------------------------------------------------------------------------------- LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
ARCHIVED LETTERS
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.

David Knoble
Tupelo

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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.

Father Elvin Sunds
Jackson

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

March 28 , 2008 ISSUE
Why is it so difficult
to follow?
Dear Editor,
     I recently read a letter to the editor which suggested removing mandatory celibacy is the answer to the priest shortage. It both insults and saddens me some people believe this is a solution to the problem.
     Priesthood involves a special answer to Christ’s call “sell all you have … and follow me” (Lk 18:22). The society around us promotes greed, sex, violence, etc. and in it drowns out the voice of the Lord from calling his servants. Because of this, the voice of the Lord becomes drowned out. We seek simple answers that seem to satisfy us, but really hinder us from achieving our true calling in life.
     Some are under the delusion celibacy is a sacrifice for a person wanting to become a priest, but it is the other way around. Celibacy is a gift given to those who are called to be priests. The church calls from among the celibates to be joined with her as a husband would with a wife for those called to the vocation of marriage. If one leaves the seminary to get married, then he was not called from among the celibate to be priest from the start. Just because someone could make a good priest does not mean he is called to be one.
     We must stop trying to change the rules by using Sacred Scripture to promote our own agendas and start allowing ourselves to be open to what Christ calls us to do.
Hearing the call is a struggle I have dealt with for a long time and continue to deal with during my seminarian training. I have learned that a priest must love the church the same way Christ does, as a spouse.
     As I continue in my seminary formation, Christ allows my love for his church to grow, and God-willing, to fully realize that love as a priest for this diocese. Please continue to pray for an increase of vocations, because that is where our answer will come.

Rusty Vincent
Seminarian
Diocese of Jackson

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

March 21 , 2008 ISSUE
Immigrant legislation
attacks family, church
Dear Editor,
     I was disturbed by a report I heard on the evening news the other day. After the news report the “call ins” disturbed me just as much. There seems to be a plan to make hiring an undocumented immigrant a felony.
     For several reasons I consider this an attack on our Christian family and most directly on the Catholic Church.
     1. The insistent use of the term “illegal aliens” is a profound indicator there is an unacceptable amount of respect for undocumented immigrants.
     2. I believe nearly half of the Catholic population is Hispanic. The immigrants targeted by this law are primarily Hispanic. This leads to a disproportionate indictment of Catholics.
     3. Legitimate Hispanic contractors, business owners, landscapers, etc., will be unfairly put at risk as friends of friends, relatives, brothers, and sisters will inevitably ask for jobs and jeopardize what they’ve worked so hard to get.
     4. One of the more honorable parts of being Catholic is knowing the political monsters of history have considered Catholics their enemy. These monsters of the past and present have often used other reasons to imprison Catholics and intimidate Catholics without calling it that.
     The vision of the Catholic Church is not the vision of the “Children of the Klan.” The long term effects of this kind of law will hurt the least among us to a sinful degree.
     5. While I’d be wrong to imply all of the Mississippi Spanish-speaking population is unskilled and uneducated with limited resources, I suspect a Catholic education will more and more leave out this segment of our church.
     While Catholic Charities and small groups work to deal with the immigration situation, anything that would make these immigrants feel more marginalized and alienated must not go unchallenged. The Catholic Church of 2008 does not need to look back and think we stood on the sidelines and let this happen.

Sherman Lee Dillon
Jackson

Remove mandatory celibacy
Dear Editor,
     The double page (pp. 6-7) spread on “vocations” in the current issue of Mississippi Catholic was depressing, frankly, very depressing! Nine men may be ordained thru 2012 but the same number of priests will be retiring . . . my math tells me that won’t do it, now will it?
     Personally, I have asked dozens of former seminarians what their main reason was for dropping out of the seminary before ordination and you know what?
     You are right . . . mandatory celibacy! They felt they had a vocation to the prieshood but not to mandatory celibacy so they left.
     But it was not always so . . . read the New Testament and note Jesus chose a married man, Peter, to lead the Twelve after he was gone.
     Paul writing to Timothy (3:2) tells him that “a bishop must be blameless, married but once . . . “and writing to Titus (1:6) he repeats the admonition when he says presbyters . . . must be blameless, married but once.”
     And did you know we have as many married priests in our country as we have celibate priests? Thousands of ordained priests left active ministry following the Second Vatican Council and married.
     May I make my reader a wager? Remove mandatory celibacy as a requirement for ordination to priesthood, as Jesus did, and I will bet you would see an influx of “vocations” such that our seminaries would be unnable to handle them.
     Sadly, I wish I could make this bet with you and be proven wrong!

