Archbishop Burke Meets with Local Voice of the Faithful

I received a copy of this newsletter over a week ago and I have been praying about what to do with it. I had so hoped the Newsletter would be made public on the Internet and, lo and behold...It now is!

On Wednesday evening, September 29, 2004, the leadership of VOTFSL met with Archbishop Burke for nearly two hours at the Catholic Center.

I have been receiving the VOTF-SL Newsletters, aprently because of my attendance at their past conference with Fr. Donald Cozzens as keynote speaker. My report on that conference is here. The Newsletter contines:

The purpose of the listening sessions with priests, held by VOTF, was explained; that we hope to create a channel of communication for our faithful priests; we asked Archbishop’s support in this endeavor. He is reconstituting the Pastoral Council of priests who act as advisors to him onparish matters.

We further asked for recognition as a legitimate Catholic organization. Archbishop asked us to present documents relating our history, purpose, and goals so he may pursue appropriate channels for recognition.

Certainly, no documents that are detrimental to VOTF-SL will be presented Archbishop Burke. It would seem that Archbishop Burke may need additional material in order to be fully informed.

We spoke of structural change being promoted and accomplished through adult education courses, specifically regarding the role of the laity in the spirit of Vatican II.

"Structural Change"? In the "spirit of Vatican II"?

The document calls all Catholics to be active members of the Church. Adult education would help us to know, to seek, and to develop ways of bringing about
structural change.

I'm afraid I don't understand the document which calls for "structural change"...And just what is truly meant by this? It is ambiguous enough to cause concern, especially considering the past history of VOTF and the actions of some of the people running the local chapters.

It would seem prudent for concerned and faithful Catholics to forward legitimate critiques and articles about Voice of the Faithful to Archbishop Burke. I mean by "legitimate", articles from reputable sources which can be verified.

The Voice of the Faithful-St. Louis Newsletter is here.