Our Readers Respond-Feb. 8, 2012

Order not taking over any elementary schools
Editor: Over the past week we have heard a variety of comments suggesting that the Marianists of the Province of Meribah would be involved, to some degree or another, with the founding of a new elementary-level school, administered by the Marianists. In addition, we have seen in e-mails reference to a new Marianist school opening in one of the elementary schools that are scheduled to close in June. One e-mail even had a date listed when the Marianists would assume responsibility!

However appreciative we are with the support and recognition of our educational experience, the Marianists will not be involved with assuming responsibility for any additional school. The reason is simple: we currently operate three schools which consume the efforts of our membership at this time. As a result we are not in the position to take on the enormous responsibility of founding a new school.

We appreciate the efforts of our diocese and their vision to ensure that Catholic education will be a resource for future generations. We all recognize the sadness that comes when a school is closed. However, we encourage families who want to continue a Catholic education for their children to do so — albeit in another elementary school than they had planned. Together we can help sustain Catholic elementary schools in our diocese. 
To Jesus through Mary!
Brother Thomas J. Cleary, S.M.
Provincial, Province of Meribah

Higher power will rule
Editor: Where two notions of ‘reproductive rights’ are concerned, one resting on governmental law and the other on religious law, in the latter case reflecting tenets of the Mosaic Law, it hardly honors our purported separation of Church and State to force the former on believers in the latter. “Conscience doth make cowards of us all,” for good reason. Its hegemony rules where action is contemplated. So the new (health care) law, if and when enacted as is, will put me and others in the camp of Hamlet. The higher power, conscience, will rule; not governmental law.
Terence O’Flanagan, M.D.
Rockville Centre

National movement needed
Editor: I am in total agreement with your editorial, “Assault on Religious Freedom.” (TLIC 1/25) I am outraged at the audacity of the Obama administration’s plan to define how the government “believes” the Church should be a witness to God’s unlimited and unconditional love and, secondly, to go on to dictate how the Church should serve the needs of all in our local communities. Yes, I plan to write to the President and to my elected officials expressing my outrage, but I fear that individual voices are not enough here. I hope that in the coming weeks we will begin to see the start of a national movement, which would include massive written protests, originated and lead by our respective bishops, resulting in a reversal of this dreadful and restrictive mandate. The Church must continue to pursue its historic works of mercy and selfless love to all our citizens without intimidation from our government.  
Sabino C. Pesce
Wantagh

Women’s health and contraceptives
Editor: It is inconceivable that our country has deteriorated to such a degree whereby our government no longer respects freedom of religion. The demand by President Obama and The Department of Health & Human Services that the Catholic Church must provide contraceptives to employees is deplorable.

I also do not understand why contraceptives come under the category of “women’s health.” They are used to prevent pregnancy and PREGNANCY IS NOT A DISEASE! Contraceptives are drugs. Drugs can have harmful side effects. Some of these side effects can be very serious.  

Our government is promoting a healthy diet and exercise for our children and adults. For reasons that I cannot comprehend our government has no problem approving artificial birth control not only for adults but for adolescents (via Planned Parenthood) but there appears to be limited or no support for healthy alternatives.  

There is an effective alternative to contraceptives and that is Natural Family Planning (NFP). This method allows a husband and wife to understand the uniqueness of the fertility cycle, evaluate the signs and then make a decision regarding sexual intercourse.

It is unfortunate that many women have abdicated control of their fertility and well being to drug companies. I’m sure that these companies have amassed quite a fortune through the sale of contraceptives. In contrast, the cost of practicing NFP is minimal. An Ovulindex Basal Thermometer costs about $8 and can last for years!

I speak from experience. After our fifth pregnancy within six years of marriage, I decided to investigate Natural Family Planning. I did not want to use contraceptives. One reason was to follow the good counsel of our pope. The other was because I wanted to better understand my body and thereby, with my husband, make informed decisions. I located a physician who was most helpful. Five years later we welcomed our sixth child. My husband Jerry and I later became an NFP teaching couple.

I thank God for His guidance in leading us to Natural Family Planning and for the love & support of my wonderful husband, Jerry, and for giving us the wonderful gift of our children.
Beatrice Cunningham
Lindenhurst

Which event is newsworthy?
Editor: February 2 was “Ground Hog Day.” Every news program, talk show, Internet site covered this one rodent to see what it predicts for spring.

On Jan. 23, close to 500,000 people traveled from all over the country to Washington, D.C., to protest the killing of between 50 and 54 million unborn babies.

Other than Catholic news, no media gave any (or any decent) coverage.

Complain to the media. We deserve to hear ALL the news, whether the media likes or does not like the issue. Does anyone have an idea as to how we can get them to listen?
Louise Perrotta
Lindenhurst

Show offends these Catholics
Editor: Recently my husband and I went to see the Broadway show “Sister Act” and it is nothing like the movie. It’s hard to believe that there has been no public outcry over this show where the Catholic Church is mocked and jabbed at in the name of humor and entertainment. It wasn’t funny, it was debasing and offensive.

Nuns are portrayed in a very unfavorable manner. One of the lines is a slap in the face to the Holy Eucharist, when an overweight nun belts out that one of the great things about being a nun is “getting to eat thousands of holy wafers.” We left at intermission, so I don’t know if there was any improvement. Somehow, I doubt it.     
Deborah Manzella-Johnson
Merrick