|
LETTERS AND COMMENTS
We welcome your comments, but please note that we expect you to comment with Christian charity toward your fellow readers. This means that we will not permit comments that advocate physical or spiritual harm to an individual. Comments that include slanderous or abusive name-calling will be edited or deleted. And it goes without saying that foul language will not be permitted. Comments that appear on this page and others on this site may be used, in whole or in part, in the print edition of The Catholic Sun.
Stories in English and Spanish
Congratulations on the many newspaper awards received by The Catholic Sun (The Catholic Sun, June 17).
I would like to suggest a step to make the paper even better: assure that all articles written in Spanish also appear in the English section of the paper.
I realize that your resources may make it difficult to reach a goal of printing all articles in both languages. Nevertheless, at least printing in English the articles printed in Spanish would do several positive things, including:
- assuring the Spanish-speaking members of our faith that the English-speakers are not uninterested in matters of importance to the Hispanic community. (I note especially the article about SB 1070 in Spanish only in the last issue.)
- helping the English-speaking readers to become more acquainted with the culture and concerns of our Hispanic-heritage brothers and sisters;
- assisting to bring together these two vital groups within the American Church, groups with an often painful history of segregation and discrimination, and with much current separation and misunderstanding; and
- preaching the Gospel and its call with one voice to all.
Rosemary Anton | Phoenix
‘Karate Kid’ rebuttal
Re: your review of “The Karate Kid” (Media, The Catholic Sun, June 17), may I express a hearty disagreement with every critique and a great disappointment in The Catholic Sun for printing something so demeaning.
This movie fanatic and recent viewer found “The Karate Kid” to be one of the best performances of the year.
The reviewer’s comments seemed to be portraying a personal vendetta toward karate, its practice and even karate lessons. We know we all can’t be ninjas, but not many children completely lose interest in a technique such as karate if they are properly taught.
There were several comments made toward the film itself that will be addressed one by one.
The first remark made was a complaint about a predictable finale. Well, it was a remake and secondly I ask, what movies don’t have a predictable finale?
The next complaint was that the bulk of the film was devoted to the relationship between two 12-year-olds. The bulk of the film was not devoted to this, and it was necessary to continue with the development of the friendship between these two, because their friendship is the cause of all of the fighting in the first place.
The reviewer’s next problem with the film is the violence, or the action. She found it “deafening” and “dissonant.” I don’t know who ruined her action film experiences, but this reviewer thought the action was more real than most other karate movies. Typically, the more real the fighting, the better the movie.
The writer continued on to state that because of the violence she found it “difficult to understand how” Kung Fu “could really act as an agent of peace,” and that “It is hard to understand how peace is to be achieved through such violent means.”
I think it is clearly shown throughout history’s wars that violence is an agent of peace and is sometimes necessary in order to stop more violence from ensuing, to wipe out the wicked, neutralize the threat and eventually achieve peace for it is only when these things are achieved that peace can be possible.
Last but not least, the reviewer wrote that the acting of Jackie Chan was “adequate” and the acting of the young Jaden Smith was “overly dramatic” and that the character he portrayed looked “perpetually overwhelmed.”
In agreement with many other viewers, Jackie Chan gave the best acting performance of his life in this film. Also, Jaden Smith played a fantastic role. In his defense, his character had just lost his father, moved to China away from all his friends and family, except for his mom who was nothing but excited, and gets beat up almost every day. Anyone would be dramatic and overwhelmed.
I give this film “two thumbs up” and suggest that everyone go see it.
Theresa Sullivan | Gilbert
Waiting on God
While reading the “Worst Oil Spill in History” (The Catholic Sun, June 17), I was left waiting. Glen Rutherford spoke of the problems with greed, the evils of political office, and the need to conserve on the homefront. Fine points, sure, but lacking something.
What I was left waiting for was the mention of God, our Catholic faith, the need for charity — something to indicate that this author and article was meant to lift our eyes toward the Heavens as any representative of our faith is called to do, rather than simply a venue to complain about the social ills of our times.
