CORPUS Board Meeting
February 13, 2009
 
Present:  Bill Manseau, Allen and Sylvia Moore, Stu O’Brien, Anthony Padovano, Linda Pinto. Guests: Susan and John Negrotto.

Friday, February 13, 2009
 Stu O’Brien began the meeting with prayer using the Ecumenical Credo and  Michael Morwood’s A Prayer for All People.

Ecumenical Partnership with Episcopal Church Initiative
The Board welcomed John and Susan Negrotto. John, ordained in 1969 for the Diocese of Paterson, has been an Episcopalian priest for the past 28 years. He noted that “he grew up in a Church which didn’t grow.” The recent election of Katherine Jefferts Schori as Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of New Jersey now offers opportunities for conversation and bridge-building. He noted that there are over 600 former Roman Catholic priests who have served in the Episcopal Diocese in the last 50 years.  He noted that Bishop Schori is very supportive of ecumenical and evangelical partnerships. He described her as having “a feminine, divine touch.” He suggested that a partnership may be possible with CORPUS and/or the Community of John XXIII.

John distributed materials which support the initiative. These include an article entitled “Much to Learn from the Moravians: Agreement Proposed to General Convention”, sections of the Constitution and Canons, and an article from “Episcopal Life”.

Linda suggested that we flesh out what actions/steps we would initiate to begin this relationship. John thought that a meeting between the Board of CORPUS and the Bishop or the National Church’s Chief Ecumenical Officer would be the first step. A question arose as to how CORPUS identifies itself. Legally, over the course of our history, we have been named an “association”, a “tax exempt, non-profit charitable organization”, a “religious order”, and a “Church” given the IRS designation as a 501 (c) (3) (i).  We have also described ourselves as “Roman Catholic, inclusive, ministerial, ecumenical and a faith community”. There was consensus that we needed to put our identity into context before meeting with Episcopalian Church officials. We would dedicate some time during this meeting to examine this issue.

There was also consensus that John should be charged to set up a meeting with either the Chief Ecumenical Officer or the Bishop, herself.  The purpose of this meeting would be to introduce ourselves to each other and begin a dialogue as to how we could mutually benefit from a relationship.


Community of John XXIII
Linda reported on the on-going activities of the Community of John XXIII. There are now 17 members: Bob Charpentier (Kensington, CA), Vicki DiBetteto, (Pflugerville, TX), George and Valerie LeBlanc (Phoenix, AZ), Francis and Elaine McGullicuddy (Portland, ME), Tony Marotta (Warsaw, Poland/Florence, Italy), Allen and Sylvia Moore (Sedona, AZ), Theresa Padovano, (Morris Plains, NJ),  Linda Pinto (Shohola, PA), Terry and Fred Quinn ( Cranford, NJ),  Barbara Ryland (South Portland, ME), Dick and Mary Scaine Belleville, NJ), and John Warren (Louisville, Ohio)

Linda noted that the Community meets religiously once a month through the services of telephone calls provided by www.freeconference.com. Mary and Dick Scaine, facilitators, distribute discussion questions prior to each call. Our conversations have focused on Diarmond O’Murchu’s book Consecrated Religious Life: the Changing Paradigm. This year we plan to focus our discussions on Elizabeth Johnson’s book Quest for the Living God. After each virtual meeting, participants post their reflection on the website. A majority of members plan to attend the National Conference in June.

This past Christmas season members donated money to the Heifer Project, a project which provides animals to third world villages for the purposes of  sustainable living.

Linda reviewed the current status of the Community with the Ecumenical Catholic Communion. Currently, the Community of John XXIII has been recognized by CORPUS as a “Community” member. Therefore, it enjoys CORPUS’ non-profit tax exempt status. This is a requirement for the ECC to recognize to constitutionally recognize the Community as a “specialized ministry”.

Bill thanked Linda for her role as Board Liaison.

International Federation for a Renewed Catholic Ministry
Anthony noted that he and Bill had authored articles regarding the 10th Congress of the Group. Anthony reviewed the history of the movement. Initially, the International Federation of Married Catholic Priests (1986-2002) was established. Later, a more regional definition took place (2002-2008). CORPUS’ energies were placed in the North Atlantic Federation for a Renewed Catholic Priesthood. Lastly, the third shift was the International Federation for a Renewed Catholic Ministry.  He noted that this conference had, as one of its presenters, one of the Dominican Priests who authored the most recent Dutch Declaration. The next Congress is scheduled for 2011 in London.

Bill distributed the IFRCM Constitution, as well as the  Draft Agenda for the upcoming Executive Committee Meeting scheduled for Ireland in October or November 2009.

