In attendance: Bob Morris, Anna-Marie Ferraro, Pat Brandl, Jane Howard, Judy Eisel,
Louise Aleo, Clare Keane.
The Opening Prayer was offered by Louise.
Financial Statement: Anna-Marie reported that the sale of Christmas cards for survivor services netted $4100. Our account holds $1895, of which $500 is still owed to Bob for printing and duplicating costs.
26
copies of David Gibson's book, "The Coming Catholic Church" have been
sold. Books will be available for purchase next Monday after David Gibson's
talk, and he will sign copies. If any remain after that night, they will be
made available at future meetings, and, if necessary, at the planned Parish
Voices Gathering on April 3.
The
subject of honoraria for visiting speakers was revisited. Few, if any, of our
guests, have requested an honorarium. The only projected speaker who might
request financial assistance is Kathleen McChesney of the Bishops' Lay Council.
We might need to pay her airfare and hotel costs.
Discussion of Recent Meetings: The two December meetings drew small numbers of
people, due in part to the two weekend snowstorms.
At
the January 5 working groups meeting, the survivor support group discussed
holding another coffeehouse to benefit survivor services. The priests support
group floated the idea of a letter of support to be sent to priests, possibly
by email, and of holding further potluck dinners for priests.
The
Jan 12 meeting with Steve Krueger was excellent.
April 3 Parish Voice Gathering: Bob passed out a rough draft of the program and led
a discussion on the logistics and schedule of the gathering. The planned theme
is "Now what is it we're supposed to do?" The meeting will last from
8:30-3:00.
Future Meetings: Bob noted the following meetings already planned:
David
Gibson, author of "The Coming Catholic Church" will speak on Jan 26.
On February 2, Thomas Beadudoin, visiting professor at Boston College will
present a panel of young panel and discuss "The Church, Voice of the Faithful,
and Youth – What is the Connection?"
Bob also
presented a list of future meetings still being planned. One working groups
session per month will be integrated into the schedule so that groups can plan
events based on their goal, and so that we can respond to news events,
publications, statements, and so on. Current plans call for the following
topics/speakers:
Feb. 9: Working groups
Feb. 16: No meeting – Presidents'
Day
Feb. 23: Possible discussion of
diocesan audits or rewording of VOTF Goal #2
March 1: Francine Cardman: no title
yet
March 8: Working groups
March 15: Evening focusing on pastoral associates
March 22: Possibly a survivor parents' evening
March 29: Lenten evening of reflection led by Sr. Joan
McCarthy and Kay Hanigan
April 5; Working groups
Bob
also noted that a Prayer Conference, organized by Susan Troy of the Prayerful
Voice working group will be held in Chicago on April 17. Pat expressed interest
in attending.
The
next Steering Committee Meeting will be held on Feb. 18.
For
the Closing Prayer, the group prayed the Our Father.