Church Closures: We Must Not Become Complacent
Dear Editor: As I read the column, “We Must Preserve Our Catholic Parishes” (June 7), written by Thomas Willis, it became evident that Willis was ringing the church bells offering hope, and telling us we need to wake up from our sleep.
This article is a challenge to all members in diocesan parishes, asking them to stand up and speak up before the stones in the church building are dislodged with the words “We have to close/merge.”
The stated reasons for church closures — low attendance/membership and financial distress — are only part of the problem.
Today, as parishes close, we find so many people standing at the door, grieving with a hole in their hearts, unable to breathe. In their minds, churches survive when everything around them changes.
Churches provide a place for all — Roman Catholics and non-Roman Catholic community residents — because in the community, the church is a shrine for the faithful and a beacon for the hopeless.
Carmelita Falconer-Blake
Boerum Hill
Thank You, Bishop Brennan
Dear Editor: We would like to commend Bishop Robert Brennan for alerting Catholics to the recent assisted suicide bill, which was passed in the State Assembly in April and recently passed in the State Senate.
He reminded all Catholics that it is our duty to speak up in defense of life from conception to final death.
In today’s secular world, self-gratification and convenience dominate the thinking of so many people, sadly.
Furthermore, the very idea of assisted suicide violates the sacred Hippocratic oath all doctors take.
We urge all to contact Gov. Hochul’s office to voice your strong opposition to this bill and kill it now.
Stay vigilant.
Thomas and Constance Dowd
Oakland Gardens
Honoring the Diocese’s High School Scholars
Dear Editor: Every year at this time, The Tablet publishes the All-Scholastic Team of that graduating year (“Class of 2025 All-Scholastic Team,” June 14).
They are the seniors graduating from Catholic high schools, most going on to college, who have achieved remarkable achievements.
I’m never disappointed in the students who are listed, and this year is no exception.
We have students who will be attending Harvard, Stevens Institute of Technology, and Notre Dame, to name a few.
Besides being top scholars, these students are involved in sports, clubs, and outreach programs, making them well-rounded. Most of them received prestigious scholarships and awards.
We can be so proud of these fine young men and women who will take their place in the world and be the future, knowing they have had the benefit of a good Catholic education as part of their studies.
We wish them much success, happiness, and all of God’s blessings as they continue on their path.
Maria Mastromarino
Manalapan, N.J.
Spreading Word of the Miraculous Medal
Dear Editor: Thank you for helping me get my message out about the Miraculous Medal of our Blessed Mother through my tattoo ministry in Times Square (“Truly Ink-spirational: Tattoo Shop a Ministry For the Miraculous Medal,” Page 13).
I was pleased with the interview, and the reporters asked all the right questions.
Thank you and God bless you!
Thomas Francis Houlihan
Hell’s Kitchen