Greater Cincinnati
Voice of the Faithful
Greater Cincinnati VOTF
ph: 513-231-5271
"Celebrated Silence" -- December 13th--- 7:00pm
"Celebrated Silence" is a play written to explore the culture of groping. Anisha Singh's story will be presented at the Jarson- Kaplan Theater at the Aronoff Center. For information about ticketing (mature audiences) call 513-621-2787. Rebecca Born, Director of Connections: A Safe Place will talk about the trauma of sex abuse following the play.
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The 20th anniversary of Family Nurturing Center’s signature fundraising event will feature recognition of 20 Champions for Change. These champions are individuals, organizations or corporations who have demonstrated a commitment to creating a culture of change for how society views and responds to child abuse.
Contact : Tracy Fuchs, Family Nurturing Center, 8275 Ewing Blvd, Florence, KY 41042 tracy.fuchs@familynurture.org, 859-538-1630
VOTF ANNUAL MEETING
Sunday, December 7th, 2014
2:00 to 4:00pm
St. Frances De Sales Cafeteria
1602 Madison Ave.
(free parking in fenced lot)
INTEGRITY and CONSCIENCE
Over the past year Greater Cincinnati VOTF has continued to tackle tough questions. During our all member annual meeting we will focus on the themes of integrity and conscience.
We plan to view a DVD of Tony Flannery, author of the book, "A Question of Conscience," followed by a discussion of how we as Catholics can respond to the various issues involving conscience and integrity today.
We will also have a short business meeting sharing what Cincinnati VOTF has accomplished this year and our hopes for the future, with, we hope, an increased active membership.
If you have questions, please call the Cincinnati VOTF phone line: 513-231-5271 .
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Greater Cincinnati VOTF Members, Supporters, and Friends!
Come One, Come All ..… Relax and Reconnect!
Sunday, July 21st, 2013 ~ 2 – 5 pm
POTLUCK ~ PICNIC ~ GATHERING ~ MEETING ~CELEBRATION
The Cincinnati Co-coordinating Committee is planning an informal social gathering!
To share latest information from like-minded groups and folks in Cincinnati area, to see how we are all doing, share ideas and support one another.
To have a brief Annual Greater Cincinnati VOTF Business Meeting.
To recognize Christi Eisenberg for her years of servant leadership as she now steps down from her position as president/chair of Greater Cincinnati VOTF.
LOCATION: 2601 Montchateau Drive, Cincinnati, OH 45244 .Lots of space in the shady backyard, deck and porch.
Please come join us for this afternoon of conversation among friends.
Bring a side dish to share. ----Hamburgers, brats, drinks and dessert provided.
RSVPs –helpful but not essential----see you soon!
Cincinnati VOTF Coordinating Committee
Christi Eisenberg
Frances Hofmeister
Dick Okenfuss
Kathy Weyer
513-231-5271
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Fr. Mark Schmieder Memorial Scholarship Funds available for 2013 SNAP Conference
Greater Cincinnati VOTF established the Fr. Mark Schmieder Memorial Education Fund in 2010 to encourage prevention, awareness and healing of abuse trauma.
Fr. Mark Scholarship Funds are available to help a survivor who wishes to attend the 2013 National SNAP Conference in Washington, DC this summer. The SNAP Conference takes place the last weekend in July. The award will be based on available monies and the needs of the individual applicant.
- Priority is given to a survivor from the Cincinnati-Dayton area. However, survivors residing in KY and IN and other states are also eligible and encouraged to apply.
- We are committed at a minimum to provide one event registration to the 2013 SNAP conference (this has already been paid for) and two evenings lodging.
- Applicants for scholarship funds need to reply to this email stating their interest in attending the SNAP conference, and a brief statement about their own involvement in advocacy, education, healing or outreach. Please be sure to include a contact phone number and a statement of what help you are seeking (for ex: registration, lodging, transportation).
