Our Readers Respond-Dec. 21, 2011

A real turn off’
Editor: Regarding the recent changes to the liturgy of the Mass and related actions:

Christ and His Apostles did not speak in Latin. They did not have multiple lecturns and fold cloths at the sacrificial table in any particular fashion. There were neither of these in the upper room nor in the catacombs where the early Christians met in defiance of Romans. I am reasonably sure that the Latin speaking Romans persecuted early followers of Christ’s religion before; I believe Constantine converted them to Christianity. When the liturgy was ultimately documented in Latin, there was no obvious critique of the specific dialog employed. Why are our leaders so set on embracing the current vernacular translation of a very cumbersome dead language? Why is it assumed to be more correct and meaningful than what comes from the hearts and minds of worshipers?   

“And also with you” is much less ambiguous than “And with your spirit” and is understandable by all levels of intellect. Are our leaders trying to alienate children and many adults? Words like “consubstantial” are a real turn off to many with whom I speak. Did the proponents of the mandated verbiage consider how the text is perceived by the greater number of participants at Mass? Did they even bother to inquire?
John Lando
Deer Park

Prayers and sympathy
Editor: I wanted to express to all of the families, students and faculties of the Catholic schools which are being closed in the diocese my deepest and most heartfelt sympathy. Our parish school was fortunate enough to remain open, but we are all touched by this situation in a very personal way. All of those involved in Catholic education, whether students, families or faculty, are part of a very special and unique group of people. We are a people of faith; a people who truly believe in the importance and significance of what is being taught and practiced daily in our parochial schools. We must never forget as a whole that we stand for something larger than ourselves. Our Catholicity will forever set us apart wherever we are in the world. How fortunate we are to live in a country where we can still say that freely.

Be proud of your choice for a Catholic education and do not feel defeated by this situation. Know that there are many families around you who grieve and pray with you and understand what you are facing in the months ahead. Assure your children that everything they are learning about their faith will get them through this trial and be comforted in the thought that wherever this road takes you, God will be there to light the way as he does each day.
Jean Thury
Parishioner and Parent,
SS. Cyril and Methodius Parish, Deer Park