The title is appropriate for this new initiative established by a group of lay Catholics in the Archdiocese of Boston in response to the mishandling of sexual abuse by clergy by Cardinal Law over the course of many years.

A brief story before continuing.

In the midst of the media blitz on Cardinal Law and the sexual abuse scandal in Boston, I received an e-mail from one of our former parishioners, now a retired partner from Price-Waterhouse now living in Florida. He reminded me that during his time at St. Joseph in Mendham, he had served with Cardinal Law as a member of the Board of Trustees for Pope John XXIII Seminary for 'delayed vocations.' After my public disclosure of the sexual abuse that had occurred here by a previous pastor, this parishioner spoke with the Cardinal about how effective was the protocol exercised here and suggested that he and other members of the hierarchy might wish to adopt such a thoughtful response in Boston and elsewhere. The Cardinal thanked him and moved on to another topic.

In his e-mail message, our former parishioner made this observation: "Do you think the Cardinal wishes he had taken my advice back in 1995?"

No further comment.

In anycase, though this crisis was the trigger, their case and cause is much broader and responds to other issues of concern to mainstream Catholics in the pew. Of all the movements that have originated in the 'aggiornamento' of Vatican II, I do believe this is one of the more inspired for the following reasons:

1. It is comprised of loyal Roman Catholics who are active participants in the life of the Church. Some are daily communicants.

2. Although many are neophytes with regard to the expression of dissent, they are respectful of the divergent points of view within mainstream Catholicism and have adopted positions which are consistent with orthodox Catholic teaching rooted in Vatican II theology and pastoral practice.

3. They are seeking a "voice" in the deliberations of the hierarchy with regard to the application of Church teaching to Church practice which might result a change in Church discipline on one issue or another.

4. The support of priests of integrity and the promotion of a immediate changes which will enable them to be shepherds rather than institutional administrators.

5. VOTF rests on a solid spiritual rather than a political foundation which is best stated in its own words. "Voice of the Faithful believes that creating structured mechanisms whereby lay Catholics can influence the governance and guidance of the Church at all levels--parish, diocese, region, nation, Vatican--will represent a seismic shift in the healthy life of the Church. We firmly hold that lay representation is necessary if we are to restore the Church to holiness and health. We are convince that the solutions to the current crisis reside largely with the laity--doctors, teachers, families, survivors, and indeed the whole rich spectrum of men, women and children who live their daily as faithful Catholics in the real world."

How often have you heard these or similar words from the pulpit of St. Joseph Church?

I welcome the "Voice of the Faithful" and whether or not you choose to become a formal member, I urge you as Catholics to accept that kind of responsibility for our Church. It is a baptismal call and is really not an option. For most Catholics, the greatest contribution to Church reform will be nothing more or less than their daily effort to live the teachings of Jesus Christ applying them to their specific call and career. Integrity in the market place as well as in the Church must be a priority. The commitment of parents to mentor their children and to boycott any or all products and media services that exploit sex, and violence or which engage in deceitful advertising that puts the product over the health and well-being of our children could be one of the most informal class action suits against consumerism and commercial fraud.

However, there is a need for some lay Catholics to step forward and take an active role as "change agents" to address in specific ways, issues and concerns that affect people in the pew, young and old.

"… the Christian vocation is, of its nature, a vocation to the work of the Church as well. In the organism of a living body no member plays a purely passive part, sharing in the life of the body is share at the same time in its activity. the same is true for the Body of Christ, the Church: ' the whole Body achieves full growth through dependence on the full functioning of each part' (Ephesians 4:16). Between the members of this body there exists, further, such a unity and a solidarity that a member who does not work at the growth of the body to the extent of his [sic] possibilities must be considered useless both to the Church and to himself [sic].

Canon 212 §3 reminds church members of their responsibility to address issues of concern with their leaders: "According to the knowledge, competence, and prestige which they possess, they have a the right and even at times the duty to manifest to the sacred pastors their opinion on matters which pertain to the good of the Church and to make their opinion know tot the rest of the Christian faithful, with prejudice to the integrity of faith and morals, with reverence toward their pastors, and attentive to common advantage and the dignity of persons."

The next meeting of the NJ Chapter of VOTF will take place at the Birchwood Manor in Whippany on Sunday, September 22, 2002 beginning at 1:30 PM.

Information about VOTF is accessible on the web at www.VOTF.org. Please visit the site and read more about its philosophy and goals.

Father Lasch Pastor

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