Letters to the Editor

Evan Holguin’s article “The American Catholic giving crisis” in the April 18 issue has a single focus: Catholics simply don’t donate enough money. But the article doesn’t offer possible explanations as to why. Please accept that I cannot speak beyond my 75 years of age nor my 40 years of Catholic faith. As a child I was raised Methodist. Our family and church did what was possible with both time and money. Money would include donations of food, clothing, household needs or other material support. Time was invested in many ways to support the community. Charitable support also extends beyond a direct connection to the church. What about levels of support for organizations like Unbound, Heifer, Mom’s House, and Tunnel to Towers? Factors that affect charitable giving are stewardship, accountability, and transparency. While the statistics of Catholic giving are interesting, the article doesn’t recognize what the breadth of charity includes, doesn’t offer explanations or remedies, and doesn’t inspire to simply give more. — Michael Jacobs, Holland, Ohio

Kudos for publishing Msgr. Richard Antall’s thoughtful essay on “The problem with the Catholic immigration debate” in the April 4 issue.  I too know many Latinos, including undocumented, who supported the candidate Trump last year … even Haitians! This is telling us that there is something deeply broken in our immigration system, and in our national politics. And it deserves serious reflection from Catholics. — Thomas Estrada, Miami, Florida

Father Ron Rolheiser’s column in the April 4 issue about the distinction between “Jesus” and Christ” left me feeling uncomfortable.  I’m not a theologian, but I think maybe Rolheiser has been listening too much to Evangelicals.  The early Church used the title “Christ,” meaning the “Messiah,” to emphasize that Jesus is the fulfillment of the prophecies of the Old Testament. The title “Christ,” then, focuses on his Divine Mission as the One everyone was waiting for: the King of the Jews. “The Moshiach,” the Messiah.  Making a New Agey distinction between “Jesus” and “Christ” risks confusing people, in the same way that Evangelicals are confused. Jesus, God Incarnate, is the same Divine Person as the Person we call “The Christ.”  — Marilyn Boussaid, St. James Parish, Redondo Beach 

Thank you for your sensitive and balanced coverage of immigration in Kimmy Chacón’s article “Answers and Assurances” in the March 21 issue.  I have found some of President Trump’s actions and statements on immigration during his second term to be necessary, others wrongheaded, and sometimes immoral. But they are having real life consequences for faithful, hardworking families in parishes like mine, and the workshops are a prudent approach to the problem.  — Elisa Molina, Venice

Regarding the cover story of the March 21 issue titled “Five Year Checkup” (March 21 issue of Angelus): In my parish, there are several indications the pandemic never ended.  During the lockdown, the parish office sent emails regarding social distancing, vaccines, masks, etc., but never sent an email when the unvaccinated could stop wearing masks. The Mass choirs have never returned. Altar servers are rare. No handshakes during the passing of the peace, just tepid hand waves. The Precious Blood is still withheld from the laity. The prayer chapel remains locked and the large baptismal font is dry. Parishioners can still sit on the patio or in their cars to hear Mass via radio.  Ministries such as adult small groups, Sunday Mass children’s liturgy, retreats, etc., have vanished. If the prayer groups and Bible studies have resumed, they haven’t announced their return. This is my parish’s new normal. — Sally Carpenter, Moorpark

I absolutely loved the LACatholics video offering prayers for Pope Francis and wishing him a speedy recovery. Thank you for including it in your daily e-newsletter, Always Forward. I’m sure it will be a big hit with our Holy Father! — Marilyn Boussaid, St. James Parish, Redondo Beach