Dionne McCartney | Gilbert
Headline error
I am concerned that the headline “Electing to become Catholic” totally and completely misrepresents what the Rite of Election is all about (The Catholic Sun, March 4). Paragraph 118 of the rite states, “This step is called election because the acceptance made by the Church is founded on the election by God, in whose name the Church acts. The step is also called the enrollment of names because as a pledge of fidelity the candidates inscribe their names in the book that lists those who have been chosen for initiation.”
Catholicism stands in stark contrast to the “choice-centered” focus of many of today’s Christian denominations, especially in our culture. The Rite of Election marks the Church’s celebration of the election, by God, of these catechumens who progress toward their full initiation at Easter. The rite signifies God’s and the Church’s election of the catechumen, not the catechumen’s election to become Catholic. Further, this mentality and publicity hinders the ability to effectively catechize toward these concepts at the parish level, especially when attempting to assist parents and sponsors to understand that the sacraments are the active grace-giving of God, to which individual moments of “personal choice” become secondary.
While our Protestant brothers and sisters can and have taught us much, we allow a protestant understanding of choice to dominate and become the principal understanding from which we operate. By making the primary emphasis “personal choice” we leave our Catholic identity behind and fail to deeply understand and present our tradition.
I am hopeful that a correction of such a misrepresentation of what takes place at the Rite of Election can and will be published.
Larry Fraher | Fraher is director of Catechetical Ministries at Blessed Sacrament Parish in Scottsdale
Pro-life award
Re: “Legatus honors former President Bush” (The Catholic Sun, March 2): Congratulations to President Bush on the award from Legatus for his anti-abortion policies. However, I do not consider him pro-life in the full sense of the word.
Texas had one of the highest rates of death by capital punishment in the nation during his governorship. And there are also the thousands of deaths from the unnecessary war in Iraq. I wonder how many abortions were caused by this war?
The pro-life effort is weakened by such occasions as this award because it gives a mixed, distorted message as to what it means to be pro-life. It is not enough to address the act of abortion. If we want to end abortion we must also attack its root causes, like poverty, war, unemployment, etc.
Rachel Pollack | Tempe
Living a devout life
I was pleased to read that Bishop Olmsted is writing a series of columns on St. Francis de Sales (The Catholic Sun, March 4 and March 18).
This gentle and learned saint was my first Catholic mentor. A Maryknoll nun gave me his book, “Introduction to the Devout Life,” and I devoured it.
I was an apathetic Catholic at that time, just fulfilling my obligations to attend Mass every Sunday, but St. Francis taught me what true love of God is.
He is still one of my best friends, and from time to time I return to that wonderful book to inspire, teach and give me the wisdom I need to know to live a truly devout Catholic life.
May many others who will read the bishop’s series likewise benefit.
Thank you, Bishop Olmsted.
Jeanne F. Kochan | Prescott Valley
My Catholic priest
Fr. Jack (Spaulding) is the pastor in my parish. He is truly amazing and a lot of what got me to return to the Catholic Church (The Catholic Sun, March 18).
Excerpted from a comment posted to catholicsun.org by
Marie Johnson
A fair and better view
I really, truly love this. You presented your information fairly, without alienating any of your readers (“The real Planned Parenthood chooses profits over truth,” The Catholic Sun, March 4).
Excerpted from a comment posted to catholicsun.org by
Guest
Sad day in D.C.
It is a sad day in Washington, D.C. The Catholic Charities Foster Care Program has closed. Why, you may ask? Did they run out of money because of the economy? No. Did they not have enough families willing to foster children? No.
The reason Catholic Charities has been forced to close is because of the radical homosexual agenda being pushed on them by government legislation. Even though our Church’s teaching is very clear, Catholic Charities was forced to allow couples known to be practicing homosexual’s to foster children. Political correctness has won out over religious freedom, at least in Washington and Massachusetts, where the Catholic adoption program was closed for the same reason.
