Upcoming Liturgies
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September 15, 2024

4:30 PM

on Zoom


Presider: Mike Corso


October 6, 2024

4:30 PM

on Zoom


Community Liturgy

Zoom details will be provided in the invitations to the liturgies and presentations that are emailed on the Thursday before the event.


We invite everyone not only to join our liturgies but to actively participate! Please let us know if you would like to be a reader or present the Eucharistic prayer.

Upcoming Presentations


Sept. 22, 2024

4:30 PM

on Zoom



"Sadness and Service at the Border"


Sr. Norma Pimentel, MJ, Exec. Dir. of Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valley

Read Sister Pimentel's Bio.

Sisters help migrants build new lives through Omaha-based support network

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An Evening with Ilia Delio, OSF, PhD

7:30 PM on Zoom


“An American Franciscan Sister, Ilia Delio, a theologian at Villanova University, is now emerging as the single finest exponent of Teilhard’s vision and its relevance for science and cosmology in the twenty-first century.” ~DIARMUID O’MURCHU


Read about Sister Delio and the Center for Christogenesis here.

Donate to VOTFNJ!

Our Donation Basket Enables Our Free Programs


Your contributions allow VOTFNJ to provide free online presentations for all to join and still give honorariums to our presenters. We can now accept donations online.

Thank you for your generosity!

Other Virtual Liturgies
You can join Sophia Inclusive Catholic Community, the "sister" community of VOTFNJ, via Zoom for liturgies. Contact Mike Corso for more information.
Call to Action's Alternative Liturgies Directory provides a space to share information about spiritual communities that meet outside a traditional parish setting. These gatherings include online prayer services, Intentional Eucharistic Communities, churches presided over by women priests, Call To Action chapter liturgies, and more.
VOTFNJ Family on the Web

"Beyond Boundaries," Dick Rento's Blog

"Mike Corso's Religious Views," Mike Corso's Blog

"Faith Seeking Understanding," Ken Lasch's Website

"Considerable Thoughts," Sal Umana's Blog

VOTFNJ Family News
Journeying together as family through sadness and joy...
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Praying Together...


We pray for Carol Jenkins as she recovers from knee surgery. We pray for Mary Gannon who is recovering from COVID and her daughter and son who are being helped with emotional issues.


We pray for Tish's son, Paul, after surgery revealed the spread of cancer. We hold Tish and her family in our hearts.


We pray for the families and volunteers of RAMP, members of the Sophia Inclusive Community, Pathways to Prosperity, and the Christian Community in Convent Station, and their families.

Sharing Together...


Bernice Anglin and Peg Pipchick recommend The Not-Yet God: Carl Jung, Teilhard de Chardin, and the Relational Whole, by Ilia Delio.


Mary Aktay suggests this reflection and review of the book.

Charlie Saco recommends The Mole of Vatican Council II: The True Story of "Xavier Rynne"

Please email if you have news or thoughts to share or need prayers and community support.

VOTFNJ's Mission Statement:

Voice of the Faithful New Jersey is a welcoming Eucharistic community mindful of its Christian Catholic tradition. Attentive to the Spirit, we seek to be the change we wish to see in the Church. We share responsibility toward spiritual growth, prophetic witness, and the promotion of justice and equality in the Church and society.


VOTFNJ's Goals:

To support and advocate for survivors of clergy sexual abuse

To support and advocate for priests of integrity

To support and advocate for those striving to proclaim an expanded image of God compatible with science and theology in the 21st Century

To provide educational and spiritual opportunities for our community and others.  


If you are not yet a VOTFNJ member you can join by filling out this form and mailing it in.


VOTFNJ is FAMILY! If you need anything at all: groceries, a ride somewhere, or simply someone to talk to, please don't hesitate to reach out. We are here for each other!

The Synod

Call To Action: 2024 Synod Survey


Synod YouTube Channel


Vatican Synthesis Report


FutureChurch Synod Resources


How to begin your own synodal gathering


CCRI's

Multi-generational global synodal gatherings

Staying Involved in the Synodal Process

Calendar of events.

Conversation in the Spirit with Synod Delegates and People


Embracing newness: Women's transformative role in the synodal journey


VOTFNJ member and liaison to VOTF National, Mary Murphy, recommends we visit "Listening to the Faithful: Synod 2021-2024"


Diocesan listening session reports address church's 'successes and distresses' ahead of October synod session

A Synodal Church in Mission, A Synthesis Report
For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation, and Mission
Download the VOTF National Synod Report.
Confronting Systemic Racism

White Supremacy and American Christianity: We Choose Freedom


Joint Black Catholics conference says it's 'time for another Sr. Thea Bowman moment'


Black Catholics shine in wild week at 2024 Paris Olympics


A Policy Agenda for a Healthier, More Equitable New Jersey

VOTFNJ RESOURCE

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.

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).


RAMP helps people bridge to a new life for a better future

RAMP assists vetted and documented refugee families and individuals who fled their homes under threat of war or violence. Since its founding in 2016, RAMP has supported 22 adults and 21 children from Syria, Afghanistan, and El Salvador. Thirteen are now U.S. citizens and two are serving in the military. 

RAMP will participate in a ceremony marking the UN-designated International Day of Peace on September 21 at the Chester Gazebo on Main St. at Collis Lane in downtown Chester at 6:00 p.m.

Learn more.

