Start the Kids Early
Dear Editor: This past week, my pastor informed us that Bishop Robert Brennan gifted all priests in the diocese a book (“From Christendom to Apostolic Mission: Pastoral Strategies for an Apostolic Age”) by Msgr. James Shea.
Msgr. Shea also spoke about the news regarding the low percentage of Catholics that believe in the real presence. I believe Catholic schools should do more with the parents at home to reinforce the faith. Some suggestions of mine are to take the students to Mass daily – if that is not possible, then at least once a week, and have the students study the catechism and not just use religion workbooks.
Habits are formed early in life, and the more one acts on those habits, the more it becomes second nature. I commend the diocese for all that they are doing with respect to the Eucharist Revival, but I fear that many of the people participating are Catholics who already believe.
Joseph J. Puntino
Flushing
Spurred to Help
Dear Editor: Thank you for your kindness, Sebastian Bongiovanni (“SI Pizzeria Owner Says Feeding Migrants Is What the Lord Calls Him to Do,” Oct.22).
You inspired me to purchase and donate six winter coats for these migrant children who have so little.
“Here on Earth, God’s work must truly be our own.” — John F. Kennedy
Michele Acerra
Eltingville, N.Y.
Reproductive Rights and The Election
Dear Editor: As we approach Election Day, we are being bombarded with political advertisements, of which many have “reproductive rights” as the main issue.
It is interesting how the politicians behind these ads use semantics to avoid saying what they are actually supporting. These politicians can not and will not clearly state what they support.
Reproduction is not what they support, but they must deflect as they support the killing of babies in the womb. Upon hearing “reproductive rights,” we must note the politician behind the advertisement and deliver to them the opposite influence of the advertisement that they were looking to achieve.
For any practicing Catholic, these politicians should be disqualified and voted against.
William James Carroll
Woodside
The Catholic Vote
Dear Editor: I have a response to Maria Mastromarino (Letters to the Editor, Oct. 29: Catholics should not be single-issue voters).
Our issues are the teachings of Jesus Christ and His Church. Here are some guidelines for how I think Catholics should vote.
Ask yourself the following questions:
- Which candidate supports policies the Church has identified as intrinsic evils?
- Which party supports items of interest to the Church like religious freedom, school choice, free speech?
- Who has a record of truth and transparency?
- Who supports the fullness of human sexuality as taught by the Church?
- Who supports the sanctity of the family, the elderly, and marriage?
- Who supports personal responsibility?
- Who takes you further from God?
New York has an opportunity this year to actually effect change.
Thomas Klocek
Chesapeake, Va.
Human Composting
Dear Editor: As I read the article on human composting (“NY’s Human Composting Bill Remains Grave Concern,” Oct. 22), I was shocked and horrified.
How can this bill pass and get to the governor’s desk? And what about Gov. Hochul not doing anything about it until after the election?
How can New Yorkers, in particular, Christians, Catholics, Jews, and other religious people who respect the dead, allow this to happen?
I was brought up going to the cemetery. Knowing where your beloved one is can provide a sense of comfort and a place to pray and to really talk and communicate with them. Where is the respect for life and being in human composting?
I realize that not all people think this way, but people need to vote according to their religious beliefs.
Cecilia L. Adam-Wilson
Ridgewood, N.Y.