He noted that Andrea Johnson, recently elected Vice President of IFRCM, has been elected Bishop for the Roman Catholic Women Priests. It is possible that she may not be able to fulfill her responsibilities due to a Roman Catholic Women Priest policy that Bishops cannot serve on other Boards.

American Catholic Council
Anthony and Linda reported on the history and current activity of the American Catholic Council initiative. Initially, Robert Blair Kaiser and Leonard Swidler sponsored a conversation in Phoenix, AZ in 2007 and again after the CORPUS Conference in June, 2007. VOTF’s  (Voice of the Faithful) leadership capitalized on the effort and invited wider participation from members of COR (November, 2008) and Catholics at large. From November, 2008 through the present, committed organizations and individuals have meet montly through conference calls have generated a Declaration on Reform and Renewal, Strategic Plan and Principles. A website (www.americancatholiccouncil.org) has been established to disseminate information and allow for a broad outreach to all Catholics. Anthony and Linda serve as representatives of CORPUS on the Planning Committee Anthony also serves on the International Outreach and the Educational/Theological Committees.  Linda also serves on the Local Synod Committee.

COR
Linda noted that the November, 2008 COR (Catholic Organizations for Renewal) in Milwaukee, WI meeting was memorialized in a previous memo and article written for CORPUS REPORTS. She will be attending the Spring meeting (May 8-10, 2009) in Washington, D.C.as a representative of CORPUS, as Anthony will be attending the meeting of the European Network scheduled for the same weekend.
 
She further reported that COR members were required to submit their membership fee by February 15, 2009. She has had discussions with Erin Hanna (WOC) and Regina Bannon (SEPA)to clarify that CORPUS will only satisfy invoices if the moneys are available on the COR line item in the budget.

Ordination Gifts Coordinator
Linda agreed to take on the role of RCWP Ordination Gifts Coordinator.  Bill will write a letter of introduction and send it to the five coordinators of the Regions. Linda will take on the responsibility of connecting with Regional Coordinators and representing CORPUS’ desire to serve as a support and resource to the RCWP Community. Linda will connect with the five Regional Coordinators and project the need for witness and gifts to be given when ordinations are arranged.

Saturday, February 14, 2009

Sylvia began the day with prayer with a reading from Joan Chittister’s book Becoming Fully Human: The Greatest Glory of God. (pg 85) entitled “What Does It Mean to Be Faithful in the Face of Failure?”

Mission/Identity of CORPUS
Given our previous evening’s discussion with John Negrotto, there was consensus that we need to examine the identity and mission of CORPUS. There was consensus among Board Members that within the past few years we moved historically beyond the current definitions of our Mission Statement.

Bill quoted our current mission statement: It reads: “CORPUS is an association for an inclusive priesthood which, rooted in a strong Eucharistic commitment, promotes an expanded and renewed priesthood of married and single men and women in the Catholic Church.”

Linda outlined the identity of CORPUS in its historical context. She detailed that legally, we can be described as an “Association”, “a tax-exempt, non-profit charitable organization”, “a religious order” and a “Church (IRS 501 (c) (3) (i) status”. Additionally, our identity can be described by additional attributes: Roman Catholic, inclusive, ministerial, ecumenical and a faith community.

Anthony noted that we have transformed from a single-focus reform movement (1988)  to provide for recognition of a canonical, married priesthood to community with multi-faceted interests (2001+). It is significant to note that he said: “We have moved from precision to progressive ambiguity.” Anthony noted there were fsix areas where CORPUS has evolved since its inception. These are items the Community would have rejected at its first open, public meeting in 1988:  
        
        1. becoming a truly ecumenical group, with sacramental participation
        2. recognition of non-canonical ordination
        3. adopting some elements of being a church (mission, liturgy, doctrinal
            And moral issues
                4. establishing a religious order
        5. defining ourselves as a community rather than a movement
        6. acceptance of non-canonical ministry

    Allen noted that CORPUS has always been on a continuum with a wide variety of
postures and positions. It has been the role of the Board to present a balance.

    The Board reviewed the current mission statement in light of recent discussions. The following statement was developed and considered:

    
    CORPUS is a faith community affirming an inclusive priesthood rooted in a     reformed and renewed Church. It provides not only a ministry of service which is     open to the diverse ways people are authentically called by God, but seeks also     sacramental ecumenical collaboration. The community and ministry are defined     not only in traditional and canonical categories but in terms of the needs which     require autonomy and pastoral service. CORPUS is defined by the Roman     Catholic tradition and also by the charisms and conscience decisions which the     Spirit inspires.

    It was agreed that it will appear in the May-June issue of CORPUS RPEORTS.

