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– Necrology

LETTERS

Changes in words at liturgy leave reader puzzled

The news of coming changes in liturgy words (CV 1/25) leaves me puzzled.

Am I seriously expected to answer “And with your spirit” when the priest proclaims “The Lord be with you?” Is the Lord who is Father, Son and (Holy) Spirit supposed to be only with the spirit of the priest, not the whole person? Does this mean that I should greet my pastor with “How is your spirit?” rather than “How are you?”‘

Why should anyone want me to say something I don’t mean?

Why change the wording of the liturgy?

In my humble opinion, “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it,” especially if you are making it worse.

John Pelissier
Amherst

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Ecumenism position deserves higher status

It was disconcerting to read the item seeking a VOLUNTEER for a Diocesan Ecumenical Affairs Officer in the January 25, 2010 issue of The Catholic Virginian.

There was no recognition of the fact that Msgr. Raymond Barton, who served as the Diocesan Vicar for Ecumenism and Inter-Religious Affairs for 30 years, had recently tendered his resignation from that position.

To reduce the position to one of volunteer status is ludicrous given the scope and complexity of the responsibilities, required education and experience described in the article, as well as the qualifications to fulfill them. It is an offensive gesture and devalues the efforts and accomplishments of the past several years in this effective Ecumenical Office.

Significantly, this statement was published the week during which Churches throughout the world have been praying together for Christian Unity, the sole goal of ecumenism.

A budget is said to be a moral statement reflecting one’s priorities. The sentence “There is a small budget” for the volunteer position seems reflective of Diocesan priorities.

Marilyn T. Lieber, DW
Virginia Beach

(Msgr. Raymond Barton, who has long served as an outstanding leader as the diocese’s Vicar for Ecumenism and Interreligious Affairs, has resigned as the letter writer states. The announcement in the previous issue was remiss in not pointing this out.)

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Gun show loophole said ineffective

The contributors (CV Letter’s 1/11/10) claim that legislation to close the gun show loophole will protect Virginians is not based on fact. It amounts to “feel good” legislation that will accomplish nothing.

I attend on average one to two gun shows per year and know for a fact that these events are not like a Kabul arms bazaar that some would lead you to believe.

It is true that private sales are conducted at these events. However, the majority of the private sales that I have observed are all long guns. These are not the type of weapon the bad guy uses to rob the 7–11.

Incidentally, these private sales can take place in the parking lot or the gun owner’s home for that matter. If I were a bad guy I would do that to save the cost of admission and would not have to walk past the police that check every weapon intended for sale that enters the building.

I cannot say for sure if Lori Haas has ever attended a gun show but I would guess that the answer is probably no. As for a statement that the majority of the NRA members in Virginia are in support of this legislation, I find that very difficult to believe as well.

I do have an offer though. If Ms. Haas would like a first hand education on gun shows, I would be happy to escort her to the next one that comes to the Richmond area and would even spring for the cost of entry!

This would be an ideal way for her to see if the Brady Campaign propaganda squares with reality.

Bob Dubovsky
Prince George

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Meatless Fridays suggested year-round

I came across a column in the food section of a local newspaper where the writer was planning a week’s nutritious dinner menu. Included in that plan was a “Meatless Wednesday.”

It reminded me of the meatless Fridays with which we were brought up as Catholics. Back then, even the public school cafeteria served fish on Fridays for their Catholic students.

Now meatless Fridays are relegated to Lent.

To replace giving up meat on Fridays, we are asked to do positive things in its place. But the idea of sacrifice should not be forgotten for it points to the sacrifice of our Lord on Friday. I do not see why we cannot do both, especially if a positive action would be to pray the sorrowful mysteries of our Lady’s Rosary.

So with the impact of secular pressures on our daily lives, perhaps it is time to reintroduce all Fridays of the year to be meatless and help us highlight His sacrifice for which we are all indebted.

Each family can voluntarily choose to make Friday a day of abstinence for meat as if it were Lent. Just remember it is not a sin if one chooses to eat meat on any Friday except during the Fridays of Lent.

Charles H. Crum
Ruther Glen

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