Passion of Catholic Press

Dear Editor: The Feb. 9 issue of The Tablet was excellent in content.  I’ll mention just two articles. 

First, the article announcing a DVD that will educate Catholics about Governor Spitzer’s abortion bill and be posted on YouTube.com is good news. I e-mailed my NYS Senator saying I opposed the bill and received a response that he was pro-choice and the reasons why he would probably support the bill.  At least one part of his response did not accurately reflect what was written in the bill. I wrote him back quoting Section 1202, paragraph 2, which has wording that would permit New York State to close facilities (e.g., Catholic hospitals) for refusal to provide abortions, counsel for abortions, provide information on abortions or provide insurance coverage for abortion because these facilities under the bill would be discriminating against abortion. He then answered, “I commend you on your level of passion for this important issue.  Many people have lost their will to stand up for what they believe is right. I will get a copy of the actual wording of the Governor’s bill and read through it. Although I am pro- choice, I do not believe others should be forced to subscribe to my belief.” 

Yes, this bill forces abortion on our facilities. I urge Tablet readers to write to their NYS representatives. The NYS Catholic Conference at www.nycatholic.org makes it quick and easy to do. Your letter or e-mail may make a difference with your senator and the final disposition of this ugly bill.

Second, the bishop’s column on Lourdes was on target, and it’s great that he reminds us that Bernadette’s body remained incorrupt. Phenomena such as bodily remains that violate natural physical laws and various instantaneous cures documented by the Lourdes Medical Bureau may not be understood by human minds but should not be ignored. 

A recent film, “Healing and Miracles at Lourdes,” shown on EWTN has interviews with a handful of people whose cures were declared unexplained by the Medical Bureau and then finally accepted by the Church after years of study. These interviews might also serve to educate if posted on YouTube because fair-minded viewers throughout the world would see that these people are rational and that the events that happened to them cannot be dismissed as superstition or an out-moded spirituality. I wonder who in the Church could make this happen? 

Philip Lehpamer
Brooklyn

The Tablet a Friend in Deed

Dear Editor: Each week, when The Tablet arrives, diocesan and world-wide faith events are features we eagerly search out. People and places within Brooklyn and Queens are praised and thanked for their many-faceted, and generously given services. Through them, we know that the Faith is alive and well in this corner of the tri-state area. But The Tablet also deserves a word of thanks as it is a fine example of doing what it praises in others.

In 1982, the country was in a severe recession. Jobs were lost. New ones were far from easy to come by. Our son, Joseph, had just graduated in May from Fordham University and was quite discouraged by the bleak outlook. But, in mid-July, The Tablet stretched out a hand that held an unprecedented and remarkable gift to those seeking employment — the opportunity to seek employment in their fields of expertise through free classified advertising in the paper.

Jay took advantage of this offer, and by August, he had been hired as a temporary employee at Merrill Lynch. In October, the company offered him a full-time position. Good things followed, including his taking night classes at Fordham which lead to an MBA.

The best, however, was meeting his future wife, Regina, also a Merrill employee. When Jay was sent to Merrill’s Tokyo office to oversee its interests in Tokyo and Hong Kong, the family spent five unforgettable years in Japan. Returning home, their decision to settle with their five children in Rockville Centre, continues to be a happy one.

In October 2007, Jay proudly celebrated 25 years with Merrill Lynch – all thanks to the generosity of The Tablet!

Joseph and Frances Loftus
Bay Ridge

Newman Center Thanks

Dear Editor: Thank you for the wonderful coverage of the Catholic Newman Center and the Newman Apostolate at Queens College. I have already received inquiries about our Mass schedule.

I have one correction: I have been at the college for 15 years, since 1993, not 25 years.

Father Paul Wood
Maspeth

Another Look at Happiness

Dear Editor: Father Daniel S. Murphy, pastor of St. Saviour’s in Park Slope, Brooklyn, is resuming his Homily Line that he had while at two former parishes (St. Andrew the Apostle, Bay Ridge, and Holy Child Jesus, Richmond Hill). It began on Feb. 6, Ash Wednesday.

Each day Father Murphy records a homily based on the Scripture readings of that day’s Mass.  Callers can phone in any time to hear the homily - 24/7.

The Homily Line number is 718-768-2560.  It’s a great way to add a little inspiration to your day.

                  Linda Maran
Brooklyn

Dangerous Abortion Bill

Dear Editor: I am writing out of concern for women, girls and parents of New York State. Governor Spitzer introduced the Reproductive Health and Privacy Act (RHPP) under the disguise of giving women all the freedom in the world to choose abortion without restriction. RHPP takes away all parental consent laws concerning abortion as well as ensures that no laws can be made in the future regarding parental consent for abortion. However, the bill leaves in place the law that requires parental consent when giving a minor aspirin at school.

RHPP allows non-doctors to perform abortions without requiring the necessary emergency medical equipment or an assisting physician to be present at the time of the abortion. However, if a doctor or a hospital that has any moral objections to performing abortions refuses to execute the procedure, they can lose their operating license. This is not about free choice or the protection of women.

RHPP, if passed, would not protect women. It will put them and young girls at risk for severe health problems. To all New York State legislators, please vote NO on RHPP.

Jessica Shanahan
Rochester, NY

Editor’s Note: Mrs. Shanahan is the President of New Yorkers for Parental Rights.

Value of a Catholic Education

Dear Editor: As a recently retired school teacher, I didn’t want Catholic Schools Week to pass without commending all those involved in Catholic Education: bishops, priests, faculty, both religious and lay and most of all parents and students.

A wonderful Sister of St. Joseph, Sister Marie Hart, once said, “The only thing more expensive than a Catholic education is not having one!”

Having taught in the Diocese of Brooklyn for more then 30 years I have experienced the truth of this statement. Catholic schools do so much more than just educate young people academically. We strive, with the encouragement of the whole community, to teach the values of the Gospel message and to be a light of love and charity in a world grown cold through materialism. Catholic schools, as I have often told parents, are more than just safe havens. They are communities where young people learn that faith and trust in Jesus can get them through the difficulties and trials of life. What a wonderful gift for parents to give to a child.

For most Catholic school teachers, teaching is so much more than a profession — it’s a vocation. It is a call to join the Church in proclaiming the Good News. My years of teaching have been the happiest years of my life. I have had the joy of not only giving of my talents, but have been rewarded a hundredfold. My students have become doctors, lawyers, teachers, accountants and journalists, and may I say that I have had the unique privilege of having The Tablet’s very own Marie Elena Giossi as my student. What a privilege to know that in some small way I have contributed to their success.

I thank the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph, leaders in the field of Catholic education, who have given so much to so many. My last 25 years were spent at Bishop Kearney H.S. and I pray that their mission and spirit will continue to inspire young women to meet the challenges we all face as we enter the 21st Century.

Vincent J. Maione
Brooklyn