Mississippi Catholic welcomes letters to the editor. Views expressed in letters to the editor represent those of the writer, not the bishop-publisher, staff, or the Diocese of Jackson.
Letters should be typed, not longer than 250 words, and include a verifiable name, address, and day-time phone number. E-mailed letters should also include a postal address.
The editor reserves the right to edit letters for length or clarity to exclude any material deemed inappropriate for this publication.
Send letters to: The Editor, Mississippi Catholic
P.O. Box 2130, Jackson, MS 39225-2130
e-mail Janna Avalon
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR ARCHIVED LETTERS Spetember 16, 2011 ISSUE --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dear Editor,
It is with great pride that Catholic Charities USA will celebrate its 101st birthday this year. In addition, Catholic Charities Jackson has been servicing Mississippians for 48 years. Although we are one of the poorest states in the nation Catholic Charities continues to serve the most vulnerable amongst us.
Having served on the Governance Council of Catholic Charities I have seen firsthand how Catholic Charities reaches out to those in need. Catholic Charities can only do this with the help of all of us through not only our prayers but financial support as well.
I recently received a letter from Greg Patin of Catholic Charities which contained a testimonial about the help Catholic Charities gave to a young girl who had been raped by her uncle.
She refused to be a victim to this horrendous experience. With the help of Catholic Charities she made it through the crisis and has now graduated with a bachelor’s degree in social work. She spoke eloquently of how her experience with the organization inspired her to help others with this public declaration. What a wonderful tribute to how Catholic Charities works to be a visible sign of Christ’s love.
Donations made to Catholic Charities help to continue this service for these vulnerable victims. Your donation of $50 will purchase a personal hygiene kit for a rape victim and $150 will provide counseling and aftercare.
Please join me in answering the biblical call to reach out and help others with a donation to Catholic Charities by sending your tribute to:
Catholic Charities Inc.
200 North Congress Street, Suite 100
Jackson, MS 39201 or give on-line.
July 8, 2011 ISSUE
Thanks for memories,
special features
Dear Editor,
I feel like celebrating Good News after enjoying the special insert with memories from around the diocese from the past year. Great job! The spirit is alive and well among your very small staff. You do big things. I really look forward to the Mississippi Catholic each week and its special features.
I think I saved every priest write-up during the “Year for Priests” and so look forward to personal reflections on the meaning of the Eucharist this coming year.
My favorite columnist is Father Ron Rolheiser who I heard in person at Spring Hill College shortly after moving down here. I also resonate with George Valadie and his insightful yet humble experiences about family, education, and life in general, colored with humor.
You also do a good job of including parish news from border to border of this very large area.
Since we worshiped from Christ the King Parish in Southaven for so many years and then at St Therese Parish in Jackson, always my “homecoming church,” I connect with so many activities and the people featured, especially the priests. God continue to bless your hands, your hearts, your eyes and ears – open to receive the Good News and share it.
With pride to know you,
February 18, 2011 ISSUE
Immigration issue
Dear Editor,
My sincerest appreciation to Bishop Joseph Latino for his wonderful column in the Feb. 4 issue of Mississippi Catholic about “the unnecessary, mean-spirited and retrogressive bill” on immigration that is now pending in our state Legislature.
Please contact your legislator and ask him/her to vote against any bill dealing with the immigration issue. As the bishop said, this is a federal issue and a just, fair and comprehensive bill is needed on the national level.
Also, a thank-you to Father Gerald Peterson for his letter and insights on the immigration issue.
Finally, if anyone hears the term “illegal aliens,” which is a very hard term, ask them to please instead use the term “undocumented immigrant.” Doesn’t that sound more Christ-like?
JoAnn Jones, Magnolia
Thanks Bishop Latino
Dear Editor,
Thanks and congratulations to you and to Bishop Joseph Latino for publishing his lucid, emphatic statement of church teaching on immigration and rejection of the proposed state law on immigration. I pray our legislators and fellow Catholics will hear, understand, and accept his guidance.
William H. McAnally
Columbus
Let payday lending bill die
Dear Editor,
The Bible tells us, “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” If I were being exploited, then I would want someone to help me resolve the unfairness.
This is why the Christian Action Commission, a ministry of the Mississippi Baptist Convention, urges our Legislature to reject a proposed bill, HB 455, that enables payday lenders to charge usurious rates to people in need of a loan.
As a concerned citizen, I believe when it comes to lending, there is a fine balance between preserving the entrepreneurial spirit of business ownership and the exercise of business ethics so as not to place a person in need into deeper hardship.
Regrettably, HB 455 strikes no such balance. It preserves unconscionable rates of 500 percent annual interest and some of the highest fees in the nation ($20 to $21.95 per $100 borrowed). While the bill purports to give borrowers more time to repay and lower fees, in reality the cost to borrowers remains no better than we have today.
The Christian Action Commission urged the Conference Committee to improve the bill by limiting the number of loans to six per year, establishing a database to monitor the loans, requiring lenders only make one loan at a time, and applying the monthly repayment period to all loans (the current bill applies the monthly repayment period only to some loans and makes this requirement easy to get around).
Unfortunately, the Legislature did not adopt a single one of these common-sense suggestions. The bill does nothing to stop the payday debt trap.
With very little time left in this session to correct the bill, we urge the Legislature to let HB 455 die and resume the debate when there is more time to produce legislation that is more in line with our Judeo-Christian principles.
February 4, 2011 ISSUE
Dear Editor,
Marty Russell in an editorial in the Tupelo Daily Journal (7/28/10) stated: “Maybe we should change the engraving of Emma Lazarus’ poem at the base of the Statue of Liberty from ‘Give me your tired, your poor,’ to ‘show me your papers.”’
One problem with the Arizona-type bill passed recently by the Mississippi Senate (SB-2179) is it unfairly targets Hispanics and it will lead to racial profiling. Russell says: “If the law was applied equally to everyone, if everyone who is stopped for a violation must prove citizenship, then it would make more sense, but then you would get complaints from white, blacks, Asians, etc., about police harassment.”
Lt. Gov. Phil Bryant claims, but fails to prove, undocumented workers cost Mississippi millions of dollars. If this bill becomes law, it will cost our state more money. Public Safety Commissioner, Steve Simpson, estimates this law could cost the state $1.2 million for enforcement responsibilities.
Others predict if bread-winners are separated from their families, our state will have to support many more children with services.
It is a fact the undocumented pay far more in taxes than they receive from the government in services. A study by the National Academy of Sciences found immigrants added some $10 billion to the U.S. economy. They pay Social Security like everyone else, but cannot draw any benefits. Many do not file a tax return form, although a high majority would deserve a refund.
Michaela Morris, in a column in the Daily Journal, reminds us aside from native Americans, we are all immigrants, and “there is a decent chance someone in your family tree had to bend the rules to get into the country.”
Morris also reminds us of something I know from 20 years of ministry to Hispanics in the area. “They work hard to take care of their families . . . they pay taxes,” and “those who are undocumented live under constant threat of separation, especially from their children, many of whom are American citizens.”
President Obama in his State of the Union address on Jan. 25, stated we need a national comprehensive immigration policy. For the reasons stated above and others, I say to our state legislators: “Please let the Federal Government tend to immigration enforcement, which is their task, not that of our state.”
I pray our government will quickly create a pathway to citizenship for law abiding undocumented immigrants.
Father Gerald Peterson
Pontotoc --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
October 8, 2010 ISSUE Dear Editor,
The editorial in the Daily Journal in Tupelo Sept. 19 motivates me to write this letter. I agree with the headline: “We’re No Arizona, Mississippi talks should avoid 2011 political opportunism.”
The Senate Judiciary Committee is hearing pros and cons on proposing similar laws as promulgated in Arizona. Mississsippi in the past has had a reputation of passing laws based on race and ethnicity rather than any solid reason for acting.
During the past four years, our state Legislature has passed significant immigration laws. I fear any new laws will hurt business in the state, e.g. the sweet potato production in the Vardaman area and other rural businesses.
Despite claims to the contrary, it is difficult for me to see any laws similar to the Arizona legislation as anything but racial profiling.
Also I see such laws as spliting up many families, removing the husband or wife and leaving other members of the family behind, if one bread-winner is incarcerated for failing to have valid documents. Also, many of the children in these families are citizens of the U.S.
Public Safety Commissioner, Steve Simpson, testified additional enforcement responsibilites would stretch his already thin force and its resources. Our state officers do not need to take on the responsibilties of the federal government.
A few years ago, Sen. John McCain (R) and the late Sen. Ted Kennedy (D) proposed a law offering a path to citizenship to the undocumented. It was blocked from passage. It is my hope in 2011, our legislators, whether Republicans or Demoocrats, will work together for such a law.
For 20 years, as a Catholic priest, I have worked with Hispanics in Alabama and Mississippi. They are good people just trying to provide for their families.
September 25, 2010 ISSUE Honor Charities 100th
anniversary with $100
Dear Editor,
On Sept. 25 Catholic Charities USA will celebrate its 100th anniversary.
Bishop Joseph Latino has designated Sunday, Sept. 26, as Catholic Charities Sunday in our diocese to commemorate this landmark in the history of such an incredible and life saving organization.
The bishop has asked all of us to offer special prayers for those who work, volunteer and are served by Catholic Charities. I hope we will pause to reflect on the importance of Catholic Charities in our state during this anniversary Sunday and go one step further — in giving our financial support.
Despite the challenges of operating in a poor state, economic changes and other hurdles, Catholic Charities has continued for decades to carry out our mission — to be a visible sign of Christ’s love and concern for all people.
I am a witness to the depth and breadth of Catholic Charities work — the quality of the staff, the devotion of the volunteers, the caring and compassion, and the clear and measurable changes that occur in the lives of almost 30,000 Mississippians each year who receive help from our programs.
Our donations in support of the ministry of Catholic Charities are an answer to the Lord’s request to “feed my sheep.” Please join me in honoring the work of our Catholic Charities over the past 100 years by giving $100 in tribute this month. Send your gift to: Catholic Charities Inc., 200 North Congress Street, Suite 100, Jackson, MS 39201 or give on-line at: www.catholiccharities jackson.org/givetoccj
Elizabeth Rooks-Barber
Ridgeland
Newman affected council
Dear Editor,
Since Pope Benedict XVI is beatifying Cardinal John Henry Newman today, I felt moved to reflect on what he has meant to me as a “Vatican II” Catholic.
Many writers have rightly attributed to him the title of “Father of Vatican II” because of the contributions which he made to Catholic thought. His “Essay on the Development of Christian Doctrine” provided theological justification for the council’s work by reminding the fathers of the council of the primacy of conscience in the life of the committed Christian.
As Pope John XXIII said in his opening remarks: “The substance of faith is one thing, and the way in which it is presented is another.”
Pope John understood as did Newman the church had been weighed down in the effort to proclaim the Good News by manners of speech and patterns of thought that had ossified and were unrecognizable to the women and men of his time. Newman pointed a way forward for Pope John when he called the council.
Newman showed me the wonder of the early church fathers contained a richness of theological metaphor and a wonder at the stupendous claims contained in the Nicene Creed which had been lost over the years in the minutiae of scholasticism before Vatican II.
Finally, Newman showed me no matter what science discovers about the physical nature of the universe, at the center of it all is a loving God who revealed himself to us in Jesus the Son of God and continues to reveal himself to us daily in the faith of the “People of God.”
Paul J. Ackerman
Columbus
Contact info missing
Dear Editor,
I was disappointed to read the article “Child Protection office provides lessons, resources to schools, parishes” by Fabvienen Taylor. The article did not have the contact information for the Office of Child Protection.
A faithful reader,
Teresa Palmer
(NOTE: Contact Vicki Carollo, Office of Protection of Children, at 601-960-8471; for victim assistance call 601-326-3728.)
What would Jesus do
about illegal immigration
Dear Editor,
Our national discussion of what to do about illegal immigration is increasingly angry, with accusations of “amnesty for criminals” versus “racism” flying. Such angry rhetoric is unfortunately common in the public arena, but perhaps it can be tempered by Christians asking the popular, if seldom answered, question, “What would Jesus do?”
Scripture has been cited often in the immigration debate, ranging from the mandate to care for “the least of these among us” (Mt 25:34-40) and strangers who reside in our land (Heb 13:2) to a requirement for obedience to just civil laws (Rom 13:1-7).
The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) policy statement says, “… meaningful immigration reform must properly balance the right to migrate and the right to regulate migration. Thus, the USCCB opposes ‘enforcement only’ immigration policies because they lack proper accommodation of the right to migrate. Instead, the USCCB supports ‘comprehensive’ immigration policies that pair valid enforcement laws with fair and generous legalization measures.” (http://www.nccbuscc.org/mrs/legal.shtml).
For millennia humans lived in clans and villages where a highly developed loyalty was essential for survival. That attitude of us versus them persists in racial, religious, ethnic , and even regional prejudices, despite Jesus’ parable of the Good Samaritan, and fuels much of the anger we hear in discussions of immigration reform and the new Arizona law on checking documents. Is anger in this case moral? How should Catholics respond?
What does Jesus say we should do about illegal immigrants?
W. H. McAnally
Columbus
Food for thought
Dear Editor,
I understand there has been a controversy concerning the location of a Muslim community center in New York. It seems to be based on the assumption that “all” Muslims are terrorists.
To me, that’s the same thing as saying that “all” Christians belong to the KKK. Both the terrorists and the members of the KKK “claim” that they are practicing their respective religions, while indeed they are not.
Just some food for thought.
Caroline Gaudet
Jackson
Problem or solution?
Dear Editor,
Father Jeremy Tobin was right on the mark in his July 23 column with his criticisms of the endless wars and bank bailouts of the Bush/Obama administrations. (Find column online at www.mississippicatholic.com)
Father Tobin lost me, though, with his comment about a supposed “fabricated threat ... ginned up because white people discovered they are the new minority.” To suggest the severe social problems caused by the flood of illegal aliens streaming across our southern border are but a “fabricated threat” is to ignore reality. To suggest the situation was “ginned up” to placate “white people” is to unfairly (and racially) demonize a large segment of the U.S. population.
If there can be no peace without justice, there can be no justice without truth. Neither can there be truth without charity, the two being inseparably joined in the person of Jesus Christ. Consequently, any charitable resolution of the immigration issue must begin with the truth.
One undeniable truth is anyone who crosses our borders without permission is violating this country’s laws and committing an offense against the citizens of the United States. This is not to justify any mistreatment of illegal immigrants or the bankrupt policies at home and in Latin America that have led to it.
Certainly there is plenty of blame to go around in this illegal immigrant mess. That, however, does not change this moral fact: like everyone else, the illegal immigrants and their accomplices must own up to their own wrong-doing before any just solution or any lasting healing on this issue is possible.
Those who excuse illegal immigration and demonize those who oppose it are only rubbing salt into a nasty wound. They are part of the problem, not the solution.
James T. McCafferty
Jackson
Send supplies or money
Dear Editor,
Some of you have helped my children during 2009 - 2010 school year. Thank you very much. God bless you. The needs are continuous and unending. Hence may I request you to help them for 2010 - 11 by sending school materials such as ballpens, pencils, holy pictures and other odds.
As I can see the costs and postage are very high for the same. You may preferably send financial assistance to buy them cheaper here and save the postage. I hope you understand my idea. Please help.
Fr. Paul Cruz
Kottiyam Post Office
Kollam - 691 571
Kerala, India
August 20, 2010 ISSUE
Plenty of blame for all
about illegal immigrants
Dear Editor:
Father Jeremy Tobin was right on the mark July 23 with his criticisms of the endless wars and bank bailouts of the Bush/Obama administrations.
Father Tobin lost me, though, with his comment about a supposed “fabricated threat . . . ginned up because white people discovered they are the new minority.”
To suggest the severe social problems caused by the flood of illegal aliens are but a “fabricated threat” is to ignore reality. To suggest the situation was “ginned up” to placate “white people” is to unfairly (and racially) demonize a large segment of the U.S. population.
If there can be no peace without justice, there can be no justice without truth. Neither can there be truth without charity, the two being inseparably joined in the person of Jesus Christ. Consequently, any charitable resolution of the immigration issue must begin with the truth.
One undeniable truth is anyone who crosses our borders without permission is violating this country’s laws and committing an offense against the citizens of the United States. This is not to justify any mistreatment of illegal immigrants or the bankrupt policies at home and in Latin America that have led to it.
Certainly there is plenty of blame to go around in this illegal immigrant mess. Like everyone else, the illegal immigrants and their accomplices must own up to their own wrongdoing before any just solution or any lasting healing on this issue is possible.
Those who excuse illegal immigration and demonize those who oppose it are only rubbing salt into a nasty wound. They are part of the problem, not the solution.
James T. McCafferty
Jackson
What would Jesus do?
Dear Editor,
Our national discussion of what to do about illegal immigration is increasingly angry, with accusations of “amnesty for criminals” versus “racism” flying.