We are called to a higher standard. As followers of Christ, we try to avoid sin and identify sin for what it is. We are called to love the sinner and hate the sin. Sexual sin is as grave as any other it separates us from God.
When government legislation interferes with the Church’s ability to be Church and provide the charity we are called to participate in, there lies the problem. When government legislates for us to accept sin as the norm and Christ’s teaching as abhorrent, there lies the problem.
For too long we have abdicated our responsibility to the government to care for the needs of our community. We’ve now come to a place where the same government is now telling us how to be Church and to not accept what God’s word tells us is sin! Shame on all of us for allowing this to happen and continue!
With that said, we still have the opportunity in the Diocese of Phoenix to be what God has called us to be; our CDA is the vehicle used to care for the needy in our community, without government interference.
What are we doing to ensure this continues? What are we doing to answer Christ’s call?
Christina Pasterz | Glendale
Stamp of approval
(Blessed Mother Teresa) is someone that deserves to be honored (“Going postal over Mother Teresa,” Editorial, The Catholic Sun, Feb. 18). I can’t help but think this will bless the country.
Excerpted from a comment posted to catholicsun.org by
Guest
Catholic radio
I moved back to Chandler the day before Immaculate Heart Radio went on the air, which was pretty good timing. I started delivering pizzas, so like columnist Joyce Coronel and moms everywhere, I’m in my car listening to the radio quite a lot (“Mom’s taxi just got a lot more inspiring thanks to new radio station,” The Catholic Sun, Feb. 4).
I would suggest that the reason the programming is so powerful is every host’s commitment to orthodoxy. Listen to Fr. John Corapi, Catholic Answers Live (the two standouts as far as I’m concerned), or any other show, and I dare you to find anything other than Jesus: the Way, the Truth and the Life. My past disagreements and questions with Catholic teaching have been my own weakness, not the Church’s. I hope others can find the same humility that I have in accepting the Truth as given by the Church founded by Christ, the Truth Himself.
Give it a listen, and if you think the hosts on 1310 AM are too “conservative” or over-zealous, I assure you they are simply speaking in accordance with the One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church we profess to believe in every Sunday. The Spirit of God is a Spirit of Truth, and the Truth will set you free: Free of doubt, free of anger, and free of resentment.
Sean Flynn | Chandler
Giving thanks
Re: “A Letter from Jesus” (The Catholic Sun, Dec. 17), what a beautiful commentary. I am sending copies to my friends and family.
Thank you for all the spiritual gifts I receive in reading The Catholic Sun. I await it eagerly. And finally a Year for Priests — a tribute to our faithful priests, including your articles on our Catholic priests. The articles are very touching and personal about the priests we have known and loved.
How gracious it was for Bishop Thomas J. Olmsted to dedicate our new chapel at Christ the King Church. How blest we are to have such a beautiful adoration chapel.
Thank you and God bless you all.
Michaelena R. Cederel | Mesa
Lenten opportunities
Excellent article (“Lent: A time for prayer, fasting and almsgiving,” The Catholic Sun, Feb. 18). We appreciate stories like this that help people find ways to enhance their spiritual growth and encounter Christ. We believe there are many opportunities to experience that in our diocese. We invite all to visit the Franciscan Renewal Center (www.thecasa.org) and join us for one of our many programs.
Excerpted from a comment posted to catholicsun.org by Charlie Brown, general manager of the Franciscan Renewal Center in Scottsdale.
‘Feminine Genius’
Thank you for Andrew Junker’s review of my book, “Discovering the Feminine Genius: Every Woman’s Journey” (The Catholic Sun, Feb. 4). He did an amazing job capturing the spirit of the book.
I would like to clarify for your readers that this is an updated version of my original book, “Every Woman’s Journey: Answering Who Am I For the Feminine Heart.” The most significant update is found in the chapter on the men (which I trust Junker enjoyed) where I develop much more extensively how every man is called to spiritual priesthood as well as a bridal relationship with God. I would be honored if both women (and men) in our diocese benefited from John Paul II’s insights on theology of the body that are sprinkled throughout the book.
