MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
OF
THE CATHOLIC DEFENSE LEAGUE
A regular Meeting of the Board of Directors of the Catholic Defense League (CDL) was held pursuant to Notice on Tuesday, March 20, 2007 at the offices of the CDL in St. Paul, Minnesota. Present at the Meeting were the following Board Members: President, Patrick Phillips, Merlyn Scroggins, Treasurer, Thomas Schramer, Ed Wollerman, Patrick Shannon, Ray Marshall, Stella Lundquist, Kelley Rowe and Dick Houck. The Meeting was called to order at 4:05 p.m. which began with a prayer to St. Michael and the following business ensued:
The Meeting was a series of discussion topics below:
USCCB June Meeting: After brief discussion we decided that CDL would not take a stance regarding the American Life League's petition to the bishops regarding Catholic politicians. Individual members are encouraged to do what they wish.
Al Franken - Comedian and political activist Al Franken is quite serious about running for Senator in Minnesota in 2008. He will be well financed with his personal funds and contributions from friends in the media.
Statute of Limitations One of the major efforts of the Archdiocese is to resist the legislative initiative to extend the statute of limitations regarding abuse of minors. We wish to join this effort. Copies of a Star Tribune editorial dated March 16, endorsing a change in the statute of limitations laws increasing the filing deadlines for sexual abuse lawsuits was distributed. Kelly was to be asked to contact the Chancery's attorneys, Faegre & Benson, to see how we might be able to support the Archdiocese and the Minnesota Religious Council in their opposition to the change.
Minnesota Daily -We discussed the demonstration by the St John Vianney seminarians at the University of Minnesota in opposition to the performance of "The Pope and the Witch. We discussed CDL's placing an advertisment in the Minnesota Daily reminding U of MN students and staff that if they should see other anti-Catholic incidents on campus we would help. Moved by Houck and seconded by Scroggins to approve the expenditure of $600 for such advertising. Motion carried. [Ed: an ad has been placed as of 3/28]
Minutes and By-Laws on web - Pat reminded the Board that copies of the Minutes and By-Laws were posted on a secure Directors' Page at http://www.cdlmn.org/direct/ , using a user name of "Pat" and a password of "Merlyn."
The Archdiocesan Ministry Day will be held at Mary Mother of the Church parish in Burnsville on May 8. We attended at St Joseph's in New Hope last Spring. It was thought that additional Defenders might be printed for handouts. Board Members were urged to attend.
A NEW PRESIDENT - Pat asked the Board to begin finding a new president. His term is about at the end of what had been planned.
Summer Event/Party - A brief discussion was held regarding the possibility of holding a summer event/party probably with a speaker. Finding a speaker who was already scheduled to be in town was thought to be an advantage.
Catholic High Schools and Vocations - Pat reported that Father Bill Baer of the SJV seminary mentioned that Catholic high schools are responsible for an extremely small number of seminarians these days. Something should be done to develop more.
Chaplain - Dick suggested that the CDL needs a chaplain. Several names were mentioned, most of whom were thought to be very busy already. Duties were discussed. Kelly is to contact one potential candidate.
March Defender: Dick Houck reported that the issue is at the printers. Extra copies will be printed for local seminaries and colleges.
Treasurer's Report: Tom reported that our Cash on Hand at the end of February was $13,002.88 and our YTD net profit was $-1321.70.
Catholic Charities - Ed passed out copies of the Wanderer newspaper and we discussed the role of Catholic Charities as described in a two-part article. Catholic Charities has taken a stance which, at best, is not supportive fo the Church.
The meeting was adjourned about 5:30 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Ray Marshall & Pat Phillips