Such angry rhetoric is unfortunately common in the public arena, but perhaps it can be tempered by Christians asking the popular, if seldom answered, question, “What would Jesus do?”
Scripture has been cited often in the immigration debate, ranging from the mandate to care for ‘the least of these among us’ (Mt 25:34-40) and strangers who reside in our land (Heb 13:2) to a requirement for obedience to just civil laws (Rom 13:1-7).
The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) policy statement says, “. . . meaningful immigration reform must properly balance the right to migrate and the right to regulate migration.
Thus, the USCCB opposes ‘enforcement only’ immigration policies because they lack proper accommodation of the right to migrate. Instead, the USCCB supports ‘comprehensive’ immigration policies that pair valid enforcement laws with fair and generous legalization measures.” (http://www.nccbuscc.org/mrs/legal.shtml).
For millennia humans lived in clans and villages where a highly developed loyalty was essential for survival. That attitude of us versus them persists in racial, religious, ethnic, and even regional prejudices, despite Jesus’ parable of the Good Samaritan, and fuels much of the anger we hear in discussions of immigration reform and the new Arizona law on checking documents.
Is anger in this case moral? How should Catholics respond?
What does Jesus say we should do about illegal immigrants?
W. H. McAnally
Columbus
I have question
about diaconate
Dear Editor,
There are 31,000 permanent deacons worldwide. In the United States we have 16,935. In Europe there are 9,978 deacons. In the Americas (without the U.S.) there are 5,625. In Africa, Asia, and Oceania there are 677.
Over 500 are members of religious orders. The average age of those serving as deacons in the U.S. is 60. In the rest of the world the average age is 41.
I have two questions. Of the 16,935 deacons in the United States, how many are there in Mississippi? Will Bishop Latino ever give consideration to reinstituting the diaconate program in the Diocese of Jackson?
May 21, 2010 ISSUE Reform always comes
Dear Editor,
During the current controversy caused by the pedophilia crisis, I would like to present a positive perspective for Catholics by recalling the story of a similar situation.
“During a frustrating argument with a Roman Catholic cardinal, Napoleon Bonaparte supposedly burst out: ‘Your Eminence are you not aware that I have the power to destroy the Catholic Church?’”
“The cardinal, the anecdote goes, responded ruefully: ‘Your Majesty, we, the members of the Catholic Church, have done our best to destroy the church for the last 1,800 years. We have not succeeded and neither will you.’” (Ross Douthat, New York Times)
... and neither has anyone else succeeded in the 200 years since those words of the unnamed cardinal were uttered to Napolean ... and neither will the “current Catholic crop” do any better, though not for lack of effort!
Why?
Simply stated, the Catholic Church is always mindful of its need for reform and renewal both in its head and members (“Ecclesia semper reformanda est”).
Twenty one ecumenical councils in the past 20 centuries have always achieved needed reform and renewal; the Spirit of God will do it again, in the next one, of that I am confident: “For the gates of Hell shall not prevail against it” (Mt 16:18).
Paul J. Ackerman
Columbus
Good article on Molokai
Dear Editor,
I want to quickly bring to your attention an article I just saw on the CNS website. I found it to be inspiring and I am sure other readers will, too. I was thinking maybe you might want to publish it in Mississippi Catholic?
This Priestly Fraternity of Molokai has so many members and not one member had ever visited Molokai until this January. To me that shows the power of St. Damien of Molokai in influencing so many men through his good works to join the priesthood.
For Americans, we tend to associate Hawaii with Jack Lord in “Hawaii 5-0”, Don Ho, and “Magnum, P.I.” It is my feeling this article about St. Damian and this fraternity of priests is most inspiring.
Also, their volunteer branch allows young Catholics to take a year or two out of their lives to be lay volunteers helping the poor, sick and lonely just like Father Damien did.
I just thought I would bring this to you attention because it certainly moved me.
Catherine Derosnay
Via email
New book ‘good read’
Dear Editor,
The new book about Sister Thea Bowman “Thea’s Song: The Life of Thea Bowman” is a real good read.
It was written by Sister Charlene Smith, FSPA, and John Feiser and can be ordered from Orbis Books for $28, 1-800-258-5838, P.O. Box 302, Maryknoll, NY 10545.
Lee Etta Clark
Chicago, Ill.
War – not answer
Dear Editor,
Recently I attended a presentation given by three-time Nobel Peace Prize nominee, Kathy Kelly. Her basic premise is that war is not the answer. After having traveled to war-stricken Iraq 26 times distributing medical supplies, Ms. Kelly was understandably shocked by the conditions in which the people of this nation and others like it (Afghanistan, Pakistan, Palestine) are living.
Two billion dollars a day is being proposed for the U.S. defense budget. We need to offer humanitarian rather than military aid to the people of these countries. Befriend them rather than bomb them. These people are living in conditions not unlike those that the people of Yazoo County are experiencing now after the tornado disaster, except there’s no end in sight to the bombings.
How much more useful it would be if we offered these people things like schools, hospitals, health care, waste disposal systems, electricity, clean running water, agrarian reform, etc. We could use the funds for peaceful rather than destructive goals.
I agree with Ms. Kelly — war is not the answer!
Caroline Gaudet
Jackson
Speak out for poor, sick
Dear Editor,
Please allow me to take this space to warn all of those who have no concern for the poor and the sick: you still have an enemy, and that enemy is made up of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) and the religious women who wrote in support of signing the bill that has now become law.
The bishops are still advocates for health care for the poor. Just because they did not like the bill does not mean they do not have a heart for the sick/poor who live in the USA. The sisters who wrote in support of signing the bill felt that they could operate their facilities without compromise of their commitment to operate truly Catholic institutions.
They may be arguing with each other now, but do not be lulled into apathy thinking they are too busy throwing stones at each other to be concerned about your activities. Those are two powerful voices and both are speaking out on behalf of poor and sick human beings. Be vigilant. You may want to switch to coffee.
Fr. Joseph Dyer
St. Michael’s, Forest
Practices of concern
Dear Editor,
As Catholics, the Eucharist is the most uplifting and humbling part of our faith. However in recent years, many cultural and social practices have found their way into the church, more specifically, the Mass. Many practices have been a source of concern, only two are mentioned below. The first is addressed to the ladies, the second to the general community.
When we present ourselves before the altar to receive the body and blood of our Lord, it should be done in a respectful and reverent manner. If the fashion trends call for lipstick, by all means wear it to church, but perhaps, it could be wiped off before communion. The problem is the excess lipstick left on the linen purificators. The soaking of the linen in water easily removes the precious blood remnants however, removing the lipstick stains are another matter. These linens are blessed before being used on the altar, and are handled in a respectful manner by the women in the parish who launder, fold and iron them. No, the linens are not sent out to a laundry! The host and wine particles are consecrated and must be disposed of in a specific manner.
Secondly, it has been observed receiving communion has become a very casual affair. Where is the reverence when persons display open mouth chewing and sauntering down the aisle with arms swaying, looking to check out who is at Mass? Communion is a sacrament and a privilege to be taken seriously with humility and reflection – or did we miss that part in CCD. I know many people eat on the run, young people are used to fast food, and no one sits at a table any more. But we do have a table, it is called the Altar, and the food served from it is the Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ.
These issues may seem petty and small to some, but an abundance of small issues add up to a very large issue called “complacency.” This faith and this church that we call Catholic, provide us with a strength and dignity to function in this world. Its' rules and regulations actually make it easier for us to make good choices as to our function and our behavior in society.
November 27, 2009 ISSUE Recycle missalettes! Dear Editor,
As we approach Advent, the beginning of the liturgical church year, parishes will be using a new edition of the missalette. In a spirit of caring for the environment, let us remember the “old” missalettes can be recycled.
Here in Pike County, the three parishes of the Catholic community along with the Notre Dame sisters of St. Mary’s at Chatawa are already doing this. The sisters recycle anything and everything that can be recyled, and they have been doing this for years. In fact, Sister Mary Margaret Ford who died a couple of years ago, was known as the “Recycling Nun of Pike County.”
When I was on the staff of St. Therese School in Jackson in the early ‘90s, we would have certain days called “GAPP DAYS” — Glass, Aluminum, Plastics and Paper (including cardboard). Students would bring in these items and the city of Jackson would come to get them — great publicity for the school.
Now the state of Mississippi in its “Going Green” campaign is encouraging all schools to stress recyling. In many classrooms there are two trash cans, one for paper that can be recycled and the other one for regular trash.
In parishes or schools, let’s involve our youth so that recycling will be second nature to them. Why recycle? Because it is the right thing to do.
August 21, 2009 ISSUE
Mississippi needs
health care reform
Dear Editor, Mississippians need health care reform as much or more than other states. Mississippians cannot afford to wait for reform or to allow the scare tactics of Republican legislators and their cronies to undermine this legislation. Each day, 130 people in Mississippi lose their health care coverage. And without reform, those who still have insurance will see their yearly premiums go up by $7,973 in the next decade – to a staggering $19,261. Reform with a real public option is key to expanding coverage: Under current legislation, which includes a strong public health insurance option, 457,000 people in Mississippi – and 37 million Americans nationwide – will gain coverage by 2019. A real public health insurance option is crucial to lowering costs: With premiums projected to hit $19,261, we need to get costs down. By spurring competition, a public plan will help bring down out-of-control costs for individuals, families, and small businesses.
Getty Israel
Jackson
‘People of God’
together in crisis
Dear Editor, Seminarians, believe me, I am with you! We the “People of God” are all together in this crisis of the shortage of celibate priests in our diocese! And I congratulate you for your letter in the last issue “Debate diminishes sacrifices by priests.” Having read and reread your letter, I have detected what may be the crux of our common problem. What I and other writers are attempting to accomplish by letters is NOT, as you phrased it, “pointless bickering about an issue that will go unchanged in our lifetime.” May I explain? Your statement of “not in our lifetime” reminded me of my teenage days when Mass was in Latin and I had to use a Missal to understand what was being said; many of us longed for the day when we would have a vernacular liturgy. However, good Catholics told me over and over: “Paul, not a chance! Not in your lifetime!” Sound familiar? And then, “mirabile dictum,” Vatican II arrived and the rest is history! What was believed to have been “not in my lifetime” has been in my lifetime, and for the past 60+ years, thanks be to the Spirit of God moving among us. This experience of mine tells me so profoundly that the Spirit of God in the church blows where the Spirit will blow; the Spirit will not be contained; the phrase “not in my lifetime” has no coinage with the all powerful Spirit of God! Unfortunately, one very important issue was left undone at Vatican II when Pope Paul VI personally took the issue of priestly life (and mandatory celibacy) off the table for discussion by the fathers of the council. What I and other writers are doing, thanks to the ferment allowed by our bishop and editor, is to keep this very issue of priestly life on the table for discussion. Which route the Spirit chooses to give us needed clergy is up to the Spirit. So, whether the Spirit chooses to change the mandatory celibacy rule or whether the Spirit chooses to ordain good married men or whether the Spirit chooses to ordain women, I will leave this entire matter to our Holy Spirit who knows we the “People of God” in Mississippi and in most of the United States are simply strangling for the Sunday Eucharist due to fewer and fewer available priests. “Not in my lifetime?” I will let the all powerful Spirit of God be the judge of that....
August 7, 2009 ISSUE
Debate diminishes
sacrifices by priests
Dear Editor, Over the last few weeks, we have seen arguments go back and forth debating certain changes in the priesthood, particularly allowing married men or allowing women to be ordained. Though healthy dialogue can expand horizons, the efforts on both sides have turned the conversation into pointless bickering about an issue that will go unchanged in our lifetime. Furthermore, the debate only diminishes the sacrifices a priest has to make in his life as well as damages our efforts to promote healthy and canonically acceptable vocations to the priesthood in our own diocese. As seminarians, the letters feel like an attack on our vocations and cause doubts regarding the support we receive in our endeavor. It would vastly be appreciated if these letters would come to an end, for they only do more harm than good. Rather we need to look toward new and positive avenues in dealing with the priest shortage crisis in our diocese. God is constantly calling men to the priesthood as it exists today, and we need to support them in their humble endeavor.
Rusty Vincent
Greg Davidson
Scott Thomas
Juan Chavajay
Adam Nobles
José de Jesús Sánchez
Seminarians of the Diocese of Jackson
We need to let
priests be priests
Dear Editor, Bryan Shaver’s recent letter about women priests suggests he may have missed the point about ordaining women. The question is not whether a person should be ordained or “... [to] love one another and [to] feed the hungry, cloth the naked and visit the imprisoned.” All of us are called to love and charity. The question is what to do about our present shortage of priests. Our parish priests must cover ever greater distances to provide the sacraments to multiple churches and missions, spending too much of their time driving instead of ministering. We need to let priests be priests, instead of commuters, financial officers, and facilities managers who happen to wear a Roman collar. We need more priests and we need responsible lay people performing more non-clerical parish functions. We should pray for more vocations, but we can also take concrete steps: empowering paid lay parish managers and allowing married priests and yes, women priests. In the early church many women headed local churches and presided at the Eucharist (see the excellent book “Ordained Woman in the Early Church” by Kevin Madigan and Carolyn Osiek) and it’s time to do so again. Don’t we need the best priests we can get, whether they be male or female and celibate or not, if we are going to live up to the Sermon on the Mount?
July 24, 2009 ISSUE ‘They shall know we are
Christians by our love’
Dear Editor, Did you get emails a few months ago, like I did, asking you to protest the invitation by Father John Jenkins, president of Notre Dame University, to President Obama asking him to give the commencement address to the class of 2009? From the diatribe of those emails, one would have thought Father Jenkins was “caving” to all that was evil; didn’t he know of the positions of the president on some certain controversial issues? Some of the emails I received even went so far as to try to have Father Jenkins removed as president of Notre Dame because of his gracious offer to dialogue with the president while present on campus. And, sad to say, not another president of a Catholic university supported Father Jenkins in the properness of his invitation. But then Pope Benedict himself invited President Obama to the Vatican for an audience; one might ask: doesn’t the pope know this man? ... and some of his positions? ... how could he do such a thing? By the way, I haven’t received any emails castigating Benedict for his audacious act, thank God! As a verse of a well known hymn we sing says it: “They shall know we are Christians by our love, by our love; yes, they’ll know we are Christians by our love.”
Paul J. Ackerman
Columbus
Male only priesthood
Dear Editor, Ms. (Nancy) Reeves, I read your letter July 10 and would love to know is it your overwhelming desire to be a priest or is it just a subject of which you disagree with the church. Recently Father Robert Barron (wordonfire.org) was asked by a producer of the "Today" show how he would answer the question. Father Barron said being a priest, nun or religious brother, is not what we should strive to become, however we should all strive to be saints and take the avenue in life that is most advantages to becoming a saint. There are a large amount of saints in this world who are women and they did not have to become priests to be a saint. Through my life I have been witnessed to by many a strong woman who has guided me through this world. Is it an issue of equal rights or is it an issue of women are just as gifted as men? I have seen so many women in our church who are gifted in the knowledge of our faith, and I believe God directed them to their position for that one purpose. With so many issues that face the church today I think you need to ask yourself, are women in the priesthood the most important issue of the day? Jesus told us to love one another and to feed the hungry, cloth the
naked and visit the imprisoned. He asked us to spread his word. You do not need be a priest to do any of the above. You only need to be a saint!
July 10, 2009 ISSUE What about our faith?
Dear Editor, Recently it was announced from the altar at St. Mary Basilica that Communion by the cup was being withheld from the congregation because of the danger of spreading the flu virus. Am I missing something or am I reading too much into the teaching that the Real Presence is in both the host and the wine after being transformed into his Body and Blood by a priest? From the very beginning of the congregation being allowed to drink from the cup, I have done so. I personally do not believe it is possible to catch anything from his precious Body and Blood. Never have I caught anything from doing so. I ask the question, What has become of our Catholic faith?
Freda B. Piazza
Lorman
Please help mission in India
Dear Editor, My last request has not much response. There are 5,000 children and three schools in my residential area. Kindly help me by sending pens, pencils, rosaries, used cards and used magazines and statues for the children. I am grateful to you for helping me for missionary work in the past years. Please help. We shall be praying for you in return. Please help. Love and blessings.
Fr. Paul Cruz
Kottiyam Post Office
Kollam – 691 571
Kerala – India
Run Elliot more frequently
Dear Editor, I would like to request that the Mississippi Catholic run Jack Elliot Jr.’s columns more frequently than once every fifth Friday (and archive them online like you do your other columnists). I find Mr. Elliot’s columns to be a rare source of orthodoxy and relevance, and a stark contrast to many of the other features, columns, and letters that appear to be nothing more than barber-shop heretics rehashing the same old tired tirades about the church’s need to “get with it”. I suppose the latter do serve a purpose, albeit a depressing one: they reveal a startling proclivity of some of our faithful to subvert the faith rather than try to better understand it and appreciate it. As a father trying to pass on the faith to my children, it is hard enough having to defend it against non-believers; but defending it against professed Catholics of our own diocese operating through the official newspaper of the diocese is a bit much. I pray Mississippi Catholic will take a firm grasp of the opportunity to use the publication to catechize the faithful of this diocese, rather than as a vehicle for old hippies stuck in the sixties (and still inhaling the fumes of the “spirit of Vatican II”) the opportunity to grind the same old worn out axe. I believe allowing Mr. Elliot more time (and space) on your pages would be a move in this direction.