Katrina J. Zeno | Zeno is coordinator of The John Paul II Resource Center for Theology of the Body and Culture.
More on ‘Respect at Mass’
I thought the “Respect at Mass” letter (The Catholic Sun, Jan. 21) on behaviors during Mass was right on target. It was a wonderful letter.
My wife and I have discussed these very issues many, many times. The writer suggests including these improper behaviors in the parish bulletin on a regular basis and that would be ideal.
I think his letter in its entirety should be printed in every bulletin in the diocese; it could not be said any better.
Michael Brescia | Phoenix
-- Re: “Respect at Mass,” every year or two the issue of people attending Mass inappropriately dressed comes up, and I follow the exchange of letters with amusement. I myself am not offended by people who are “inappropriately dressed.”
I cannot say for certain whether or not God is offended. But what I do know for sure is that when my children show up at my house, I love them so much and am so happy to see them that in my joy, I fail to notice or care what they are wearing.
Thomas H. Elliott | Phoenix
-- Re: “Respect at Mass,” I wholeheartedly agree with the letter writer. I am saddened to see so many people not care about their appearance in the Lord’s house. Father has spoken from the pulpit addressing this subject, but obviously for some, to no avail. Some of the attire I witness is what you would expect to see at a picnic, beach or lounging around the house.
It is even more of a responsibility for those administering the Eucharist or bringing the gifts to be modestly dressed. I have witnessed T-shirts (with logos and statements), shorts, flip-flops and tank tops on several of those people as well.
Bravo to him for mentioning the inappropriateness of massaging the backs, necks and heads of family during the Mass. This show of affection should be left outside of the church. It not only is very distracting, it is embarrassing to sit behind anyone continually doing this during the Mass.
The water bottles are another thing to be left at home along with the idle chatter, giggling and gum chewing.
The lack of respect for the Lord and His house has been ignored for way too long.
J. Jett | Queen Creek
-- Re: “Respect at Mass,” I couldn’t help but notice that the letters about respect at Mass were all from people who thought that it was “Christ-like” and tolerant to just ignore all those people that come in late, chew gum, dress inappropriately, or a variety of other criticisms. They also noted that “Christ sat with lepers, prostitutes, and the poor.” We should just be glad that these people came to Church. God doesn’t care what you wear.
Should we be? Wasn’t it Christ who overturned tables and whipped the moneylenders and merchants from the temple?
Was the parable of the wedding guest thrown out for inappropriate attire, even though he knew better, not given by Christ? Having people show up “no matter how you are” seems to fly in the face of “Honor your God.” Do we, as Catholics, have to give up and just be happy that people show up? Weren’t we taught that the Church was God’s house? Do you just turn the other cheek when people are disrespectful of what the Church stands for?
Taking a moment to consider if your dress and intentions are what we as Catholics have been taught they should be, before you go to Church, takes as much time and energy as trying not to notice the guy in front of you with the Harley T-shirt and flip-flops, even if they are new.
Ciro Vuoso | Anthem
All are welcome
Re: “Respect at Mass” (The Catholic Sun, Jan. 21): On a daily basis at work I deal with people who have been either shot, stabbed, overdosed, fighting depression, suicidal, alcoholic, homeless, jobless, prostitutes, from broken families, etc. Most of these people could not afford a new pair of pants, let alone feed themselves regularly. Clothing isn’t one of their priorities. These types of individuals are the people that Christ worked with during His ministry on earth. Yes, these are the same people today that He challenges us daily to work with and to be especially welcoming toward.
Are we being Christ-like and inviting these people to Mass, or are they not welcome because they aren’t wearing the “right” clothing?
We should be careful that we are not mixing up serving and welcoming those with daily struggles versus judging others because they are not wearing the right clothing. Challenge yourself to stay more focused on the readings and their messages rather than a preoccupation with material looks. Jesus doesn’t need our help to be protected, folks. We, in fact, are the ones that need His protection. I would be extremely surprised if Christ was insulted because someone wearing shorts showed up to praise Him and give thanks. We sing a hymn at Mass that in part says, “All are welcome in this place.” Well, are they or aren’t they?