- All application-emails should be submitted to info@votfcincinnati.org
Fr. Mark Schmieder (1940-2009)
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Fr Mark was an active member of Greater Cincinnati Voice of the Faithful since its beginnings in 2003. He was instrumental in obtaining our 501(c) 3 nonprofit status and was serving as Treasurer and member of the Cincinnati VOTF Coordinating Committee at the time of his death on December 24, 2009. In 2007 Fr Mark was nominated by the Cincinnati VOTF membership as a “priest of integrity”. He was actively involved in the Cincinnati-Dayton SNAP network of survivors of clergy abuse and in 2005 he gave testimony in Columbus supporting legislative changes to extend the statutes of limitations for childhood sexual abuse. Fr. Mark advocated for better training for priests about the issue of abuse trauma. In 2008 he spoke during the diocesan priest convocation of his own abuse and encouraged his fellow priests to pastorally reach out to those harmed by abuse.
Fr. Mark was a strong and fearless advocate for those in our community who are silenced by the shame and trauma of abuse. Help us continue Fr. Mark’s legacy of caring outreach, education, advocacy and healing. Please call us at 513-231-5271 for information about how you can get involved.
Coordinating Committee
Greater Cincinnati Voice of the Faithful
9132 Millcliff Drive, Cincinnati, OH 45231
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Greater Cincinnati VOTF
10th Year Celebration--Annual Meeting
Saturday, November 17th, 2012
5-7pm
Celebrate what we have accomplished…. We urge you to come to this meeting, to be attentive to the Spirit, as we come together to celebrate our presence, persistence and dedication to working for change in our Church. We especially invite all those who were present in the early days of VOTF Cincinnati and so instrumental in leading the way and providing a foundation.
Rejuvenate … Share your past memories, current dreams and potential strategies for change-- all while enjoying a pot luck meal and “Birthday Cake” dessert. Video from National VOTF will be shared. Bring your most memorable moment to share.
Accelerate… Let’s talk about how to join forces with other change minded organizations to synergize our efforts? We are the Faithful …we need to use our voices, to build power through sharing. Please Come and Be a Voice!!!
We’ve recently heard that Sr. Maureen Turlish is in town that week and will be attending our meeting. We look forward to seeing you there! If you have questions, please contact the Cincinnati VOTF phone line: 513-231-5271 .
Saturday, November 17th, 5-7 pm.
St. Frances De Sales Cafeteria
1602 Madison Ave.
(free parking in fenced lot)
Soup, bread, ham, and birthday cake provided. Bring a potluck dish to share!!
Come, celebrate and share with others working for change within our Church.
RSVP encouraged: 513-231-5271
Greater Cincinnati VOTF
Coordinating Committee
This is the Greater Cincinnati VOTF all member Annual Meeting. We encourage you to prayerfully ponder your willingness to serve on the Cincinnati Coordinating Committee. If you have an interest, please let us know. We need your assistance and support.
Who will speak, if you don't?
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Fr. Mark Schmieder Memorial Scholarship Funds available for 2012 SNAP Conference
Greater Cincinnati VOTF established the Fr. Mark Schmieder Memorial Education Fund in 2010 to encourage prevention, awareness and healing of abuse trauma.
Fr. Mark Scholarship Funds are available to help a survivor who wishes to attend the 2012 National SNAP Conference in Chicago this summer. The SNAP Conference takes place the last weekend in July. The award will be based on available monies and the needs of the individual applicant.
- Priority is given to a survivor from the Cincinnati-Dayton area. However, survivors residing in KY and IN are also eligible and encouraged to apply.
- We are committed at a minimum to provide one event registration to the 2012 SNAP conference (this has already been paid for) and two evenings lodging at the Hilton Rosemont.
- Applicants for scholarship funds need to reply to this email stating their interest in attending the SNAP conference, and a brief statement about their involvement in advocacy, education, healing or outreach. Please be sure to include a contact phone number and a statement of what help you are seeking (for ex: registration, lodging, transportation).
