Registration is no longer required. Click on the link to join the Zoom meeting directly on that day. If you have any difficulty joining please email or call 862-377-9914. Please join at 4:15 PM to allow us to start on time.

(link to come in future email)

The theme will be Pope Francis’ Encyclical Laudato Si Goals and Action Plan.

The Action Plan has seven goals: the Cry of Earth, the Cry of the Poor, Ecological Economics, Simple Lifestyles, Ecological Education, Ecological Spirituality and Community Involvement and Participation. The Sisters of Charity (NY and Convent Station) and ROAR (Religious Organizations Along the River) developed a Zoom Program that focuses on these Goals. It started on September 13th, but we are suggesting that VOTF members begin to participate on November 1 at 6 pm, with the third in the series Ecological Economics. We will use these programs as a basis for a VOTF discussion in the Spring. We also have Father Terrance Moran presenting a talk about Laudato Si within the context of Social Justice Encyclicals on January 9th at 4:30. (Click on the image to enlarge and download to learn more, including how to join the Zoom presentation on Nov 1.)

Ken Lasch's Website

We pray for Tish Dickinson’s youngest son, Paul, as he bravely continues treatment for stage 4 cancer. We pray for his wife and children, and Tish and the entire Dickinson family as they support and accompany him.

We hold the son of Mike and Teri Corso in our hearts and prayers as he recovers from his second surgery and undergoes treatment for cancer. We send loving condolences for the passing of their sister-in-law, Carol Higgins and prayers for their family as they cope with this loss.

We pray for Theresa Padovano's brother as he transitions to new existence in the Divine Presence. We hold Theresa and her family in our hearts and prayers in this sacred time.

We send healing prayers for Bob Hoatson who has a torn right knee meniscus.

We hold Gerry Gannon in our hearts and prayers as he continues is recuperation.

We send continued prayers for, and positive energy to, Juanita Saco's brother, Greg.

We pray for Bunny Mondare who is now in hospice.

We pray for Mary's Aktay's 10-year-old grandson, Josh, who has COVID19.

Mary and Gerry Gannon suggest we read A Brief Historical Reflection by historical theologian, John Alozo Dick, Ph.D., STD on the "imperial" beginnings of the Catholic Church causing the clericalism that continues to afflict us.

Clericalism: Problems Past, Present, and Future expounds on this idea.

National Voice of the Faithful 2021 Conference Oct. 22-23, 2021

The VOTFNJ Coordinating Team has compiled a resource list on the subject of systemic racism, offering theological readings as well as historical and political perspectives. Download it here.

Dr. Williams is Associate Professor of History at the University of Dayton. She is completing her first book, Subversive Habits: The Untold Story of Black Catholic Nuns in the United States. 

VOTFNJ is a founding member and supporter of Refugee Assistance Morris Partners. RAMP is proud of its work sponsoring refugee families from the Middle East since its founding in 2016 thanks to the ongoing support of its deeply dedicated volunteers, faith-based organizations, and generous donors. Ramp partners with the International Rescue Committee (IRC). Read the IRC article: "Afghans arriving in the U.S. look to the future." RAMP continues to work with IRC in its current mission of refugee resettlement.

If you would like to join this multi-faith and civic effort, go to the RAMP website and check for all the opportunities available. Contact: [email protected] for more information and updates.

RAMP is a Special Project Fund of the Community Foundation of New Jersey. CFNJ manages and administers RAMP funds, and donations made to RAMP through CFNJ qualify for 501(c)3 status. Donations can be made here.

Send a note of welcome to Afghans arriving in the U.S. WELCOME, REFUGEES! For Afghan families starting over, your words can mean everything.

Leo and Carole Rogers went to the "Tamari Bakes for Afghan Refugees" in Randolph on Sunday, Sept. 26, 2021. Lots of delicious treats were available from people who are "sympathetic to the struggles of Afghan families trying to resettle." What a "sweet" way to help refugees!

They knew and they let it happen: Uncovering child abuse in the Catholic Church Unfortunately the Boston Globe has a paywall.

Surviving abuse in all its forms. Keep up with coverage in VOTF National, America, NCR, Commonweal, and Crux.

We recommend reading Fr. Ken Lasch's posts on his website; keeping up with all the news and events at Road to Recovery and Catholic Whistleblowers; and visiting the Catholics4Change website, the Bishop Accountability website; and the Catholic Church Reform International website.

 Active Investigations and Information Hotlines

NY Victims and Anyone with Information are Encouraged to Call Hotline at 1-800-771-7755 or File Complaint Online at ag.ny.gov/ClergyAbuse

Keep up with the activities and outreach of Ending Clergy Abuse (ECA) and Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (SNAP).

VOTFNJ has developed an Action Packet of useful steps you can take to confront the abuse crisis in our Church.

Obituary of Finbarr Michael Corr, Ed.D., former pastor of St. Vincent Martyr Parish in Madison.

Blessed are the meek — saving the tradition by Joan Chittister OSB

Francis is set to open a worldwide synod process. US dioceses don't seem prepared.

Engaging the people in Pope Francis synods petition

NCR Editorial: Let's give the Holy Spirit a chance at synod on synodality

A 'love letter of unanswered questions' about women's ordination