    Anthony was charged with writing a short introduction to the Mission Statement. Allen suggested that it be used as part of  the opening prayer at the National Conference in June. Anthony presented a draft of the Introduction, and after discussion, there was unanimousconsensus.

Pension Advocacy
Linda reported on a conversation with Russ Ditzel regarding a meeting with canonical and non-canonical priests in the Diocese of Newark, NJ. There is some energy to hold a retreat in the Fall. Additionally, there is some conversation about pension compensation.

Bill spoke to the bequest of the $29,500 dedicated to Pension Advocacy. He noted that because it was a Boston priest who gave the donation, a majority of the funding would be dedicated to efforts within the Boston Diocese. Bill suggested the Hank Doughtery (Brooklyn, NY), Jack Ring (Hartford, CT) and Jim Russell (Rochester, NY) present to the Boston group on their successful efforts to capture pension benefits. Lawrence DeCaro, a Catholic layman attorney, was also asked to be part of the deliberation.

Bill suggested that $15,000 be set aside annually to engage the Emmaus Institute to collaborate with the Diocese of Boston in this effort. Part of the work would be to identify qualified individuals within the Boston Diocese.  Anthony suggested that not only should priest pension advocacy be used as a justice issue, but it should also allow the priest a caveat into parish work and a connection with the priest’s fellow Diocese Brothers.


Database Update
Linda reported that she has met with Thor Carlson who is willing to collaborate and help develop the database. Our intent will be to refine the current database rather than to  begin from scratch. Linda asked the Board for input regarding what information would be required.

Linda will develop the membership renewal instrument. It will include a invitation letter, a registration form, a questionnaire form, information about the National Conference and a prayer card. Linda will distribute the materials to the Board prior to printing.

A discussion ensued about the most efficacious way to remind members to complete the membership registration process. Linda suggested that the membership renewal forms be sent in May with a June deadline. Reminder postcards would be sent at the end of July, August and September. If possible, email notifications would be used.

A conversation began regarding the viability of membership. It was suggested that members be dropped only after two years of absence.

Linda will collect all names of COR, the Executive Committee of the  International Federation for a Renewed Catholic Ministry, NCMA,  European Network and International Movement “We Are Church” .

Contact Sheet
It was agreed that the contact sheet on the back page of  CORPUS REPORTS be delineated as: President, Secretary, Treasurer (names/contact information);  Member Services, Editor of CORPUS REPORTS, Ambassador, (names/contact information); Advisory Board (names only); Webmaster, Media Services, Community of John XXIII, Conference Coordinators, Financial Services, Pension Advocacy (names/email Addresses). Linda will contact David to work on this project.

CTA Booth 2009
Stu and David are proposing that we reevaluate our investment of a paid booth at the CTA Conference. Initially, its purpose was to promote our mission and increase membership. While there is now an increased awareness of the purpose and mission of CORPUS, it has not resulted in increased membership. Allen and Sylvia spoke to the witness value of continuing presence. Bill noted that this could be an opportunity for the members of the NCMA to collaborate.  It was agreed that CORPUS will collaborate with FCM to split the cost of one booth which will be scheduled to be located directly connected with WOC/RCWP. It was agreed that the cost of this effort was worth the investment.


Small Intentional Communities
Linda suggested that CORPUS/NCMA be represented at the gathering of Intentional Eucharistic Communities in Washington, D.C. May 15-17, 2009. The Board affirmed that suggested and delegated her to represent CORPUS.

Conference 2009
Allen and Sylvia presented the brochure announcing the June 2009 Conference. Allen noted that all Board Members must register. There will be a Board Meeting scheduled for Wednesday, June 24-26, 2009 beginning at 5:30 pm.

Conference 2010
Nick and Mary De Los Reyes and Allen and Sylvia Moore will serve as Conference Coordinators. It has been set for the last week in June, 2010, with the potential of Dallas, Texas as a location. Fr. Ray Bourgeois and Peter Phan would be suggested speakers focusing on the topic of “freedom”. Linda will contact RCWP as to their interests. She will also connect with WOC.

Conference 2011
There was a suggested that CORPUS not schedule a conference in lieu of the International Federation’s scheduled Congress in London in June 2011.  The Board agreed not to make a decision at this time.

CORPUS Media
It was noted that there have been a number of occasions in the past year which warranted public press releases. Linda will connect with Ray and David to work out a procedure to address concerns raised by some members that CORPUS be more prominent in the media.

Budget 2009
Members reviewed the 2008 Year To Date Budget totals. The Board reviewed line items and made proposals. The Budget was designed and affirmed.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:10 pm.

Respectfully Submitted:
Linda Pinto
February 15, 2009