I have blogged several times about the upcoming Call to Action (CTA) Conference in Milwaukee beginning November 6 (click here to follow the thread). However, I have been remiss in reporting the annual conference of Voice of the Faithful (VOTF) that will convene this weekend in Melville, New York. Both CTA and VOTF are progressive Catholic organizations, but I am not sure how they differ or how they are alike.
Here is the agenda for the VOTF convention:
Schedule of Events
Friday evening, October 30th
7 pm-8:45 pm Registration & cocktail hour
7:00 pm-8:45 pm Presentations on Strategic Platform and the American Catholic Council
(Come find out where you fit into the action plan that VOTF is unfolding by learning more about the five platforms: Local/Diocesan Action, Protect Children/Support Survivors, Universal Church Reform, Networking and Partnerships, and Spiritual and Communal Growth. Get an overview of the proposals, ask questions, and sign up for involvement! This new strategy has a place for every VOTF member to participate in meaningful activities that will help us “make our voices heard.”)
8:00 pm-8:30 pm &
8:45 pm-9:15 pm Presentations on Vigil Strategies with LI-VOTF and SNAP
Saturday October 31st
8 am Registration and Continental Breakfast
9 am Opening Prayer
Welcome to Long Island – Joan Hopkins- co-chair LIVOTF
9:15 am-9:45 am
President Dan Bartley’s Report On the State of VOTF”
“Ask the President” Q & A
9:45 am Introduction of distinguished guests and acknowledgments – Phil Megna
10 am BREAK
10:15 am-11:15 am Sister Joan Chittister
11:15 am-12:15 pm Discussions, Remarks, Solutions & questions for speaker
(Attendees will have time for discussion and reflection on Sister Joan’s remarks in light of VOTF’s Strategic Plan and the opportunities available for action based on her presentation.)
12:15 pm-12:30 pm President’s Special Awards for Contributions at the Local and Affiliate Levels – Dan Bartley
12:30 pm-1:30 pm LUNCH
1:30 pm-2:00 pm Presentation of National VOTF awards-Priest of Integrity and St. Catherine of Siena awards
2:00 pm-2:30pm BREAK (browse & check out the books & merchandise at the tables)
2:30 pm-3:30 pm Rev. Thomas Reese
3:45 pm-4:30 pm Discussions, Remarks, Solutions & questions for speaker
(Attendees will have time for discussion and reflection on Father’s remarks in light of VOTF’s Strategic Plan and the opportunities available for action based on his presentation.)
Break- Preparation for Mass
5:00 pm Mass celebrated by Father Tom Reese (including singing and prayers)
#Catholic
I am a discouraged Catholic who originally found hope in VOTF. My wife and I are upset with the sex scandals and anxious to do everything to protect our children. We feel that much greater accountability, both behaviorally and financially is needed and would like to see a priesthood open to women and married people.
However, we are dismayed at VOTF’s alliance wirh the Progressive Movement.
We are conservative in our politics and feel excluded by a movement that would associate with the likes of Fr. Flagler and radicals of his ilk. It’s sad that a reform movement in the Catholic Church is so extremist in it’s views that the average Catholic who supports reform can’t participate.