Daniel Petrolia
Starkville
Do we have courage
to know difference?
Dear Editor, Kudos to George Evans for his thought-provoking article in Mississippi Catholic, May 29, regarding the color of silence. In today’s society where “fool’s gold” captures the attention of our young people and the times when lukewarm participation in living out the gospel message by example from older Catholics may leave a void, Christ challenges us to carry his message forth so that one candle, lit by each of us in his name, gives a golden glow of hope, love and compassion to others. Do we as Catholics have the commitment not to be silent regarding the issues of today, just to maintain the status quo in society, or to avoid criticism and ostracism? Actions speak, at times, louder than words and each of us must determine whether our actions are golden; or by our silence and non participation, just plain yellow. As Mr. Evans suggests, do we have the courage and humility to know the difference? Each of us must decide for ourselves.
Barbara Clark
Madison
I am challenged by letters
Dear Editor, The more I read about the theological arguments for a male-only priesthood the more my mind says to me that they just don’t hold water. I think this is a tremendously fertile topic for discussion. Our discussion is good and healthy and this is exactly how change begins. I am certainly being challenged by the Letters to the Editor to learn more and do more homework. I believe our very own pope has encouraged just this type of discussion. “Over the pope as the expression of the binding claim of ecclesiastical authority there still stands one’s own conscience, which must be obeyed before all else, if necessary even against the requirement of ecclesiastical authority. Conscience confronts (the individual) with a supreme and ultimate tribunal, and one which in the last resort is beyond the claim of external social groups, even of the official church.” (Pope Benedict XVI (then Archbishop Joseph Ratzinger), “Commentary on the Documents of Vatican II”, ed. Vorgrimler, 1968, on Gaudium et spes, part 1, chapter 1.) How could you say no to a person called to the priesthood simply because that person is a female? I just do not believe Jesus meant it that way.
Nancy Reeves
Columbus
Thought provoking
questions
Dear Editor, Below is another questionnaire your readers might find thought provoking. True or False? __ 1. In 1788, the pope agreed to let the priests in America elect their own bishop, who was, then, approved by the pope. __ 2. In the 1780s, under the leadership of Father John Carroll, the pope's appointed vicar apostolic, the celebration of Mass and the sacraments in the English language was strongly encouraged. __ 3. During this same period the laity could nominate pastors for their parishes. __ 4. It was during this same period that the laity acted as business managers of parishes handling most of the issues pertaining to the temporal realm, leaving the spiritual realm to the priests. __ 5. In 1791, at the Synod of Baltimore, it was decided that the practice of priests electing their own bishops, with papal approval, should continue. __ 6. Bishop John England of Charleston, in 1826, was the first Roman Catholic bishop to address the Congress of the United States. __ 7. Due to a large influx of European priests, mostly from France, who favored the monarchical structure of the church, coupled with abuses associated with the lay trustee system, most of the above innovations in the American church were eventually suppressed. __ 8. Most Catholics who do not know their church’s history tend to assume the way they have experienced church is the way it has always been as well as the way it should always be. Again, I hope this little quiz will stir your readers interest in learning the history of their Church. In my opinion, Bokenkotter’s A Concise History of the Catholic Church,” is excellent.
June 26, 2009 ISSUE
We pray Notre Dame
returns to original values
Dear Editor, We would like to add our support to all those who have voiced opposition to President Obama’s invitation to speak at Notre Dame’s commencement. We share the same views as those expressed by Elizabeth Henneberger, Karen Verucchi, and Glenda LaGarde in the June 12 edition. As parents of a Notre Dame graduate, we are grateful for the fine Catholic education she received there and the many wonderful Catholic educators. We pray that Notre Dame will return to the values it was founded upon.
Marsha and Tom Balzli
Marion
Recent letters raise
powerful questions
Dear Editor, Recent letters decrying Notre Dame’s honors for President Obama raise powerful questions for us who oppose abortion on demand. Is our goal to speak in favor of pro-life or to achieve a pro-life society? If speaking out is our goal, we’re doing a pretty good job on abortion, but doing virtually nothing on pro-life issues of the death penalty and war. Pope John Paul and our American bishops have condemned the death penalty, but how many letters opposing state executions have we written? Did the Newman Society or any of us protest George Bush’s honors at Notre Dame after he personally approved hundreds of executions in Texas? If our pro-life speech addresses only abortion, we risk it being dismissed as political advocacy no matter how we rationalize with fabricated concepts like “intrinsic evil.”
If our goal is to save lives, we’re doing a terrible job. Electing anti-abortion presidents has had minimal effect on the number of abortions. During the pro-choice Clinton administration, there were about a million U.S. abortions each year. During both anti-abortion Bush administrations, there were still about a million abortions per year. Maybe it’s time to try something different. How can we do better? I suggest three ways. First, we can be consistent in our pro-life stand by forcefully speaking out against killing in all its forms – abortion, executions, wars, and criminal acts, including the murder of Dr. George Tiller.
Second, we can follow St. Ignatius by speaking the truth respectfully and charitably. Finally, we can try listening to President Obama when he offers to find common ground to reduce abortions. Will these steps make us more successful?
Can we do any worse than we have for the last 36 years?
William H. McAnally
Columbus
More comments on
ordination of women
Dear Editor, Just a few respectful comments. After following all the letters I felt compelled to share my ‘’I Wonder” list with your readers. Perhaps my faith is too simple, but just like sacred Scripture, I believe our Holy Father and all the “Peters,” our deposit of faith and morals, and the “Catechism of the Catholic Church” are gifts from God. I can almost hear Our Lord saying to us “O, ye of little faith.” I wonder if we have forgotten what Jesus said. “You are Peter and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell will not prevail against it.” I wonder if Satan is not trying to destroy us from within — to make us a house divided against itself. Will we let him? I wonder if we have forgotten to whom Jesus gave the Keys to the Kingdom. “What you loose or bind on earth will be loosed or bound in heaven?” Are we too proud? Are we saying “I will not obey?” I wonder if we remember that, before he ascended into heaven, he told the 11 that he would be with us always, even to the end of time? Doesn’t that mean in the Eucharist? Yes, it is easy to be afraid sometimes that we will not have priests to administer the sacraments, especially the Eucharist. Depending on the translation, Jesus tells us “Do not be afraid” 123 times in Sacred Scripture. I wonder if we believe Our Lord? Do we trust him to keep his promises? To believe he will not abandon us, that we will have enough male priests, that he will NOT allow us to be without the sacraments, and that Satan will NOT win. I wonder if we will be obedient to those who hold the keys. Have we gotten away from telling our little boys that the priesthood is a sacred calling, or has the world gotten to us? (It is too hard, I won’t have grandchildren, etc.) Do we encourage them to be altar servers? Do we speak respectfully about our priests in front of our children, no matter what, because they give us the blessed sacraments. Do we pray together, as a family, for an increase in vocations? Do we take our concerns to our Mother Mary? Please can we all just be obedient and pray, and, most of all, trust.
June 12, 2009 ISSUE Support confusing
for some Catholics
Dear Editor, There seems to be some question about the propriety of the University of Notre Dame’s invitation to the president to speak at this year’s commencement exercises. Since the university bears the name of Our Lady, one persumes it is supportive of the church’s social teachings. It can be very confusing therefore for some Catholics and non-Catholics alike as to the church’s true stand on abortion and stem cell research if a famous Catholic university lends its name to the president’s approval since he very actively supports legalized abortion and stem cell research.
Elizabeth Henneberger
Madison
Don’t be misled
Dear Editor, In his persuasive speech, oops, I mean commencement address, at Notre Dame (May 22 “Obama calls for respect, dialogue”), did anyone else catch his call for us to “align our deepest values and commitments to the demands of a new age?” What is he saying? This quotation pretty well sums up what Obama is calling us to do. Currently my deepest values and commitments are aligned with the values of the Gospel and the commitments Christ bestowed on us through his life’s example. If my values and commitments are already “aligned” then Obama is asking me to realign my values and commitments. Next I must ask myself to what does he want me to align my values and commitments? To his pro-abortion agenda? To his policy of intolerance for freedom of conscience? To his socialistic ideologies? Where does he get off? Where is the respect? Fellow Catholics, don’t be misled! This is not OK. Our values and commitments as Catholics are at the heart of our faith; we don’t realign those for anyone! I beg you to listen closely and prayerfully and never, ever compromise the way of life Jesus lived, and died, for. “The demands of the new age” require not realignment, but firm and steadfast adherence to the values and commitments we as Catholics already have. Saint Paul clearly states, “Do not conform yourself to this age . . . .” (Rom 12:2).
Karen Verucchi
Natchez
Would this help in study
of ordination of women?
Dear Editor, May I respectfully ask if the following comment from Archbishop Casaroli, papal secretary of state under Pope John Paul III, as quoted in the newly published autobiography of Archbishop Weakland, former Archbishop of Milwaukee, (“A Pilgrim in a Pilgrim Church: Memoirs of a Catholic Archbishop,” Eerdmans, $35) helps us in our study of whether the ordination of women has ever been “defined” by the church? First some background: Pope John Paul II had reservations about the “American biblical scholars who issued a document stating from a strictly biblical point of view, the ordination of women could not be decided one way or the other.” However, “a codicil was added that upset the pope: The committee further stated that a positive answer would be more in keeping with the biblical evidence.” (cf. A Pilgrim in a Pilgrim Church) When Archbishop Weakland went to Rome to settle controversy about the appointment of his new auxiliary bishop (Sklba), he met with Cardinal Casaroli, secretary of state under Pope John Paul II, who relayed to Weakland that “the Holy Father had stated he would permit a theologian to have a position in this matter different from his own but not a bishop.” Casaroli added, “Even though we both know that this is not de fide definita,” a phrase that means “defined as an article of faith.” (Underline, mine)
Does his comment settle the question, then, of whether the ordination of women in the Roman Catholic Church has been “defined”?
Paul J. Ackerman
Columbus
Thanks, Bishop Latino
Dear Editor, On behalf of the directors, staff and members of The Cardinal Newman Society and the more than 367,000 people who signed our petition opposing Notre Dame’s honor for pro-abortion President Barack Obama, I would like to publicly thank Bishop Joseph Latino for his prayerful witness for a strong Catholic identity on Catholic campuses. In anticipation of Pentecost, Bishop Latino was sent a spiritual bouquet from the petition’s signers which included 116,741 Mass intentions, 146,944 rosaries, 57,728 aspirations, 236,615 general prayers, 74,974 Divine Mercy chaplets, 28,862 days of fastings, 19,877 novenas, 37,125 Eucharistic holy hours, and 3,272 Masses offered by Catholic priests.
As the battle for the souls of Catholic campuses continues, the church is blessed to have shepherds like Bishop Latino – and they will need our prayers more than ever!
Patrick J. Reilly
President
The Cardinal Newman Society
Manassas, Va.
Explain Communion rite
to non-Catholics
Dear Editor, Having just read the letter to the editor in the May 22 Mississippi Catholic which addressed the “embarrassed” Catholic regarding having a Communion rite for non-Catholics, I felt compelled to write this letter. I must respectfully ask Mr. Stevens to look up the word transubstantiation. As a Catholic of 73 years you must know that at the Eucharist we as Catholics believe that we are consuming THE Body and Blood of Christ. They are not mere symbols. This is the basis for the “differences in belief” statement. I do agree that we as Catholics need to foster inter-faith relationships but to allow non-Catholics to partake in Communion without the belief in transubstantiation would be disrespectful to our faith. Perhaps what would be better would be to educate non-Catholics when the opportunity presents itself such as the funeral Mass, to which you referred in your letter, that they may come up to the priest or the ordinary ministers of the Eucharist with arms folded across their chest for a blessing so they may feel as though they are not left out.
Michele Prassel
Ridgeland
Our conscience may be
in error, not church
Dear Editor, Ms. Reeves who wrote a letter May 22 may find the book “Catholic Priesthood and Women: A Guide To The Teaching Of The Church” by Sister Sara Butler helpful. Sister Butler used to hold the belief that women could/should be admitted to the priesthood but discovered she was wrong on the matter. On the matter of how we regard “Ordinatio Sacredotalis” and for that matter, any teaching authoritatively defined by the church, whether it be ex cathedra or the infallible teachings proclaimed and held by the universal and ordinary Magisterium, we should never walk away with the belief that this is a mere opinion and something that can be disregarded. This is part of the deposit of our faith and something not only worthy of acceptance, readily as true, something we are asked to do (obedience).
So, is the matter of ordination reserved to men alone settled and something we are to believe? Absolutely. The fact remains there are some in rebellion against legitimate authority and do not accept this teaching and will not be satisfied by any documents. In regards to our conscience and the formation of it, and how we are to consider ourselves if we should have the misfortune of obstinately rejecting a teaching, in all honestly, we would have to consider our conscience in error, not the authoritative teaching of the church (CCC 1790-1794).
Helen Opiela
Raymond
Real heroes at Notre Dame
Dear Editor, President Obama pleased and flattered his audience at Notre Dame’s commencement, but his actions contradict his words. Some politicians do “know what they’re talking about,” but he has not proven himself one. When opening funds for destroying and use of human embryos’ cells for research, he said it marked “a triumph of science.” Yet, it only takes high school science to know those embryos are humans or that adult stem cells show much more promise. He was right, and received his applause, for saying we should do all we can to aid women so they might not “need” abortions – yet he provided use of federal funds internationally for the building of clinics providing abortion and contraception (most of which cause abortion). He was right in saying graduates should respect divergent opinions. Yet, in the filling of his posts in health care services, he has not included one person who is anti-abortion.
He was right in saying the two opposing positions – pro-life and pro-abortion-are “not likely” to ever find agreement. It is obvious – but the results of these two choices significantly affect his comment that today’s young graduates must provide leadership, expertise, and wisdom for tomorrow. Because of accepting abortion as a solution, we face tomorrow without over 50,000,000 young Americans – minus their talents, their dreams, their accomplishments and work. This reality he fails to consider. One who has given years of eloquent and humble service to humanity, with much more to offer graduates, might have spoken and received a degree but was not chosen. Yet the graduates who quietly met at the Grotto at Notre Dame for prayer, who placed a cross and tiny footprints on their caps, who joyously celebrated their respect for life leaving their classmates to listen to the President, are the real heroes.
May 22, 2009 ISSUE
What is our duty as followers
Dear Editor,
Is the male-only priesthood an infallible teaching of the Catholic Church, as asserted by Ms. (Helen) Opiela (May 15, “Not in my opinion”)? She is correct in saying in 1994 Pope John Paul II wrote an apostolic letter teaching the church had no authority to ordain women.
However, like many of us, she may have been understandably confused by his letter and the variety of interpretations given to it.
Pope John Paul’s letter on the priesthood must be respectfully received and prayerfully considered by all Catholics. Was it an infallible declaration? Many in the church recognized the pope himself chose not to speak ex-cathedra and elevate his letter to the level of an infallible statement of faith and morals as established by Canon Law (#749) and the First and Second Vatican Councils.
However, in 1995 the Vatican Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith expressed its opinion (“Responsum Ad Dubium”) that the apostolic letter had taught infallibly by the “universal and ordinary magisterium.”
While that opinion should be received with the respect we give any Vatican office, the congregation does not have the authority to change an ordinary teaching into an infallible statement.
In contrast to these 1994-1995 documents, another Vatican body, the Pontifical Bible Commission, declared in 1976 there is no biblical basis for definitively excluding women from ordained ministry.
Paul Ackerman (May 1, “Readers should research issue”) and other writers have cited precedents for ordaining women from the earliest days of the church up through the last century, which would preclude use of the universal and ordinary magisterium argument for infallibility.
Given this information, many in the church believe the question of women’s ordination has been definitively settled for all time, while many others believe it has not. What then is our duty as followers of Jesus Christ? To force others to believe as we do, or to prayerfully submit these questions to our individual informed consciences?
William H. McAnally
Columbus
Communion rite
for non-Catholics needed
Dear Editor,
Having just attended two funerals this week, I am once again embarrassed that we not allow our friends of other faiths to come forward and receive Communion with us. Our statement that “because of differences in belief, we are not able to offer communion with one another sacramentally” just blows my mind.
At the time we are trying to foster inter-faith relationships, this seems to me to fly in the face of our friends of other faiths. At the Last Supper, we are made to believe, that Christ, who was a Jew, clearly said, “Do this in remembrance of me.”
He didn’t say to do this in remembrance of me only if you later become a Christian, or if you are only a Catholic. We believe that he said for all people to receive the bread and wine in remembrance of him.
Other faiths receive the host and wine as we do. To inform them at a funeral of a loved ones that we have a DIFFERENCE IN BELIEF, and they are not worthy of coming forward to receive the host that they receive in their church, seems to be a rather elitest form of religion.
