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Contributions to Reader's Forum should be limited to 250 words.
Letters must be signed and must include the writer's address and
phone number for verification purposes. All letters are subject
to editing.
Mail your letter to:
The Catholic Voice
2121 Harrison St., Suite 100
Oakland, CA 94612
FAX: (510) 893-4734
Our email address is:
cathvoice@gmail.com
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Protect marriage
The clear words of Jesus in the Gospel (Mark 10 and Matthew 19) define
marriage as between one man and one woman. Proposition 8, the Protection
of Marriage Act, will return California law to this traditional definition.
The full text of the proposition can be found on ProtectMarriage.com.
Rarely does a ballot measure provide such a clear distinction between
those who take the words of our Lord seriously, and those who would ignore
or reject His words. Those Catholics who respect the teaching of the Church
and the wisdom of countless generations of the faithful will overwhelmingly
support Proposition 8.
Hopefully those Catholics who currently oppose the measure will, after
prayer and reflection, reconsider their position in light of the teachings
of Jesus and the guidance of His bride, the Church.
Catholics should take time to investigate the positions of all candidates
running for office in November. Where do they stand on this transcendent
issue? Candidates opposing Proposition 8 are demonstrating grave confusion
over the nature and value of marriage and its critical contribution to
society. On that basis, they do not deserve your vote.
We are called to be light to the world. Sometimes this involves taking
a little heat. The opponents of traditional marriage are well-funded and
will use their influence in the media to marginalize people of faith.
They will fund biased polls, and will attempt to discourage and confuse
voters. Catholics must stand together on this critical issue!
Mike McDermott
Concord
More than procreation
The Catholic Bishops’ statement against gay marriage (Voice, Aug.
4)) was illogical. I question their premise that procreation is the central
purpose for marriage.
Paul wrote that marriage of persons is a union analogous to Christ’s
union with the Church (Eph.5, 23). It is an effective state of grace.
That state of grace does not depend upon the ability to procreate. Is
a “barren” couple’s marriage devoid of purpose? Are
adoptive parents less an expression of God’s love than their biological
counterparts? Of course not. Procreation is neither necessary nor sufficient
to create a marriage. I was married in the Church and my vows did not
mention procreation once.
If we contemplate the many benefits of marriage other than biological
procreation, then we will recognize that gays and lesbians benefit from
the sacrament as much as straight folks do, while our entire society benefits
from more people marrying.
Furthermore, gay marriage is pro-family. My daughter’s best friend
has two mothers, whose marriage has outlasted those of Catholic couples
I know. My closest friends include gay and lesbian couples whose commitment
to each other is as thorough and enduring as any sacrament could be. Their
children are just as stable, respectful, and grounded in family values
as my children.
Despite the bishops’ arguments, my conscience will not let me repudiate
the evidence that my gay and lesbian friends’ marriages —
and children — have value equal to mine. I support gay marriage.
Celia McGuinness
Oakland
Eternal happiness at risk
For those who wrote opposing the California bishops’ request that
we vote against gay marriage in November, I would suggest they start thinking
in eschatological terms. As a mother, I tell my kids there is only one
real tragedy — to end up in hell. No matter how many crosses we
are called to bear in this life, it will be worthwhile if we can make
it through to heaven.
Catholics who want to see others living “happily” in gay “marriages”
are not really considering the risk to the person’s soul. If we
love someone, as a mother loves her children and as the Church (the best
mother) loves us, why would we encourage anyone to live in any lifestyle
that puts their eternal happiness at risk?
One reader chided the bishops because atheists and non-Catholics should
be allowed to live in homosexual partnerships, but I would argue that
the Church founded by Christ is mother to these people as well. Isn’t
it a phony compassion (or elitist condescension) that would jeopardize
the souls of atheists? The Church is supposed to be a beacon of light
for all people, not just Catholics.
Saint Faustina writes in her Diary of Divine Mercy that during her visit
to hell she noticed that most of the people there had not believed in
the existence of hell. Have we also lost this belief?
Homosexual persons are dearly loved and cherished by God who calls them
and longs to share eternity with them. They are precious people who deserve
better than a superficial government response. In his book “Beyond
Gay” (available from Amazon), David Morrison describes how the homosexual
life led him into the Catholic Church. He encourages others to join him
in his struggles and joys. It’s a great read.
Mary Arnold
Pleasanton
Breaking natural law
Same-sex marriage is an oxymoron, and attempts to redefine marriage in
civil law are futile because natural law is unchangeable. Experience in
Canada and Europe shows that when same-sex marriage is legally declared
equal to heterosexual marriage, homosexuality is declared normal and the
concept of family is diluted.
This year is the 40th anniversary of “Humanae Vitae,” in which
Pope Paul VI infallibly reinforced the 2000-year moral teaching of the
Church against contraception. There is a connection between contraception
and same-sex marriage in that both are sterile, contributing to what Pope
John Paul II called a “demographic winter.” He was referring
to the decreasing birth rates and population death spirals we are experiencing.
This self-inflicted sterility is a portent of societal collapse.
Contraception breaks the natural law and harms married love and the universal
good — principles the Church has always taught. We need our bishop
and pastors to continually remind us of this, and to speak out against
government programs that promote birth control and population reduction
— the cause of our demographic suicide. Pope Paul VI foresaw the
dangers of removing the openness to procreation from the marital act,
just as it is absent in same-sex relations.
Pope John Paul believed that the 21st century would be the century of
the family. The Catholic Church can be the beacon of light and hope in
society, when all other institutions are failing. Californians will have
the opportunity to lead the country when they vote on the Marriage Amendment
in November. This is a momentous opportunity.
