Deacon Art Donart is right that there are problems such as poverty, unemployment and war having effect on marriage and the family (Readers’ opinions, The Catholic Messenger, May 7).We as Catholics should continue to do everything we can to eliminate these challenges to the family.
The rest of the article reflects on one of the current challenges in our modern society, which is relativism. Referring to ancient Romans and looking to them for moral validity is wrong. They persecuted early Christians and Jews, too, and therefore it is OK to murder Christians and Jews based on this relativism?
Jesus came into the world to save the sinful and testify to the truth. The question is what would Jesus do? He would love the sinner and hate the sin as he does with all of us.
Knowing that Deacon Donart has been involved with wonderful ministries, I have to come to one conclusion: Deacon Donart’s full opinion had not been printed. Deacon Donart is an ordained minister in the Catholic Church and has been taught differently to his opinion. If what he wrote was printed in its entirety, then I would challenge Deacon Donart to reflect on those who taught him the truth during his ordination and determine if they would have the same opinion.
Furthermore, I would challenge him to read and reflect on Annette Pollpeter’s opinion in which she refers to Cardinal Ratzinger’s teaching. Thirdly, if Deacon Donart disagrees with the bishops’ concerns, I would challenge him to speak with the bishops and take the issue up respectfully with them.
Lastly, since Deacon Donart is writing his opinion, I would request that he sign his name without the deacon title. The deacon title reflects that he represents the teachings of Catholic Church. I, along with others, will continue to pray for him.
Andy Hardigan
Clinton
