"BC students care about their faith, but are exiting the Church of past generations," Wolfe said.
O'Toole stressed the importance of an active laity for the survival of Catholicism. He spoke of how Catholic action groups started by laity show that the faith can be more than a Sunday practice.
Post and Sheehan discussed the past, present, and future of the organization.
"VOTF filled an important void in the religion between us [laypeople] and the Church," Post said. At present, the VOTF is trying to expand, to take on new classes of people into its ranks and hopes to retain the energy and sense of trust that brought everyone together in the first place.
As for the future of VOTF, when asked if there was room in the Catholic Church for such an organization, Post emphatically said that there had to be. The VOTF, however, does not believe it is responsible for questioning church doctrine, as there are other groups to do that.
O'Toole said there were many opportunities for BC students to become a "voice" within the church.
"There's so much that Campus Ministry offers [here]. The first step is to get involved in Campus Ministry and then find churches to sustain that effort [from Campus Ministry programs]," O'Toole said.
Nancy Sheehan, a member of the audience and BC '65, said she was impressed with the knowledge and experience of the presenters.
"It was very positive to learn we have made an impact, that we are a voice."
2008 Woodie Awards
