Letters to the Editor
Conscientious objector needed support
When a Fort Richardson-based paratrooper, Michael Barnes, recently appeared in the U.S. District Court to challenge the Army’s decision to deny his petition of seeking the status of conscientious objector, I thought the courtroom would be over-flowing with local parishioners, rallying behind this man.
Here is a young man, a husband, and a father, who had come to realize his beliefs could no longer allow him to participate in this conflict.
"How would I justify to the Lord that participating in war is serving him?" Barnes wrote. "I cannot. War is evil, and nothing but evil comes from it. Many of those who participate in it lose their souls along the way."
I assumed that those who abhor violence and murder would be there to support Barnes in his brave decision. Surprisingly, the support from the religious community was negligible. Where was the outrage? There was none. The silence was deafening. This inaction is truly shocking. The Catechism of the Catholic Church and the moral theory of Just-War should bring many of us together showing support and giving compassion towards this man, his family, and any others who have a change of conscience.
Susan Bright, Anchorage
Parishes need priests
The Archdiocese of Anchorage has at least several parishes without resident priests. We have other parishes with multiple priests. Some of these priests are sent out via car to serve outlying parishes either once a week or once a month. For parishes without priests, these rare visits do little for their spiritual growth or the local Catholic family. With the cost of fuel skyrocketing it appears that the practical solution would be to staff these remote locations with the "extra priests." This would serve a twofold purpose, to place into those communities a representative of our faith, and allow for the possibility of growth within our Catholic faith. There could well be growth in these outlining parishes, which will enhance the propagation of faith. The parish family is not complete and cannot grow, without its head, which is the pastor.
Mark J. and Hannelore Kelliher, Eagle River
Anchor informs reader
As a mom of 4 children I rarely find time to read anything from cover to cover. However, I do make one exception. Every Saturday, I look forward to getting the mail to see if the Catholic Anchor will be a part of it. If it is, I make the time to sit down and read it in its entirety. Over the last three years I have witnessed significant improvements in the content and scholarship of the Anchor. The coverage of local to worldwide events in the Catholic Church makes me truly feel as if I do belong to something universal and greater than myself. The articles and editorials are catechetical and thought provoking. I appreciate your ability to keep me connected and informed about what is going on not only in Alaska but also throughout the world in the Catholic Church. The Catholic Anchor has become its name, a Catholic anchor for our family.Thank you and keep up the great workEileen Aaron, Palmer
Celebrate our priests
The past few weeks have been filled with very special anniversaries, which should not quietly slip by. Four wonderful priests recently marked anniversaries to the priesthood: Father Thomas Brundage (20 years), Father Ben Torreto (23 years), Father Bill Fournier (35 years) and Father Stan Allie (50 years).
For all the above, thanks be to God. Many community and parishioners did not know of these anniversaries but wish they had. While respecting the priests’ wishes for modesty, perhaps we could put a bit of celebration of the priesthood back into the church. For without these holy men, where would we be?
There is great reason for joy and celebration! We are eternally thankful for each and every one, and their many blessed years of unselfish service.
Linda & Gregory Miller, Palmer
College guide a help
Thanks to the Catholic Anchor for the May 16 article ("Newman Society’s top 21 Catholic Colleges"). Parents please note that one college recommended by the Newman Society, Thomas Aquinas College, has a policy that no student will be turned away for financial reasons. Moreover, they are routinely on U.S. News and World Report’s Top 100 Hundred Buys in U.S. College Education, which considers quality as well as cost in the mix. The campus is adjacent to a national park and 20 minutes from Ventura Beach. Visit thomasaquinas.edu to see their exquisite new chapel (Our Lady of the Most Holy Trinity) now nearing completion.
Theresa Syren, Anchorage