1
4/22/06 Approved with corrections.
Archdiocese of Portland in Oregon
Archdiocesan Pastoral Council
MINUTES
February 4, 2006
The Pastoral Center, Portland
Present: Archbishop John G. Vlazny,
Fr. Dennis O’Donovan, and Members: Clint Bentz, Jesus Bojorges, Deacon
Harold Burke-Sivers, Mother Francine Cardew, Michelle Forster, Sr. Ruth
Frank, Fr. Don Gutmann, Bruce Heldt, Eloisa Hernandez, Ray Houghton, F.J.
Maloney, Eleanor Myers, Rick Nelson, Pat Ridenour, Fr. Dick Rossman and
Deacon An Vu
Staff Present: Todd Cooper
Not Present: Thom Faller (E), B.J.
Finleybranch, Fr. Chuck Lienert (E), Francisco Peña and Diane Peterson
(E)
The twentieth meeting of the Archdiocesan
Pastoral Council (APC) was called to order at 10:05am by the council chair,
F.J. Maloney. Mother Francine Cardew led the opening prayer.
The minutes from the December 3, 2005 meeting
of the APC were approved. The agenda was approved.
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE REPORT
FJ Maloney reported. The APC Executive Committee decided that “Annual Vicariate
Meeting of Pastoral Councils” should be the new designation for the annual
vicariate meetings. This change in terminology will better reflect the
purpose of these annual meetings to gather pastoral councils to discuss
matters of pastoral planning. Increasing participation in these meetings
is one of the goals to help better our overall pastoral planning efforts.
At the Annual Meeting of Pastoral Councils this year, parishes will be
asked to share their current best practices surrounding the top three archdiocesan
pastoral planning goals of faith formation at all levels, youth & young
adult ministry, and multicultural ministry. These best practices will be
culled by the APC and the best of the best practices will be shared at
next fall’s Archdiocesan Pastoral Assembly in the hopes of generating enthusiasm,
ideas, and activity amongst the vicariates and parishes. The APC Executive
Committee also agreed that it would be a good idea to share some direct
communication from the archbishop about the bankruptcy at the Annual Vicariate
Meeting of Pastoral Councils. This communication could come in the form
of a letter from the archbishop, a video presentation, or perhaps even
a live representative from the chancery.
Since the APC has in some ways completed its work of recommending pastoral
priorities to the archbishop and recommending strategies for implementation,
the council should now begin to look at other matters of pastoral planning
that may merit some attention. Other topics that have come up include vocations,
stewardship, and physician assisted suicide.
RACISM MATERIALS REPORT
Todd Cooper reported. Just over one year ago, the racism materials that
had been developed by a subcommittee of the APC were sent out to pastors
and pastoral ministers by the archbishop. These materials included a six
week study on racism that was recommended as an activity for Lenten small
groups. Follow-up calls to parishes by members of the Racism Subcommittee
served as an important encouragement for several parishes to use the materials.
At least nine different parishes, including the Cathedral and the Church
of the Resurrection, used the materials in some fashion. Reports, however,
indicated that the number of participants were small. Over the course of
2005, none of the experts on racism and multiculturalism that had been
listed as resources in the materials were contacted by parishes to offer
free workshops on the subject.
In discussions with those involved in developing the materials the question
was raised as to why there was not more interest in the topic and materials.
Poor marketing was cited as a possible explanation, as was the general
climate at the time of the release of the materials. It was also suggested
that there was no perceived need to focus on the topic. Many people do
not feel that racism is a problem. Portland is one of the “whitest” cities
of its size in America and that may contribute to the feeling that racism
is not a problem here. The issue is less challenging.
One of the goals of the APC in developing the racism materials was to raise
awareness of the issue. The eyes of the council were opened to the problem
through a study of “white privilege”. The “white privilege” angle was a
great entrée into the topic of racism for the council, and it was
hoped that this experience could be duplicated at the parish level through
the materials that were developed. Unfortunately, however, because of copyright
permissions and cost issues, the whole concept of “white privilege” had
to be removed from the materials that were developed. As a result, the
extremely effective “white privilege” approach to the topic could not be
used as a hook to get people interested in discussing the issue of racism.