I have loved my Catholic faith for the last 73 years, but it’s time to practice what we preach on religious reconciliation and discontinue this practice.
Bill Stevens
Brandon
Just ask
Dear Editor,
In the May 15 Mississippi Catholic Ms. Helen Opiela from Raymond mentioned some infallible church documents that prohibit the ordination of women. I took the time to locate the documents online and read them.
I also took the time to read the Gospel of Luke, Chapter 11, where Jesus tells us “Ask, and it will be given to you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you.”
I think I will continue to hope and pray for change in our church. Thank you very much.
May 15, 2009 ISSUE Not my opinion
Dear Editor,
In regards to Ms. Reeve’s letter to the editor (April 24, “Men, women need same opportunity”), I would like a chance to respond.
Concerning the male only priesthood, this is not my opinion but the infallible teaching of our church, part of the deposit of our faith.
In May 1994, the question was answered infallibly in “Ordinatio Sacerdotalis” (apostolic letter) and because some confusion remained afterward, in November of 1995 an official clarification “Responsum Ad Dubium” was issued making clear the church had taught infallibly on the matter; priestly ordination is reserved to men alone.
This teaching opened the door for many good and faithful theologians to explain the teaching.
One more thing to consider, these documents are teaching documents, where theologians take the arguments and expand on them. So the understanding behind the Church’s teaching is one we have to accept and it is also one that can be understood.
Also, the priesthood is not meant to be one of power (as political) but one of a position of authority (and service).
Helen Opiela
Raymond
Reinstate diaconate
Dear Editor,
This is a reinforcement of the letter from Julie Battaile in the April 18, 2008, Mississippi Catholic (“Reader wants to know why diaconate not used”).
There is indeed a priest shortage. Deacons would be an invaluable help in their absence.
Of course, the shortage is also a call to strengthen our lay ministries, but there are several areas where lay ministers cannot help.
Unlike lay ministers, deacons may perform baptisms, marriage ceremonies, and preach homilies. Because of their training in theology and social issues, they would be able to assist in many ways that ordinary lay people could not.
Both Pope John Paul II and Pope Benedict XVI recognized the need for the permanent diaconate program.
The parishioners of the Jackson diocese also recognize this need (as per the recent survey).
Why has our diocese not implemented this program? It seems like we are receiving mixed messages from our bishop. Bishop Latino, are you listening?
I hope that I don’t sound disrespectful, because your position requires more study, prayer, faith and perseverance than I can imagine, but it appears as though you speak with forked tongue.
On one hand you continually bemoan the dilemma concerning the shortage of priests, even feigning your concern by requesting a diocesan-wide survey asking for solutions.
And on the other hand, you continually ignore the most common sense solution, that of the diaconate program.
The most ideal situation would be an increase of seminarians, to the point of overflowing our seminaries. But since that has not happened, permanent deacons are the next best solution.
Bishop Latino, your flock respectfully wishes for the diaconate program to be reinstated.
Ruth Thompson
Brandon St. Jude Parish
Diplomacy needed
Dear Editor,
If Mr. Obama, Head of State, or his diplomat, is received at the Vatican, does it mean that the Vatican is now soft on life issues?
Fr. Joseph Dyer
Forest
Thank you, Bishop Latino
Dear Editor,
The letter from Jo Ann Kaelin Jones in the April 24th Mississippi Catholic (“Notre Dame standing firm”) calls for a response.
In her letter Ms. Jones expressed disappointment with Bishop Joseph Latino’s position regarding the president of Notre Dame’s invitation to President Obama to be featured as commencement speaker and receive an honorary degree from this prominent Catholic University.
We are told a bishop’s duty is to be a shepherd to the people and guide them in the faith. We as Catholics both can and should be proud that our own bishop has the courage to address this situation and defend the church from the scandal of honoring the most pro-abortion leaders our country has ever had.
I would refer Ms. Jones to the “Catechism of the Catholic Church” (2270-2276) for the church’s clear direction on abortion and embryonic stem cell research, and also to the document of Pope Benedict XVI, when he was prefect of the Congregation of the Doctrine of the Faith, which states: “not all moral issues have the same weight as abortion and euthanasia …. There may be legitimate diversity of opinion even among Catholics about waging war and applying the death penalty, but not however with regard to abortion and euthanasia.”
It is also noteworthy, and ironic, that Ms. Jones brought up President George Bush and the number of American lives lost in the six years of the war in Iraq as that number (4,274) is approximately the same as the little lives lost by abortion every single day.
I think it’s safe to say everyone prefers peace to war and hopes it can be honorably achieved someday.
However, the war on the unborn is far more deadly than all the wars ever fought by our country.
Compare the 1.1 million American war casualties since 1776 to the 50 million abortion deaths just since 1973.
Our bishop deserves our respect and appreciation for taking a strong stand and supporting the teachings of the church. Thank you, Bishop Latino.
May 1, 2009 ISSUE Readers should research issue
Dear Editor,
After two recent letters regarding female priests, I would suggest readers research this issue further, if interested, by looking up “Ludmilla Javorova” on Google or by reading the book “Out of the Depths” by Miriam Therese Winter (available from Amazon).
The Google reference and book tell the story of the decision of the Vatican to consecrate Felix Davidek (1921-88) as bishop of the underground Catholic Church in Czechoslovakia during the height of the Cold War.
Bishop Davidek who ordained Ludmilla Javorova as a priest on Dec. 28, 1970, had himself been consecrated a bishop by Bishop Jan Blaha; all of these facts are well documented, approved and recognized by the Vatican, under Pope Paul VI, as part of a complex effort to preserve an autonomous Catholic Church behind the Iron Curtain. (Cardinal Miloslav Vlk of Prague confirmed the fact that up to half a dozen women were ordained for this ministry.)
I write this letter simply to remind readers that when a serious need exists, our church and its leaders have done what is needed in order to provide the “People of God” with the sacraments — even when this required ordaining women as priests in order to provide the sacraments to women in prison behind the Iron Curtain!
Is there a precedent here for our 21st century?
Paul J. Ackerman
Columbus
Did bishop object to speech
by Bush at Notre Dame?
Dear Editor,
Since you reported on Bishop Joseph Latino’s letter to Notre Dame University objecting to President Obama speaking at the university, can you also tell us if he objected to George Bush being similarly honored at Notre Dame in 2001?
President Bush was an outspoken supporter of the death penalty and personally approved numerous executions while Texas governor. Did our bishop write to Notre Dame reminding them that the pope and the American bishops had long condemned the death penalty as cruel and unnecessary?
William H. McAnally
Columbus
“We hope we can dissent
without condemnation”
Dear Editor,
As grateful parents of a daughter who is a 1995 graduate of the University of Notre Dame, both of us know firsthand the “Catholicity” of this wonderful institution. Our daughter received an extremely well-rounded education, including an emphasis on faith formation.
We are supportive of the university’s invitation to President Obama to address this year’s graduating class. As our new president has taken on many huge problems, both domestically and internationally, he has done so with an intellect and vigor that gifts our nation.
It is our feeling that we, as Catholics, must look at the whole picture in the area of governance. Certainly the overall tenor of the Obama administration focuses on all segments of our diverse society.
It is extremely refreshing to have an advocate for our mother earth, the middle class, the poor and downtrodden and those who have fallen through the giant cracks of our health care system. It is refreshing and will be rewarding to have an articulate leader engage the international community of our world.
The University of Notre Dame did not invite our president to speak because he is pro-choice; they invited him because he has been chosen by the people of this country to lead us through the great turmoil in which we find ourselves at this time in our history. The university apparently sees competency and hope in this man’s vision for our national and global family.
We would hope that we, as Catholics and as Americans, can dissent without condemnation and embrace the policies that lead to greater inclusion of all people in our beloved country.
Len and Jean Pinkley
St. Helen Parish, Amory
How can Catholic
coalition exist?
Dear Editor,
In reference to the “Catholic coalition to unveil St. Francis Pledge” article in the April 17 edition of Mississippi Catholic, I would like to pose some questions.
Why does an organization called “Catholic Coalition” even exist? Does this mean the Catholic Church believes in the false concept of man-made climate change?
Many centuries ago during the Viking explorations of North America, it has been documented the climate was warmer than it is now. Greenland was actually green as opposed to being covered with ice as it is now. Was this a result of burning too much fossil fuels?
When water freezes it expands thus taking up increased volume. When ice melts, it then uses less volume. Since a good portion of the polar ice caps are floating, how could sea levels rise if indeed the ice caps melt?
If man made global warming or climate change is occurring, why have the average temperatures been dropping since 1999?
If the Obama administration succeeds in driving up energy cost and driving down the standard of living, how does that help the poor and the Third World? By causing more damage to the economy and driving down the standard of living for most Americans, how does that help the poor?
When people become unemployed or have less funds to operate due to climate change regulations, what will parishes do about declining revenues? Will the Church approach the Obama administration for a bailout? When I converted to the Catholic Church, I was taught the truth was in the teachings of the church. How can the organization “Catholic Coalition on Climate Change” legitimately exist when it is based on faulty information?
April 24, 2009 ISSUE
We are offended by Notre Dame
Dear Editor,
As an active member and past navigator, 2008-9, and also 2009 mental health chairman, and 2008-9 warden of the John F. Clerico Council 5267 of the Knights of Columbus, I would like it to be known that we are deeply offended by Notre Dame choosing President Barack Obama as its 2009 graduation speaker. We are pro-life, as to why we are against him.
Ron Ola
Greenwood
Notre Dame standing firm
Dear Editor,
In many ways Bishop Joseph Latino has been an inspiring and strong religious leader in Mississippi. He has joined other church officials in speaking out on issues dealing with poverty and other social issues.
However, I was both saddened and disappointed regarding his letter to the president of Notre Dame over his invitation to President Obama to speak at commencement exercises.
President George Bush spoke at Notre Dame. He began a pre-emptive and unnecessary war in Iraq. Thus far, (it is still not over) this war has killed 4274 Americans, injured and maimed thousands more, killed and wounded thousands and thousands of Iraqi citizens. (We will probably never know this number.) Were there any requests from bishops who opposed the war to protest his coming?
Kenneth L. Woodward is a Catholic, an alumnus of Notre Dame, and served as religion editor for Newsweek magazine for 38 years. He is adamantly pro-life, as am I. He wrote an editorial for the Washington Post, “Why Notre Dame Should Honor Obama.”
In this editorial, he reminds us that presidents from Eisenhower to Bush have spoken at Notre Dame. Mr. Woodward writes, “Politically, I had disagreements with each of them. Yet I never supposed by granting them the commencement podium the university was signaling its approval of its policies.
“Neither, now, should the bishops ... Mr. Obama is not coming to Notre Dame to press a pro-choice agenda but to address issues that affect all American citizens, including Catholics.”
Thank God, the Notre Dame administration is standing firm in its invitation to President Obama.
Jo Ann Kaelin Jones
Magnolia
Men, women need
same opportunities
Dear Editor,
After reading Helen Opiela’s letter to the editor in the April 17th edition of the Mississippi Catholic I felt compelled to respond.
I humbly respect your opinion, Ms. Opiela. I am not trying to be mean or argumentative, but I do think many women in the Catholic Church have hope one day the priesthood will be open to us. I pray that will happen as well as opening the priesthood to men who are married. Only then will our crisis of shortage be solved.
I do not feel called to such a ministry, but why would anyone say no simply because the person is female? Not in this day and time. Realistically I know neither will come quickly and probably female ordination will not even happen in my life time. I continue to pray and have hope, though.
I believe women are, at the very least, equal load-bearers in our church. I believe women can be the leaders and, with the church’s blessing and ordination, they would be excellent priests.
I believe men and women should have the same opportunities to answer their call to the ministry. I respect your opinion, but I have hope.
Nancy Reeves
Columbus
It’s time for Catholics
to reject failed message
Dear Editor,
In regard to the March 27th Mississippi Catholic article entitled: “Budget passes values audit by advocates for the poor.”
I am disgusted to see certain members of the Catholic establishment adopt and endorse the policies of socialism and class warfare used by the current Obama administration. When I attended Catholic school, I was taught to have a strong work ethic and that “God helps those who helps themselves.”
I was also taught to give to those less fortunate. How short sighted is Catholic Charities when they don’t take into consideration the damage rampant spending of the Obama budget will do to future generations who will be taxed to death to pay the interest on this craziness?
Do they really believe this Administration which refuses to protect the unborn and urban poor who seek a chance at better education in parochial or private schools through voucher programs will provide funds for their needs?
Rev. Jim Wallis is another issue. In the article he states, “It’s time to stop helping the undeserving rich.” Has he read the Obama budget and seen the wasted spending on projects which benefit the special interest groups who elected Obama with their millions in donations?
Who does he think really helps poor and middle class people by providing capital for job creation (jobs equal dignity) and funding of such organizations as Catholic Charities and Catholic schools? Does he secretly hate these benefactors?
Here’s my question: Is the modern Catholic Church going to teach the next generation of young Catholics self reliance and a belief in God and utilizing the gifts he has given each of them?
April 17, 2009 ISSUE
Priesthood only for men
Dear Editor,
There is one false understanding that seems consistent in the letters to the editor that I would like to touch on; the priesthood can be open to women. This is false. This is not a theological issue that can be changed by the pope, cardinals, bishops or priests.
This was instituted by Christ himself and although we know that women in the early church were there to help, especially with baptism of female women (due to their being naked) there were no ordinations of women.
There is another false understanding that Jesus didn’t convey ordination of women during that time because of the view of women during the period.
But we need to be careful not to forget that 1) Jesus is God and the second person of the Blessed Trinity so we should not think that he wasn’t capable of carrying out what is proper and God’s will, and 2) there were priestesses in the pagan world so if this had been part of God’s plan for the priesthood it wouldn’t have been a total shock in the secular world.
There are many theological reflections that can help us in understanding why the priesthood is for men. We cannot, however, solve the priest shortage in our diocese by promoting this because it is something that cannot be, women in the priesthood.
We are moving from the Year of St. Paul to the Year of the Priesthood, the 150th anniversary of St. John Vianney’s death. Let us be eager to pray for our priests and offer sacrifices for them.
I look forward to many good reflections on the priesthood from our diocese and priests. God bless.
Helen Opiela
Raymond
Some make us
proud to be Catholic
Dear Editor,
Hooray for the Vatican . . . .Thank goodness for standing up for our Catholic principles in rejecting Caroline Kennedy . . . and kudos to Cardinal Francis George and Bishop John D'Arcy in the Notre Dame/Obama controversy. At least we still have SOME in the hierarchy that make us proud to be Catholic.
April 10, 2009 ISSUE Saddened, angered
Dear Editor,
I was both terribly saddened and angered by the article in the March 20 edition of the paper titled “Bishop Latino urges all to stand for life.”
The article urges us to contact Washington voicing our displeasure of the attacks on life issues.
What were they expecting? Did they not know President Obama had as part of his campaign the very issues that he is now enacting into law? Did they not know he did not vote against partial-birth abortion when he was a senator?
Yes, I realize you published a paper that had the platforms side by side and that you or they cannot tell us how to vote, but I also know if the platforms had been reversed, you and they would have found a way to put John McCain and “the abortion candidate” in the same sentence.
Linda Hegwood
Sacred Heart, Canton
‘Greatly offended’
Dear Editor:
As a pro-life Catholic, I am greatly offended by Notre Dame’s invitation to Barack Obama to be the commencement speaker.
I am also disappointed that the university does not support the church’s position on abortion.
Father John Jenkins is very naive to think that his visit would be a “basis for further positive engagement.” Barack Obama ran his campaign stating he was pro-abortion and would cancel any protection for unborn babies and he has done that.
He was upfront about his beliefs and has followed up with his death sentence for millions of babies.
Also he and his pro-death congress are trying to withhold federal funds from any hospital if the doctors refuse to perform abortions.
I salute Bishop D’Arcy’s stand on this action. I only wish we had more leaders in the church who would defend the church’s doctrine.
Mary Atkins,
Columbus
Let’s do right thing
Dear Editor,
I endorse Paul Ackerman’s plea for ordaining married men to help cover the priest shortage. In addition, there are a variety of short-term measures we can take if we get away from the notion that the church must function as it did in the 19th century.
Priests could focus more on pastoral work if they weren’t expected to be chief financial officer, facilities manager, and social director and turned those duties over to volunteer or paid staff.
Praying for more vocations is admirable, but prayer plus doing the right thing – admitting married men and women to the priesthood – will produce results.
March 13, 2009 ISSUE May she rest in peace
Dear Editor,
The writeup on Sister Mary Matthew McCloskey caught me by surprise. What an influence she was on so many children. We were blessed to have had her at St. Joseph High.
Everytime I saw her in following years, she had that twinkle in her eye and it was such a treat to see her. May she rest in peace. She deserves that special place. Thank you.
