Letters to the Editor

Caring reality

Gerard Walsh of Saugeen Shores, Ont., states in a Nov. 27 letter to the editor of The Catholic Register there is a need to adjust for reality regarding falling church attendance. He claims there has been no adjustment at the parish level. 

Hee’s sign

I was moved by the picture in the Nov. 6 issue of the octogenarian priest Fr. Tony Van Hee holding up a sign that read, “The primacy of free speech is the cornerstone of Western Civilization.” 

Inside out

A recent court decision ruled that the York Catholic District School Board cannot disqualify a non-Catholic student from running for the position of student trustee. 

Kinghorn’s compassion 

Deacon Robert Kinghorn’s columns are so inspirational. He strikes me as a true Christian who really imitates Christ. He exudes love and compassion by engaging in a difficult ministry to the “wounded and unwanted.” I thank God for his work, and I hope more labourers come forward because that particular harvest is so great.

Habits of being

The article in your Oct. 16 issue referencing Fr. Dan Donovan’s art collection, which covers much of the available wall space at the University of St. Michael’s College, contains a line that surprised me: “The priest learned long ago that categorizing art and artists along denominational lines can distort and block any real understanding.”

Magazine huzzahs

I want to extend my congratulations to the staff of The Catholic Register for the excellent commemorative magazine Penance and Progress. The articles are thorough and thought-provoking. 

Blocking transparency

I find the Oct. 2 editorial “Rebuild trust” mind boggling.

Shrine on

Michael Swan’s Sept. 24 article on the Martyrs’ Shrine tells us the community is making efforts to be more welcoming to all Indigenous peoples, including giving them free access to the site. It’s a commendable approach that genuinely helps promote reconciliation and solidarity.

Historic wash out

I am having a hard time justifying renewing my subscription when The Catholic Register completely misrepresents the Royal Proclamation of 1763.

Distinctly Indigenous

Beyond apologies and reparations, the Canadian Catholic Church needs to make fundamental changes to its relations with Indigenous peoples. After almost 400 years, the Church has produced only a tiny number of Indigenous clergy. The main reason is the requirement of clerical celibacy that goes against the fundamental Indigenous values of family and kin relationships.