Three of the people listed as resources in the racism materials are still
willing to help the archdiocese and the APC if it is decided that more
should be done to address the topic. Their names are Marie Langenes, Frances
Portillo, and Susan Helzer. In addition, it is likely that the racism materials
can be posted on the multicultural web pages that are being developed for
the archdiocese.
The recent movie, “Crash”, which is set in Los Angeles, addresses the theme
of latent racial prejudice in human relations. It is a critically acclaimed
movie and while raw in nature, the movie deftly exposes some of the existing
racial prejudices that affect daily life in modern American society.
VOCATIONS REPORT
Fr. Kelly Vandehey, Director of Vocations for the Archdiocese of Portland,
addressed the APC. Fr. Kelly reported on the current vocations situation,
explained the nature of his office and its activities, and shared some
of his concerns.
The primary focus of the Vocations Office is the priesthood. The archdiocese
has been richly blessed and currently has thirty-one men in formation.
Twenty-five are at Mt. Angel, two in Wisconsin, one in Spokane, one in
Mexico City, and two at the North American College in Rome. Ages range
from eighteen years to sixty-two years. Three of the men are from Vietnam,
and there are also men from Mexico, the Philippines, and Nicaragua. On
June 10, Steve Geer and David Shaw will be ordained as priests. On May
20, Jeff Meeuwsen and David Brown will be ordained as transitional deacons.
There are currently fourteen potential candidates, half of whom are from
the U.S. The immigration laws can be quite challenging for out of country
candidates. There have been no serious problems with visas.
The Vocations Office
promotes diocesan vocations and also serves as a liaison with religious
communities, many of which have their own vocation directors. Fr. Kelly’s
job as director is to be the initial screener for potential vocations.
Initial contact is often through e-mail. E-mail is a safe, easy way to
begin for someone who feels called to the priesthood or religious life.
Fr. Kelly answers many questions and provides information to those interested
in pursuing a vocation. An interview with a potential candidate begins
the more formal inquiry process. Fr. Kelly likes to meet face to face and
usually over a meal. Information flows when food is shared. The next step
is to guide a candidate through the application process. A formal Admissions
Board, which includes Fr. Kelly, the archbishop, and six others, reviews
the applications. The application includes a one page report from those
who have interviewed the candidate as well as a professional, psychological
evaluation. Finally, when a candidate is accepted, the Vocation Director
maintains a relationship with him during the years of formation.
Current activities of the Vocations Office include two discernment groups.
The OSU Newman Center has a group that is overseen by Sue Gifford. It is
called P.A.T.H.S. (Prayerfully answering the heart’s summons). There is
a second discernment group in Portland. It would be good also to have a
group in southern Oregon. The office also helps with the archbishop’s annual
priesthood discernment retreat in January. Vocations talks are given at
schools. Fr. Kelly has spoken at Theology on Tap. A vocations poster has
been created that includes pictures of all of the men and women in formation
in the archdiocese.
Parishes are the key to vocations! Clergy have a major role to play in
fostering vocations. Serra Club is a big supporter of vocations and it
sponsors two special events – a post Christmas party and an appreciation
dinner. Quo Vadis Days in southern Oregon is aimed at fostering vocations
in young boys. The USCCB is developing a vocations initiative called Fishers
of Men. Clergy will interview clergy about why they became priests and
what they enjoy most about their work.
Fr. Kelly shared some concerns related to the work of his office. Foreign
students need host families, especially during the holidays. Parishes need
more adult education about vocations. While many candidates is a blessing,
the costs for education and formation of priests is very high and financing
is always needed.
In the question and discussion phase, council members raised several issues.
