| January 14, 2008 | Volume 83, Number 6 | |
|
|
Abstinence funding claims disputedIn the Dec. 17, 2007 issue, John Stec writes about the funding cuts for abstinence education. His letter states that President Kennedy, during his campaign, stated that “he would never allow his Catholic faith to influence the decisions he would make as President of the United States.” This is completely wrong. What Kennedy did say was that as President his allegiance would be to the Constitution, and not to the Vatican. He also went on to say that if carrying out the duties of President violated his conscience, he would resign from office. (The entire text of the speech is available on the JFK Library web site.) Stec then accuses Governor Kaine of “removing abstinence funding while continuing funding for contraceptive-based sex education.” Another error. What the governor did was eliminate sex education programs which were abstinence-only. Programs which teach abstinence as well as other means of birth control were not eliminated. Stec is not the first one to weigh in with this issue and others have made the same point — that our Catholic governor is turning his back on abstinence programs. No, he isn’t. He is refusing the funds for federal programs which mandate abstinence-only training because they don’t work. By the way, Virginia is not the only state to adopt such a stand. Several others have said no to the same federal programs. With misinformation such as this, Stec’s entire argument becomes questionable, but the best part is his ending where he quotes Scripture, where Jesus said “Avoid this sin.” Yes, he did, right after he forgave the sinner, something Stec would appear to have a hard time doing.
Holding hands at Mass not for herIn the Letters to the Editor in the CV (Dec. 31 issue) Don Thompson of Norfolk questioned the hand holding during the Our Father, due to germs and other reasons; and feeling unsociable if one doesn’t do it — and the editor replies that this is NOT part of the Roman Rite during Mass and one should not feel uncomfortable for refraining from doing it! Of course, I have always known this, and questioned the holding of hands from the beginning, but I do not see the need for it during Mass. Yet I do feel uncomfortable and “looked down upon” when I don’t do it. Why? After all, this is not an official part of our Mass, as is the Sign of Peace, and there are more reasons for not doing it - spreading germs, the flu, viruses, hurting someone with arthritis, etc. I see no reason to have to feel bad about oneself for not holding hands. I love God, and all His people: family, friends, foes and strangers; but I would much rather join my hands in prayer TO God during the Our Father. Just needed to share my thoughts on this with you. I hope you read the Catholic Virginian letters too.
RCIA experience article laudedWhat a wonderful article by Kathryn Forrester Thro concerning RCIA and her experiences in coming to know, belong to, and treasure the Catholic faith (Dec. 31 issue). Her recounting of the fact that her daughter Kristina was also making that journey through RCIA at the same time, albeit in a distant city (Philadelphia) and parish, made the article all the more appealing. The article was an unexpected yet delightful encounter in that I’ve known Kathryn and her husband Mike, as well as Kristina, for some years but had not seen them in several years. I’m a “cradle” Catholic who watched my spouse go through RCIA many years ago and then go on to live and share her Catholic faith life in an exemplary manner. It is really inspiring to see the strong faith that is so often possessed by the many Catholics who have come to belong through RCIA. Kathryn’s wonderful words seem to echo an old adage that says “Converts make the strongest believers.” Perhaps a bit of hyperbole, that adage, as well as Kathryn’s article, offer the rest of us a welcomed opportunity to again ponder our own identity of being Catholic.
Dominican nuns said misguidedAfter reading the article “Dominican Nuns seek to rouse the nation” (Dec. 31 issue), I would think these nuns would best spend their time trying to close the abortion clinics. The clinics will kill more people than our nuclear assets will do in their lifetime. Our government will not stop using the tools necessary to protect the citizens of this country from being wiped off the face of the earth by a rogue nation or by terrorists. The nuclear warheads are there for the purpose of safeguarding our way of life. I spent 20 years in the Air Force protecting those assets. I remember the Berrigan brothers and my disdain for them has not waned. So too, I have no sympathy for these three nuns. They are courting death. I don’t believe that our nuclear assets will go off accidently. I did not believe it then and I don’t believe it now. Why don’t they travel to Russia and try their antics?
I suppose they are correct in saying that we all live our faith differently. I will pray for them. We all cannot be peaceniks. They think they are doing “good” and I suppose there is an argument there. I served my country to allow them to think that way but I do not condone their actions nor do I support them. I am sure, by their many arrests, they have the 5th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution memorized by now. You know the one that says “You have the right to remain silent, that anything you say may be used against you in a court of law, etc.” They would have my support if they would try to close the abortion clinics. Thinking the way I do, and I do love my imperfect country, I would probably not be allowed to serve as a juror of their peers, and I hope I never have to.
About Us | Archives | Around | Articles | Columns | Contact Us | Editorial | Hispanic Apostolate | Home | Opportunities | Parish Profile | Shortakes | The Catholic Diocese of RichmondCopyright © 2008 The Catholic Virginian Press. Articles from Catholic News Services, including Fr. Dietzen’s column, may not be reproduced due to copyright considerations.The Catholic Virginian is a biweekly publication serving the people of the Catholic Diocese of Richmond. This website includes some, but not all, of the articles from the print version of The Catholic Virginian.For subscription information Contact Us. |
It is bad enough that our military has to be vigilant against international terrorists.