The Catholic Register - Readers Speak Out

Written by Catholic Register Readers,

Keep moving forward

In reference to the April 6 article entitled “No need to step back” by Bernard Daly, I am a 76-year-old retired high school teacher who has been a practising Catholic all my life, and I clearly remember the years prior to Vatican II when Latin was the language spoken by priests celebrating Masses, and when priests celebrated Masses with their back to the Mass-attendees, and when Communion was taken only on the tongue by parishioners.

I was most pleased when Pope Paul VI approved the liturgy changes that are in effect today regarding the aforementioned.

Like Daly, I sincerely hope that top Vatican officials will not be successful in their attacks on the liturgy changes approved by Pope Paul VI after the Second Vatican Council, and that the Vatican II renewal approved by Pope Paul VI will keep moving forward.

Frank O’Brien
Montreal, Que.

Keep moving forward

Here are the rules
Many Catholics do not seem to understand the requirements to receive Communion worthily. One must be a Catholic, must believe that what is received is the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ and one must be in the state of grace. To achieve this state one must confess all mortal sins in the sacrament of Reconciliation, resolve not to sin again and perform the prescribed penance. For most of us, that is all that is required.

However, for anyone who has publicly stated approval of such serious sins as abortion, same-sex marriage, embryonic stem cell research or euthanasia, a public retraction of these statements is necessary before the sins are forgiven. This must be discussed in private with the individual to ensure that they are aware of the sin of scandal that occurs every time that someone, not in the state of grace, receives Communion. If the error is not rectified, Communion should be denied. Simply: Those who are not in communion with the church should not receive Communion.

Dalton McIntyre
Ottawa, Ont.

There is no law

Jack Murphy believes pro-choice propaganda (“Don’t deny Communion,” April 20). He believes there is a law permitting abortion in Canada. There is no such thing. The Supreme Court of Canada struck down the anti-abortion law as presented, but left it open for Parliament to enact a revised law.

Any Catholic politician who would oppose a new law designed to control this wanton killing should be refused Communion. The reception of Communion indicates full membership in the church. Pro-choice Catholic politicians do not qualify.

Murphy seems unaware that most civilized people favour at least some controls on abortionists. Politicians who favour unlimited access to abortion do not represent the views of their constituents.

Raymond Peringer
Toronto, Ont.

War is no answer

In response to Tim Elia’s letter in the issue of April 20 “Let’s not be naïve,” I would like to ask him: What part of “Put your sword back …” (Mt. 28:52) do you not understand.

Deacon Bert Cambre
Catholics for Peace
Toronto, Ont.

Back to square one

In “No mistake made” (Readers Speak Out, April 13), the writer asserts that death is “a direct result of the sin of Adam.” A careful reading of Genesis 3:24 tells us that Adam and Eve were mortal before the Fall, and only eating from the Tree of Life could bestow immortality. So, we are back to square one.

Mike Reiter
Aylmer, Ont.

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