Richard DiCarlo | Phoenix
Someone opening The Catholic Sun in recent weeks might judge us to be a cranky, critical, unwelcoming lot, short on the Christian values of tolerance and mercy.
Not so, read between the lines. There were thousands of Arizona Catholics who did not write in to criticize their neighbors’ poor dress, gum-chewing in Mass, tardy arrival and imperfect adherence to the rules. I applaud you for your tolerance and mercy.
I am especially in awe of those of you, who at Mass, are too immersed in the glory and majesty of God to even notice what your neighbor is wearing. You are to be envied and emulated.
As for those of you who find yourselves harboring imperfect faith, badly dressed and running late to Mass: You come sit by me. We’ll do the best we can to not judge each other, and with the grace of God, next week we’ll all set the alarm, find the right clothes and remember to spit out the gum.
Holly Dutton | Phoenix
I have been a practicing Catholic since 2005 and been involved with my parish in Scottsdale in the Life Teen and Edge programs. I read The Catholic Sun biweekly and enjoy its compass because it’s hard to keep my direction in this American pop-culture I navigate.
The “Respect to the Mass” letter especially caught my attention. Shorts, flip-flops, or jeans? I agree with the mini-skirts and spaghetti straps assertion. Perhaps a suggestion to their parents would be appropriate.
Second, water? Is a bottle of water that distracting? Massaging? I don’t find it distracting because it’s just a mom soothing her child. I think parents have the right to comfort their children during Mass.
I do, however, agree with his position on being late and walking down the aisle during the reading of the Word, because that is very disrespectful.
We are supposed to see Christ in all situations and be Christ to all we meet. This brings me to my point I’m trying to make. What did Christ look like? With whom did He associate? What did His Apostles dress like? Christ associated with Mary Magdalene, a prostitute, lepers and the poor. I don’t think their dress was an issue or concern 2,000 years ago.
Perhaps the reason these issues have been ignored from the pulpit and the bulletin is because there are more valid issues to be discussed.
Matthew Toney | Phoenix
Just Faith and life issues
Re: “Diocese creates ‘life issues’ module for national Just Faith curriculum” (The Catholic Sun, Jan. 21): I am a 2008 Just Faith graduate. The article left me confused and disappointed with what seems to be an inaccurate description of the program as I know it.
Just Faith has always structured the program on seven key themes of Catholic social teaching as outlined by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. Human dignity and the respect for every life is the first theme. Discussion on the additional (equally important) themes of poverty, racism, non-violence, etc. cannot take place without embracing human dignity and the consistent respect for every life. It is the core issue by which all social policies and our individual actions must be measured. (Does it protect life? Does it promote human dignity?) As a result, The Gospel of Life is addressed throughout the 30-week journey.
Thank you, Bishop Olmsted, for bringing Just Faith to the Diocese of Phoenix. It is my hope the module will motivate “peace and justice” Catholics to participate in more life issue causes like ending abortion, abolishing the death penalty, and bringing an end to hunger. Likewise, I hope Catholics who identify themselves as “pro-life” will ponder the wholeness of Catholic social teaching.
Lori Scandura | Flagstaff
United against ‘divisive’ headline
I, too, was dismayed at The Arizona Republic’s recent headline, “Divisive Bishop to speak at Red Mass.”
I noted that the Republic reporter was stating that Archbishop Burke’s stance on abortion was divisive among Catholics — a statement that on the surface would seem absolutely absurd. Just refer to Catholic doctrine.
Unfortunately, as my wife and I try to raise our six (so far) children in the faith, we encounter many, many “cafeteria Catholics” — people who think they can pick and choose which of the Church’s stances they wish to follow. The one we encounter most, obviously with our large family, is the use of birth control. Number two would have to be “a women’s right to choose” — nice, clean words for the killing of an infant. And if I’m not mistaken, in around 90 percent of cases, didn’t the woman “choose” to have intercourse in the first place?
