Dear Editor, The Synod on Synodality is occupying the centre stage in the Catholic media at present, so it is important not to miss matters relating to day-to-day problems needing swift resolution.
In this context the ‘Notebook’ on the back page of The Irish Catholic is always worth reading. Fr Martin Delaney’s contribution ‘Poorly proclaimed readings lose richness of God’s word’ [The Irish Catholic – February 22, 2024] highlights a serious problem which needs to be addressed.
He wrote: “I know I may insult and upset a few people by saying this but in my experience the quality of reading or proclaiming the Word of God in many Irish churches is pretty dismal. If there is one area of ministry where we as priests must beat our breasts in repentance it must be the selection and preparation of lay-readers or lectors.”
As more parishioners are being asked to volunteer for a number of lay-ministries, where they are needed to support the diminishing number of priests, so it is essential that their training be of the highest quality. The services of professionally qualified teachers of public speaking should be obtained as this will improve the communication of the Word of God in the liturgy.
Yours etc.,
Daithi O’Muirneachain
Drumcondra, Dublin 9
Terrifying situation when doctors kill unborn and infirm
Dear Editor, I am writing this letter on Mother’s Day. It was a severe blow to our government that the ‘No’ vote won the referendum resoundingly. We treasure our mothers in this country and didn’t want their importance diminished.
A much more serious and disturbing proposal is the Oireachtas committee’s recommendation that assisted suicide and euthanasia be legalised here if a person is terminally ill and has six or twelve months to live. Meanwhile, Pieta House is doing all in its power to protect vulnerable people from committing suicide. The hospice for the dying is dedicated to helping very sick people and protecting their dignity. I can see a situation arising where dying vulnerable people will feel under pressure to end their lives rather than feel a burden on the state and their families. Will the same apply to the old and feeble?
Will a terrifying situation arise in the future when we see doctors as people who sometimes kill unborn babies and the old, sick and infirm?
A truly horrific and terrifying thought. What is happening to our country?
Yours etc.,
Anthony Redmond
Drimnagh, Dublin 12
Protesting deaths in Gaza despite differences
Dear Editor, David Quinn raises some valuable points in his article [The Irish Catholic – March 7, 2024] ‘A strange march for nuns to take part in’. Those concerned about the humanitarian situation in Gaza should be aware of those using the issue to promote anti-Semitism or deny Israel’s right to exist. Such anti-Semitism is never acceptable.
Nevertheless David Quinn would seem to suggest that we cannot work with people on one issue, if we do not agree with them on all issues. This seems strange given that he has welcomed contributions by Helen Joyce on issues related to gender, even though she is a strong proponent of assisted suicide in some circumstances.
Insisting on complete agreement on all matters would seem a dangerous road to go down.
Maybe the Dominican nuns, like the LGBT people on the march, were simply looking for an outlet for their horror at the catastrophic humanitarian situation in Gaza. Many of the protestors may know that they would not survive in a Hamas-run Gaza but they may still wish to protest against the deaths of children.
Whether going on this particular march was right or not, I like to think the best of the Dominican nuns in question and assume they were motivated by love of neighbour.
Yours etc.,
Joe Curran
Artane, Dublin 5
Referendum defeated in a mature society
Dear Editor, A homeless man came into the church across the road from the polling station, looking for the priest.
Amazing coincidence to find a man in need of care but with no family, when the referendum was going just on the other side.
What was this Government proposing for care to a man like this in the referendum?
What could Peter McVerry or the Simon community have done in their NGO caring capacity for the homeless with the nearly 20 million wasted euros in a rushed referendum designed in a “student union politics” way (in the very appropriate words of Michael McDowell) that of course was meant to be defeated in a mature society?
Is the Government going to take full responsibility, fundraise and give that tax payer money to all the people who do the care in our society, in families and other?
Yours .,
Conchita Legorburo
Dalkey, Co. Dublin
Not needed, not wanted, and no further
Dear Editor, Three thoughts to the ‘wokies’ regarding the two referendums: Not needed; not wanted; and this far and no further. It’s about time social conservatives found their voice.
Yours etc.,
Brid Fitzpatrick,
Terenure, Dublin 6W