Mary Frank Hitchins
Flowood
Shortage of priests
Dear Editor,
We would like to respond to Mr. Ackerman’s letter in the February 20 edition of Mississippi Catholic concerning the shortage of priests in Mississippi. Our diocese has warned of an impending shortage of priests for years.
Obviously, few lay people have taken these warnings seriously. To address this shortage, we believe it to be everyone’s duty to promote all vocations (marriage and religious life) but especially priesthood. All parents and adult Catholics need to encourage our children to consider a life of service to others and our God.
Our children need to know this is an important and worthwhile vocation. We must not discourage our children from considering this life choice.
We are proud of our son Scott who is making this commitment to God, a life as a Catholic priest in the Diocese of Jackson.
Leonard and Cathy Thomas
Jackson
Commandments for love
Dear Editor,
Ten Commandments of Marriage
Thou shalt:
1. not take thy partner for granted.
2. not expect perfection of each other.
3. be patient, loving, understanding, kind and true.
4. tend the garden of love daily.
5. take great care thy partner’s trust is never violated.
6. not forget thy wedding vows, especially “For better or for worse.”
7. not hide thy true feelings.
8. always respect each other as individuals.
9. give thy marriage room to grow.
10. through all thy days revere God, thy Creator, never forgetting that it is God who made you.
(Source: Archdiocese of Miami)
February 27, 2009 ISSUE
Questions need answers
Dear Editor,
In light of the new presidents’s executive order to allow and federally enhance stem cell research along with a renewed effort to enable abortion on demand and partial birth abortion and threat of loosing their jobs if Catholic doctors refuse to do abortions, we can truly say he is a candidate of change.
But change is not better for my faith and maybe far more questions should be asked and firm answers received before endorsements are handed out carte blanche to future political candidates with such power.
I remember the old saying “fools rush in where angels fear to tread.”
W. Byron Garrity Jr.
Natchez
Statistics alarming
Dear Editor,
I read with interest the article “Retired priests fill in for many pastors” in the March 20 issue of Mississippi Catholic.
According to the statistics in the article, by the year 2011 our 103 parishes and missions in the diocese will have but 28 priests under the age of 70 to serve our “People of God,” down from 34 at the current time.
Is not this an alarming statistic? May I ask: at what number of priests under the age of 70 will we do something significant about this severe shortage? Will it take 25 under the age of 70? How about 20... 15... 10... how about 5? This number is indeed on the horizon; you fill in the year it will occur.
May I ask: When will we consider alternatives to this shrinking statistic? When will we act? When will we petition Rome for permission to ordain good married men?
When will we bring back inactive priests living in the diocese? When will we do something significant so that we may once again have the Eucharist celebrated every Sunday?
February 20, 2009 ISSUE May she rest in peace
Dear Editor,
The writeup on Sister Mary Matthew McCloskey caught me by surprise. What an influence she was on so many children. We were blessed to have had her at St. Joseph High.
Everytime I saw her in following years, she had that twinkle in her eye and it was such a treat to see her. May she rest in peace. She deserves that special place. Thank you.
Mary Frank Hitchins
Flowood
Shortage of priests
Dear Editor,
We would like to respond to Mr. Ackerman’s letter in the February 20 edition of Mississippi Catholic concerning the shortage of priests in Mississippi. Our diocese has warned of an impending shortage of priests for years.
Obviously, few lay people have taken these warnings seriously. To address this shortage, we believe it to be everyone’s duty to promote all vocations (marriage and religious life) but especially priesthood. All parents and adult Catholics need to encourage our children to consider a life of service to others and our God.
Our children need to know this is an important and worthwhile vocation. We must not discourage our children from considering this life choice.
We are proud of our son Scott who is making this commitment to God, a life as a Catholic priest in the Diocese of Jackson.
Leonard and Cathy Thomas
Jackson
Commandments for love
Dear Editor,
Ten Commandments of Marriage
Thou shalt:
1. not take thy partner for granted.
2. not expect perfection of each other.
3. be patient, loving, understanding, kind and true.
4. tend the garden of love daily.
5. take great care thy partner’s trust is never violated.
6. not forget thy wedding vows, especially “For better or for worse.”
7. not hide thy true feelings.
8. always respect each other as individuals.
9. give thy marriage room to grow.
10. through all thy days revere God, thy Creator, never forgetting that it is God who made you.
(Source: Archdiocese of Miami)
Delores Coomes
Vicksburg
Pray before you date
Dear Editor,
“Dating should be recognized as a preparation for engagement, engagement as a preparation for marriage, marriage as a preparation for parenthood”, and with this thought in mind, let me share this prayer with you.
PRAYER BEFORE A DATE
O Mary, Mother of us all, you have taught us the meaning of true friendship by your constant concern for helping and pleasing others, primarily your own divine Son. Your life is a perfect example of genuine interest, generosity, courtesy, warmth and unselfishness.
Mary, help us to make this date strengthen true friendship in our hearts. Only then will it be worthy to be offered to your Son as a pledge of our respect for him and others.
Help us to be an occasion of grace to each other and to all who share these hours with us. Protect us body and soul. Make us aware of the presence of God in one another.
Keep us chaste, O Virgin most pure.
Make us wise, O Virgin most prudent. Brighten our date with laughter, O Cause of our joy.
We will then be richer in mind and heart for having shared each other’s company. We will be strengthened in true friendship for you, for your Son, and for each other, through Christ our Lord, Amen.
(Approved by Archbishop William O. Brady)
Delores Coomes
Vicksburg
Unions too greedy
Dear Editor,
Regarding Father John Rausch’s column on “labor’s possible comeback,” (2-6-09) he listed greed as the cause of our current economic crisis. I could not agree more.
However, he has (conveniently?) omitted listing the greed of unions as a contributing cause of this crisis. He seems to think the blame is to be placed on all other segments of our business community, and that unions are completely faultless.
Having worked in a union environment for 36 years, I can personally attest to the greed of the unions and union personnel regarding work practices. I can also attest to many of my union friends who have observed the very same thing.
Management and unions both are to blame for our current economic mess. Promoting the growth of unions, in my opinion, will not reduce the economic problems of our country.
Robert Degitz
Formerly of Meridian
Be sure to represent all
Dear Editor,
I am a faithful reader of Mississippi Catholic. However, I was disappointed when I read the 2-13-2009 issue.
The wedding insert only featured Caucasian couples. Even the thumbnail on the front page featured “white” hands. Was no one able to obtain at least one wedding photo of a Hispanic and a black couple to include in the feature? Or did you simply not think about it.
Hispanics and blacks cherish the institution of marriage just as highly as those represented in your magazine. Hispanic and black families are also a part of the Catholic community in Mississippi and I think the sacrament of matrimony should have equal representation if a magazine is truly catering to the entire Catholic Church in Mississippi.
The wedding insert in this issue sends a very clear and negative message as far as I’m concerned. All members of the Catholic faith in Mississippi should have representation in pictorials when you are focusing on the sacrament of matrimony.
Laveria Green
Natchez
What will Catholics do?
Dear Editor,
I read with extreme sadness in Mississippi Catholic last week that yet another church (Raleigh) is without a priest since their pastor is leaving and our diocese does not have a priest to replace him.
Wasn’t it only last month that West Point (Immaculate Conception) with missions in Europa and Ackerman lost its priest?
Two months into 2009 and the number of churches with priests has shrunk by two; will this average of one closure a month continue in 2009?
What will stop this serious shrinkage of the number of priests in our diocese?
Is not the Eucharist/Mass the central act of Sunday worship for Catholics?
Are not Catholics obliged under pain of serious sin to attend Mass on Sundays?
What, then, do Catholics without means of transportation do when there is no Mass in their county?
January 30, 2009 ISSUE
Contact congressman
oppose FOCA
Dear Editor,
The Freedom of Choice Act (FOCA) will be coming up again in Congress. First introduced in January of 2004, the bill is designed to “codify Roe vs. Wade” and “repeal the Bush-backed federal abortion ban”, referring to the partial-birth abortion ban act.
The National Right if passed, FOCA would invalidate every restriction on abortion before the stage of viability, even those previously found consistent with Roe vs. Wade by the United States Supreme Court, such as parental notification laws, waiting periods, requirements of full disclosure of the physical and emotional risks inherent in abortion, and the partial-birth abortion ban.
This act would challenge the right of religiously based hospitals or clinics to refuse to perform abortions, and it could possibly force the repeal of the Hyde Amendment, which restricts the use of federal funding for abortions.
Please begin contacting your United States senators and representatives NOW and voice your strong opposition to FOCA. Sign the petition called “Fight FOCA” sponsored by the pro-life organization Americans United for Life (AUL).
Jan. 22, 2009, marked the 36th anniversary of Roe vs. Wade legalizing abortion. Since that time 51 million babies have been killed. We shall all be accountable to God for not doing our part to stop this dreadful act of violence to our precious babies.
You and I are the only voices these innocent unborn babies have. Are we going to let the babies keep dying or will we stand up and be counted? We all have a moral obligation to help our brothers and sisters in Christ.
Please write or call your representative and senators to let them know how you feel about ABORTION. Above all praise God’s name, then pray for help and guidance and one day this will all be behind us.
Believe that when you pray, “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.” Are we going to be among these men and women?
We know that, “Good always comes out at the end” and then one day we can stand before God Almighty and offer him our eternal praise.
January 23, 2009 ISSUE
Speak about life
at every stage
Dear Editor,
I write to thank you for the informative Legislative Preview. I know the work involved in such an insert. I appreciated Rep. John Mayo’s practical suggestions and of course, loved having my ego inflated when I read his kind words. Though John exaggerated my abilities, working with the Legislature can reap many blessings – not least are the countless opportunities to find real ways to build a more just society.
For everything there is a time and season. I am delighted in these times Michael Ann Oropeza and Ben Russell are now providing leadership to the Parish Social Ministry Office. I continue to be impressed by their ability to share Catholic social teaching and to be inspired by their personal commitment to live these teachings.
I believe the church has a unique role to play in speaking on behalf of LIFE and the dignity and quality of life at every stage. We are each called to ask what talents we have to further life and dignity with regard to any one of the issues.
We may not feel comfortable speaking out on every issue, but when each of us adds his/her voice someplace on the continuum, the Body of Christ (all of us together) can make a significant difference. If we truly desire to make God’s hopes real in the world, silence is not an option.
As I recognize the gifts of Michael Ann and Ben, I also appreciate the ways laity across this diocese share their talents. These are exciting times in our church as so many laity respond to their baptismal call to be more fully involved for the sake of the Gospel. I thank God for them and I thank them for assuming their rightful place in our church.
Sister Donna Gunn
Camden
Fight poverty, build peace
Dear Editor,
The month of January is poverty Awareness Month chosen by The Catholic Campaign for Human Development. Their motto for 2009 World Peace Day is, “Fighting Poverty to Build Peace.” This brings to mind Pope Paul VI’s statement that if we want peace we need to work for justice.
We can promote human dignity by fighting poverty world wide. No one person should be denied his/her human right to food, clothing and shelter. Yet millions of people live in extreme poverty and are denied basic human rights.
If our government used some of the money it has given to Israel in weapons and used it to fight war in Iraq and Afghanistan, many of these people could have been helped out of poverty. The means are there, but the good-will-seems to be lacking.
There is an organization called FAN (Franciscan Action Network) that is seeking membership from people interested and feeling called to work for peace. One can get in touch with this organization in www.franciscanaction.org.
January 9, 2009 ISSUE
Ignorance or apathy?
Dear Editor,
The most recent national elections offered Catholics and others of good will a chance to answer a very important question regarding abortion and related life issues: When it comes to the sanctity of human life, which is the more crucial problem we face in this country — ignorance or apathy? The overwhelming answer was: I don’t know and I don’t care!
For most of the 51 percent of Catholics who voted for president-elect Obama — a man who promises to be the most staunchly pro-abortion president to ever hold office — I would like to think ignorance of his position on issues of life was to blame.
The junior senator from Illinois’ promise of fewer abortions under Democratic leadership was almost convincing.
There is one problem, however, with this philosophy. In the struggle for the right to life of the unborn, there are battles — such as minor bits of legislation recognizing legal limits on abortion — and then there is the overall war — to recognize the very personhood and thus value of these very same unborn human beings.
A similar choice might have been given to voters some 150 years ago. A vote for Party A may have lead to a civil war over the issue of slavery and would no doubt continue to tear this nation apart over what many consider a moral issue.
Party B, however, would secure peace in the land (always preferable, right?) and provide farm subsidies and job training to southern farmers who are currently dependent on slave labor for their livelihood, thus lessening the need for slaves and resulting in an overall drop in the slave trade.
Is it ever morally permissive to support absolute evil so that lesser evils might be avoided?
Perhaps, in the future, Catholics will heed the advice of their bishops who, in a 2001 Pastoral Plan for Pro-Life Activities, reminded all of us “the failure to protect and defend life in its most vulnerable stages renders suspect any claims to the ‘rightness’ of positions in other matters affecting the poorest and least powerful of the human community.”
Mike Artigues, M.D., McComb
Celebrate season
Dear Editor,
Seeing all of the Christmas trees on curbs and the “After-Christmas” sales beginning on Dec. 26 each year, I realize how much the Christmas season has become defined by retailers, which would have us all believe the Christmas season begins sometime in November (even before Thanksgiving) and ends on Christmas Day.
This not only ignores the very important Advent season, which is celebrated during this time, but it also robs us of what can be a very meaningful, tradition-filled and historically and biblically correct Christmas season, one in which we can reflect on the gift of Jesus and celebrate the journey of the Wise Men.
The truth is that the Christmas season begins, not ends, on Christmas night and continues until Jan. 6, the feast of the Epiphany. There are many traditions associated with the Twelve Days of Christmas, also known as Christmastide, which include gift-giving, lighting of candles and/or Yule logs each day and leaving Christmas decorations up until the Epiphany.
Sadly, only a small percentage of Christians celebrate this true season of Christmas. The season is already one of such joy and festivity.
My hope is that, instead of succumbing to the messages we are getting from retail entities, we can return to celebrating the season during a time period not dictated by the number of “shopping days” but by something much more meaningful.
Let us celebrate the birth of Christ and do so all 12 days, beginning (not ending) on Dec. 25!
Amy Brooks
Ridgeland
Give a laptop
Dear Editor,
You’ve probably heard of One Laptop per Child (OLPC) and its XO laptop designed for children in the developing world. You may not know that we have
shipped over 500,000 connected, solar-capable laptops to children in some of the poorest, most rural places on Earth.
Deployments are underway in dozens of countries, including Rwanda, Ethiopia, Mongolia, Cambodia, Afghanistan, Haiti, and Nepal. These children learn, play, program, and have access to thousands of books in their language, as well as millions on the Internet.
We are asking people all over the world to give a laptop, or give and get a laptop, to transform the lives of children, and – one connected child at a time – change the world.
OLPC is a non-profit, humanitarian organization with a real story and success in the field.
Nicholas Negroponte
www.laptop.org
Check out Chabanel
Dear Editor,
Pastors, choir directors, and cantors looking for dignified Mass music but without the funds to pay the exorbitant fees charged by some publishers would do well to check out the Chabanel Psalm project at www.chabanelpsalms.org.
Named for the 17th century martyred Jesuit missionary to the Hurons, the Chabanel project makes beautiful psalms and other liturgical music available to anyone absolutely free. MP3 files on the site make it possible to hear samples of the music with organ accompaniment and a cappella.
There are settings available for all three liturgical years. The site includes printable booklets for the congregation and links to other sites with free music, as well. The site contains both plain chant and polyphonic music.
There’s also some interesting biographical material on St. Noel Chabanel and
the other North American Jesuit Martyrs.
May God bless the creators of the Chabanel project and prosper the growing liturgical music revival.
Jim McCafferty
Jackson
Signs of failure
Dear Editor,
The front page photo of Nov. 14 by Fabvienen Taylor is a blatant example of our Catholics’ disregard of discipline in all matters in recent years. The young girl being confirmed is most improperly dressed.
Women’s dress at Mass, loud social conversation in church, girls and women’s posture in church and the total loss of silent time after communion are signs of failure of Catholic respect for the Blessed Sacrament and the real presence.
M.A. Flanagan, Aberdeen
Thanks Sister Christiana
Dear Editor,
Sister Christiana Hofmann, SCN, entered into the joy of eternal life on Monday, Nov. 24, 2008.
She was a faithful disciple of the Lord Jesus Christ, a dedicated worker in his vineyard, and for almost 30 years, that vineyard was Greenwood, Miss., Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, and the Delta.
We were blessed by her presence, her faith, and generosity. We thank her, her family, and her religious community for the blessings received through her labors. May the Lord grant her peace.
I had the privilege of celebrating the Mass of the Resurrection for the repose of her soul at Nazareth Home in Louisville, Ky., on Wednesday, Nov. 26. She was a great-hearted woman.
I am reminded of St. Paul’s statement, “I am poured out like a libation,” because Sister Christiana gave her life completely in love for God and neighbor. She lived a full life and a fulfilled life by the grace and power of the Savior. Thank you Sister.