Paul J. Ackerman
Columbus

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

March 14 , 2008 ISSUE
Reconciliation gives us peace
Dear Editor,
     I was inspired to write this letter from an article some years ago in the Mississippi Catholic by Billy Avalon.
     “Bless me Father, For I have Sinned,” which was excellent reading.
     This particular paragraph touched me. “The result of our collective and individual failure to examine our lives is a part of numbness. Our conscience and consciousness are comatose.”
     I was asked to give a brief talk to RCIA candidates. I was approached in this way. “Delores would you give a brief talk on reconciliation, what reconciliation means to you and what you get out of reconciliation because I know you go for reconcilation more than anyone I know.”
     You know I really don’t but I should because it is a means of getting in touch with myself, realizing where I should improve my life, working out my faults, improving my virtues, making me sorry and helping me realize that when I sin I hurt God and my community.
     I am more aware of how I should and should not be living my life. Examination of my conscience makes me more aware of my sins and helps me to avoid sin.
     I rejoice in knowing I have a loving, merciful, just and forgiving God who loves me, the sinner, no matter what I have done and his love is unconditional.
     Reconciliation gives me graces, it makes me more aware of God’s presence in my life, gives me peace of mind, heals my soul and helps me physically. It gives me courage to keep striving to be a better and holy person and makes me want to be Christ-like and more generous with my life in the service of God.

Delores Coomes
Vicksburg

No political group associated with diocese
Dear Editor,
     I have written a couple of letters in the past referring to this publication’s editorials “Justice for Immigrants.”
     In the spirit of transparency, I have been guilty of distributing materials and ideas that weren’t the “official” teaching of the church. During the last election cycle, I promoted a small document entitled “A Catholic Guide to Voting” that was issued by Catholics United for the Faith and published by such reputable sources as catholic.org and St. Anthony Messenger Press.
     The document later was dismissed by the USCCB ( U.S. Conference Catholic Bishops) in lieu of their pastoral “Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship.”
     I make this “mea culpa” in order to gently urge the readers not to be swayed by organizations such as MIRA (Mississippi Immigrants Rights Alliance) and La Raza which have been cited as reputable sources in this paper. Both organizations also have been working through Catholic Charities, unofficially, but neither organization is Catholic.
     I spoke with the bishop recently and he emphatically stated MIRA is not in relationship with the Diocese of Jackson. I believe the same would be for La Raza.
     As I myself have been guilty of jumping to the quick, easy and exciting responses to deep political issues, I have been chastened to be patient and obedient.
     For clarity’s sake, no political activist organization (right or left) is affiliated with or financially supported by the Catholic diocese. If anyone sees something to the contrary, then it should be brought to the attention of the diocese.

