Let’s keep truth in our Church
“Conservative Propaganda” is what Dana Hlusko called a June 10 article by Deacon Dominic Cerrato in her editorial, “Let’s bring equality to the Church.” Her letter appeared in the June 24 issue, and the label she gives to the deacon’s article is a smear on Catholic teaching.
Dana asks if we “conveniently ignore” how the “role of deacon was recognized in the early Church by St. Paul (Rom. 16:1).” This verse mentions “Phoebe, a deaconess” – a sure hit for Dana’s position! Except Deacon Cerrato already addressed this, saying, “while deaconesses may have been ‘ordained’ in an ancient sense, this does not equate to the sacramental ordination of deacons.”
He gives seven “essential differences between deaconesses and deacons,” including, “The ordination rites were different,” and “Deaconesses did not exercise the same sacramental roles.” It seems it is Deacon Cerrato who is being “conveniently ignored.”
Dana tells “proponents of an all-male diaconate” that “you would deny women their baptismal identity of priest, prophet, and king.” Her mistake is interpreting this identity literally. Do Catholics also have the right to demand a coronation, as each is a king?
The Catechism says that “The faithful exercise their baptismal priesthood through their participation, each according to his vocation, in Christ’s mission as priest, prophet, and king. Through the sacraments of baptism and confirmation, the faithful are ‘consecrated to be … a holy priesthood’” (1546).
Being baptized and confirmed does not make one a priest who can hear confessions and consecrate the Eucharist. Only when the terms are misunderstood does this “baptismal identity” mean women can be priests.
— Audin Haven, Chesapeake
‘The instrument plays you’ … not really
As a Pastoral Musician with a 58-year career supporting worship mostly for the Roman Church, I was disappointed and distressed to read yet another article (June 24) proclaiming the wonders of an instrument built to 18th century standards.
The organ has actually evolved, just like every other orchestral instrument, into its current state of the art, only to suffer the continual disrespect of those who would waste millions of dollars creating “shrines” to an antiquated standard that does not support any music composed after the mid-19th century.
The last century saw incredible advancements in the way organs are constructed and the beautiful sounds they make. This country is home to many wonderful examples of the modern instrument that can serve as inspiration to any congregation seeking an “upgrade.”
One would not dare ask a world-class pianist to perform on a Mozartian-era clavier or a world-class violinist to perform on a Baroque-era viol using a slack bow. Why is the organ different?
An abundance of 18th century instruments already exists. There is no need to build more of them.
I humbly offer that the time has come for the organ “community” to let go of its unwarranted dedication to outdated building techniques and, at long last, embrace the instrument as it shines today.
By the way, the idea that the organist enjoys some sort of ethereal “connection” to a mechanical instrument is nothing more than a myth, exaggerated over the years by those who have yet to offer a plausible explanation for embracing antiquity. Anyone who claims they can affect the way a pipe speaks by manipulating the manual keys is delusional…
— Joseph N. Graif, Carrollton
Consider Vincentian service
Bishop Knestout wrote a wonderful column in the June 10 edition of The Catholic Virginian about the work of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul across the Diocese of Richmond.
At the core of our mission is our own spiritual development. As Vincentians, we accomplish that through service to our neighbors in need. We are called to see the face of Christ in those we serve. Though it can be challenging, we as Vincentians receive so much more than we give. My life has been changed over the last eight years serving both as a volunteer and then a staff member for St. Vincent de Paul.
We currently have 12 parishes doing the work of our diocesan patron saint. That leaves many parishioners and neighbors in need across our diocese without the opportunity to have a Vincentian encounter. I could not agree more with Bishop Knestout as he wrote in his column on June 10: “I strongly encourage pastors and their parishioners to prayerfully consider how a St. Vincent de Paul conference can complement your parish’s outreach to the poor and fortify the spiritual life of the parish.”
For more information, contact [email protected].
— Dan Kearns, Executive Director, Society of St. Vincent de Paul-Richmond
Trust in the Lord always
Lack of trust is a lack of faith. If we trust someone, we have faith in them. Trust is the foundation of our faith in God. Having faith in God is trusting him who we believe will love us and not abandon us, no matter what situation we are in, even in our moments of darkness, disappointments, and despair.
Proverbs 3:5 states, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, on your own intelligence do not rely.” The word that strikes me most in this verse is trust: trusting in Jesus, our Lord and Savior.
Problems abound in life. Trust in the Lord that everything will be alright. He takes care of you if you believe and trust in him, who is “the Way, the Truth, and the Life” (John 14:6).
Having a problematic situation in life, a relationship that doesn’t work or isn’t working for both parties, a sort of failed marriage or broken family, going through a tumultuous on-and-off relationship without a sign of good, peaceful resolution, the only thing that matters now for you is to trust in him completely, believing that he’ll take care of you. He won’t abandon you and let you down because he loves you, no matter your situation.
If we’ve been doubtful, distrustful, and uncertain about who and what Jesus was in our lives, it’s time to renew our trust in him.
Simply, silently say and pray, “Jesus, I trust in You.” Always.
— Chris A. Quilpa, Suffolk