Fr. Thomas Delaney
Greenwood ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
December 5, 2008 ISSUE
We must fight FOCA
Dear Editor, For you are my hope, O Lord;
my trust, O God, from my youth.
On you I depend from birth;
from my mother’s womb you are my strength
(Psalm 71: 5-6)
There has been a promise made by our President-elect, Barack Obama, that a piece of legislation, FOCA, will be signed into law under him. Last year, this is what he promised: “The first thing I’d do as president is sign the Freedom of Choice Act (FOCA). That’s the first thing I’d do.”
As written now, FOCA will undo a lot of laws put in place to restrict and monitor abortion. What FOCA proposes to do:
— FOCA will compel taxpayer funding of abortions.
— FOCA will do away with state laws on parental involvement, on partial birth abortion, and on all other protections.
— FOCA will force faith-based hospitals and health care facilities to perform abortions.
This is not something that needs to be shelved. We need to be ready to fight. This proposed legislation is unjust and the ramifications especially for faith based hospitals and healthcare facilities stand to be great.
Please go to AUL’s website and sign the petition so we can begin to fight.
Additional information can found on priestsforlife.org
Helen Opiela
Raymond
‘We’ll miss Sr. Christiana’
Dear Editor,
Just a letter to let you know how much Sister Christiana Hofmann meant to me as a member of the 4th Degree Assembly 1569 of Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish as an honor guard during three confirmation classes and as a member of the Msgr. John F. Clerico Council 5267.
She was my instructor in becoming a Eucharistic minister and also a greeter and usher at Mass, and she helped us with Christmas and also with Lenten fish fries.
Ron Ola
Greenwood
Build peace in West Africa
Dear Editor,
As we prepare to celebrate the birth of the Prince of Peace, violence and civil unrest continue to dominate the daily headlines. The people of the Democratic Republic of the Congo cry out for an end to their suffering. Our own country is engaged in two wars. The birthplace of Jesus remains a troubled region.
In this Christmas season, the question haunts us: Is there hope for peace?
Some years back, as Catholic Relief Services (CRS) reflected on the horror of the genocide in Rwanda, the devastation that occupied Somalia and the upheaval unleashed in the Balkans, we set in place a new theme in CRS programs: peacebuilding.
Today, we continue to respond to the evils that people heap upon their neighbors. But now we do so with a knowledge that our work in relief and development must be focused on the relations between people and groups that have become imbalanced and unjust.
We cannot sustain humanitarian and development assistance without addressing the causes of conflict and violence.
True peace means right relationships between people and groups must be built up. This is the work of peacebuilding.
Our peacebuilding programming around the world strives to transform the way people live, heal and structure their relationships. In 115 projects in more than 50 countries, our aim is to change structures, attitudes and behaviors to promote peace, justice and reconciliation.
Thank you for your continued support and your prayers.
October 31, 2008 ISSUE
Students address issues in letters to editor
EDITOR’S NOTE: Barbara Mustain, religion teacher at Madison St. Joseph School, asked her sophomores to write a letter to the editor based on one issue they cared about in this election year. The letter was to express their opinion based on Catholic social teachings outlined in the U.S. bishops’ document “Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship: The U.S. Bishops’ Reflection on Catholic Teaching and Political Life.” Students had received a copy of the bishops’ document and watched a video. They were to “stick to issues and assume the candidates were men and women of integrity who represented very different views on some issues but who were to be taken seriously – no character attacks / no character cheering.” About 65 percent wrote about the fundamental importance of the right to life and human dignity.
IMMIGRATION
Dear Editor,
The Webster’s dictionary defines the word immigrate as: to enter a country of which one is not a native, for permanent residence. This concept is the foundation upon which the United States began.
Many will argue immigration is currently a problem in the United States. Some immigrants have crossed the border illegally and abused the U.S. laws. Each day about 8,000 immigrants cross the border with their families or by themselves, seeking work or medical attention necessary for a better future.
I personally know this, because I once considered myself to be an immigrant, but I was always legal in this country. In 2001 when I was nine years old, my family migrated from Mexico to the United States. My mother and father both received work permits and started working and paying taxes for the government.
They gave up their teaching careers in Mexico to do menial work here, so that my sister and I could have a better education. My family is an example of hard working immigrants who have taken every step necessary to become permanent U.S. residents. By doing this, they have provided a future for my sister and I, that we could not have imagined in Mexico. For this I am grateful.
My hope is that the next president of the United States will come up with a plan to solve this conflict, which affects many immigrant people, and causes them to cross the border because they have no other choice. I also hope American laws will continue to provide opportunities for those who seek this country’s freedoms. Of course it is important that immigrants follow the rules and laws to earn a place in this country which has so many chances for people.
Tania Baltazar
RIGHT TO LIFE
Dear Editor,
I would like to discuss the right to life in relation to the upcoming presidential election. Each of us has a choice as to whom to vote for in this election, and I would specifically like to emphasize the importance of morality in this election. Here, in the United States, the question of life and its importance have been questioned everyday since the decision of Roe vs. Wade in 1973. I advocate the right to life because of the just principles that support them. Abortion is a common topic in this presidential election, and here are the reasons I urge Americans to support the pro-life stance.
Abortion ultimately comes down to the dignity of the human person. Each human life is sacred. Each life is to be respected. Just as African Americans fought for equality in the civil rights movement and in countless other instances in history, we must identify every life as important and, especially, as life. We cannot ignore the fact an unborn child is, in fact, a child. Dignity to this child is just as important as dignity to yourself and your loved ones.
Then why do we allow the killing of millions of innocent babies before they even have a chance to live? Mothers must observe maturity in themselves and take responsibility by giving birth. Abortion, therefore, is the killing of innocent human life, and it destroys the dignity of human life.
I now ask before you vote, remember the children that have been and may be affected by the decision of Roe vs. Wade if it is not removed from law. By just voting for a particular candidate, you are showing respect and acceptance of their beliefs. Then, show the unborn you respect them as well. This is not just a question to be answered by the religious of the United States. This is a call to everyone for the protection of human dignity. We are all human, so protect the smallest too.
Victoria Barcellona
SAME SEX MARRIAGE
Dear Editor,
As Christians we believe the family is the core of human society. The family unit begins with the marriage of a man and a woman. Today in our society we are seeing these core values threatened. Old laws are being repealed and new laws made that allow for same sex marriages.
A marriage between a man and a woman needs to be respected and laws need to be strengthened to promote this union. The marriage between a man and a woman is the fundamental reason for our life to exist, for the creation and nurturing of children.
The union of a man and woman also exists to allow children to be raised in a protective environment. Policies of taxation and work, divorce laws and immigration that favor this union and allow this family unit to exist should be supported. It is important for Christians to support candidates who support the traditional values of marriage between a man and a woman and reject the populist belief that same sex marriages are acceptable to society.
Candidates must support policies that support this bond, through their words and actions. We must allow the family unit, a marriage between a man and a woman, to grow and thrive with dignity in order for the human race to continue.
Ashley Crandall
ABORTION
Dear Editor,
One heated subject in today’s election is abortion. I, personally, am prolife and I believe life begins at the moment of conception. So I advocate making abortion illegal. A lot of people would say there are many exceptions for abortion, such as a mother’s life or rape victims.
There are girls who just get pregnant at a young age. I think if they are mature enough to make the decision to have sex then they are mature enough to take care of a baby especially when there is always adoption. For rape victims, it was out of their control, but if they just hold out for nine months, then they could give the baby up for adoption.
Next, we have a mother’s life that could be at risk. I do not have facts and logic to say why abortion is not the only option, but I do have a story. My mother was pregnant with her fifth child and the doctor told her to have an abortion because if she did not then she and the baby would die in delivery.
It was a hard decision to make, considering the circumstances and having all her kids under the age of 12, but she decided not to have an abortion. The delivery was rocky but now my little sister is eight years old and definitely an ambitious jet engine. Even if a mother’s life is at risk, miracles can happen.
If a mother is told to have an abortion, and she does, she never knows what could have happened or who could have been. Once you have an abortion then all hope is lost and sometimes that is all we have left in this world. Hope and belief is what we have to fall back on.
As my mom always says, “If you do not believe in something, you will fall for anything.’
Lis Riley
DEATH PENALTY
Dear Editor,
October is “Respect Life” month, a time when we are called to nurture and love all of creation. I wonder, though, how we are respecting life by keeping 64 prisoners, in Mississippi alone, on death row.
The death penalty is a violation of human rights in every respect. As many a bumper sticker has inquired, “Why should we kill people who kill people to show that killing people is wrong?” Is it justice or is it only revenge? How is a crime resolved by murder? A life sentence without parole insures that a person will no longer commit crimes, but at the same time it preserves the life of the accused.
One argument of supporters of the penalty is it will discourage people from committing those crimes punishable by death (i.e. sex crimes, drug trafficking), but statistics have shown that despite the death penalty those crimes are still occurring.
Also, it is more costly on taxpayers to carry out capital punishments than to keep a person in prison on a life sentence. If America is to make advancements socially on a global scale, it must relinquish this “eye for an eye” mentality and recognize that criminals are humans too and no person has the right to take the life of another.
Cardinal John Henry Newman once said, “Let us act on what we have, since we have not what we wish.” I now call you to act, to change the world for the better, to encourage respect for all life.
Hannah Saulters
ENERGY
Dear Editor,
The elections are looming ever closer as the days wear on, and peoples’ minds are pondering which candidate they will choose.
One key topic on people’s minds when thinking about who they will vote for is energy. We must find ways to get cleaner more renewable energy. Global warming is destroying the ice caps and the climates of the world. However, the United States of America continues to guzzle up gas and burn coal for energy.
As humans we are the only creatures on this earth that have the power to protect it. We must protect it or the generations to come will reap the misfortunes that come from not protecting and preserving the very thing on which all life depends on.
So when pondering the candidates one must ask oneself how is this person going to protect the planet? Are they going going to build more hydro electric power plants, or perhaps more wind mills? How are the candidates going to help protect our air so our children’s children can live long and healthy lives? One must choose the candidate who will help protect all of this for us and future generations to come.
October 31, 2008 ISSUE
Number one issue
‘Right to Life’
Dear Editor,
I would have to concur with Glenda LaGarde in her “Where is news of importance?” Letter to the Editor dated 10/24/08. There is one important issue above all the rest that should concern us as Christians, but especially Catholics: Life of the Unborn.
Our number one issue should be to let the innocent unborn children (alias fetus) be allowed to live. Whether Democrat or Republican, we must end the brutal killing of the most innocent of victims. Their right to life is not considered in the right to choose.
Our church leaders and church newspaper have an obligation to get this message out to their flock.
Greg Lovelady
Madison
Vote your conscience
Dear Editor,
As reported in Zenit, from Rome, I quote two bishops from Texas: Kevin Farrell of Dallas and Kevin Vann of Fort Worth: “Voting for a pro-abortion candidate when there is an alternative option is to cooperate in evil, and therefore morally impermissible.”
I do not understand how a Catholic paper can say on its front page that neither candidate has an advantage in human rights issues. One candidate is clearly for abortion and will accordingly appoint judges, in the future, which will support abortion.
The other candidate is against abortion and will accordingly appoint judges which do not support abortion.
Other human rights issues become irrelevant if you are already dead by abortion. Health care, education, social justice of any kind are irrelevant if your life (the greatest social justice issue) has already been taken from you.
Please vote your conscience this November – it is vital to the lives of so many in this country.
October 24 , 2008 ISSUE
Make immigration humane
Dear Editor,
In the Oct. 3 column by Sr. Jean Juliano on immigration, I join her on “Family-based immigration should be made more humane.”
Waiting for many years for a visa has dealt much anguish to family petitioners hoping and wishing to have their children join them here in the USA to make life bearable. What are you going to do with the hay when the horse has already died?
Because of this visa unavailability, these poor immigrants, single or family, will resort to entering the United States illegally without waiting for visas. Thus the government had to build a border fence as a “deterrent,” but still immigrants continue to enter the USA. Spending billions of dollars for a non-effective solution to stop them from entering is in- effective, just wasting dollars for more inhuman affliction.
In the ‘80s, Kremlin leadership was told to “tear down the walls.” Now, it will be the Kremlin’s turn to tell the United States leadership to “tear down the walls” that are now erected as boundaries of USA-Mexico. “A tooth for a tooth, an eye for an eye,” so to speak.
God said, “Go unto the world and multiply.” But our present situation seems to make this impossible. We have come to know the acronym OBL (of back log) in the release and approval of visas. This will be a very very serious decision by the coming new administration of Obama-Biden or McCain-Palin what with the other serious problems of the economy? This may be settled either by voting “black” or “white”?
Thank you, may the Lord God bless the editor and Mississippi Catholic!
Ruperto Garcia
Houston
‘Let’s work together’
Dear Editor,
As a senior citizen I pay particular attention to TV and newspaper ads that affect the elderly. One stands out and always seems to catch my attention. “Help! I have fallen and I cannot get up.” To me this could pertain to all factions of government society.
In my desire to acquaint things with American history, I immediately thought of the condition of America today and what about the future.
We have fallen! Will we be able to push a button on the voting machine to make our country rise again to its position of prominence of number one in the free world and respected thru out the whole world?
I say “yes” but, we must change things. We must respect ourselves, our neighbors, and our leadership. We must continue to strive for the most educated children in the world.
We must set up a system that all people in need of medical insurance and health care, will be able to participate in a plan that will benefit each individual and family’s needs. Not a free pass, but a plan that they, the citizen, can afford to partake a share of, according to their financial situation. But, most importantly, we must not force them to bankrupt their lives in order to survive.
All young people that are healthy, should spend two years in the military or with a government approved program helping the less fortunate and by participating in jobs, such as the old “WPA” (Works Progress Administration) that help strengthen our country.
We must now set up a law abiding program to control immigration. We must all abide by God’s teachings and not continue to break his commandments, we must “if you do the crime, you do the time,” regardless of your station in life.
We must eliminate the dependency on oil, explore our own resources and then develop our own alternatives. We must quit talking and get down to getting it done. Quit making waste and use those materials that can be recycled.
We are in the ninth inning, do we strike out, or do we get a hit? I think, with cooperation off all our citizen’s participation, we can hit the ball out of the park. We are in need of a home run, friends, let’s go to bat!
Vote for America, vote for your future, chose wisely, the moment is yours.
Tom Lucas
WWII Navy Veteran, Pontotoc
Issues article misleading
Dear Editor,
I found the full page article, “Issues, Election 2008” in Mississippi Catholic, Oct. 3, by Mr. Sadowski of U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) contained much misleading information.
First, it is correct Mr. McCain said, “He would stay in Iraq for 100 years if necessary.” However, this was in response to terrorists stating they will destroy America even if it takes 100 years. McCain is a politician who says I will not surrender as some politicians indicate they would do.
Second, I believe Mr. Sadowski’s statement, “Obama’s platform concurs with the bishops’ assessment more than McCain’s is unfounded. Sadowski even quotes Gerald Powers of Notre Dame in his article saying, “The position of McCain and Obama appears to be inching closer together.” If this is true how can Obama better concur with the bishops?
Third, Mr. Sadowski quotes Father Christiansen, editor of America magazine saying, “Obama’ s community and negotiating skills may help achieve peace more than McCain.”
I invite all readers to check the number of murders in Chicago over the same time-frame as the Iraq war. Google them at murders in Chicago. The number is very high. How have negotiating skills been working there?
Four, Mr. Sadowski quotes Mr. Power’s concern over, “the Bush pre- emptive argument.” Mr. Powers and Sadowski ignore the danger Americans face when (not if) Islamic extremists attack American people with atomic weapons.
Their view sounds like, “Let them murder tens of thousands of U.S. citizens first then do something.” President Bush has taken the course, “We will not let 9-11 happen again with atomic weapons.”
Finally, Mr. McCain and Obama, as well as President Bush over the years, have advocated strengthening the government of Iraq to stop the violence against each other and to bring peace to the Middle East. To indicate otherwise as Mr. Sadowski has attemped is false and untrue.
Father Howard W. Johnson
Chaplain, USA, Ret.
Washington, D.C.
Where is news of importance?
Dear Editor,
Why does Mississippi Catholic fill its issues with articles supporting immigration law reform and aid to people in poverty, yet not one reports the candidates’ views and record on elective abortion?
Not even after three political leaders of one party took pride in their pro-abortion record and pro-embryonic stem cell research support on public TV?
Two of these, Catholics Nancy Pelosi (Democratic Speaker of the House) and John Biden (Democratic candidate for vice-president), justified the pro-abortion stand they profess by grossly misstating the teaching of the Catholic Church on national news.
With only concern for the persons, bishops immediately and reasonably refuted their arguments. This is not news of importance? Not as important as money?
Justice and compassion for immigrants and lifting of poverty must earnestly be worked for. However, our rights to have aid, or to live with more freedom and respect, do not efface the more crucial right-to live until natural death.