Fr. Joe Tonos
Oxford

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

March 7 , 2008 ISSUE
Misconception possible
Dear Editor,
Re: “Justice for Immigrants” column by Sister Jean Juliano, Feb. 15 issue.
     As Sister Juliano cites, there are currently several House bills and Senate bills that apply to immigrants and those who employ them. However, there could be a misconception these bills are as morally threatening as some of the other issues mentioned in her article.
     Sister Juliano citing the USCCB (U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops) suggests there are several attacks on life that Catholics should oppose and seems to equate (arguably) unjust immigration policies with fundamental issues of human life.
     The document “Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship” says, “direct attacks on innocent persons are never morally acceptable, at any stage or in any condition. In our society, human life is especially under direct attack from abortion. Other direct attacks to the sanctity of human life include euthanasia, human cloning, and the destruction of human embryos for research.” The emphasis is mine.
     The bishops go on to state in Part II of the document that all of the above as well as genocide, torture and the intentional targeting of non-combatants in war or terrorist attacks are “always wrong.”
     In essence, there can be cases where such laws that are being discussed in the case of illegal immigration can be “just.” If a company is practicing unethical business practices in hiring illegal immigrants, then a punishment such as a fine, closure of the company or a humane deportation of the workers arguably could be seen as a “justice.”      However, there is never an exception, compromise or degree where abortion or targeting innocent human lives is acceptable. There is no “just” abortion.
     In addition to this paper, I appeal to Catholics to read the document Sister Juliano prudently suggested (“Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship”) for an uneditorialized and objective direction to obedient stewardship of the political process.
     I also suggest prayer for the bishop and pastors during this time. None of us desire to lead you astray from the faith but we also don’t want to “spit out the gnat while swallowing the camel” when it comes to moral response in the political arena.

Fr. Joe Tonos
Oxford

Vocation crisis debated
Dear Editor
     May I disagree with the thesis of Jack Elliott in the Feb. 29 issue of Mississippi Catholic that “the Catholic Church in the Diocese of Jackson . . . is in the midst of a crisis in vocations?” (Mr. Elliott equated this “crisis in vocations” with “a shortage of priests and religious.”)
     It is just too simplistic to equate a shortage of celibate male priests in the Diocese of Jackson with a “crisis in vocations;” “religious” are a secondary issue.
     I concede this diocese does have a shortage of ordained male priests sufficient for each parish but this does not a “crisis” make!
     How can I say this? For the simple reason that here is another option, now being utilized by other dioceses, to alleviate our shortage of ordained priests.
     For example, in the Diocese of Biloxi where my wife and I lived for nine years, each parish had at least one ordained deacon who could preach, perform marriages, funerals and baptisms.
     “Crisis of vocations”? If each of those parishes produced at least one ordained deacon, surely the parishes of our diocese would do the same or better if such a program existed, would we not?
     I have personally spoken with a goodly number of qualified men in our parish who would make exceptional candidates for a diaconate program should such a program exist but unfortunately it doesn’t.
     But our diocese, unfortunately and for reasons which I do not understand, chooses not to pursue this option of ordaining deacons.
     No, the Diocese of Jackson is not “in the midst of a crisis in vocations;” what it IS in is a self made failure to utilize options allowed to it by Rome, options which other dioceses are utilizing, to successfully address the issue.
     We have sufficient vocations, just not the celibate male type required for priesthood.

Paul J. Ackerman
Columbus

Face-to-face interview
not required or prohibited
Dear Editor,
     Much has been said and written recently regarding the problem with the Medicaid requirement for an annual face-to-face interview to re-qualify for Medicaid eligibility. It is touted as a means to curb fraud.
     Federal regulations provide oversight for all states’ Medicaid programs and require an annual review and verification of recipient demographic and income data. While the face-to-face interview is not required, it is not prohibited. Mississippi is one of only two or three states utilizing face-to-face as a means to re-certify eligibility.
     The big problem with face-to-face lies in the implementation and the procedure used to carry out the process. Individuals are telephoned and given an appointment time and location. They do not have options about day, time, or location.
     The interview site location may not be in the county where the beneficiary resides. Many Medicaid eligible individuals and families have little or no access to transportation — they must pay someone to give them a ride.
     Medicaid eligible families often have low paying hourly wage jobs without the benefit of “personal time” to miss work to be interviewed to renew certification. In fact, when most hourly employees are absent from work, they don’t get paid and they may be fired.
     From FY 2005 to FY 2006, the monthly average number of Medicaid beneficiaries decreased by 16,000 and CHIPS (Children Health Insurance Program) beneficiaries by about 4,000.
     The Medicaid SFY 2006 Annual Report Summary indicates a decrease in Medicaid expenditure in the $330 million range with most of that decrease ($274 million) coming from prescription drug savings.
     A savings largely produced by a policy change requiring individuals receive more generic and less brand name prescriptions and with implementation of federal programs. The division has shown an increase in payments for mental health and mental retardation services, but payments for inpatient and outpatient hospital service, as well as physician services are down.
     Most notably physician services are down by the largest percent (5.35 percent or $12,000,000) which may indicate that individuals are not receiving preventative and chronic illness services and are thus at risk for more serious and costly conditions.
     While there is no direct legislation in place to curb face-to-face requirements for recertification, we are hopeful steps will be taken to reduce requirements for children and disabled. The fact remains face-to-face recertification has not significantly reduced the Mississippi Medicaid expenditures.

