The ’09 National Conference Committee is seeking nominations for this year’s Catherine of Siena Distinguished Lay Person Award.  This award was established by the 2005 VOTF Convocation Steering Committee and approved by the Board of Trustees at that time. Click here for nomination requirements.

The National Priest Support Working Group is now accepting nominations for the 2009 Priest of Integrity award that will presented at the Long Island National Conference October 30-31st.  Deadline for submission is August 1st.  Click here for nomination information and requirements.

The shocking report released in late May by the government-appointed Commission to Inquire into Child Abuse details the depth of child abuse at the hands of the clergy and religious of the Roman Catholic Church in Ireland. Roughly 2,000 men and women were abused in more than 100 schools and institutions run by religious orders dating back to the 1950s. This latest report is another example of the worldwide issue of clergy abuse—an issue that cannot be resolved without an end to the culture of secrecy and a call for accountability. Click here to read the VOTF national press release or visit the VOTF Ireland website to view their press release.

YOU CAN HELP! The Religious Orders Subcommittee of VOTF's National Representative Council is surveying the major religious Orders (men) and Congregations (women) on their child-safety programs and abuse-reporting procedures. After an initial round of contacts, the subcommittee is calling on VOTF members with ties to religious orders to help "fill in the blanks."

If you would like to help, here are the details.

October 30-31, 2009: VOTF National Conference 

MAKING OUR VOICES HEARD

Featuring SR. JOAN CHITTISTER, O.S.B., and FR. THOMAS REESE, S.J.