- All application-emails should be submitted no later than June 15th. Award notification will be made by July 1st. Submit to info@votfcincinnati.org
Fr. Mark Schmieder (1940-2009)
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Fr Mark was an active member of Greater Cincinnati Voice of the Faithful since its beginnings in 2003. He was instrumental in obtaining our 501(c) 3 nonprofit status and was serving as Treasurer and member of the Cincinnati VOTF Coordinating Committee at the time of his death on December 24, 2009. In 2007 Fr Mark was nominated by the Cincinnati VOTF membership as a “priest of integrity”. He was actively involved in the Cincinnati-Dayton SNAP network of survivors of clergy abuse and in 2005 he gave testimony in Columbus supporting legislative changes to extend the statutes of limitations for childhood sexual abuse. Fr. Mark advocated for better training for priests about the issue of abuse trauma. In 2008 he spoke during the diocesan priest convocation of his own abuse and encouraged his fellow priests to pastorally reach out to those harmed by abuse.
Fr. Mark was a strong and fearless advocate for those in our community who are silenced by the shame and trauma of abuse. Help us continue Fr. Mark’s legacy of caring outreach, education, advocacy and healing. Please call us at 513-231-5271 for information about how you can get involved.
Coordinating Committee
Greater Cincinnati Voice of the Faithful
9132 Millcliff Drive, Cincinnati, OH 45231
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VOTF ANNUAL MEETING
Sunday, November 6, 2011
2:00 to 4:00pm
St. Frances De Sales Cafeteria
602 Madison Ave.
(free parking in fenced lot)
How do we as individuals stay connected to our Catholic faith?
What can sustain us during these turbulent times in our Church?
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Come with your concerns, questions, an open heart,
and ready to share things that can sustain us spiritually.
Be prepared for a facilitated and spirited discussion.
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The annual all member business meeting will follow.
If you have questions, please call the Cincinnati VOTF phone line: 513-231-5271 .
Come, and bring another frustrated Catholic friend!
We look forward to seeing you there!
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Hello to all the Cincinnati VOTF Members and Supporters!
Come One, Come All… Relax and Reconnect.
The Cincinnati Co-coordinating Committee along with our friends in the north (Dayton and beyond!) have decided it would be great to have an informal social gathering to reconnect!
We have planned a picnic for Sunday, August 14th, 2 – 6 pm at Keehner Park in the Owl Shelter. That’s in West Chester. Here is the link: http://www.westchesteroh.org/CSParksKeehner.cfm
We ask that you each bring one dish to share. We will have some grilled “dogs”, some pop, or soda (whichever you call it!) , and the plates, napkins, and plasticware. Come, ready to meet or reconnect with others, and to enjoy one another’s company. T’would be nice if you could RSVP DickOken@aol.com (so we have an idea of how many are coming) but not required..All are welcome!!!
Hope to see many of you there!
Cincinnati Coordinating Committee:
Christi Eisenberg
Frances Hofmeister
Dick Okenfuss
Kathy Weyer
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VOTF MEMBERS: Two weekends, Two Opportunities!
Priest Research Sub-Committee Kick – Off June 5th at 1pm – 3 pm
Come learn about the work of this subcommittee, and see if you can assist in the effort. Once you understand the job, it can be done on your own time, at home, in the library, by yourself or in groups. We will be doing research on priests in the Archdiocese with particular emphasis on the work history of those credibly accused. This research work is particularly helpful to survivors in their healing journey. This work is perfect for those who are detail-oriented and like to find the pieces to help complete the puzzle. Come, learn about it! Contact ceisenberg@fuse.net or 741-1629.
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National VOTF Meeting June 10th, 10 am – 3:30 pm
Detroit Marriott Hotel at the Renaissance Center: Detroit, Michigan.
