The largest gathering in months attended the March regional meeting of VOTF-LI. The meeting opened with a prayer for our Church. Before introducing the main topic scheduled for the evening’s discussion, co-chair Peggy O’Neill, welcomed all, especially members of VOTO (Voice of the Ordained) and commended the courage of their presence.

We were alerted to the start of the VOTF petition drive for an elected diocesan finance committee to add the voices of the faithful to the decisions made in distributing diocesan funds based on Gospel values. An ad in the Newsday on March 13 requested support from Long Island Catholics toward this effort.

Peggy again thanked the VOTO and the representative members of this organization who would present their call for putting an end to the current hostility between the Bishop’s office and the board and membership of VOTF by offering their suggestion of “An Olive Branch” – symbolizing peace.

Before introducing the VOTO spokesmen Peggy asked co-chair Dan Bartley to present the time line of events leading up to the VOTF call for the Bishop’s resignation and the present stalemate. Peggy then introduced Fathers Gerald Twomey, Andy Connolly and Thomas St. Pierre, and the married priests Kevin Cantwell and Ernie Rudloff. Father Connolly commented on the recent VOTO letters addressed to Bishop Murphy and to the Board of VOTF-LI. By means of these letters, Father hopes to initiate a dialog which would calm the present situation which he described as nothing less than a scandal. In an atmosphere of recon-ciliation, forgiveness and reaching out, VOTO is suggesting the engagement of a mediator to resolve this most troubling issue affecting the Church in Rockville Centre. VOTO went so far as to offer $1,000 toward the cost of mediation.

Father Connolly closed his remarks by saying that he was not tremendously optimistic about the success of VOTO’s suggestion, but “we have to try.”

After each of the VOTO members present shared their views, those audience members who wished, offered their comments and/or questions. The speakers were varied and shared their diverse views; what was obvious was their common concern for the Church and their passionate hope for a resolution.

One speaker said that our job is to try to live and work with Bishop Murphy as our Ordinary and our shepherd.

Another speaker wondered out loud if we were going forward or backward in response to Christ’s message to love our enemies. VOTF should be the first to dare to love.

When a speaker suggested that VOTO member or members serve as mediators, one of the priests responded that the Bishop’s attorney will not agree to that arrangement.
Dick Grafer applauded the mediation approach, especially if the issues could be segmented; he offered to personally pay the cost of mediation.

Another speaker summed up his feeling that our existence as Catholics in the Rockville Centre diocese is not dependent on Bishop Murphy.

Another suggested that in the present situation the best we can do is to direct our support to our own parishes and pastors.

A parishioner of St. Hugh of Lincoln reported that the checks they submit in weekly envelopes as restricted to the parish are refused and returned to them. They are no longer allowed to designate their donations for a budget line exempt from the diocesan tax.

More than one speaker recognized the courage of the priests who spoke out at the initial meeting with the Bishop as well as those who signed the most recent letter to him. The question was put as to why more Rockville Centre priests are not willing to put their vocations on the line as did the ninety in Boston who called for Cardinal Law to step down. The reply was only a shrug of the shoulders.

Dan’s closing remarks promised that VOTF will continue to be a beacon of light in spite of the darkness we find in our church.

A closing meditation centered on Mark 3:31-35, describing the Fourth Station of the Cross: Jesus meets his sorrowful mother.

Submitted by M. Keane
March 22, 2006