Mary Patterson
Chair of Poverty
in America Taskforce
Catholic Charities, Jackson

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

February 22, 2008 ISSUE
No compromises
Dear Editor,
     The writings of Sister Jean Juliano and others in Mississippi Catholic about undocumented immigrants in the United States paint a picture of a people both unwanted in this country yet exploited for cheap labor. It must be maddening to try to live with that contradictory message!
     Yet Sister Juliano and the others fail to offer examples of countries whose policies toward immigrants are more Christian than our own. They also blame the United States for putting farmers out of business in other countries, which causes economic upheaval and leads their poor to emigrate here.
     To me, it doesn’t make sense to want to migrate to a country I believed was causing my native country to suffer. I would want nothing to do with that country!
     One long-held belief of the political left is that the United States is a bullying nation that gets rich by impoverishing other nations. Do Sr. Juliano and others writing for this paper agree with that?
     Mr. Ackerman’s Feb. 1 letter to Mississippi Catholic mentions “callous disregard for the life of a human embryo/fetus from the moment of conception through his/her first trimester via abortion” (italics mine). What about the other two trimesters? Isn’t a fetus just as human then? Our church teaches that human life is sacred from conception until natural death. No compromises.

Chris Balducci
Cleveland

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Take new look
at immigration
Dear Editor,
     I personally believe any person who operates a motor vehicle in the United States should be a licensed driver and that license be issued only on proof of insurance.      Driver preparation booklets as well as the exams should be printed in various languages.
     We should change our law so a newborn would normally attain the citizenship of its mother in the case of a child born out of wedlock where paternity is not established, or of the parent of the family’s choosing in the case of matrimony.
     We should allow persons willing to work for less than the minimum wage to sign a waiver. Those earnings should still be taxed for Social Security and Workmen’s Compensation to cover any medical expenses.
     Regarding any obligations owed to the government, one half of any benefits such as tax refunds should be garnished until that obligation is paid. That includes any fine imposed for illegal entry.
     Massive citizenship classes as well as classes in English should be set up to help those living here assimilate.
     Translation facilities should be made available through the Public Defender’s office for anyone accused of a crime who is not fluent in the English language.
     Any governmental assistance to non-citizens should be only in return for services rendered to the government such as serving in the Armed Forces.
     My dad’s father came from Germany at age 16 seeking “The American Dream.”      Some on my mother’s side came to New England from England before there was a United States. According to family legend some of my ancestors were already here when the “white man” came.
     For generation after generation we have proudly served our country. Barbara and I are both WW2 vets. Our oldest son, Pascal, adopted from a Japanese orphanage at age 8, was a medic in Vietnam. Grandson Bill was a mechanic on one of the APC’s during the invasion of Baghdad.
     We pray that our family will continue to have “One Nation, Under God, With Liberty and Justice for All.”

Deacon Arnold Pancratz
Jackson

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

February 15, 2008 ISSUE
Pastor’s job difficult
during election year
Dear Editor,
     I am responding to the column entitled “Justice for Immigrants” in the Feb. 1 issue of Mississippi Catholic. Sister Jean Juliano writes “While some Democrats may favor a more humane approach to immigration they are loathe to state it....”
     I realize Sister Juliano is given a regular column to support the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) appeal entitled “Justice for Immigrants” which is an issue that has great importance to our diocese. However, I caution the use of such partisan references as the USCCB has made it clear in their latest document “Forming Consciences in Faithful Citizenship” that the Catholic Church cannot “champion any candidate or party.”
     By referring to the Democratic party as “more humane” on the issue of illegal immigrants, it could seem that any other party, in particular the Republican party, could be less “humane.” There was no mention of the Republican stance on immigration and the absence of contrast and comparison to other parties (who may be assumed to be inhumane) makes the “Democrat” remark even more suspect.
     As a pastor, it is difficult to lead the Catholic faithful toward good, moral voting during an election year. It is made even more difficult when the USCCB supports initiatives that are championed, sometimes, by a candidate or party who also hold opinions that are in contrast to the moral Catholic teaching and when one writes for a Catholic paper that can be perceived as the official teaching of the diocese, the use of a reference to a political party as the more “humane” party makes this pastoral leadership in forming a conscience even more daunting.