While I know that only God can decide who is properly receiving Communion, I find myself wondering who is truly dividing Catholics. Archbishop Burke for wishing to uphold Catholic teaching, or “cafeteria Catholics” who fly in the face of those teachings yet still wish to partake of the joys of Christ’s Body and Blood.
James VanConant | Chandler
Responding to ‘Respect at Mass’
Re: “Respect at Mass” (Letters, The Catholic Sun, Jan. 21), all I can say is Amen.
As I asked a deacon on the way out of Mass one day, “How much longer does it take a man to put on a long pair of pants as opposed to a pair of shorts?” You don’t see them in nice restaurants dressed in shorts. As for the flip-flops, it is very obvious that they wear socks at some time because of the tan line that is so easily perceived — probably when they are playing tennis or golf; they surely don’t wear flip-flops then! Where I lived before, we didn’t have air conditioning in our church and we were not allowed to wear shorts.
As for the “inappropriate behavior” that Gennaro Licosati referred to, my favorite is to watch the men slouch down and get ready to “take a nap” during the homily. And, of course, the gum chewers! I’m still trying to figure out what they do with their gum when they go to Communion. As soon as they sit back down, they are chewing again. We have women who come inappropriately dressed, but my church is in a senior citizen community and it is obvious that the women who dress immodestly are visitors, but that should not excuse them.
I must also touch upon the shaking of hands during the swine flu season (“Precautions for swine flu,” Letters, The Catholic Sun, Jan. 21). People tend to flock to the same pew and end up sitting with the same people. Even though you don’t know them, you get to know who will and who won’t shake hands, or hold hands during the Our Father. I can live with that. But if someone offers their hand to me, they get mine back and it will always be that way.
Kathleen Sakowski | Sun City West
Re: “Respect at Mass,” I wish to add my “second” to the inappropriateness of attire and attention. The good doctor is correct in observing a lack of respect in both clothes and manners. My husband has addressed this issue numerous times, in both homilies and in bulletin articles. For the most part they have been ignored. Some dress as if just coming from or just going to the beach; some arrive during the readings and just stand against the back wall, waiting for the time when they can “get their Jesus, and run.”
While I agree with Gennaro Licosati in principle, I must question the tenor of the view. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if everyone behaved, acted and responded exactly like he wished? Being rigid in tone, selective in review, and closed minded in practicality, however, is not how I wish to approach the celebration of the Mass.
I have, however, one very important disagreement with his observation: bringing water to Mass. I suffered from Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. Twenty-six weeks of chemotherapy and 30 straight days of radiation therapy literally “roasted” my esophagus to the point that I must hydrate consistently. If I cannot take water to Mass, I cannot participate as a “full and active participant” of the Eucharist. If no water be allowed is the “doctor’s orders”, then I wish two things for the good doctor: “First, do no harm” then, “Physician, heal thyself.”
Barbara Nazzal | Phoenix
Re: “Respect at Mass,” I’m writing to applaud and heartily agree with Gennaro Licosati. I am a senior citizen and was brought up in a devout Catholic family. I was taught in elementary school by Franciscan nuns and by Benedictine priests and brothers in high school. Now, I do realize that this was many years ago, but the fact remains that when it comes to proper decorum as to dress and actions in relation to our conduct with the Lord, I firmly believe that nothing has changed.
The Almighty Father still expects us to be respectful and not to be coming into Mass dressed and acting as if we are going to attend a sports game. I also believe that when we get there, He would expect us to be talking and relating to Him rather than our friends and neighbors. That’s what the telephone is for.
I also wonder what in the world is the thought process of those that arrive during the homily and then head right for the door as soon as they receive the Body and Blood of Christ. I believe that all of these things are just showing latent disrespect to the merciful God that we hope and pray will take care of us in all ways and eventually take us into His Kingdom.
