Bloomington Area VOTF
Meeting Summary
February 22, 2004
Opening: Suggestions for Lent
Minutes of last meeting: Approved as distributed
Update on recent events:
The anticipated letter from Bishop Jenky has been received by John Ryan inviting VOTF to meet with the Bishop in the future—most likely, after Easter. John will be calling the Chancery to set up the specifics.
Initial reactions from priests to the Open Letter to the Priests: We have received three letters. One asking to be removed from our mailing list; one waiting on our visit with the bishop, and one with words of encouragement for our efforts and goals.
John Ryan’s second presentation to the Ft. Myers, Florida VOTF open meeting went very well. Over 60 people attended.
Reports: at our last meeting, several volunteered to find out information on the following. These reports were presented and discussed.
Federation of Priests Council
Peoria Diocese Priests Council
Do’s and Don’ts in Relating to Victims
The Dallas Charter
?
Preparations for Feb. 27 Release: National VOTF is working on advice to affiliates on responding.
Message from Dan Koenigs: Dan writes his thanks to the VOTF for our support, and “what I would like you to do is this—let everyone know that I am not doing this for the money. I am finding many more victims in need of a voice….”
Old Business:
More study: Continuing to find information on subjects listed in last meeting’s minutes
Public presentation by victim and family? We agreed to work on an open public meeting with a victim and/or family member presenting the abuse impact that has occurred on them.
New Business:
“Loyal Catholics”: discussion of the “catholic culture” and “loyal Catholics” and the impact on the current situation.
Peoria Diocese released a statement this Sunday as an insert in some parish bulletins, regarding some figures on the abuse picture in the diocese. This is “preventative facework” in light of Friday’s release of the two abuse reports by the National Lay Review Board.
VOTFBloomington organization: discussion regarding the need to better grasp the many events and implications of this crisis, by focusing our efforts more into specific jobs and organizational structure. Job descriptions for such efforts as public relations, database, victims relations, priests relations, church governance, strategic planning, etc. are being drafted.
Next meeting: Sunday, March 21 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. Heartland Community Church
***Note: the March 7 meeting has been cancelled due to many other church events occurring that day—Cursillo closing, Holy Trinity mission starting, etc.