Fr. Joe Tonos
Oxford

We must speak
for unborn babies
Dear Editor,
     Jan. 22, 2008 marked the 35th anniversary of Roe vs. Wade legalizing abortion in 1973. Since the law was passed 50 million babies have been murdered in the United States. In Mississippi alone, 141,041 babies have been murdered.
     Abortion on demand can be done throughout all nine months of pregnancy. You can help by educating yourself and others. Call your legislators and ask them their stand on abortion, and most of all pray. These babies need us desperately. We have to speak up for the innocent unborn babies and be their voices.
     Please pray for all who have had abortions and those who perform the abortions, they too need our prayers. God bless all of you.

Delores Coomes
Vicksburg

Interpretation skewed
Dear Editor,
     I read Father Jeremy Tobin’s editorial on immigrant labor. His interpretation of the issue is skewed.
     He laments the lack of jobs in the Third World, blaming American corporations for illegal migration of cheap labor, exploitation and racism.
     I have lived in Third World countries, you haven’t seen racism until you go to there.      Yes, there is a need to define worker rights, right to dialogue, advocacy for humane and just working conditions. However, these issues should be addressed in the migrant’s home country so that he or she could prosper and remain at home. Corporate America would be forced to tap the bloated unemployed pool here.
     The Third World elite allows the developing world to rape poor countries valuable natural resources and labor pool at the expense of their people in trade for instant profit.
     The focus of statements, letters, and encyclicals should target greed driven dictatorships and wealthy Third World elites. They scoff at investing in their own country’s development, squander their nation’s wealth for personal gain and reject value added production in exchange for quick profit, the common man be damned.
     Colonialism ended in my teen years, yes it was wrong, but tribal and religious warfare, mass migrations, famines, and unemployment were minimal compared to today’s Third World leaders treatment of their own people. Under repressive colonial rule the average poor fared better, yes suffering and abuse occurred, but not on the scope seen today.

J.M. Rodriguez
Terry

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

February 1, 2008 ISSUE
I’m a bit bewildered
Dear Editor,
     The World Briefs section in Mississippi Catholic (Jan. 25, 2008) left me more than a bit bewildered.
     Why in the world would Georgia’s two Catholic bishops “not support a proposed amendment to the state constitution that would establish the rights of personhood for embryos from the moment of conception”?
     In this day and age of callous disregard for the life of a human embryo/fetus from the moment of conception through his/her first trimester via abortion, why would these two bishops not support anything and everything which enhances unborn human life?
     I, for one, and others to whom I have shown the article, are as equally perplexed as am I by their apparently inconsistent position.
     As the spokesperson for the Archdiocese of Atlanta defensively stated: “there is not a split between the Catholic Church and the other pro-life organizations!”
     Do you too wonder why he felt compelled to “clarify?”
     May I request the editor of Mississippi Catholic to research this issue more thoroughly and give us a more complete analysis in a forthcoming issue?

