Dear Editor: As Lent is a period of reflection, sacrifice, and for many, renewing ties to their Christian faith, the theme of forgiveness has been the focus of many discussions in the faith-sharing group which I attend at Sacred Heart parish in Bayside.

With Sister Kathleen Masterson at the helm, our “Arise, Together In Christ” group – which has taken place during Lent for the last several years, and is open to all – searches Scripture, studies pillars of the Church such as Thomas Merton, and members share thoughts and feelings with others (and ourselves).

Our readings this year are found in the booklet, “New Heart, New Spirit.” This past week, we read a passage submitted by Bishop David A. Zubik and in many ways it goes to the heart of how we as Catholics (and human beings) might want to approach issues the Church has faced over the years.

“To those of you who looked for the compassion of Christ in the sacrament of penance, but found only scolding and hard judgement in return: I ask you and the Church, for forgiveness.

“To those of you who found sacred moments in your life (baptisms, weddings, funerals) met with callous, heartless, unfeeling un-Christian-like attention to your need: I ask you, the Church asks you, for forgiveness.

“To those of you who are here tonight who have in any way been victims of any abuse, sexual or otherwise, whether as a child or an adult, or as a parent or sibling or friend who shared in the pain of someone you love: I ask you, the Church asks you, for forgiveness.

“To those of you who came to the Church rightly expecting her to help you understand the rich tradition of our teachings and traditions but met with a less than halfhearted response: I ask you, the Church asks you, for forgiveness.

“To those of you who needed the Church to be with you in sickness, in grief, in trauma, in turmoil, but found her representatives to be too busy: I ask you, the Church asks you for forgiveness.

“To those of you who have offered your talents for the mission of the Church, but experienced an injustice in the Church workplace: I ask you, the Church asks you, for forgiveness.

“To those of you who have been hurt by the poor judgement of others entrusted with leadership, I ask you, the Church asks you, for forgiveness.

“To those of you who believed in the Church to be a voice against prejudice but found rather a deafening silence: I ask you, the Church asks you, for forgiveness.

“For whatever ways any representative of the Church has hurt, offended, ignored, any of you: I ask you, the Church asks you, for forgiveness.”

The above is an extract from the Service of Apology, by Bishop Zubik of Pittsburgh.

So as Lent begins to wind down and Easter approaches, the suffering and crucifixion of our Lord is brought to mind: Father, forgive them. Can we do no less?

SUSAN BRODERICK

Bayside