Reverend Question
Dear Editor: In the June 21 edition of The Tablet, I noticed that some priests in the Diocesan Assignments have “Very Rev.” before their names, while others are listed as just “Rev.” Why the difference? Are the “Very Rev.” priests on the list for bishop?
Harold Diamond
Bay Ridge
Editor’s note: The ‘Very Reverend’ title is received based on a particular assignment a priest has within the diocese. Rectors, deans, episcopal vicars, and other assignments receive that title.
It’s Time to Go Back to Church
Dear Editor: I, too, second the comments made by Carmelita Blake (“Church Closures: We Must Not Become Complacent,” June 7) regarding the Up Front & Personal column by Thomas Willis in The Tablet regarding preserving
our Catholic Churches.
I commend Willis for telling it like it is. Too many people have become complacent.
Years ago, Mother Angelica brought the ability to attend Mass on TV for the benefit of the elderly and homebound. You can still view it on NET-TV and the Catholic Faith Network. But that is not the true purpose of attending Mass.
The Eucharist is the point, and people are missing out on receiving Jesus in holy Communion. He is our Lord and Saviour. Most elderly friends say that is what they miss most.
Currently, my pastor, Father John Maduri, at Mary Queen of Heaven has started “Life Teen” in our own parish and is trying to awaken our youth to the benefits of living our Catholic faith.
I pray for his success with this task and perhaps sponsor a few vocations in the process. Unless we wake up and get our kids going to church, I don’t see it happening. It is up to the parents to get this in motion.
Tina Moore
Bergen Beach
Teaching Great Teachers
Dear Editor: As a very proud graduate of both The Mary Louis Academy and St. John’s University School of Education, I’m so happy to read about the collaboration between the diocese and St. John’s (“Diocese of Brooklyn, St. John’s University Partner to Support Future Catholic School Teachers,” June 14).
Although now retired, I spent my entire career as a teacher and loved every minute of it.
The instruction and training I received at St. John’s were invaluable in making my teaching career successful. I wish Jill Anzalone a blessed and joyous teaching career.
Her passion and dedication are evident through this brief article. We need the best teachers, especially as so many career teachers are retiring.
Good luck, Jill.
As an aside, my late husband, Dr. George Mehit, was my professor in Graduate School, so I not only received my Master’s, but I was also blessed with a phenomenal husband.
Marilyn Berchuck
Congratulations Father Brislin
Dear Editor: Father Thomas Brislin visited our Catholic grade school, St. Mary’s, in Potsdam, New York, when I was a young student there (“Father Brislin Was Ordained A Passionist 50 Years Ago,” May 17).
He made such an impression on me that I remember writing to him. And he answered me.
I had a special pen pal for a while, and he helped my faith grow. If he’s still around, I’d love to say ” thank you ” and God Bless.
Bev Kerpka
Potsdam, N.Y.