Paul J. Ackerman
Columbus

This Lent (2008),
wars repent
Dear Editor,
     In the Cathedral of Linz, Austria, along with Father Bill Pickard, Urban Ministries Director from the Diocese of Scranton, Pa., and some 5,000 others, I attended the beatification of Franz Jagerstatter on Oct. 26, 2007, and then concelebrated Mass at Franz’ parish church of St. Radegund, next to his gravesite.(See: www.dioezese-Linz.or.at/)
     Austrian Catholics, in the Prayer for Franz’ Canonization do pray: “During a time of contempt for God and humankind, you bestowed in him unerring discernment and integrity. In faith he followed his conscience and said a decisive NO to unjust war.”
     (For a biography on Blessed Franz, see: www.CJD.ORG/paper/franz.html)
     So now with Fathers Tim Taugher, Kevin Bunger and Fred Daley of the Syracuse diocese and eight laypeople we have established the website:      www.FranzPrayForUs.org, and invite Catholics in the Jackson diocese to observe Lent 2008 at St. Peter Cathedral, as “Franz Jagerstatter people to break the silence,” concluding March 19, 2008, which will make it five long years during which time we American Catholics and our leadership have, remained in fact, disturbingly silent about an unjust war and its costs to humanity.
     In the Diocese of Greensburg we now have a working committee to organize our participation which will include faculty and students of our local Catholic colleges and members of various parishes. May God grant us the gift of repentance and resolve.

Fr. Bernard Survil

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

January 25, 2008 ISSUE
Bishop Chanche embodies
connection with past
Dear Editor,
     The reinterment of John Joseph Chanche — Mississippi’s first bishop — at St. Mary Basilica on Saturday, Jan. 19, was truly a unique and historic event, not only for the Catholic community in Natchez, but for Catholics throughout Mississippi.
     When Bishop Chanche arrived in Natchez in 1841, there were two priests and no Catholic churches in the state. We all are the beneficiaries of his vision and dedication.
     My husband and I, along with our two children, ages 6 and 7, were honored to participate in the Mass as gift bearers.
     The reinterment Mass provided us with an excellent “teachable moment” with our children — particularly our son who is preparing to receive First Holy Communion in May.
     Aside from the obvious occasion to delve deeper into the church hierarchy (his Eminence William Cardinal Keeler celebrated, with eight bishops from around the Gulf South and various priests concelebrating) our children were able to witness, in a unique way, the unity, universality and rich heritage that is our Catholic faith.
     They were able to see, in a very tangible way, what they understand as “church” extends far beyond St. Mary’s in Natchez and is now, as it has been for centuries, shared by the faithful around the world.
     My husband and I deeply appreciate the opportunity this event afforded us to help our children begin to understand the connectedness we feel with those that went before us and with the universal church.
     Having accepted Pope Gregory XVI’s commission to shepherd Christ’s church in Mississippi all those years ago, Bishop Chanche embodies this connection to the past and to “Mother Church.” Welcome home our Most Reverend Bishop Chanche.

JoAnn Waycaster
Natchez
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

January 11, 2007 ISSUE
Key to growth, prosperity
Dear Editor,
     As a Catholic priest, who has ministered to Hispanics for 15 years, I would like to dispel some of the myths about immigration. I draw my information from personal experience and from a recent editorial in the Louisville Courier-Journal.
     Are we allowing too many immigrants into the United States? According to the U.S. Census, the current percentage of the population that is foreign born is 11.5 percent; 100 years ago it was about 15 percent.
     Aren’t most immigrants here illegally? No, 75 percent of immigrants are in the U.S. with documents. Of the 25 percent of undocumented immigrants, many enter the country legally but overstay their visa.
     Is immigration bad for our economy? The Immigration Law Center says: “New immigrants contributed at least 67 percent of the growth in the labor force over the past 3 years.” Despite fears, immigrants are not taking jobs from native-born U.S. citizens. Immigrants are, in fact, contributing to our economic growth.
     What about taxes? For five years, I have helped Hispanics complete tax returns. At least 95 percent are eligible for a refund, yet, I would judge that 50 percent or more never file a return.
     Undocumented workers contribute over $8 billion per year to Social Security (SS) and Medicare. They are ineligible for SS and Medicare and therefore are contributing to our retirements.
     Do immigrants overuse public benefits? The undocumented are ineligible for most public benefits. Immigrants serve in the military. Of the approximately 70,000 foreign-born in the military, about half are not U.S. citizens.
     In summary, the Courier-Journal states: “We would be wise to understand immigration for what it is: our key to growth and economic prosperity. The facts do inarguably bear this out.”

Fr. Gerald Peterson
Pontotoc