Minutes of September 12, 2002 Meeting of Long Island Voice of the Faithful

Held at Wyandanch Youth Center in Wyandanch, New York

I Meeting opened by Sheila Peiffer

Opened with Hymn and Prayer

II Sheila Peiffer described four handouts given by LI-VOTF

Opening Prayer

Description of goals, mission and principles of VOTF

Sample letter to pastor

Registration form

It was announced that any other handout received at the meeting was not from VOTF and did not have its endorsement.

Discussion of misinformation circulating

Reinforcement that this is a centrist organization

Goal of involving laity

No challenge to doctrine or dogma

Encouraged going to VOTF website

III Listening Session

Eight speakers, including two Deacons, were given two minutes each

Points covered included

the need for better definition of structural change

Anger over the Bishops cover-up

Concern for better support and comfort of priests

The church is its people, not organization

The struggle of Catholics today

Root causes of the clergy abuse scandal

IV Sheila Peiffer described how LI-VOTF began.

Described first meeting in July, 40 attendees

Second meeting in August, less than 100 attendees

Letter to Bishop Murphy requesting meeting

Met with Bishop Murphy as Catholic, not VOTF member

Bishops ban on VOTF on church property

Bishop invited to this meeting/ no reply

Introduced representatives of VOTF/Boston

Steve Krueger, Interim Executive Director of VOTF Boston

Staffing of VOTF Boston in progress

VOTF is “Hope in action”

Cover-up galvanized movement

Truth of purpose will overcome misinformation

Louisa Dittrich, Director of Communication, VOTF Boston

This is a journey of self understanding

Inform the conscience

Use prayerful voice

Maura O’Brien, Trustee, Moderator of Lay Leadership Council and Founding Member, VOTF Boston

Goal three (3) (effect structural change) originated in listening sessions; If parents had been consulted on decision of assignment of abusive priest, all could have been avoided

We have authority to govern and guide our own church

V Introduction of Guest speaker: “Bob” victim of clergy abuse

Priest for 8 years

Abused for 1 ½ years by now deceased priest while attending St Pius X, following the death of his father.

Compared the Catholic Church to a dysfunctional family; problems are not

discussed, but hidden

Described nightmares of distorted tortured souls

Described his self hatred and how the issue was buried by staying in

priesthood

We are led here tonight by the Holy Spirit to open a window

Talk concluded with sustained ovation

Sheila Peiffer asked for prayers for all victims and the soul of his abuser

VI Sustained standing ovation for priests present at the meeting and all priest of integrity

VII Discussion of Goal #3: Structural change in the church

Participants were asked to talk in small groups about ways to get involved ,

ways that change in current practice might begin

Discussion period called to close

Reps of some of the groups speak, 30 seconds each

Suggestions include:

True internal audits

Full financial disclosure by the diocese

One time withholding of financial support

Study group for Vatican II

Petition to bishop Murphy for recognition

Reach out to priests to join

VIII Dan Bartley, Finance, LI-VOTF

Practicalities of our situation;

Expenses discussed

Sample letter to pastor mentioned -

Purpose: Inform pastor you are a member of VOTF

Address distortions

Reiterate goals and mission

Urged involvement in committees

Filing for Tax exempt status

Gene and Pat Zirkel spoke briefly about their experience starting a local Parish Voice in Wyandanch - all urged to consider doing this

Next meeting October 10 - Site not yet confirmed. All urged to help finding site

IX Closing Prayer