The Church is My Home Re “A Church Not Divided,” by Joe Hoover, S.J. (10/29): This article was refreshing and true for me. I have been a Catholic for over 40 years and go to daily Mass, but I have often said if they gave me the “Catholic test” I would be tossed out. The Catholic Church is my home and my daily foundation, where I found myself every morning for a decade as my youngest son was struggling with heroin addiction or when my business was in trouble. It is from this space that I now reach out to others in love—gay, straight, Catholic or not. I have time to listen but not to preach. I have enough to clean up on my own side of the street to get too involved in others’ failings.
Am I interested and concerned about the widening sex abuse scandal? Heck yes. It deeply grieves me. But I trust God’s work within our church.
Lori Milas
Lay Voices I disagree with Brother Hoover that ordinary Catholics are not concerned with these issues and that the professionals will work things out without our bothering to offer input. The scourge of clericalism has impacted countless lives. Like Brother Hoover, I am refreshed by the song, “One Bread, One Body,” which reminds me of the dignity of all. We are one body, each of us endowed with the incalculable dignity in Christ. This is a moment for lay responsibility.
Carolyn Gwadz
Pray for Cameroon Re “Anglophones in Cameroon Fear an Increase in Violence After Election,” by Shola Lawal (10/29): Many thanks to America for your interest in the sad happenings in Cameroon. This is really consoling. The future of this country is bleak. Everything is down. Please, do pray for victims of this country.
Mathew Bomki
A Credible Response Re “Cardinal Ouellet Responds to Viganò Charges, Accuses Him of Blasphemy,” by Gerard O’Connell (10/29): This is a very credible response from Cardinal Marc Ouellet and goes a long way to address the more severe charges from Archbishop Mario Carla Viganò. Along with the now-authorized investigations into the promotions of the former cardinal Theodore McCarrick in the United States and the Vatican, I expect significant light to be revealed on these matters in the coming months.
Tim O’Leary
Love for Little Women Re “Louisa May Alcott’s Radical Message for Modern Day ‘Little Women’—and Men,” by Elizabeth Grace Matthew (10/29): Your review reminded me how influential Little Women was on my life. Jo was a revelation to me. As a young Latina growing up in East Los Angeles, I connected with the picture of family being the source of strength and comfort. I loved Jo’s friendship with Laurie, a strong bond that did not have to be romantic or overly dependent. I also learned a tremendous amount of American historical information, including that blancmange is actually vanilla pudding! I agree with Ms. Matthew: Whether she was aware of it or not, Ms. Alcott gave girls (even those living in the mid-20th century) a picture of what strong women could be.
Dora Sanchez-Mead
Thank You, Tomie dePaola Re “Tomie dePaola’s Stories of Service and Stillness,” by Kerry Weber (10/22): As a teacher at a Catholic elementary school, I have used Tomie DePaola’s books on Catholic saints and the parables and miracles of Jesus to liven up my religion lessons. Tomie dePaola is a treasure. I have often thought I should write him a thank-you note for what he has meant to me as a Catholic educator.
Rose Meehan
Refreshing Clarity Re “He Worked With Law, McCarrick and Viganò. Here’s What He Learned,” by John Carr (10/15): Mr. Carr’s clarity in this article is refreshing. The concept that parents will read this issue from a very different perspective has great merit. If they are asked whether and how to best “protect the church,” their answers may come as a surprise.
(Rev.) Charles Ritter
Toledo, Ohio
