ryan's house in Westfield, and facilitators will be Mary Ryan and Madeleine Korfmacher. We are also attempting to have Franciscan sisters available to share their insights.

Hope Against Darkness presents a model of reform for the Catholic Church in the tradision of St. Francis of Assisi. A review by Sheila and Matt Linn states: "The misuse of power by many or our leaders and institutions often leaves us feeling helpless, wondering if we can really make a difference. Jesus and St. Francis of Assisi lived in similar times of crisis and they did find a way to make a difference. This book shares their vision in a way that enlarges ours, and offers practical solutions that empower us to heal ourselves and our society."

Amazon.com has many copies both new and used available.