-Mr. Bartley commented that, at the recent reception for the new Bishop Paul Walsh, these comments were made by Bishop Egan to Bishop Walsh:

1.)Be loyal to your Ordinary, Bishop William F. Murphy

2.)Be loyal to the Holy Father

3.)Be loyal to Jesus Christ

Mr. Bartley thought it was interesting that loyalty to Jesus Christ was third and last in these directives!!

-St. Joseph’s PV had a prayerful candlelight procession and protest on the steps of the church at the last St. Joseph’s PV meeting on June 10^th, 2003.

-Mr. Leo Cuomo and Mr. Bill McCully will lead a prayerful protest on Sunday, June 29^th, at St.Agnes’ Cathedral at the Bishop’s Mass at 10:00AM.

-Bishop William Murphy will hold listening sessions on June 22-24^th at various locations in the diocese. The locations will be on the web site. Everyone is encouraged to attend and make their presence known.

-Mr. Bartley talked about the change in Leadership at the VOTF. Sheila Pfeiffer will be moving in July to upstate NY. She is a symbol of lay leadership at its’ best and she will be missed. She has always exhibited strong faith and courage and has been an inspiration for all of us. She will be "replaced" by Dr. Pat Zirkel.

-Crisis in the church is not over and we have a long road ahead.

Remarks: Sheila Pfieffer

_Ms. Pfieffer expressed her regrets at having to leave the LI VOTF since VOTF is an integral part of her life. She welcomed Dr. Pat Zirkel, a former Professor of Theology at St. John’s University, who will assume the role of co-director of VOTF-LI.

(Ms. Pfieffer’s remarks attached)

Remarks: Dr. Pat ZIrkel

Dr. Zirkel welcomes the opportunity to serve the people of God. She states we must be a prayerful people so that we will hear the voice of the Spirit. We must trust God’s presence among us.

(Dr. Zirkel’s remarks attached)

Membership Committee Report:: Gene Zirkel

Let’s sell those bumper stickers!!

(Remarks attached)

Finance Committee Report: Kevin Connors

Mr. Connors gave the most recent financial report. The figures are posted on the website. He also identified the charities that benefited from the generosity of VOTF members. There were some charities that refused VOTF generosity and that money will be redirected to other charities.

All of this information is posted on the web site.

Gene Zirkel requested assistance with the Prayer Committee.

GUEST SPEAKER

Dan Bartley introduced Sr. Sally Butler, the speaker for the evening.

Sr. Sally Butler spoke about her experiences with survivors of sexual abuse by the clergy; she also spoke about her efforts to communicate with the hierarchy re this sexual abuse. Sr. Sally’s efforts were difficult and basically fruitless.

Sister Sally stated "This is our Holocaust; the slaughter of the Innocents."

Sister’s talk was received with enthusiastic applause.

Q & A period followed Sister Sally’s talk.

Then there was time for group participation in a discussion question.

The question was: "WHAT WILL HISTORY SAY ABOUT US; ABOUT OUR RESPONSE TO THIS

CRISIS?"

Time was allowed for group discussion and then for time to report the results of those discussions back to the larger group.

After the discussion these were some suggestions from the members:

-withhold finances in order to get the attention of the Bishops.

-inundate the newspapers, the pastors and the Bishops with letters.

-we must be an example for the younger generation; advocating for transparency, a place at the table and for doing what is right.. We must not be passive any longer.

-will we peter out or will be become a force for change in the church for the good of all? The challenge is to be courageous and persistent..

MISCELLANEOUS ANNOUNCEMENTS:

The next meeting of VOTF Regional is on July 10^th at Manhasset HS.

The August meeting (Aug. 14^th) is also at Manhasset HS.

The June 2003 issue of St. Anthony Messenger is a special issue which deals exclusively with the sex scandal. If possible, try to obtain a copy.

Please do not forget the prayerful vigil on June 29th at St. Agnes Cathedral in Rockville Centre.

The meeting closed with a prayer.

Respecfully submitted,

Anne Kerrigan