Letters to the Editor

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Enjoyed archbishop’s columns on life of Bishop Simon Bruté

Thank you for publishing Archbishop Daniel M. Buechlein’s recent series of informative columns on Bishop Simon Bruté. I enjoyed reading them very much. In fact, I saved each column and, after the series ended, mailed the entire set to a French friend who was born and raised in Brittany.

This woman was active in Catholic education at the university level in the Loire Valley until her recent retirement. I know she will enjoy the articles as much as I did. Like all French, she has strong ties to her roots (Bretagne). Likewise, she has visited the United States a number of times, including this section of the country.

Little did we know of our “common heritage” until the appearance of this series in The Criterion.

-Mary Ann Kollros, Floyds Knobs

Editorial on the Eucharist and sin was too harsh

I felt very sad as I read the editorial in the Sept. 16 issue of The Criterion titled “Eucharist and mortal sin.” I was reminded of the shame inflicted on my generation during our formative years, for simply being human. I wonder about a Church that claims to follow Christ, but denies Communion to those it considers sinners.

The Scripture is full of Jesus’ desire to share his presence with sinners. Jesus ate with tax collectors and harlots, and he chose some of them to be his closest followers. He rebelled at the Pharisees’ attempt to exclude people. He shared his body and blood with Judas even as Judas planned to betray him.

Peter, who had denied Jesus three times during the Passion, was one of the first to be with him after the Resurrection. Why would his followers choose to take a different stance? 

-Pat Browne, Fairland

Editorial on Eucharist and sin veered into relativism

I could not disagree more with the editorial titled, “Eucharist and mortal sin,” which appeared in the Sept. 16 edition of The Criterion.

The statement “Whether or not someone is in a state of grace should be decided only by that individual” is a prime example of the relativism which Archbishop Daniel M. Buechlein decried in his weekly column on the very next page!

Persons who, for whatever reason, have committed a mortal sin, but have not sought penance and absolution for that sin, should abstain from receiving Communion. Of course, this is unfortunately not always the case, due to either pride or omission. In the event that a mortal sin is repeated without shame or hesitation—particularly if it is committed willfully with the intent to challenge the magisterium of the Church—then it is not only the Church’s right, but its responsibility to both the person in question and the Church as a whole, to charitably deny that person the Eucharist.

-Michael Hughes, Indianapolis

Apostolic visits to seminaries unfair to homosexuals

It appears that once again the Church has cut off its nose to spite its face. I am referring to the recent announcement that the Vatican will begin visiting seminaries in search of homosexual seminarians.

Nowhere in my studies have I discovered any correlation between homosexuality and pedophilia. In truth, the majority of “child molesters” are middle-aged, Caucasian, heterosexual males, most of whom are married and function quite well in society. I would go so far as to say that in my professional opinion, pedophilia is an orientation in and of itself.

Isn’t it time that we look at the real issue? The Church in the past has not dealt with human sexuality in a healthy, proactive way. Just because a person takes a vow of celibacy does not mean that he or she ceases to be a sexual being. This is a fact that has been largely ignored by the Church. As a result, hundreds of children have been scarred for life by members of the clergy. Too bad the same individuals who are so interested in homosexuality weren’t interested enough in the well-being of the children to protect them from the true sexual predators.

I have known many homosexual priests and sisters, all of whom have been faithful to their God, their Church and their celibate lifestyles. In a time where there are precious few vocations, isn’t it sad that many talented, loving individuals could be eliminated from the religious life due to their sexual orientation?

-Pat Corbin, Madison

Coach is a true Christian motivator

The recently published book by Roncalli High School head football coach Bruce Scifres titled Beyond the Goal Line—A Quest for Victory in the Game of Life is a true witness to a man filled with love for young men and teaching of lessons learned in life through participation in high school football. Histories about his athletes is a true testimony to the real reason we are all on this earth—that is, to win eternal happiness with Our Lord in our life, after we complete our battles here.

Coach Scifres is a man full of faith and he knows how to motivate his players and his colleagues, with whom he comes into contact every day, to have a desire to live for the Lord. He teaches his people how to work hard, be loyal, and set good examples in life and on the playing field. Proof of this are his six state football championships, three of which have been in the last three years—2002, 2003 and 2004.

Coach Scifres’ book should be read by parents, teachers, coaches, students and anyone interested in the good in young people. Coach Scifres is building Christian men from boys who need a man of his caliber and techniques guiding them.

Hats off to Coach Bruce Scifres, his coaching staff and the young men he teaches the real meaning of why we are here on earth. Coach Scifres is an outstanding leader and motivator and teacher. Roncalli High School in Indianapolis is very fortunate to have him.

Congratulations!

-Dick Schott, Indianapolis