This meeting is an opportunity to reconnect with people with like concerns about our church. There will be time to talk and share with the Voices in Action Platforms : Child Protection/ Survivor Support, Universal Church Reform, Spiritual - Communal Growth, Local Action. There will also be a report about the Philadelphia situation … and so much more. In the afternoon there will be a panel discussion with Fr. Tom Doyle, Jason Berry, David Clohessy, and Barbara Blaine. For more details: http://www.votf.org. Email ceisenberg@fuse.net for carpool info.
Recent and upcoming activities and events
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April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month:
Help stop the silence. Talk about abuse and ways to prevent it with someone in your family or neighborhood. Wear a blue ribbon. Attend a community awareness event..
April 10th, Blue Ribbon Vigil of Hope. A community gathering in support of the survivors of child abuse and their families. The candlelight vigil will begin at 5 PM Sunday evening, hosted at the Arlington Memorial Gardens (Mt. Healthy). Call 513-231-5271 for more information.
April 23rd, Blue Ribbon 5K Race and Family Fun Walk. A family event hosted at Northern Kentucky University. Online registration at www.familynurture.org or call 859-525-3200 for more information.
April 29th Take Back the Night. 6:30 PM Gather at Sawyer Point for walk to the Peace Bell in NKY. Music, speakers and vigil. Call 977-5554 for more information.
RESEARCH PROJECT MEETING
Bob Kopp ( Chicagoland VOTF- Vice President) is the guest speaker for the March 28th meeting of VOTF members and friends .Bob will be coming to Cincinnati on Monday March 28th and we have arranged to meet at the Cincinnati Free Public Library downtown for this meeting. He will discuss the details of how they completed the priest research project in Chicago and the benefits/use of its information, and review templates for gathering data.
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AN OPEN LETTER TO ARCHBISHOP DENNIS SCHNURR
December 17, 2010
Dear Archbishop Schnurr:
Each year, on December 28, just three days after Christmas, the Church celebrates the feast of the Holy Innocents in memory of the infants massacred by King Herod in his frantic search for the Christ Child (Matt. 2:16-18).
In our day, sad to say, many innocent children have suffered a different kind of massacre at the hands of predatory priests. Although our children’s lives were not physically taken away, their innocence was destroyed and many have endured severe trauma through their adult lives. This grievous tragedy weighs heavily on the Church today and all of us, as members of Christ’s Body, must take responsibility for it.
As a step toward acknowledging that responsibility, Voice of the Faithful in the Diocese of Cincinnati, joins with other faith-filled Catholics, in requesting that you designate the feast of the Holy Innocents as a special day of commemoration of the survivors of priestly sexual abuse.
We ask that you offer Mass on the feast of the Holy Innocents each year for the survivors and that you call upon every pastor in our Diocese to do the same.
We also ask that you instruct every parish community to set aside a few hours on the feast of the Holy Innocents to reflect on the injury inflicted on our children and to ask God’s forgiveness for our failure as a Church to protect them. Every family should be encouraged to light a candle on that day in remembrance of the survivors.
We believe that by setting aside a special day of remembrance of survivors our Church will begin to atone, in some measure, for these grave sins and perhaps deter potential future abusers. We believe that our Church should dedicate a special mass to the children so irreparably harmed by abusive priests.
We extend to you our very best wishes for a Blessed Christmas!
Sincerely,
Christi Eisenberg
Greater Cincinnati Voice of the Faithful
cc. The Catholic Telegraph
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Greater Cincinnati Annual All Member Meeting
NOVEMBER 7, 2010: 2:00-4:30pm
St. Francis DeSales Cafeteria
Woodburn and Madison
Holly Schlaack, author and advocate for children- will be the featured speaker. Holly Schlaack is the author of "Invisible Kids: Marcus Feisel’s Legacy" . * Many of you may remember her from the early days of Cincinnati VOTF. The annual all member business meeting will follow. Questions: call 513-231-5271.
Holly Schlaack book: http://www.invisiblekidsthebook.com/
Remember Marcus video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H9Z0iTIkwP8
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Please make a commitment to get involved.
