Enjoying Father Lauder’s Column
Dear Editor: We enjoyed Father Lauder’s column (“Living the Beautiful Philosophy of Self-Giving,” Oct. 18) and hope all readers took the time to read it and reflect on the uniqueness of each human life.
We, as members of the mystical body of Christ, are blessed and are called to be his disciples here on earth.
We can act by reaching out to a family member or neighbor who may need encouragement or a helping hand, or by showing empathy when someone is ill or has lost a loved one.
Just by calling someone or sending a card, you not only make their day brighter but also lift up your spirit as well.
The world is brighter when we give more than we receive.
So, today, let’s thank God for every person in our life, not only family, but every person who’ll cross our path in the future.
Thomas and Constance Dowd
Oakland Gardens
Immigration Stalemate in the Capitol
Dear Editor: In a recent story in The Tablet (“Bishop DiMarzio: 1965 Immigration Act ‘Changed Fabric’ of the Diocese and U.S.” Oct. 25), Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio said that the Republican and Democratic lawmakers “only hate one another” and refuse to compromise.
I would remind everyone that the parties worked together to forge an immigration bill that then-presidential candidate Donald Trump squashed, and that he, as president, has instead put into effect the appalling ICE operation we are seeing in our city and across our country.
Republican House Leader Mike Johnson, furthermore, has sent lawmakers home, eliminating the opportunity for them to work together.
On the immigration issue, the Church needs to call out Republican leadership.
Barbara Bolton
Park Slope
Editor’s note: As The Tablet has previously reported (“ ‘I’ll Stand With You,’ Pope Leo XIV Tells Bishop Seitz, Other Immigration Leaders,” Oct. 18), the Church, at the highest levels, has spoken out about the current administration’s immigration policies and has supported the USCCB’s advocacy and has encouraged them to continue their work on the issue.
Big Thanks from St. Joan of Arc Parish
Dear Editor: A word of thanks to the staff of The Tablet for your continued support and for shining a light on the exciting things happening here at Saint Joan of Arc Parish.
The recent coverage of our Installation Challenge (“St. Joan of Arc’s New Pastor Raises $208,000 for School Scholarships,” Oct. 4) and the Father Valdazo Scholarship Fund raising over $200,000 for Catholic education (“St. Joan of Arc Catholic School Adds Scholarship Named for Beloved Priest,” Oct. 4) has inspired other academies to call our parish office seeking advice and inspiration running similar campaigns.
We share the same conviction: we need to invest our resources in the youth of our communities to ensure that they form a relationship with Jesus Christ!
Bishop Robert Brennan often says, “Good things are happening here”, and he is right! Just imagine how much more good could come if more people joined in this mission?
Father Christopher Heanue
Jackson Heights
Editor’s note: Father Christopher Heanue is the pastor of St. Joan of Arc in Jackson Heights.