Gene May | Phoenix
Immaculate Conception
What a lovely Christmas morning experience my family and I enjoyed! You have recently published two articles on the new church in Cottonwood, Immaculate Conception (The Catholic Sun, Dec. 3 and Dec. 17).
We attended the 10 a.m. Mass on Christmas morning. So many surprises: statues in niches in front of the altar, choir loft elevated in the rear of the church, a wonderful choir, even Latin which brought tears to many an eye of the older generation. Then, this small young boy carried a reclining statue of baby Jesus up the long aisle and put Him in the manger scene.
It had been a long, long time since I have left Mass with such a feeling of contentment. Congratulations to the parishioners of Immaculate Conception on your lovely, well-planned edifice.
Claire W. Baker | Sun City
Precautions for swine flu
Re: the letter “Much ado over the flu” (The Catholic Sun, Dec. 17) the writer seems a bit confused when she talked about the precautions taken to help prevent the spread of swine flu.
Not shaking hands or not partaking of the Precious Blood does not put her spiritual health in jeopardy. There have been over 10,000 deaths in this country alone from swine flu. The restrictions in some parishes are to help prevent more. The Church is concerned about people’s physical health and to think that can somehow hurt someone’s spiritual health is just plain wrong.
Jim Hrovat | Peoria
Respect at Mass
My issues regard the dress and behavior of some Catholics during the Holy Sacrifice of Mass. I think it is inappropriate for men, both young and old, to be wearing shorts, jeans and flip-flops to Mass. We are not at the movies or a sports event; we are in the house of God when we are in church. I believe all men own at last one pair of long pants and one pair of shoes. The same goes for women and girls. Shorts, mini-skirts, bare midriffs and low-cut tops are not only inappropriate, but also immodest. I believe being in church demands not only modesty but also respect and reverence.
This leads to my next issue: behavior. It is not appropriate to massage spouses or children’s backs, arms or necks during Mass. It is very distracting for others around them. Also, there is no need to bring water or other beverages to Mass. I am not aware of any medical condition that requires this. Nobody will suffer dehydration during the liturgy.
The final issue is the people who come late to Mass and walk to the front during the reading of the Word and even the consecration. I realize that there are times when arriving late is unavoidable, but it would be more appropriate to sit in the back so as not to disturb the already seated congregation who are praying the Mass. Perhaps some pews could be left vacant in the rear for late arrivals.
These comments apply to us all, including the ushers who sometimes chat with each other during Mass and extraordinary ministers who sometimes dress without regard to modesty.
I realize that it is often difficult for priests to address these issues from the pulpit, but it might be a good idea to include these issues in the parish bulletin on a regular basis. These things have been ignored for too long but it is time they are brought to the attention of the Catholic brothers and sisters.
Gennaro Licosati, MD | Scottsdale
André House reflections
My daughters volunteered at André House when they were in high school as part of their religious education classes. My husband and I joined them a time or two. Great work is being done here. I really enjoyed this article, especially what Fr. Schimmel said about serving on a soup line: the stereotypes fall away and the human dignity comes out. Thanks for a great article!
Excerpted from a comment posted to catholicsun.org by Azul
Your Catholic Priest
As a past member of St. Anne Parish in Gilbert while you were there, I have so many memories of wonderful homilies (“Your Catholic Priest: Fr. Billy Kosco,” The Catholic Sun, Nov. 16). I laughed and cried and learned so much. Between you and Fr. Doug Lorig, we received the best instruction in our Catholic faith.
I pray you will always have the strong faith that inspires so many. I pray for your good health and peace in your vocation.
Excerpted from a comment posted to catholicsun.org by
Gerry Kaiser
Kennedy controversy
Finally a bishop from Rhode Island, Thomas J. Tobin, has the courage to stand up for the unborn in this country and defend the gift of life. In reprimanding Rep. Thomas J. Kennedy, I hope this will be a ripple effect on other Catholics that voted for pro-choice candidates and the intrinsic evil and the seriousness of this misdeed.