The following are all activities taking place in the Greater Cincinnati area. VOTF Cincinnati encourages our membership, supporters, friends, family and neighbors to get involved. Child Abuse will remain a serious problem unless we take steps to raise awareness and break the silence. We welcome your help, support and involvement.
Voices in Action:
"STEWARDS OF CHILDREN"
The Stewards of Children educates adults to prevent, recognize and react responsibly to child sexual abuse. It is designed for the staff, parents and volunteers in child-serving agencies, schools and organizations. The curriculum for the three-hour training includes a video, workbook for each participant and group discussion. |
The Stewards of Children is a nationally recognized sexual abuse prevention curriculum developed by Darkness to Light, a non-profit organization in Charleston, South Carolina. For more information about the curriculum go to www.d2l.org or watch this short informational video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rSJSXq2Y4Xc
Greater Cincinnati VOTF currently has two active members who are authorized Stewards of Children facilitators: Carolyn Meyers Hughes and Kathy Weyer. Both women volunteer their time and expertise to the Stewards of Children subcommittee. The subcommittee’s goal is to introduce the program into our churches, schools and neighborhood community organizations that work with children and youth. This is an adult child sexual abuse prevention education program.
Email us at stewards@votfcincinnati.org to ask questions or to schedule a Stewards of Children training event at your parish or school.
We are always looking for persons who are willing to assist with this and other child abuse prevention community activities– please email or call us for more information: 513-231-5271 or info@votfcincinnati.org
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FR. MARK SCHMIEDER MEMORIAL EDUCATION FUND
Greater Cincinnati VOTF announces the establishment of the Fr. Mark Schmieder Memorial Education Fund to encourage prevention, awareness and healing of abuse trauma. We invite our membership to help continue the work of education, advocacy and outreach to survivors of abuse that Fr. Mark was so passionate about in his life time. The Cincinnati VOTF Coordinating Committee is soliciting donations from its membership, supporters and friends to subsidize this initiative in memory of Fr. Mark.
All funds received will be used to promote opportunities for prevention education, advocacy and caring outreach to those impacted by abuse trauma in our community.
The first award of monies from the fund will be given to the local SNAP support group in which Mark was actively involved. It will help subsidize a survivor of the Cincinnati-Dayton area so they may attend the National SNAP Conference in Chicago. The amount of the award will be based on available monies and the needs of the individual. The SNAP Conference takes place the last weekend in July.
Fr Mark was an active member of Greater Cincinnati Voice of the Faithful since its beginnings in 2003. He was instrumental in obtaining our 501(c) 3 nonprofit status and was serving as Treasurer and member of the Cincinnati VOTF Coordinating Committee at the time of his death on December 24, 2009. In 2007 Fr Mark was nominated by the Cincinnati VOTF membership as a “priest of integrity”. He was actively involved in the Cincinnati-Dayton SNAP network of survivors of clergy abuse and in 2005 he gave testimony in Columbus supporting legislative changes to extend the statutes of limitations for childhood sexual abuse. Fr. Mark advocated for better training for priests about the issue of abuse trauma. In 2008 he spoke during the diocesan priest convocation of his own abuse and encouraged his fellow priests to pastorally reach out to those harmed by abuse.
Fr. Mark was a strong and fearless advocate for those in our community that are silenced by the shame and trauma of abuse. Help us continue Fr. Mark’s legacy of caring outreach, education, advocacy and healing.
Please send your donation to Cincinnati VOTF (Fr. Mark Fund). 9132 Millcliff Drive, Cincinnati, OH 45231
HIGHLIGHTS OF CHILD ABUSE AWARENESS MONTH 2010 
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Blue is the symbolic color for child abuse awareness
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BE A VOICE OF PREVENTION, AWARENESS AND HEALING
Keep Our Children Safe
Greater Cincinnati VOTF
513-231-5271
A 501(c) 3 non profit organization
Wear a Blue Ribbon Today!
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Greater Cincinnati VOTF
ph: 513-231-5271