Present:
Board Members: Dan Bartley, Joan Bedosky, Kevin Connors, Tom Dowling, Joe Kern, Anne Kerrigan, S. Regina McAuley, Phil Megna, John Mulvey, Tom Myles, John Ryan, Pat Zirkel

Guests: Lisa Braglia, Leo Cuomo, George Sheppard, Gene Zirkel

Excused: Janet and Jim Godfrey, Joan Psotto


Pat Zirkel called the meeting to order, and John Ryan led the group in prayer at 7:35 pm.

The Minutes of the meeting of February 17th, 2005 were approved unanimously.

Announcements

• Pat Zirkel informed us that a guest would be coming to speak for about 10 minutes. Cynthia Kouril intends to run for the office of District Attorney of Nassau County.
• Reminder to Mark our Calendars for April 28th — Board Evening of Prayer

Diocesan Issues

• Dan Bartley moved that it would be fair to acknowledge positive diocesan steps re preventing child abuse, such as the Newsletter mentioned in a press release of March 8th. After discussion it was accepted that a statement or letter be issued acknowledging what has been accomplished, but also referring to other issues that still need to be addressed. The motion passed with two opposed.
• Dan Bartley introduced us to the LIC write-up on the formation of a Diocesan Pastoral Council. This would seem at first to be just what LI VOTF had hoped for, however the structures set up to create the council are so designed that there really is no widespread involvement of the laity. After much discussion it was decided that a formal response and critique raising our suggestions, recommendations, and concerns be sent to those designated to be the Working Committee for the creation of the Diocesan Pastoral Council. The motion passed unanimously.

Conference Update

• Phil Megna went over the final details of the Conference, and is very hopeful about another successful event. Approximately $20,000.00 has already been raised to cover the costs of the event.
• It was also decided that Dick Ryan’s courage in speaking out in his various writings concerning the state of our church should be acknowledged. He will be presented with a citation at the Conference.

Executive Committee Report

• LI VOTF received a letter (addressed to Pat Zirkel and Dan Bartley) from Tim Echausse, director of SNAP LI. Copies of the letter were distributed. The letter decries the fact that we will not have a survivor speaking at our conference, and accuses us of having a ‘hidden agenda’ of doctrinal change. The letter ends: “VOTF not only abuses the teaching of the Church, but also the victims who they once claimed as the purpose for their founding.” It was agreed that a meeting would be arranged between Mr. Echausse, Dan, and members of the Vigils Committee.
• Regarding a survivor speaking at the conference, this was not approved. After much discussion it was decided to have a moment of silent prayer inserted into the opening prayer of the conference. This will be prepared by the Prayer Committee to express at the conference that VOTF continues support of survivors.
• Recommendation is made for a Board Retreat Day for the purpose of clarifying Board responsibility for determining the future direction of LI VOTF. Dan will consult with Ed Bacon regarding the issues involved. A very tentative date of May 7th has been discussed for the day.
• Concerning the website and database: At its meeting of March 14th the Executive Committee decided that Ken Selvester will be asked if he is willing to do website updates and announcements of regional meetings on the website. Danny will be asked to handle only the database, monthly reports etc. In this regard:
  
  
  • Danny’s contract will have to be redrawn by Tom Dowling and Kevin Connors
  • Danny will be accountable to Tom Dowling
  • Tom Dowling and Ken Selvester will have conversation about streamlining the website.

Finance Committee

• Kevin Connors presented the Annual Report of Financial Condition for 2004. This was accepted with one dissent after discussion. The report will be put on the Website and included in the Newsletter.

Brief Legislative Update

• Joe Kern recently visited Albany for a second time to meet with legislators concerning the Child Abuse Reporting Bills currently before the State Senate and Assembly (S477) and (A912). There is quite a difference between the Senate and Assembly versions of these bills. The Assembly bill is preferred, and has a good chance of being passed.

Vigils Committee

• Leo Cuomo noted that the Lost Sheep Vigil at Oyster Bay was reported in the Oyster Bay Guardian and by News 12 LI.
• Leo also reported on the April and May Vigils at the Cathedral. It is hoped that a large number of people will take part, especially in the May Vigil.
• Professionally made signs have been produced by Ray Powers, and four Parishes have bought them at a cost of $35. It was decided to have them on view for sale at the Convention.

Compliance Committee

• Tom Myles will forward his draft of a letter to BWM regarding the Charter to Pat and Dan on Monday.

Priest Support Committee

• A brief update on a recent mailing to priests was tabled in the absence of Ann Gribbins

Member Issues

• Joan Bedosky noted that members want to speak at Regional Meetings and we have not had an open mike night recently. After discussion it was suggested that perhaps we could plan such an evening soon.
• Tom Myles raised the issue of the large numbers of e-mails generated by LIVOTF and sent to members. It was suggested that we send notices once a week to all the members.

Old Business

• In the absence of Tom Lloyd the Public Persona issue was again tabled.
• On the issue of the “20 plus 1 Questions,” a group met once. They need a date for a second meeting.
• Dan Bartley and Pat Zirkel are working on “Criteria for Prospective Board Members.” A working draft was handed out for board members to read. The issue of a Nominating Committee needs to be addressed at a future meeting.

New Business

• Pat Paone suggests that persons involved in PR/Media meet to coordinate efforts.

Closing Prayer

• John Ryan led us in the Lord’s Prayer at 10:25.

[At 8:30 the meeting was interrupted and opened for 10 minutes to a guest speaker. Cynthia Kouril intends to run for the office of District Attorney of Nassau County. If elected to this position she will:

1. Reorganize the unit that intakes sex abuse complaints
2. Investigate cases of purported sex abuse
3. Advocate for doing away with the statute of limitations in sex abuse cases

She fully understands that as a not for profit organization LI VOTF cannot support her candidacy. However, she suggested the creation of a parallel organization (should our members wish to do this). Such an organization can be politically active without losing the tax status of the related non-profit group.

There were no questions.]

Respectfully submitted,

S. Regina McAuley, CSJ