Has seminarian screening been adjusted since the abuse scandal? The screening
process that has been in place for some years now is fairly sophisticated
and involves interviews, letters of recommendation, and a professional,
psychological evaluation. Primarily, however the spiritual and personal
formation program during the years of seminary training is the place where
issues are uncovered and dealt with. A candidate must be known in order
to be ordained. In the past, a candidate was not necessarily known and
that is probably the major difference in formation from twenty-five or
more years ago. In the end, however, much still depends upon the honesty
and integrity of the individual who is pursuing the path to ordination
and how much they choose to reveal themselves.
How is the screening for deacons? The formation is not as intense because
you are generally dealing with older and more mature individuals, however,
the screening is still very good. It involves recommendations, spousal
support for those who are married, interviews, and a psychological evaluation.
Some deacons feel underutilized. There are tensions with some pastors.
Deacons are ordained for the service of the archdiocese – not for a specific
parish. Sometimes that is forgotten. We may not be using deacons as well
as we should, but we are getting better at it.
Altar calls can be an effective way to plant and water the seeds of vocations.
These could be promoted at the parish level. Newman Centers are an important
piece in vocations development. They keep Catholic students connected with
their faith at a time when many are not actively participating in the church.
It is also a time when young adults are trying to discern their calling
in life. Each parish would benefit from a Serra Club.
Does formation end after ordination? Is there anything in place to get
the newly ordained connected with the presbyterate? Some priests do not
participate at diocesan events and that is a concern.
What are the greatest needs for the diocese? More Spanish speaking priests
is perhaps the greatest need. Developing a stronger support network for
foreign priests is also needed.
LUNCH – 12:00pm to 1:00pm
ARCHBISHOP’S REPORT
Recent Events
The 8th Annual Priesthood Discernment Retreat took place in January. Eight
or nine participated. Normally, some of the men who participate in the
retreat enter the seminary the following fall.
The new Fr. Bernard Youth Center in Mt. Angel was dedicated. The chapel
is beautiful. Tony Morris spearheaded the development of the center. Many
were present at the dedication.
The pro-life Mass & rally in Salem went well. Please pray for the change
of heart necessary to promote the Gospel of Life.
Archbishop’s Appeal
The Archbishop’s Catholic Appeal made its goal last year. The 2006 Appeal
is being planned and promoted. This vehicle for fundraising is now more
critical than ever to raise funds for the evangelizing mission of the Church.
For the Annual Appeal, a new Salve Regina Society has been established.
Those who have contributed substantially to the Appeal are automatically
enrolled as members of the society.
Bankruptcy
December 30, 2005, the bankruptcy court judge issued a tough ruling. The
goal is to settle the claims. Both sides have a desire to come to terms.
Insurance companies are still resistant.
Pope’s First Encyclical
Pope Benedict XVI wrote his first encyclical, entitled “Deus caritas est”
(God is Love). It is very good. The first part is philosophical in nature.
The second part deals with the Church as a community of charity. Charity
is part of who we are.
Upcoming Events
Consecrated Life Day was February 2. The archbishop will lead vespers at
the Cathedral this evening, February 4, to celebrate. The archbishop will
be traveling to Rome for five days and will visit the seminarians stationed
at the North American College. February 15 is the installation of Archbishop
Niederauer in San Francisco. February 20 is the annual Priest Appreciation
Dinner hosted by the Serra Club.
Other Items of Note
The Sisters of Providence are celebrating their 150th anniversary.
Fr. Jim Brady, CSC, passed away. There was a memorial Mass last week at
the University of Portland. Fr. Binh Hoang has been appointed administrator
at Shaw.
There was a Vatican
visitation team at Mt. Angel Seminary recently. The evaluation process
went very well.
ANNUAL VICARIATE MEETING OF PASTORAL
COUNCILS
Todd Cooper reported. The annual spring meetings will begin taking place
shortly. Vicariate representatives should make sure to contact their vicars
to set dates for these meetings. FJ prepared a draft letter to pastoral
council chairs that was reviewed and edited by the council (See APPENDIX
A for the edited version). These letters should be sent out by Vicariate
Representatives to pastoral council chairs. Copies should be sent to pastors.
