Dear Editor: On Nov. 13, the diocese lost a great religious educator when Mrs. Suzanne O’Connor was called to the Father’s House to receive a well-deserved rest and reward. For almost four decades, Sue served as religious education teacher, a master teacher, director of religious education; she also served as my pastoral associate in the parish of St. Francis of Paola, Williamsburg, before moving on to Blessed Trinity parish, Breezy Point.
Letters to the Editor
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Thankful for St. Kevin’s
Dear Editor: A very large thank you to the parishioners of St. Kevin’s parish in Flushing.
Don’t Mock Worshippers
Dear Editor: I write concerning the opinions expressed by some regarding opposition to the music being played during Mass in some churches. I think many of the chants, regulations and prayers in the Church have come from rules and traditions handed down through the years. Many of them have nothing to do with Christ’s teachings while on Earth. Jesus did not sing Gregorian Chant or pray written prayers. He would have prayed extemporaneously from the heart to God.
A Double Standard
Dear Editor: I have to respond to Rita Murphy’s letter (Nov. 26). She is appalled that Trump was elected. Why is it that in 2008 and 2012 when Obama was elected twice, everything was fine. We did not loot stores, burn cars, block roads or try to prevent shoppers from shopping. We peacefully accepted a legitimate win for Obama.
Woman Upset by Trump
Dear Editor: As a woman, having heard and seen how the U.S. president-elect considers and treats women (the most outrageous of his comments from a while ago as reported by CNN), I’d like to ask our religious leaders whether a Mass could be celebrated in all our dioceses in reparation for such demeaning words. They offend both women and men if for no other reason because also men are born from their mothers.
Yes, There Is a Purgatory
Dear Editor: Many parishes within New Jersey have been able to share in the pilgrimage of the Our Lady of Fatima statue. While at a local church during a visitation, I noticed a table displaying rosaries and inspirational material. Among the items was a card that presented a prayer for the souls in Purgatory. This was a sad reminder that Catholics seem to have drifted away from devotions directed toward the poor souls, and many even question whether Purgatory even exists.
Unwarranted Fears
Dear Editor: One article in The Tablet (Nov. 19) mentions that “many in the African-American community fear a rollback of the many advances made in recent years.”
Is It Politics as Usual?
Dear Editor: I’m writing in response to some of the letters that have appeared in The Tablet advocating that we support President-elect Trump. I understand that when an individual is elected and may not be the person of our choice we need to come together as much as possible to support that person as the duly elected president. In most elections we need to rely on our representatives to communicate, compromise, and negotiate on behalf of the citizens who have elected him.
The Order of the Mass
Dear Editor: It is time to set the record straight. I must respond to Mr. Gange’s comments (Readers’ Forum, Nov. 12).
Continue to Speak for Justice
Dear Editor: After enduring the most exhausting and turbulent presidential campaign in modern history, now is the time to reflect on our role as Catholic Christians. Donald Trump conducted a campaign fueled by hatred, fear, racism, xenophobia and misogyny.