Every week thousands are killed; and they are not worth print? Their death is not fantasy, but documented fact! And candidates (Obama, 2002) even use their votes to let no support be given to late term, unborn children who survive botched abortions. Our paper is silent.
The U. S. Bishops’ full page ad tried to arouse voters to the crucial issues at play in this year’s election. Bishops are paying for space in Catholic papers to arouse the laity to the moral issues at stake. It’s just that serious. Still, Mississippi Catholic is silent.
Last week, Cardinal Justin Rigali warned the U.S. Congress the Freedom of Choice Act (FOCA), co-sponsored by Sen. Obama, “would undermine bipartisan efforts to reduce abortions and make abortion on demand a ‘national entitlement.’” July 17, 2007, Obama promised the Planned Parenthood Action Fund, “The first thing I’d do as president is sign the Freedom of Choice Act.” Our paper reported neither.
In Australia, in New York, Washington, France, and Rome, Pope Benedict repeated – you must use your vote to defend the unborn!
The U.S. bishops Conference asked to meet with both parties’ candidates to air the urgent moral issues at stake. The Catholic New Agency reports (15 Sept.) that for the first time, Kansas City Bishops John Naumann and Robert Finn in a pastoral letter urged Catholic voters not to be intimidated by charges of being “one issue” voters this year when it comes to “intrinsic evils,” namely abortion, and but to vote to “limit evil when it cannot be eradicated – as the first priority of our times.
Despite our need to know the abortion stance of the candidates, not one debate posed the question. Would the asking cost votes? Then, shall we not ask? If “silence implies consent,” then how terrible our silence is. Pray, work, think, choose, vote.
Glenda LaGarde
St. Paul, Vicksburg
Heed bishops in citizenship letter
Dear Editor,
With the November elections fast approaching, the subject of abortion, which the Republicans are, once again, politicizing to gain votes for their party using it as a wedge as they have in the past, will undoubtedly be an only issue for far too many Catholics.
As Catholics, exercising our voting privilege intelligently, we ought not accept the Republicans’ politicizing the abortion issue under the guise that they are the “pro-life” party. So far they have proven to be only the “pro-birth” party.
To be truly “pro-life” requires a commitment to quality life from conception to the grave, that makes it possible for every human being to realize in joy, peace and security, the actualization of their full human potential.
Our Republican government has, and continues to support oppressive governments in Third World countries; starts unprovoked wars; supports torture and the death penalty; incarcerates minorities and poor whites more readily than the affiuent; gives obscene amounts of money to support the military of oppressive governments, money which they use to train and maintain their death squads; ignore the plight of poverty populations here at home and abroad; manipulates the voting process in violation of the constitution and spies on American citizens.
Any party that favors the wealthy over the poor, by enhancing their power and privilege to the evident suffering of the less privileged may, as does the Republican party, be “pro-birth” but it is most assuredly not “pro-life.”
It would be extremely interesting to take the social teachings of Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount, and line these up side by side with the Republican platform and I think it would become abundantly clear the Republican party, despite all its declarations and pretentions, is not a “pro-life” party.
It is my sincere hope that Catholics will heed the call of the bishops in their “Faithful Citizenship” pastoral, when they plead with Catholics not to be “one issue” voters.
Sr. Arlene Welding, SSSF
Campbellsport, Wis.
Two lives at stake, not one
Dear Editor,
I’ve heard the argument that victims of rape and incest should be allowed to have abortions. In my mind’s eye, abortion would be a second atrocity to which the women would be subjected. I understand that abortion leads to severe damage to the women — psychological, spiritual, physical, emotional. Again, in my mind’s eye, there are two lives at stake, not one.
Caroline Gaudet
Jackson
40 Days for Life
Dear Editor,
The “40 Days for Life” campaign was written up in our parish bulletin. I had not done anything directly in the name of the unborn in quite awhile and felt called to participate.
The 40 days of fasting and prayer are devoted to ending abortion and promoting life. The daily devotionals via email have been really good.
It seemed providential when I had to go to Jackson for a work-related meeting on North State Street. I asked a Baptist friend if she’d be interested in praying at the abortion clinic. We went and prayed briefly. No one else was praying there.
The next day, I again had business on North State Street and decided to spend an hour outside the clinic. Again, no one else was there. Both times were during “business hours.”
Where is everybody? Isn’t one clinic too many? I haven’t been a “formal member” of any pro-life groups since moving to Mississippi; I’m more likely to join peace and human rights groups.
I was surprised there are still plenty of time slots open on the calendar to keep vigil. Please join other Christians in praying to end abortion. Consider it a spiritual task rather than a political campaign.
I hope we will also pray for a world that is more welcoming to children and for the protection of life at every stage. After all (to paraphrase someone else’s quote) pro-life activism doesn’t end with the birth of the child.
The website is http://40daysforlife.com. You can look up the Mississippi link under “Get Involved.”
Karen Albright
Greenwood
What is our plan?
Dear Editor,
Today at Mass at Annunciation Catholic Church in Columbus, we were informed by our pastor that our neighboring pastor in West Point (Fr. Walter Brown) is being transferred as of the New Year and will not be replaced.
Allow me a bit of history: When my wife and I moved to Columbus 35 years ago there were 5 priests residing in three parishes (Columbus, Starkville and West Point). Today? As of 2009 there will be but two!
These remaining two will have to “cover” the Masses formerly provided by the five ... but what happens next i.e. when one of these two is transferred elsewhere, not to be replaced?
May I ask how one priest will “cover” the three parishes of Annunciation of Columbus, St. Joseph of Starkville and Immaculate Conception of West Point?
Most importantly, what happens when this last remaining priest is withdrawn...2010, 2011... you pick the year!
Are we perhaps going to consolidate these three parishes into one mega parish and bus people in from the outlying towns or are we going to have a Chancery priest come up from Jackson?
Respectfully, I ask: What is our plan?
Paul J. Ackerman
Columbus
Christians in modern world
Dear Editor,
St. Vincent of Lerins, when asked in the early 5th century whether there might be progress in the teachings of the church, replied “Certainly there is, and the greatest. For who is there so envious towards men and so exceedingly hateful towards God, that he would try to inhibit progress?
“But it is truly progress and not a change of faith. What is meant by progress is that something is brought to an advancement within itself: by change, something is transformed from one thing into another.”
Recent letters and articles in our diocesan paper have suggested the church has “changed its mind” over the centuries. If the church can be “wrong,” for instance, with regard to slavery or capital punishment, then surely it’s only a matter of time before she gets it “right” with regard to homosexuality or women’s ordination.
By printing these comments without explanation or direct challenge, however, many Catholics in our diocese may find themselves calling into question not only the prudential judgment of church leaders but also the very doctrines of our faith that define us as Catholic Christians. Though perhaps unintended, such results would nevertheless be unfortunate if not scandalous.
In some cases, as with capital punishment, for instance, doctrinal development has been shaped by a deeper understanding of the role of Christian love in the area of criminal justice. Though consistently taught as a legitimate means of punishment to this day, significant development has occurred calling into question it’s use when “bloodless means are sufficient” to protect the public from the aggressor.
Similar explanations can be made for other such changes. In most cases, there has been a definite development of doctrine over the years resulting from enlightenment in many areas of science and philosophy.
Rather than calling into question the authority of the church, such situations remind us of the humanity that is integral to the role of the teaching magisterium. If such an office were not necessary, God would simply have made clear and explicit the teachings of any and all matters of faith and morals in Scripture alone.
Instead, we have been given a teaching office that, with the help of theologians and laymen alike, has continuously sought guidance from the Holy Spirit in order to come to a better and more perfect understanding of what it is to be a Christian in the modern world.
September 5 , 2008 ISSUE
More true and false
Dear Editor,
Having been out of the state for the past three months, I enjoyed catching up on the back issues of the Mississippi Catholic, particularly the “Letters to the Editor” section.
I commend Father Henry Shelton for his excellent letter in the Aug. 22 issue, “True or False.”
Might I add a couple more items to his list?
Would our readers think that the following statements are “True or False”:
1. The church (the Magisterium) has never changed its position that “Thomism” (i.e. the position of St. Thomas Aquinas on theological issues) is indispensable teaching.
2. The church (the Magisterium) has never changed its position of women's inferiority.
3. The church (the Magisterium) has never changed its teaching regarding the execution of heretics?
4. The church (the Magisterium) has never changed its teaching regarding the structure of the universe itself.
August 22 , 2008 ISSUE
We need more support
Dear Editor,
I had the pleasure and satisfaction of providing some entertainment for the Knights of Columbus Grilling for Life event held at St. Joseph High School Aug. 1-2. The event sponsors pro-life organizations. My effort was small indeed compared to the year long planning and commitment that the local councils expended.
Where was the support of the Catholic community? The crowd was small, and while enthusiastic, it was difficult to hide the disappointment of the sponsors. Tell me, how many community wide events are there that Catholic organizations sponsor? Certainly not too many that more of an effort cannot be made to support the few there are.
Next time please note on your calendars to come to this wonderful event – you will be glad you did.
Dan Hammond
Knights of Columbus Council 10214
St. Paul Parish, Brandon
Bring back first team
Dear Editor,
“Where are we going and can we make it back to normalcy?”
Please look around you, and this time pay attention, time is short and in great demand for the strictest and most articulate check on our future. We are on the dirge of complete collapse of our moral and ethical values. I look forward to watching game shows, sports and old re-runs because of the low degrading standards now being shown on TV, the internet, and other forms of media enterprise.
Why have so many given up on God? Since the birth of America, he has been our true champion; we must return and put our future in God’s hands. Like the ad says, “Are you in God’s hands?” The ACLU is spending millions of dollars to remove God from all of America’s schools, coins and public life. Let us today vow and do all in our power to remove the American Civil Liberty Union from America and bury it in the deepest hole we can dig, after it’s final cremation and removal from America’s cycle of life.
I often hear the expression there are no atheists in a fox hole, may I add or any other place where brave American men and women are putting it all on the line for our constitutional rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness under God’s umbrella of love and happiness. God, please bless our troops and keep them from harm’s way.
As a veteran of WWII, I can attest to God’s desire for justice and freedom for all, we fought for it, we won it, let’s share in our good fortune by eliminating those who oppose God’s will, let’s bring back the first team and once again enjoy the outright beauty of God’s blessings.
What you sow, so shall you receive, let us make it the best crop ever. Put Christ back in circulation here and throughout the world.
There is no other choice, it’s take evil and destroy America or take off the gloves and make America shine once again as the beacon of hope and justice.
Thomas Lucas
Pontotoc
True of False?
Dear Editor,
The following true or false quiz is the result of some reading I have been doing since I retired in February. I thought your readers might be stimulated by it to do some reading in the areas of church history and morality.
1. The church (Magisterium) has never changed its moral teaching on torture.
2. The church (Magisterium) has never changed its moral teaching on war.
3. The church (Magisterium) has never changed its moral teaching on slavery.
4. The church (Magisterium) has never changed its moral teaching on religious freedom.
5. The church (Magisterium) has never changed its moral teaching on freedom of conscience.
6. There are instances in the history of the church of people being silenced or condemned for their teachings, only later to have their teachings officially embraced/approved by the church Magisterium.
7. The church (Magisterium) has never changed its moral teaching regarding objectors and military service.
8. The church has always taught the state must protect the rights of all religious groups to practice their beliefs.
9. The church from the beginning has always been a staunch proponent of democratic forms of government.
10. The church (Magisterium) bas never changed its moral teaching on the dignity and rights of individual persons.
11. The belief in the “divine right of kings” was a stumbling block for the Magisterium when it came to civil liberties and democratic forms of government.
12. The church’s moral teaching has changed throughout history based in part on the social – political – historical context she found herself in. p. 30 A.C.
13. Throughout the 19th century the popes continually denounced civil rights and religious liberty.
14. During this same century the popes condemned liberty of speech and liberty of the press. This teaching prevailed in the church up to the Second Vatican Council which ended in 1965.
Father Henry Shelton
Tupelo
Calling all men: Go vertical
this fall
Dear Editor,
Hey guys! Do you have the itch yet? You know, that kid-like excitement when football season is right around the corner. Well, there’s a spiritual event coming Oct. 16 in Canton known as Cursillo which I hope you’ll consider attending.
In football, we all know our team has an increased chance of victory if we possess a strong armed quarterback and a speedy wide receiver who can stretch the field “vertically.” It allows us to score quickly and simultaneously sets up easy yards underneath by forcing our opponents to “play honest.”
From a spiritual perspective, Cursillo offers us an extraordinary opportunity to go “vertical” in our relationship with Jesus Christ. In a church that has become so dominated by the “Martha syndrome” and the dizzying amount of work that falls under the label of social justice, it is imperative we provide ourselves with the opportunity to reconnect with God through solitude, discernment and a study of comprehensive discipleship.
Cursillo offers an opportunity for all these things and
more! Heaven, hell, the angels and saints, God’s transcendence, the mystical body of Christ or the “vertical” aspects of faith must be contemplated from time to time to give a clear trajectory in our faith lives. It allows for us to grasp a clearer snapshot of our spiritual state with regards to knowing God, loving God and serving God.
In a culture dominated by consumption, conquest, individuality and instant gratification, some of our churches may have inadvertently passed over the “vertical” aspect of faith for the “horizontal” thinking that social justice issues tied to the betterment of the socio/political community is all that is necessary in discipleship. Our Holy Father has gradually been calling attention to this reality in his eloquent writings.
So this fall guys, don’t become like the hamster on the wheel and surrender to the “Martha syndrome.” Give yourself the opportunity to go “vertical” with Christ through Cursillo. I guarantee the game will look radically different because of your experience. The Holy Spirit is ready to lift you up, and who knows, maybe your team will have an angel on its shoulder this fall. In the end, isn’t it all a MATTER OF FAITH!
August 8 , 2008 ISSUE Teaching remains unchanged
Dear Editor,
I find it unsettling that on the 40th anniversary of Pope Paul VI’s encyclical, “Humanae Vitae,” Mississippi Catholic saw fit only to print an article that detracts, if not dissents from that papal document.
In his article, Father McBrien is correct in stating the obvious – the majority of Catholics do not follow the church’s instruction to refrain from the use of artificial contraception. However, Father McBrien’s assertion “Humanae Vitae” has failed the litmus test of producing a “consensus of approval throughout the whole church (sic)” begs the issue.
The true issue at hand is the church’s teaching against artificial contraception has remained unchanged. Pope John Paul II was supportive of “Humanae Vitae” and the Holy Father vigorously affirmed the teachings of Pope Paul VI on the issue of artificial contraception.
Mississippi Catholic should have published an article questioning why one so rarely hears homiletic instruction against the use of artificial contraception from parish priests. The Catholic Church is not a democracy of theologians. The church is led by the Vicar of Christ — the pope.
I would hope a diocesan paper would favor the opinion of numerous popes and try to move the consciences of its readers to follow the church’s instruction as opposed to fanning the flames of dissent.
C. Burke Hayes
Forest
Thanks for generosity
Dear Editor,
On behalf of men and women religious throughout the United States – I extend heartfelt thanks to all the people of the Diocese of Jackson who contributed to the annual appeal for the Retirement Fund for Religious in 2007. Your generous donations totaled $51,449.84. We know this represents great sacrifice on the part of many in these difficult economic times – and we are deeply grateful.
Your generosity helps to provide care for more than 37,500 religious in the United States who are past age 70, including more than 4,900 who need skilled nursing care. These women and men pray daily for your intentions, asking God to bless you abundantly.
The funds from the 2007 appeal were distributed to religious institutes at the end of June, and I am confident that they will be received with profound gratitude for every donor. Our annual report details the distribution of funds, and it will be available on our website on Sept. 1. We invite you to visit us on the web.
Sister Janice Bader, CPPS, Executive Director
National Religious Retirement Office
Vote for change in law
Dear Editor,
I was happy to see the editorial by Patsy Brumfield and the lengthy article by Errol Castens on Thursday, July 24th, the day after the execution of Dale Leo Bishop in the Tupelo Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal. Both spoke clearly why there is a growing majority of U.S citizens who oppose the death penalty.
I agree with Karen Albright, a Catholic who protested the execution, who said: “As a Christian, I’m opposed to the death penalty because it goes against the Sermon on the Mount and as an American, because I don’t want a person killed in my name.”
Often I hear people who approve the death penalty justify it by quoting the Old Testament: “An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.” (Ex 21:34) Jesus calls his followers to a higher standard: “You have heard it said before: ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth,’ but I say to you: Do not resist the one who does you evil . . . Love your enemies.” (Mt 5:38f, 44).
The U.S is one of the few civilized countries, which continues to uphold the death penalty. “If I remember correctly, New Jersey is one of the growing number of states to outlaw the death penalty.
I ask that enough of us citizens of Mississippi send a message to our legislators and our attorney general, that we vote for a change in the law of Mississippi. It’s time to stop this cruel and unnecessary punishment. I remain.