This direct mailing to pastoral council chairs is a response by the APC
to the request for increased communication between the APC and the parishes.
It is also an effort to help clarify the archbishop’s intent for the annual
vicariate meetings to gather pastoral councils to participate in pastoral
planning at the vicariate level.
To hold the annual meetings without discussion of the bankruptcy, which
is hanging as a backdrop to all of our pastoral activity, is not a good
idea. The issue of the bankruptcy should be addressed, however, it should
not derail the intent of these meetings to enhance pastoral planning efforts.
Council members agreed that it would be good if the archbishop were to
have a representative at the annual meetings who could answer questions
about the bankruptcy. The archbishop felt this might be possible.
Should the role of pastoral councils be discussed? In 1983, workshops were
held to clarify the role of pastoral councils. Much good work was done
at that time. If a parish does not have a chairperson, the pastor could
appoint a representative.
ARCHDIOCESAN PASTORAL ASSEMBLY
Todd Cooper reported. The dates for the next pastoral assembly are November
10 & 11, 2006. The Annual Vicariate Meetings of Pastoral Councils will
provide some groundwork for the assembly. The purpose of the assembly is
to provide a diocesan-wide forum for pastoral planning and to elect new
members to the Archdiocesan Pastoral Council. The planning committee has
not yet been established.
BANKRUPTCY REPORT
Fr. Dennis O’Donovan reported. The hope is to come to a settlement agreement
with the plaintiffs. The archdiocese has prepared a reorganization plan
that it feels is just and balances the needs of all. The claimants have
the right to propose a different reorganization plan.
PHYSICIAN ASSISTED SUICIDE
Clint Bentz reported. Council members received
a copy of the archbishop’s statement on the recent Gonzales vs. Oregon
Supreme Court decision (See APPENDIX B). With the legalization in Oregon
of physician assisted suicide, the Hippocratic Oath has been turned on
its head. Physicians for Compassionate Care is an organization of doctors
opposed to assisted suicide. It is hoped that opposition to this practice,
which Oregonians voted in favor of, will begin at a grass roots level.
The law that is on the books is not the law that Oregonians think they
voted for. There is much money to be gained for some major proponents of
physician assisted suicide. Health insurance companies are keenly aware
of the fact that eighty percent of health care dollars are spent in the
last months of life. Cutting life short through physician assisted suicide
could serve to save some companies a lot of money. If this law takes us
down the same path as the Netherlands, the next big issue that we will
face will be euthanasia – where a doctor would administer a shot to kill
a patient. What begins as a right ends as an obligation. Oregon is ground
zero for this issue in the U.S. Is this something that we have a responsibility
to address? Does the APC want to take up this issue? The Physicians for
Compassionate Care Educational Foundation has a website with good info
about the issue: http://www.pccef.org
Catholic health care professionals should take the lead on this issue and
a plan should be developed for how to get the Catholic community more actively
involved in this issue.
The meeting concluded with a prayer led
by Deacon Harold Burke-Sivers.
NEXT MEETING: Saturday, April 22,
2006 from 10am to 3pm at The Griffin Center (11933 SE Fuller Rd; Milwaukie)
APPENDIX A
February 4, 2006
[Recipient Name and Address]
Chair, Pastoral Council
Re: Annual Vicariate Meeting of Pastoral
Councils
Dear _____:
On behalf of the Archdiocesan
Pastoral Council, greetings. As you may know, I am the Archdiocesan Pastoral
Council representative for the Vicariate. The purpose of this letter is
(1) to remind you about the upcoming Annual Vicariate Meeting of Pastoral
Councils for the Vicariate, (2) to request your personal attendance at
this meeting as well as the other members of your pastoral council, and
(3) to request that you gather certain information from your pastoral council
to bring with you to present to the other pastoral council representatives
at the time of the annual meeting.
Please note that what was formerly called the “Annual Vicariate Meeting”
is now being referred to as the “Annual Vicariate Meeting of Pastoral Councils”.
