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Highlights
of the LI-VOTF Regional Meeting
Grace Episcopal Church, Massapequa
February 9, 2006
After an opening meditation, co-chair Dan Bartley addressed the controversial subject of a postponement by a parish voice affiliate of an invited speaker, Rev. Robert Hoatson. This action brought about strong reactions from many and will be discussed at a Long Island VOTF Executive Board meeting.
Dan introduced his new co-chair, Peggy O’Neill who is replacing Pat Zirkel. Peggy spoke enthusiastically about the VOTF presence at vigils and is looking forward to serving our chapter.
Phil Megna and Pat Paone, co-chairs for the upcoming Faith Convention on April 22 at the Huntington Hilton, reported on their preparations and urged all to spread the word to as many as possible. The speakers for the event will be Eugene Kennedy, Phyllis Zagano and David Clohessy.
Tim Walsh, a survivor of priest abuse by Father Alfred Soave at St. Hugh of Lincoln parish, spoke movingly of the abuse he experienced as an altar boy there. Tim has traveled a troubled road over the years and described his experience of utter loneliness as he finally overcame his destructive feelings as an “emotional hangover.” Tim acknowledged the efforts of NY State Assembly members Tom DiNapoli and Marge Markey to pass needed reforms to the Statute of Limitations laws.
Treasurer Kevin Conners raised the question of the $187 million dollars in free cash reserves being held by the diocese and why struggling parishes are not being helped. As the yearly appeal from the Bishop is made, he urged us to consider these funds and withhold our contributions until we have a representative, elected finance council at the diocesan level.
Leo Cuomo of the Vigil Committee reported on the scheduled vigil dates and locations for the upcoming weeks and commented how VOTF and SNAP work together to raise awareness of sexual abuse at the parish level (information flyers are available on back table).
Mary Pat Fox, a candidate for president of National VOTF, addressed the meeting and spelled out the directions she foresees for the future of VOTF. Her vision includes the mobilization of one million U.S. Catholics by 2008 and a focus on changing legislation as it applies to clergy abuse. On the financial level, she looks forward to Q & A sessions with laity in setting up parish budgets, along with clear, complete and uncomplicated financial statements at all levels. She hopes to work toward accountability on both parish and diocesan levels and looks to a time when our children are no longer victimized by Church-related predators.
Joe Kern of the Legislative Committee introduced Marge Markey, a N.Y. State Assemblywoman from Queens, who has been active in efforts to get child protection and victim recognition legislation through the state legislature. She explained where the bills she has authored/sponsored are currently positioned in the legislative process. Ms. Markey expressed her appreciation of VOTF’s activity in trying to make these laws a reality and urged us to keep up the letters to our representatives in the Assembly and Senate, especially to Senator Bruno who is the presiding officer of the State Senate. The Assembly currently has the votes to get these measures through. Inasmuch as this is an election year, she expressed optimism that this legislation will finally be passed, but recommended that we continue to make our voice heard to our elected officials as well as to local and Albany newspapers. After her talk, Ms Markey gladly took questions from the audience; she received a standing ovation as she left the podium.
In connection with this discussion it was noted that Bishop Thomas Gumbleton stands for abolishing the Statute of Limitations completely, while the N.Y. State Catholic Conference is opposed to the bill pending in our legislative bodies.
In closing, Dan Bartley urged us to write to Bishop Murphy on his dismantling of a lay leadership education program known as the “Pastoral Formation Institute,” initiated by one of his predecessors, without providing for a viable replacement plan. This is the same program which gained laudatory comments from the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.
Submitted by M. Keane
February 21, 2006