Submitted by Joe & Joan Barrett
Chairs of the Support Priests Action Group
VOTFNJ - 2002 - 2005

A. TO ESTABLISH DIALOGUE WITH PARISH, DIOCESAN CLERGY AND BISHOP

1) Obtained diocesan directory containing names, addresses, telephone and fax numbers for all parishes and religious houses in the diocese.  In New Jersey, this directory may be ordered through the diocesan newspaper.  It costs $17.00.

LESSON LEARNED - Get the latest one; names of pastors change frequently.  Order 2-3 copies, as it is a valuable communication aid for other VOTF committees as well.

2) Sent letters once a month to all diocesan parishes to inform them of VOTFNJ goals, invited speakers and to ask them to post notices of our meetings in parish bulletins.  We also asked if we could hold meetings in their parishes.

LESSON LEARNED - We now fax monthly notices directly to parish bulletin editors.  We find this to be cheaper and more effective.  The pastors did not always give notice to the editors.  Also, personal requests to pastors were the only way we got acceptance to hold meetings in their churches.  It is important to let pastors know details about the speaker, topic, how many are expected, if press may come, etc.

3) VOTFNJ leaders sent videotapes of our early meetings to the Bishop to demonstrate our openness and transparency.

4) Some members initiated a priests' forum.  Four sessions were held but only three priests attended.  Those who came were very supportive but apparently most of our priests were either too busy or did not feel comfortable enough to participate.

5) In three years, our speakers committee has invited about 10 priests as guest presenters - theologians, pastors, sociologists, and priest formation specialists.  They also ask the pastors at the sites to open the meeting with a prayer.  Usually the pastor stays for the meeting and communicates with us afterwards.

6) We encourage members to invite priests to our meetings.  Some have attended especially for speakers such as Dr. McChesney, Judge Burke and Fr. Cozzens.

7) Prayerful Voice invites priests to celebrate Mass twice a month for us at a nearby retreat house.  This has been a wonderful opportunity for priests and laity to communicate in a small group environment.

8) VOTFNJ wrote a letter to the Bishop of the Paterson Diocese to ask for an opportunity to share our concerns with him and to offer assistance.  Three members had a dinner meeting with the Vicar General and the Director of Communications.  So far, we have not been able to meet directly with the Bishop.

B. TO PROVIDE SUPPORT FOR PRIESTS

1) To show appreciation for our priests, VOTFNJ hosted a buffet dinner to honor them.  We mailed formal invitations to priests and sent flyers to VOTF members.  Sixty persons including fifteen priests accepted.  Many priests expressed regrets at not being able to attend due to schedule conflicts.  The event was very successful and strengthens our rapport with the attending priests and each other.

LESSON LEARNED - Personal invitations by members were most effective.  We held the dinner on Sunday evening.  Some priests were not able to attend due to Sunday evening Mass schedules.  We had to balance the number of priests and laity.  We did this by sending out a limited number of invitations, checking responses and then sending out more invitations.  The laity paid $30 each for the buffet dinner (including wine) and the priests were our guests.  Some laypersons gave extra donations to cover the expenses.

2) We send out a St. Valentine's Day Spiritual Bouquet once a year to all New Jersey Bishops and to all pastors in our Paterson diocese.  Our members promise to offer up their prayers and good works during February for the benefit of priests.  This bouquet has been well received.  Two bishops, including one who banned VOTF, wrote personal thank you notes.  About 10 priests also wrote thanks.

3) At Thanksgiving, VOTFNJ sends messages of appreciation to the priests, who hosted our meetings, celebrated Mass with us, spoke at our programs and generally encouraged us.

4) At a VOTF meeting, we broke into small circles to discuss how we can put our goals into actions.  The Goal #2 group shared their ideas.  For example, invite a priest to dinner, send him a birthday card, congratulate him on a good homily, speak to him personally about VOTF and its goals, invite priests to our meetings and support "due process" for all priests including those accused of molesting a child.

5) Representatives of VOTFNJ attended the installment of our new Paterson Bishop and offered our heartfelt congratulations.  The Bishop asked that we keep in touch with him.

6) VOTFNJ wrote a congratulatory letter to Bishop Serratelli on his election as chair of the Committee on Doctrine.  We assured him of VOTF's commitment and desire to work in harmony with him.

7) In September 2005, we plan to honor priests with a reception and a special speaker, the Rev. Eugene Lauer, a specialist in priestly formation, who will discuss the topic "The History of the Priesthood."  We will ask each member to bring along a priest to this meeting.

 Daily Prayer for Priests

Heavenly Father,

Grant that our priests be strengthened and healed by the power of the Eucharist they celebrate, my the Word they proclaim give them courage and wisdom.

We pray that all those whom they seek to serve may see in them the love and care of Jesus, our Eternal High Priest, who is Lord forever and ever Amen.

Mary, Mother of the Church, look tenderly upon your sons, your priests. Joseph, patron of the Universal Church, pray for us all. Southwark Laity Commission 1993