Boston ? Archbishop Sean O’Malley has named David Castaldi, a leader in the lay reform group Voice of the Faithful, to head a seven-member committee that is overseeing the sale of property from dozens of church closings and determining how proceeds should be spent.

It is the first time the Boston Archdiocese has given a member of the controversial organization a key position in church affairs. Voice of the Faithful, which argues for a greater role for the laity in the Roman Catholic Church, was formed in the wake of the clerical abuse crisis.

Castaldi, a previous archdiocesan treasurer, told The Boston Globe said he was heartened by his appointment to the seven-member panel.