Father Gerald Peterson
Ponotoc
Remember levels of authority
Dear Editor,
I’m writing in response to Father Richard McBrien’s June 27 essay on “The Challenge of Peace after 25 years.” Father McBrien correctly states with regard to specific cases “…there are levels of teaching authority, not only in this document, but in others as well.”
He then states, “While arguments from the Bible or from papal teaching for example, may be probative for many Catholics, the wider civil community must be persuaded by arguments based on evidence. Appeals to authority alone are inadequate. In fact, they are also inadequate to today’s well educated Catholics.”
While technically confining himself to specific cases, Father McBrien has made a career with this divisive and oft repeated theme that the Bible, magisterium and tradition are inadequate: that more “evidence” and dissent are required to become “today’s well educated Catholic” like himself.
I wonder if Father McBrien feels the following “Bible arguments” are probative, or inadequate and demanding of more evidence?
John 10:16
(Christ: One fold and one shepherd)
Mt 16:18-19
(Christ: Upon this rock I will build my church)
Luke 10:16
(Church is “pillar and foundation of truth”)
1 Cor 1:10
(I urge that there are no divisions among you)
Romans 16:17
(Avoid those who create dissensions)
David K. Haadsma
Tupelo
Arrogance of power continues
Dear Editor,
There is a line used a couple of times in “The Dark Knight” that goes: “A man will die a hero or live long enough to become a villain.”
I might extend that to us politicians. We will be in office long enough to succumb to “the arrogance of power.” You see it in elected officials who think no parking signs, speed limits, or general rules of behavior do not apply to us. You see it when elected officials no longer believe we have to listen to even the most mundane issues; you see it when we think we carry the big stick and adopt a “my way or the highway” mentality.
The arrogance of power may come the first day one takes office; it may come after the first reelection; it may come when he/she thinks a one vote difference means total control; it always comes when the politician begins believing he/she has a mandate “from the people.”
Robert Schuller in his book about the Beatitudes explains “The meek shall inherit the earth.” He notes the weak and powerless are unable to be meek.
He says, instead, in order to be meek one must have power or influence in order to portray meekness in the use of that power. One must put his/her own needs aside in order to allow someone else to be heard. And, the powerful who know meekness will remain powerful, because they will allow someone else’s idea to prevail and they will help make it happen.
The arrogance of power gets what it wants through fear; but the meek will move a whole city, county, state, nation forward.
John Mayo
Clarksdale
My dreams came true!
Dear Editor,
Being incarcerated in Mississippi and wanting to be a Catholic for over three years, my dreams have finally come true on June 24. Thanks be to the Lord God that this was possible.
I am indebted to the Lord and also to St. Patrick’s church in Meridian. Also Father Frank Cosgrove, Mike Lundstrom and John Moloney (RCIA instructor). It was a very beautiful ceremony and an emotional one at best. With the ceremony came my first eucharistic communion. I always wanted to partake of Christ and be accepted in his church. Also, I adopted a godfather (Mike Lundstrom). I will cherish him the rest of my life!
But since this is a short beautiful story, there is always another picture on the other side of the coin. . .
The problems we inmates have is the shortage of Catholics who will take the time to come to the prison and help, guide and lead us to Christ’s truth.
We all know and understand the free world is moving at a rapid pace, but sometimes we have to slow it down and realize earthly things are temporary but our souls are eternal! We need more Catholics to reach out to us inmates.
Most of the church programs at this facility are Protestant, Muslim, Seventh Day Adventist and a small number of Catholics. While there are over 100 inmates who attend the service for Protestants several times a week, six to eight inmates go to the Catholic service one hour a week. For the other 167 hours a week we have to wait for the next service. We ache, we are lonely, and we long for the desire to be with God’s people.
So we ask you to please slow down, and think about all the hungry souls that need your guidance, love and support. Remember what our Lord said in Matthew 25:35-40. So please brothers and sisters, fathers and leaders, reach out to these souls in prison. Get programs started. Visit these souls and most of all pray for us who need Christ and your help.
The East Mississippi Correctional Facility in Meridian Mississippi opened the doors in 1999. It has taken 9 years to get the first mass here and the first RCIA program started. Question? How many souls lost out on the opportunity for salvation and didn’t get to know Christ? Answer: Only God knows. . . .
July 11 , 2008 ISSUE
Thanks for kindness
Dear Editor:
On June 12 with the wake and Friday morning, June 13 with the Mass of Christian Burial two wonderful services took place at St. Peter’s in Jackson for Sister Elise Todd, RSM.
It was truly a celebration of a good woman’s life due to her many years of gracious service as a religious woman in
the Diocese of Jackson and especially St. Joseph High School.
The Sisters of Mercy thanked Father Brian Kaskie and Laura Tarbutton as well as the other members of St. Peter’s for the many acts of kindness over the time of her illness and the celebration of her “going home”.
Thanks also to the many priests, students, family and friends who came to honor her with their presence. May she rest in peace.
Sister Mary Anne Poeschl, RSM
Canton
Reinstate diaconate
Dear Editor,
This is a reinforcement of the letter from Julie Battaile in the April 18 Mississippi Catholic. There is indeed a priest shortage. Deacons would be an invaluable help in their absence. Of course, the shortage is also a call to strengthen our lay ministries, but there are several areas where lay ministers cannot help.
Unlike lay ministers, deacons may perform baptisms, marriage ceremonies, and preach homilies. Because of their training in theology and social issues, they would be able to assist in many ways that ordinary lay people could not.
Both Pope John Paul and Pope Benedict XVI recognized the need for the permanent diaconate program. The parishioners of the Jackson diocese also recognize this need (as per the recent survey). Why has our diocese not implemented this program?
It seems like we are receiving mixed messages from our bishop. Bishop Latino, are you listening? I hope that I don’t sound disrespectful, because your position requires more study, prayer, faith and perseverance than I can imagine, but it appears as though you don’t hear us.
On one hand you continually bemoan the dilemma concerning the shortage of priests, even feigning your concern by requesting a diocesan-wide survey asking for solutions. And on the other hand, you continually ignore the most common sense solution, that of the diaconate program.
The most ideal situation would be an increase of seminarians, to the point of overflowing our seminaries. But since that has not happened, permanent deacons are the next best solution. Bishop Latino, your flock respectfully wishes for the diaconate program to be reinstated.
May 30 , 2008 ISSUE
'Benny and the Jets'
Dear Editor,
Oh, those precious little moments! Recently, our daily game of “go fetch” with our 120 lb. Labrador yielded quite an unexpected event. As Jet thundered across the yard, his attention was diverted by something off the beaten path.
He picked up something and as his “horse trot” brought him closer we realized he was carrying something much different this time. What Jet deposited at my feet was a cute, slimy orange kitten with deep blue eyes we affectionately called Benny. Surprisingly, not only was Benny unharmed, but he didn’t even seem traumatized by his ride.
Recently, our Holy Father, Benedict XVI visited our country bringing a message of hope and unity. I see some metaphoric similarities between “our precious little moment” and his visit.
First, the image of the man that visited our country was far different than the one many dissidents painted of him. Characterizations like John Paul’s Doberman, the cardinal who “campaigned” for the papacy, and the power drunk authoritarian, hopefully now ring as hollow as some of his naysayers theology.
In “Deas caritas est,” he compassionately taught us of God’s Ero’s and Agape love while in “Spe Salvi” he calls us to the hope of eternal salvation, not some false unattainable earthly utopia through political structures that in the end leave us more separated than unified.
In the history of the church, and individually, we are sometimes like that orange kitten. Lost, hungry and in need of someone we can instinctively trust to get us back on course. The intellectual battle being waged within the church is not between “liberals” and “conservatives”! That is a ruse. It is between “Neo-Modernists” and “Orthodox” and you should not underestimate the stakes.
All the faithful SHOULD be thankful Benny is laboring in the Lord’s vineyard at this historical time. If you stick with Benny and his Jets (his encyclicals), you can be sure your theological trajectory will be straight and true.
April 18 , 2008 ISSUE
Reader wants to know
why diaconate not used
Dear Editor,
In your April 4th edition I read Bishop Latino wants to hear from all parishes and missions in the Diocese of Jackson about their plans to address the impending priest shortage. Several years ago everyone received a questionnaire addressing the same problem.
We never heard the results of that diocesan-wide inquiry, even though our parish and others completed and then tabulated the results which were sent to Jackson. We find ourselves faced again with the same question … how will we address the impending priest shortage?
Now it is my turn to ask a question. Why is the subject of re-instituting the permanent diaconate not addressed? Well over 60 percent of our parish responses (I know because I tabulated them) referred to the diaconate as a way to lift some of the burden from our pastor. This suggestion has never been openly discussed to the best of my knowledge. In February of this year Pope Benedict met with the parish priests and clergy of the Diocese of Rome and made these comments, speaking on the importance of the permanent diaconate as he addressed more than 100 deacons of Rome:
“I would like to express my joy and gratitude for the council because it revived this important ministry in the church. It can be the link between the lay world, the professional world, and the world of priestly ministry—given that many deacons continue carrying out their professions and maintain their positions while on Saturday and Sunday they work in the church.
“In this way you give witness to the world of today of the presence of faith, of the sacramental ministry and the diaconal dimension of the sacrament of orders.”
A deacon from Massachusetts, in a letter written to America magazine says: “Our clear personal identity lies exactly in being part of both the work world and the ordained world. It lies in service to the poor and imprisoned…service at the altar in baptizing and conferring the sacrament of marriage…dedication to the study of Scripture and to living out the Scripture and bringing Scripture to all who will listen. Never doubt the clear personal identity we have for our call.”
I submit to our bishop and to our readers that a sign of a more incisive presence of the permanent diaconate in our diocese, as it happened in the first centuries of the Roman church is worth openly considering and should be part of the parish dialogue before May 5.
Why is the permanent diaconate not considered? This reader wants to know.
Julie Battaile
St. James Parish, Tupelo
Sr. Jean supports immigrants
Dear Editor,
After reading Sister Jean Juliano’s column for the past few weeks, I feel I must ask her if she feels she is being an advocate for immigrants.
People who come across our borders without proper documentation are breaking a law. How can you teach children the consequences of their actions if you continually ignore violations?
She states reform is the major focus of the Catholic bishops’ “Justice for Immigrants Campaign.” I agree; however, I believe the bishops are committed to immigrants who can be assimilated into our general population with the hope of becoming citizens and working on an even plane with native workers. It is not enough to be an advocate for the down-trodden unless you can assure them they will not be exploited. She refers to the Triple M: Motivation, Money and Mobility.
Under Motivation she cites low-skilled jobs of picking fruits and vegetables, cutting up chicken parts and tacking on shingles in hot or frigid weather. These are all important tasks which benefit everyone. Why should anyone NOT be paid proper wages for performing these occupations?
Under Money she cites Americans will only work for a decent, living wage whereas the immigrant will work for less. Why should either have to work for less than a decent, living wage?
Under Mobility she cites the fact immigrants have the advantage of being more mobile since they do not have family or friends to keep them tied down. How sad! If they had come here as “legal” immigrants, maybe they would have someone responsible to make sure they did not have to move constantly.
I really think if someone wants to help those who want to come into this country, they will comply with the bishops’ wishes to work on changes in the law that would allow more people to apply for legal for resident status.
Emma Hood
Olive Branch
Who decided priests
couldn’t get married?
Dear Editor,
After reading Mississippi Catholic (April 4) I felt I needed to vent my feelings about the way the hierarchy is trying to solve the problem of the shortage of priests.
Having lay ecclesial ministers (LEMS) or pastoral ministers is nothing new as we have had lay people in our church doing this for years. DRE/CRE/ and RCIA go back 25 years. What is needed are pastors and we have been very fortunate to have the wonderful Sacred Heart Priests (SCJs) serving our area, but alas that is now being downsized.
Why do the pope and bishops all feel married priests are an absolute no, no, when we will probably end up with nothing but lay men and women with initials behind their names to do our “pastoral care?”
I’m sure they think there will always be someone around to consecrate the bread and wine and then let the lay people take over the rest of the ministries.
I don’t see where other faiths in our community have a shortage of ministers, some are married and some aren’t but they all serve and are not hindered by their families.
The Catholic Church is in TROUBLE big time. Our priests are worn out, some serving as many as four parishes, and still some churches are closing. The pope and our bishops need to take off their blindfolds and accept reality. Accept married men as priests. They will be accepted just as the disciples were and many of them were married. Who decided that priests should not be married? I can’t find it in the Bible.
Let us all pray for the holy Catholic Church and its decision makers.
Rose Powell
Holy Spirit Church, Hernando
Celibacy ‘higher calling’
Dear Editor,
Over the last three years I have become active in a particular retreat that presents one witness talk each on the single life, the vocation of marriage, and then the religious vocation. I enjoy this “panel” because of how it is set up.
First those present hear of the importance of discernment while still single. Second, they hear of the vocation of marriage, a vocation that shows the love that exists within the Holy Trinity.
Finally, they hear of the religious vocation, which is the highest vocation one can choose, according to both Trent and Vatican II.
Article 1620 of the “Catechism of the Catholic Church” says, “Esteem of virginity for the sake of the kingdom and the Christian understanding of marriage are inseparable, and they reinforce each other.”
It then quotes St. John Chrysostom, saying, “Whoever denigrates marriage also diminishes the glory of virginity. Whoever praises it makes virginity more admirable and resplendent. What appears good only in comparison with evil would not be truly good. The most excellent good is something even better than what is admitted to be good.”
May I make the proposition that our current “crisis” is not one of a lack of religious vocations but is instead a lack of understanding and respect for the sacrament of holy matrimony, as is set out in sacred Scripture, the catechism, and Vatican II, to name only a few places.
In fact, upon reading section 42 of “Lumen Gentium” (written by Vatican II), you will find that celibacy for the sake of the kingdom is a higher calling.
Am I correct in saying if we were to promote a better view of the sacrament of holy matrimony, beginning at home, then we might have more priests and religious in our diocese?
Scott Thomas
Seminarian, Diocese of Jackson
Notre Dame Seminary, New Orleans
April 11, 2008 ISSUE
We must provide
sacraments regularly
Dear Editor,
I must both agree and respectfully disagree with Rusty Vincent’s letter (3-28-08).
The future Father Vincent is, I believe, correct in noting celibacy is a gift. This gift bestows a special freedom to be open to God’s will in a way that is different than the freedom of those of us who are married.
Celibacy, in or out of the priesthood and religious life, is truly a gift, as is the gift of a calling to the married life. It seems we different people are given the gifts that best suit us. What a gracious God we have!
However, the gift of celibacy, or the gift of married life, is independent of the calling to priesthood. This is evidenced by the few active married priests in our church, as well as the many married priests in other Catholic traditions.
In fact, Christian priests until the 500-1000s were typically married. Monks and hermits were celibate. Celibacy is not part of the natural law, nor is it seen by our church as a law of God. Celibacy for priests, while it can be beneficial, has no theological foundation as requirement.
We Catholics will continue to mature in our realization of the character of the priesthood as a result of Vatican II. Our immediate response to the priest shortage can be to permit our priests to do more sacramental ministry, by hiring parish managers for administrative duties.
However, our long term response must be to discern the key qualifications required to be a priest in our church. I find it difficult to believe there are not married Catholics who are called by God to the priesthood, but denied their calling by our organizational church.
To deprive the laity of the sacraments is an abuse that far exceeds any other abuse we have faced in our church. Our hierarchy seems to have no response to this. Apparently, it is up to us laity to open discussion on a non-celibate priesthood. As we, the church, affirm the value of the Eucharist, we must provide the sacraments on a regular basis for all Catholics.
April 4, 2008 ISSUE
Thanks for ‘Justice for Immigrants’
Dear Editor,
I want to express my appreciation to Mississippi Catholic and Sister Jean Juliano, DC, for the weekly column, “Justice for Immigrants.” Sister Jean provides factual information beyond the 30-second sound bites of national media.
Most importantly, she applies Catholic teaching and gospel values to a profound human problem. The article in the March 28 issue, “Few Americans available for unskilled jobs,” was especially informative.
What many people do not realize is that NAFTA (North American Free Trade Agreement), which the USCCB (U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops) opposed, helped create the immigration problem we now face.
NAFTA sent cheap U.S. agricultural goods south of our borders which resulted in thousands of unskilled agricultural workers loosing their jobs. These are the people who are now coming across our borders eager to take jobs nobody else wants in order to support their families back home.
So many come here undocumented because it takes 7-10 years to obtain a visa since the U.S. issues a meager 5,000 visas for unskilled workers. Many times that number come each year as undocumented. The irony is many U.S. industries and businesses depend upon these undocumented workers, and these workers depend on those jobs to support their families back home.
Building fences will not solve the problem, and neither will requiring additional screening for employers. The only practical and Christian solution is to overhaul our inadequate and punitive immigration policies. If a policy or law does not work, it is time to change it.
We need these people and they need us. Let us change our immigration policies to give our brothers and sisters in Christ a reasonable opportunity to come here legally. It is the right thing to do; it is the Christian thing to do.
