Minutes Meeting - March 20, 2003
St. Anthony of Padua, Butler, NJ
7:30 P.M.

Attendance:  Approximately 110 people

The meeting opened with a prayer led by Cody Dalton followed by a song led by Laura Franc. Sister Joanne Burn, Parish staff member, welcomed us to St. Anthony's and introduced Father Emmett Murphy, Parochial Vicar, who also gave a short welcome. Joan Barrett announced that Kathleen McChesney, Executive Director of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Office for Child and Youth Protection, would speak at our next meeting, which will take place May 13th at a place TBD. Committee Reports: Survivor Support - Ann Zouvelekis ·  This Saturday in Greenwich, CT, Survivors First and the Coalition of Catholics and Survivors, both Boston based, will hold a Survivor conference.  Discussion will center on the questions,  "Where do we go from Here?" ·  VOTF continues to remain committed to supporting survivors and offers help in any way possible. Priest's Forums ·  Four (4) forums were scheduled and held.  Invitations were sent to over 150 priests in the Paterson Diocese.  4 priests attended.  We are trying to understand why priests are hesitant to dialogue with VOTF. Prayerful Voice - Bob Calafiore ·  Members from our group meet regularly on Saturdays at 3:30 P.M. for prayer and song at Our Lady of Mercy Chapel in Whippany. ·  We have scheduled a Thomas Merton Retreat for Sat., May 31, 2003 to be presented by Rev. Patrick Collins, PH.D.  The cost is $14 and the location is to be announced. Structural Change Committee ·  Discussed the work of their committee and distributed a packet with valuable information concerning the future of the priesthood. Financial Report given by Paul Kane ·  The finance committee is in the process of applying for non-profit status. ·  Paul gave the current financial balance in the checking account ·  Current balance as of 3/18/02 is $671.63. Priest's Panel - Moderator: Finbarr Corr
Finbarr introduced Father Michael Drury, Pastor of St. Luke's Parish in Long Valley Father Mike discussed the question "What does it feel like being a Catholic priest today?"  Father Mike said he felt proud to be a Pastor and a Priest today, but he stressed that sexual abuse is criminal & it is wrong.  He said that he was involved in a group called the Ministry of Priests whose function is to support the priesthood.  He urged us as members of VOTF to keep the lines of communication open and to talk about the positive things in the church.  As to the question about the future of the priesthood he said it will continue but it needs change. Father Mike answered, "Yes" to the following 2 questions: Do you feel church officials should be more open?  And, should the laity have a say in the selection of Bishop's? In conclusion, he emphasized that the Good News is the Gospel and the Good News is you and me. Finbarr introduced Father Dennis Crowley, Assoc. Pastor of Assumption Church, Morristown. Father Dennis discussed his experiences as a priest in these stressful times.  His experiences have been difficult.  He has felt guilt by association.  The future will be challenging meeting the needs of people with the number of priests dwindling.  After talks were given by Father Mike and Father Dennis, the audience had the opportunity to ask questions. What is a priest of integrity and what is proposed in the offer of support? Father Mike:  Integrity means to live that priesthood, struggle with the challenges and not be afraid to live up to them. Father Dennis: Integrity is the ability to be self-aware and be committed to the priesthood. Do you think Canon Law supercedes the laws of this country?  Both answered, NO! What can we do to change the negative response to VOTF? Father Mike:  Keep dialogue open, consistent & non-threatening Father Dennis:  Fear is one reason for the negative response. Closing Prayer - Joe Barrett
We all said an Our Father and paused to remember all those involved in the war in Iraq. Meeting ended at 9:25 P.M.
Respectfully submitted by Fran Malloy.