DECEMBER UPDATE

It's Christmas again! How could this have happened? Wasn't it just summer yesterday? Our children probably don't share this sentiment, so that means that either they're very young, or we're....the opposite. Well, we won't go there, and instead we'll focus on all we've accomplished together this past month.

·      Anthony Padovano left us breathless at our Nov. 20 meeting! His recounting of the History of the American Catholic Church was inspiring and empowering. If our 18^th century church could flourish with a democratic structure, what are the implications for our time? Please treat yourself and read the full text of Anthony's speech on our website (www.votfnj.org) or, if you're pressed for time, scan the minutes of the November meeting, which is a nice synopsis of his main points. We're also looking into making audio and videotape copies of the speech. No matter how you get the message, you're sure to finish with a renewed enthusiasm and hope for our future.

·      Although we'll skip a formal meeting in December, we'll look forward to gathering with you at our Eucharistic liturgies on Dec. 7 at 5 pm and Dec. 21 at 5 pm. These Sunday gatherings have been such a source of grace and we hope that you will be able to join us for one or both December dates so we can share the joy of the holidays together as community. Fr. Vince Puma (Dec. 7) and Fr. Ken Lasch (Dec. 21) will be our presiders.

·      We are officially a 501(c)3 non-profit organization! For those of us who aren't into government numbers, what that means is that contributions to NJ VOTF are now tax deductible. This includes all of 2003, so if we've been the beneficiaries of your generosity this past year, be sure to make of note of it on your tax return.

We would be so grateful for someone with experience doing NJ state and federal tax returns to work with our treasurer and handle our corporate filings. Please be in touch as soon as possible if you might be able to help us with this important task.

·      Survivor Update:  The letters we distributed at our November meeting requesting the NJ State Senate to discuss the Charitable Immunities Act revisions were signed by 56 people (an amazing return!). They were mailed to individual members of the Senate Judiciary Committee and faxed to area representatives. Were starting to get positive responses from some of our legislators. Thanks to all for your courageous stand on behalf of our survivors which is already starting to reap benefits.

In addition, you may have read about the Millstone Monument which will be installed at St. Joseph's Church to honor the survivors of clergy abuse. A number of our team members are planning to contribute, and if you would like to be part of this effort, you can send your contribution either to us at NJ VOTF (14 Sunset Dr., Whippany, NJ 07981) or HOST c/o St. Joseph's Church, 6 New St., Mendham, NJ 0794.

·      Structural Change Committee Update:  What a busy and productive group this has been! A "White Paper" with our Mission Statement and Charter is in the works, and was reviewed at our Dec. 2 meeting. Follow-up is at the next meeting on Jan. 7 at 7:15 at the Parsippany Library. Please feel free to join this wonderful committee or find out more from Joe Lynaugh at m.lynaugh@verizon.net.

·      Web Team Update:  Our web committee, under the talented guidance of Joe Cece, has been meeting to discuss and implement even more changes to our already magnificent website. If you are a dot-com person at heart, please contact Ted Spencer at tedspencer@optonline.net for info on how to get involved.

·      Mark your 2004 calendars with these important dates:

Jan. 10, 10:30 am - Monthly meeting with Fr. Jim Sullivan of the Brooklyn, NY diocese as our speaker. Fr. Jim was nominated by the VOTF Tri-State Regional Conference to receive the "Priest of Integrity" Award. He is an author, teacher and visionary thinker. Location: Holy Angels Church, Little Falls. 

The talk for this meeting is intriguingly titled, "Vatican or Gospel?" and will focus on the celibacy issue. You may be interested to know that we looked far and wide for someone to speak in favor of mandatory celibacy to make sure all points of view were represented, but we couldnt find anyone who was willing! Perhaps you have some ideas about speakers on this side of the subject? Please let us know asap. (This is a Saturday morning meeting. Can anyone help with breakfast refreshments - bagels, etc.?)

          Jan. 31,10:30 am - Monthly meeting featuring Paul Dinter, author (The Other Side of the Altar).

Location TBA.

Mar. 6, 7:30 pm - Monthly Meeting. Speaker: Fr. Donald Cozzens. Location: St. Mary's Church, Pompton Lakes.

          March 15, 7:30 pm - Monthly Meeting. Speaker: Michael Morwood.      Location: TBA

We'll finish for now, having so much more to say, but acknowledging that schedules are tight and "to do" lists are long this time of year. Please know that you have family in our VOTF community, and that you are especially remembered when we gather together in prayer. May our Christmas gift to one another be the knowledge that we are forever joined as one in Christ, and because of that, we will never be alone.  Abundant blessings to all and wishes for a very Merry Christmas from your NJ VOTF Team.