Jack Hockel
Walnut Creek
In defense of Latin Mass
It was perplexing to read Theresa Schexnayder’s letter (Forum, Aug.
4) on her recollections of the Latin Mass. She asks wherefore the Latin
Mass. Perhaps the question ought to be “Why not?”
Or should we also begin to question the validity and need for the other
14 rites of the Catholic Church around the world besides the contemporary,
post-conciliar Mass and the Tridentine Latin Mass? Yes, there are 14 other
Catholic rites around the world besides the two at the center of the controversy.
Shall we do away with them as well and forbid them, if we could?
Perhaps the writer should have recalled how in the early 20th century
the pope began an active global movement to not only attend the Latin
Mass but also to “pray the Mass,” to get actively involved
in what was happening at the altar by following the liturgy in a Latin-English
Missal until eventually the Latin would become familiar, outwardly participating
at certain points in the service while always participating inwardly.
Converts before the Second Vatican Council do not appear to have had any
trouble with this, as a sacred language for a sacred purpose is not unique
to pre-conciliar Catholicism. The writer also muses rather ominously,
“What will happen if every parish is required to have a Latin Mass
now?” Simple: those who prefer the modern Mass will continue to
attend it; those who seek the Tridentine Mass will finally have a chance
to participate in it without having to travel hundreds of miles to get
to it. It already has been done for decades in Anglican/Episcopalian churches,
where they offer two types of services: the traditional and the contemporary.
Oscar Ramirez
Antioch
Focus on the needy
It is with a sad heart I have read about the new cathedral, but I can’t
look at it. I have seen too much pain and hunger in the media. I have
received too many letters from missionaries begging for money. I wonder
if only the very rich will be buried there? I do hope to hear about the
needy being helped in a big way. Until then I have a heavy heart.
Nancy Powers
San Leandro
Cathedral created jobs
Recent letters to The Catholic Voice show some remain upset with the diocese’s
decision of several years ago to proceed with the construction of the
new cathedral. Many strong points have been made, arguing that the money
could have been better spent in direct service to the poor.
That is one perspective, though given that the cathedral is nearing completion
the dutiful exhortations now seemingly serve a limited purpose. Maybe
these protestations remain a viable way to continue communicating to our
diocesan leaders that we need to be more mindful of our Christian duty
to love and serve.
In context, the money now spent on the Cathedral of Christ the Light has
not been wantonly fiddled away but has provided jobs in our community,
jobs that do provide for the well-being of families and more.
Moving forward, perhaps we need to look in the mirror and ask how we can
be better examples of Christian charity. Do we spend too much on luxuries
such as dining out, on vacations, or on pampered pets while far too many
live in poverty and face injustices within our own diocese? Being mindful
of our own faults and limitation will better prepare us to guide our bishop
and our priests.
Dan P. Tracy
Fremont
The victims of war
In recent years, our church has been beautifully renovated. It encourages
you to sing out, to thoughtfully meditate, pray and give thanks. Yet,
more and more I am uncomfortable sitting in the gorgeous building. Once
the faithful are inside, the doors close and Mass begins, I have a sinking
feeling the real world has not followed us in.
Nevertheless, the real world is there, present, hovering over us, crowding
in among us. It will not go away, but we do not acknowledge its presence,
especially when it comes to war. Why are the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan
and the deaths, destruction and terrible suffering they have caused never
even mentioned? Are we afraid of offending some, of sounding too partisan
or political, of frightening children?
Yet, these wars deeply affect each and every one of us present in that
holy space, then and every day of our lives. We must do something to confront
this consuming reality and begin to heal ourselves and our nation.
Why not have a monthly vigil with solemn reading of the names of those
soldiers who died that month, remembering our wounded and also the nameless
dead and destroyed Iraqis and Afghanis as we pray for an end to war?
Too controversial? How about just naming the dead during the prayers of
the faithful?
Still too difficult? Would a tasteful sign listing the number of dead
soldiers, the number who died of self-inflicted wounds, the number of
Iraqis and Afghanis who have died and the years and months the wars have
gone on, concluding by asking us to pray for peace be delicate enough?
Our faith, our humanity, our salvation requires that we do something.
Fred Zierten
Oakland
Retired nuns offer thanks
On behalf of men and women religious throughout the United States, I extend
heartfelt thanks to all who contributed to the annual appeal for the Retirement
Fund for Religious in 2007. Your generous donation totaled $223,395.33,
over four percent more than was contributed in 2006. 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 is available on our website. We invite you to visit www.retiredreligious.org
Sister Janice Bader, CPPS
Washington, D.C.
Become rosary makers
The Catholic Voice has run some impressive articles about our Blessed
Mother Mary and various devotions honoring her. I’d like to recommend
to your readers a means of fostering the Marian mission.
The need for rosaries is increasing in the missions and in poor countries
around the world, as well as here at home. There is a large need for more
rosary makers.
One lady took it upon herself to enlist new rosary makers and direct them
to Our Lady’s Rosary Makers in Louisville, Kentucky. She pursued
this apostolate by placing announcements in parish church bulletins across
the USA. The results were very good. She is no longer able to do this.
Will Voice readers help to continue this good work?
OLRM has a Holy Rosary Apostolate Kit available free of charge. The kit
explains how you can place free announcements in parish Sunday bulletins.
The process is simple.
Your help is needed. If you can help, please contact the office of Our
Lady’s Rosary Makers. Telephone: (502) 968-1434. E-mail: info@olrm.org
Web: www.olrm.org Write:
Our Lady’s Rosary Makers, P.O. Box 37080, Louisville, KY 40233-7080.
George Murad
San Francisco
The opinions expressed in letters to Reader's Forum
are the writers and do not necessarily reflect the views of The
Catholic Voice or the Oakland Diocese.
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