This change is to reflect Archbishop Vlazny’s intent and desire that these
yearly meetings be attended by pastoral council members from parishes,
and that the opportunity be taken by the pastoral councils to actively
meet, participate and exchange information for the benefit of the vicariate
and the archdiocese as a whole. A date for the Vicariate’s annual meeting
has not yet been set, and will most likely be scheduled sometime between
mid-April and mid-June 2006. This meeting will be scheduled with your parish
pastor, who will then circulate the date to you and the rest of the pastoral
council.
The Archdiocesan Pastoral Assembly, which occurs every three years and
gathers pastoral council representatives from throughout the archdiocese,
is scheduled for this November 10-11, 2006. In furtherance of the Archdiocesan
Pastoral Priorities (a copy of which I have attached for your convenience),
one of the goals of the Pastoral Assembly will be to exchange and present
different ideas and best practices that have worked well within the individual
parishes. In preparation for the November 2006 Pastoral Assembly, we wish
to obtain as many ideas and best practices from the individual parishes
at the time of the Annual Vicariate Meeting of Pastoral Councils. From
the ideas gathered and presented at the annual meetings, we hope to select
a number of ideas and practices to present to the entire archdiocese at
the time of the November 2006 assembly.
As part of the Archdiocesan Pastoral Council’s efforts to gather this information,
and as the leader and chairperson of your pastoral council, we need your
help. We strongly encourage not only you, but the other members of your
pastoral council, to attend the Annual Vicariate Meeting of Pastoral Councils.
Particularly with the Archdiocese’s current financial challenges, it is
more important than ever that all pastoral councils within the vicariate
and the archdiocese come together to meet, exchange information, and assist
each other.
We request that at your upcoming pastoral council meetings, you include
the annual Annual Vicariate Meeting of Pastoral Councils as an agenda item,
and that your council discuss and gather ideas and information regarding
how the Archdiocesan Pastoral Priorities have best been implemented within
your parish. We understand that not all parishes will have yet made significant
strides with all of the pastoral priorities, and that some parishes may
not have that much information to offer; nonetheless, we hope that the
effort of discussing these issues may help each parish identify and recognize
the helpful information they have to share with the entire vicariate. We
ask that this information be briefly outlined and organized in a way that
may be presented to the other parishes at the time of the Annual Vicariate
Meeting of Pastoral Councils. We ask that it also be made available in
a written format so that a copy can be given to the APC Vicariate Representative
as well as to persons attending the annual meeting so that they have something
to take back to their individual parishes.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call or contact me
at (insert phone number) or ______________ @________.com.
Peace in Christ,
Attachment: Archdiocesan Pastoral Pastoral
Priorities
cc: Archbishop John Vlazny
Parish
Pastor
Archdiocesan
Pastoral Council
APPENDIX B
Copy of text only. Original Statement appeared
on Oregon Catholic Conference Letterhead
January 17, 2006
Statement of Archbishop John G. Vlazny
on the Gonzales v. Oregon Decision
Today’s opinion by the U.S. Supreme Court
in Gonzales v. Oregon is truly disappointing.
The failure of our governmental structures
to prevent doctors from violating medicine’s historic ethical prohibition,
“Do no harm,” is a tragic error of immense proportion and significance.
The ethical directive to doctors to protect their patients predates Christianity,
has served humanity well and has attempted to maintain the ethical integrity
of the medical profession.
This decision most tragically continues
to distance our national judicial precedents from respect for life. Society’s
continuing disregard for the dignity and sanctity of human life from conception
until natural death does not bode well for protection of the unborn, the
terminally ill, the elderly and the disabled in our nation.
Through the health care ministry of our
hospitals and nursing homes, the Catholic Church will continue to support,
care for and relieve the pain of those who are sick and dying. Terminally
ill patients should have their pain controlled and be comforted, not be
assisted to commit suicide by their doctors.
The Oregon Catholic Conference will continue
to explore avenues within the medical profession, through Catholic health
care and the public policy arena to protect those who are dying from harm
and to restore society’s respect for the dignity and sanctity of human
life.