I hope this will be a wake-up call to Catholics: by voting for pro-choice candidates, you are supporting and funding the abortion industry.
Many women that have had abortions live with emotional suffering and pain the rest of their lives. Let’s pray that this evil will soon be abolished.
Richard Peterson | Mesa
Preserving conscience rights
I recently completed the Bearing Witness Program — an intensive three-day study of the history and root causes of anti-Semitism and the Holocaust. The program is offered jointly by the Anti-Defamation League and the Diocese of Phoenix. For me, this program shed new light on the health care debate.
In 1933, the Reichstag passed the Enabling Act giving Hitler’s Nazi party dictatorial authority. The Enabling Act allowed the Nazis to begin persecuting German Jews legislatively, passing laws that made life extraordinarily difficult for them economically and socially.
The current administration and its supporters have displayed an eerily similar attitude toward the legislative process vis-à-vis the Freedom of Choice Act and health care reform. Conscience rights are now on the table. Not only does the president want us to accept his notion of health care, he appears to be saying we must accept it. This is a pernicious feature embedded in the administration’s approach to policy-making. The bishops’ conference has made it clear that, as Catholics, we cannot accept the proposed reforms unless the language on abortion and euthanasia is changed.
I’m not comparing President Obama to Hitler, but there is a troubling similitude in ideology here. Nancy Pelosi has even suggested making it a crime to opt out of any health care plan that passes into law. Consider the impact this would have on Catholic hospitals, physicians, employees and patients. It’s difficult not to see such thinking in the light of Reichstag’s Enabling Act.
It seems our nation is ruled by a party that has no qualms about bending the legislative process to its own purposes, even to the point of denying us the right to follow our own formed conscience. The 20th century has much to tell us about disregard for the moral integrity of the law as an instrument of justice.
Thomas Jay | Phoenix
Much ado over the flu
I was grateful to see the bishop write articles on Blessed Miguel Pro (The Catholic Sun, Oct. 1 and Nov. 5). I am often moved by the saintly examples of others trusting in God to take care of them in this life and the next. It is that example that inspires me to give to others even when there is a cost to me.
Yet although our Church honors the martyrs in their examples of self-sacrifice, it has been disheartening to see the changes in the Mass due to the concern over becoming ill. The Precious Blood is gone at many parishes. The Sign of Peace may be skipped entirely. I have been reprimanded for taking Communion on the tongue. When my anger subsides at the latest change, all that is left is fear. Fear, that without the Church leading the way, showing me that like the martyrs, I should be more concerned over my spiritual death than my physical well-being. Fear, that without that example, I will lose the courage to reach out to those in need because I am focusing only on how the choice affects me.
Dionne McCartney | Gilbert
Your Catholic Priests
Thank you, Father Billy, for your devotion to the priesthood. I can say you have definitely impacted our lives (“Former filmmaker, teacher preaches faith boldly,” The Catholic Sun, Nov. 19).
Excerpted from a comment posted to catholicsun.org by
Patricia Palmer
I’m so proud of Fr. Menegay (“Faith recaptured leads to life in the priesthood,” The Catholic Sun, Nov. 5) and happy that he’s pastor of my church!
Excerpted from a comment posted to catholicsun.org by
Guest
Broken immigration system
No More Deaths volunteers and the brave humanitarians who work providing needed water and food for migrants in the cruel Arizona desert are an example of true Christian compassion and values (The Catholic Sun, Nov. 19).
Those organizations are a breath of fresh air in a highly political environment that criminalizes the poor for being desperate. The immigration system has been broken for decades and does not reflect the realities of simple supply and demand of workers even in recessionary times. (I still do not see droves of citizens cleaning hotel rooms, working the back of the restaurants or picking broccoli in Yuma).
Their actions of love for the poorest and more vulnerable of all renew my faith in humankind. At least a small section of us Christians-Catholics are fighting for what Jesus, an immigrant Himself, taught.
God Bless No More Deaths and all Samaritans at the border!
Carmen Cornejo | Chandler
|