RAMP earned status as an independent New Jersey 501 (c)(3) non-profit in 2022. The organization operated initially as a special project of the Community Foundation of New Jersey. Since its founding, RAMP has welcomed and supported 11 families from Syria, Afghanistan and El Salvador.

Read the latest RAMP newsletter.
Supporting Survivors

Seven stories of clergy sexual abuse the Church’s credibility


For Countless U.S. Clergy Abuse Victims, Justice Remains Elusive


Legendary talk show host Phil Donahue highlighted clergy abuse crisis



Abuse survivors navigate 'complicated' relationship with the church amid revival


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 Catholics4Change, Bishop Accountability; Awake, and Catholic Church Reform International.


Road to Recovery conducts support groups for survivors of clergy abuse. Contact Bob Hoatson for information.


 Active Investigations and Information Hotlines


NJ Clergy Abuse Hotline 855-363-6548


NY Victims and Anyone with Information are Encouraged to Call the Hotline at 

1-800-771-7755 or File Complaint Online at ag.ny.gov/ClergyAbuse


National Resources for Sexual Assault Survivors and their Loved Ones


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

Road to Recovery, Catholic Whistleblowers, and US News

Pope Francis’ main adviser on clergy abuse, Cardinal Seán O’Malley, retires as archbishop of Boston


Boston clergy abuse victims frustrated by new archbishop choice in Bishop Richard Henning


Identities of abusers should be listed on church websites, WA child sexual abuse inquiry finds


Sex abuse survivors ask Vatican to investigate Seattle Archdiocese as Washington's lawsuit fails


Cardinal Newman student sexually assaulted by football team, called racial slurs, lawsuit claims


With Child Victims Act on the line, Baltimore man alleges sex abuse by St. Mary’s seminarian: ‘He was like, untouchable’


Father Michael Scanlan has been Accused of Sexual Abuse


‘We called her mastodon’: infamous New Orleans orphanage’s abusive history ran deeper than ever known

Vatican and International News

Vatican expels Sodality of Christian Life founder


Vatican removes Pakistani archbishop over corruption, sexual abuse charges


Polish president strips former priest of state order after sex abuse conviction


Abuse victims praise inquiry on Jesuit provincials in Bolivia


Clergy sexual abuse probe in Bolivia. Earthquake or business as usual?


Rosica, Basilians argue church, not the state, should adjudicate priest’s sex abuse claims


Canadian bishop faces probe over Rosica assault allegations


Church sex abuse scandals in East Timor met by silence, but Pope Francis’ visit brings new attention


Vatican Girl’ brother voices no confidence in Vatican probe of her fate


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

Supporting Priests of Integrity

A new book explores the life and art of Fr. William Hart McNichols, a priest, artist, and a gay man who has a gift for lifting up the experiences of the wounded in his religious art. "All My Eyes See" by Christopher Pramuk and William Hart McNichols, reviewed by Senior Fellow at New Ways Ministry, Brian Flanagan. 


Financial Accountability


Jim Jordan's attack on Catholic groups' ethical investing


House committee accuses socially responsible investor groups of breaking antitrust law


Activists who tried saving Catholic hospitals not surprised by owner's bankruptcy


Luxembourg church reels from massive embezzlement at Caritas charity


How a Supreme Court ruling on bankruptcy could affect Catholic abuse lawsuits


Lawmaker: Catholic Church lobbied against Mass. bill that would end cap on nonprofit liability


Volunteer with key role in New Orleans church bankruptcy admits to stunning lack of qualifications


Judge appoints outside expert to review $40m New Orleans church bankruptcy


Structural Change in the Church

Breathe your spirit into the dry bones of your church


It Could Happen to a Bishop


Dear US bishops: Modern society is not the enemy


Italian priest’s exit for wife, unborn child renews celibacy debate

Women in the Church

Sisters of Mercy Mourn the Passing of Sister Theresa Kane, RSM


2024 Rita Cassella Jones Lecture on Women and U.S. Catholicism


After Her Remarks Pope JPII Was Never the Same — Controversial, Beloved Sr Theresa Kane’s Effect on the Catholic Church Endures


Harris promises a new way forward. Would that the pope would do the same by Phyllis Zagano


Enough already. It is time to ordain women to the diaconate


If women cannot be deacons, we should stop ordaining men deacons


LCWR assembly invites sisters to become 'catalyst for social transformation'


Ordain women in the order of Susanna

LGBTQ+ Rights

Pope Francis Meets Catholic Nun Known for LGBTQ+ Ministry


Blessing people in 'irregular' relationships is not doctrinal error, theologian says



Holy scars and divine welcome: A transgender Catholic flourishes at Outreach 2024

Young People



Carlo Acutis' canonization reflects Vatican desire to appeal to new generation


Young Catholics say social issues give Dems the edge in presidential race


Season of Creation


In the letter of Paul the apostle to the Romans, the biblical image pictures the Earth as a Mother, groaning as in childbirth (Rom 8:22). Francis of Assisi understood this when he referred to the Earth as our sister and our mother in his Canticle of Creatures. The times we live in show that we are not relating to the Earth as a gift from our Creator, but rather as a resource to be used.


And yet, there is hope and the expectation for a better future. To hope in a biblical context does not mean to stand still and quiet, but rather groaning, crying, and actively striving for new life amidst the struggles. Just as in childbirth, we go through a period of intense pain, but new life springs forth.


Season of Creation 2024


Beware of false prophets

29 Woodcrest Drive,
Morristown, NJ 07960-4528
Call +1 862-377-9914
Contact VOTFNJ Today.
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