| May 4, 2009 | Volume 84, Number 14 | |
|
|
Letters with hatred are not Christ-likeI am very saddened by the hatred I have seen displayed in the “Letters” section. I understand that the right to life is a very emotional subject and something all Catholics must defend. However, we must not use it as an excuse to attack individuals or institutions. We hear that we are to be Christ-like in our daily lives. The letters I am seeing are far from being Christ-like and serve only to incite hatred and negative reactions. I am disappointed in The Catholic Virginian for printing this type of letter in what is supposed to be a positive newspaper. We hear “Blessed are the Peace Makers,” not blessed are the warmongers. A positive way to make a difference would be to pray for an end to abortion, for God’s guidance to our elected leaders and for God’s intercession to help mothers choose life. Assist and counsel mothers-to-be who might choose abortion. Write respectful letters to our elected officials. We can make a difference without being ugly about it.
Catholics urged to ponder Reagan quote on unityThe outcry over Notre Dame’s invitation of President Obama is a sad manifestation of our infinite capacity to fight amongst ourselves. Catholic teaching covers many issues. Some are simple, others are complex. While one can take issue with the President’s position on gay marriage and abortion, many of his policies and beliefs conform to and advance Catholic social teaching. To paraphrase another president, Ronald Reagan, who spoke at Notre Dame: “The person who agrees with you 80 percent of the time is a friend and an ally - not a 20 percent traitor.” Perhaps we should pause to ponder Reagan’s wisdom and celebrate what unites us instead of focusing on what will divide us.
Letters should stay focused on faith guidelinesIn The Catholic Virginian dated April 20, 2009, we were astounded to find published letters that had nothing to do with CV material, Faith or Moral issues. One specific letter was political in context and a very poor job at that. We have been subscribing to The Catholic Virginian for many years and we would hope published letters would stay within Faith or Moral guidelines. The Catholic Virginian is not the place to highlight one’s political views, especially when they have nothing to do with Faith or Moral Issues. We hope your editorial staff would do a better job of screening in the future. Or is it your intention to publish political opinions?
(Editor: Letters which are published obviously sometimes address faith and moral issues which enter into the realm of political action. The whole spectrum of Right to Life — from abortion to the death penalty — are faith and moral issues. Just looking at the agenda of the Virginia General Assembly each year one will find proposed legislation which either expands or restricts policies on abortion and the death penalty. Catholics as well as all citizens are urged to take part in the political process which includes writing letters. Letters to the editor are meant to express an opinion. They should be written without name calling and personal attack. Writers should also refrain from expressing bitterness and disdain for others who have a different opinion.)
Notre Dame protest article misleadingThe article in the 4/20 CV regarding Bishop D’Arcy’s comments on protests of Notre Dame’s decision to honor the President at its commencement ceremonies was not up to date and thus could be misleading to your readers. Bishop D’Arcy has unequivocally criticized the decision to honor the President at Notre Dame and is fully supportive of peaceful and prayerful protests of Notre Dame’s decision by Notre Dame students. The cautionary advice referred to confrontational and/or disrespectful protests by outside groups which he thought would be counterproductive, not in the proper spirit to convert hearts to the pro-life cause, or otherwise disruptive of the graduation ceremony itself.
Laity and clergy said to share in priesthoodWhen I read Msgr. (Robert) Perkins’ clarification letter (April 6 issue), I found it to be very affirming of the priesthood of the ordained clergy as well as the baptized laity. His message was not an attack on the clergy at all; rather, he seemed to be saying that we all share in the priesthood by virtue of our baptisms. I am perplexed that some saw this message as an attack on the clergy.
In Paul’s letter to the Romans he urges: “...offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God, your spiritual worship.” We ought to take this instruction from St. Paul seriously because the Church certainly does. The Church has declared in the sacred decree “Apostolicam Actuositatem (Decree on the Apostolate of the Laity)” that “Christ conferred on the Apostles and their successors the duty of teaching, sanctifying and ruling in His name and power. But the laity likewise share in the priestly, prophetic and royal office of Christ and therefore have their own share in the mission of the whole people of God in the Church and in the world.” While it is true that Holy Orders imprints an indelible seal on the soul of the ordained, Holy Baptism also imprints an indelible seal on the soul and imbues the baptized person with rights and responsibilities. Acknowledging the importance of our own priesthood doesn’t diminish the priesthood of those in Holy Orders. Who wants to go back to the days when “entering the Church” meant getting ordained or when lay people “heard” Mass while priests “said” or “sung” Mass? It is important to know that my participation in the Mass is an essential part of the action and that the priest doesn’t offer up the Mass on my behalf, but that he presides at Mass where we as the Body of Christ offer up the Holy Sacrifice.
‘Choose Life’ tags a way to show our faithI read your editorial regarding the Governor’s approval of the “Choose life” license plates (April 20 issue). I applaud his action, and I know how long it has taken to get a bill onto his desk. Now that the license plates are available, I would like to “put my money where my mouth is.” I think many other Catholics would be interested in doing the same — it’s a way to show our faith, to express (a small portion) of our truth to the community, and to aid those who are doing God’s work. It occurs to me that there may be people who (understandably) are reluctant to deal with DMV, or who are afraid of the time and inconvenience that may be involved in getting these license plates — particularly for a car that is already registered and has existing license plates. I think it would be a good idea and a service to your readers to provide information about how to go about making this change, i.e.: can it be done on the Internet, or does it require a visit to the local DMV office? If we could smooth the way for people who are interested in getting these plates on their cars, perhaps we will begin to see more and more of them on the road!
(Editor: The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles will begin issuing Choose Life license plates on July 1, using the 481 pre-paid applications submitted by State Senator Ken Cuccinelli. Virginia drivers may apply directly to the DMV website starting July 2. The Richmond Coalition for Life (P.O. Box 17902, Richmond, VA 23226-7902) will, however, receive pre-paid applications, review them for completeness and submit complete applications to DMV after the first week of July.)
Lenten reflection article is appreciatedThank you for publishing Andrea Auguster’s Campus Ministry reflection in the April 6 edition. I am often guilty of over-thinking my Catholic faith. Ms. Auguster’s reflection shows us the power and beauty of simplicity.
About Us | Archives | Around | Articles | Columns | Contact Us | Editorial | Hispanic Apostolate | Home | Opportunities | Parish Profile | Shortakes | The Catholic Diocese of RichmondCopyright © 2009 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. |
If we don’t honor the priesthood that is within us, can we truly say we honor the priesthood of those in Holy Orders? I thank God for priests like Msgr. Perkins who understands the true nature of baptism.