More teaching on racism needed
I much appreciated the article about racism from Laura Kelly Fanucci (“Teach us to fight racism,” July 16). I agree about not hearing anything about racism from the Catholic Church. Someone needs to teach us about it and help us to teach our children.

Janet Bauch
St. Michael, Pine Island

Humble means
Thank you for an inspiring read in The Catholic Spirit. Personally, I enjoy very much all the writers at the end of the publication, beginning with Sunday Scriptures. Then I read the rest of the paper. Because of COVID-19, I tune into EWTN on TV Sunday mornings for Mass. It struck me all the gold I saw — candle holders, chalices, crucifix, tabernacle for the Blessed Sacrament, etc. The thought of every parish contributing the money to their out-of-work parishioners, their poor, the food shelves and community. It would mean selling the gold and using vessels of humbler means. To serve humbly. To serve all. It’s what Jesus would do.

Christine Corlett
St. Richard, Richfield

Banning David Haas’ music
Recently, several accusations of sexual misconduct and abuse have been made against popular Catholic liturgical composer and Twin Cities resident David Haas. Following our archdiocese, about a third of U.S. dioceses have announced that they will no longer play songs written by Mr. Haas during masses. Though these decisions were surely made in good faith, I believe they are mistaken. By the same logic, we should also cease to sing the Psalms at Mass. Their composer, David, was a powerful king who used his position to force himself on Bathsheba and send her husband Uriah to his death. Yet we retain the Psalms because they help us praise the Lord. Supposing that Mr. Haas is guilty of this heinous conduct, does it diminish the great spiritual value so many have derived from his songs through the years? Will banning these songs help or hinder the praise of God?

Nathaniel M. Fouch
Our Lady of Lourdes, Minneapolis

A different scandal
In response to the Aug. 13 letter criticizing Archbishop Hebda’s word choice in his statement regarding face masks undermines the severity of the COVID-19 crisis. Characterizing his intentions as ill will denotes lack of charity and a misunderstanding of the archbishop’s pastoral duties to promote the spiritual and physical health of his flock. The writer’s single point in support of the argument, i.e., disregard for “legitimate medical reasons,” is moot and uninformed. Our churches conscientiously accommodate, in liturgy, education and fellowship, the special needs of parishioners. The writer’s false argument renders this viewpoint spurious, if not scandalous. Rather than demonstrate an authentic concern for the archbishop’s word choice or intention, the stated opinion works to deepen the politicization of the Church and disregard for Jesus’ teachings on love and charity. This thinly veiled attempt to undermine Catholic faith and values is demonstrated in the first and last sentences wherein the first disclaims a mask preference and the latter decries the state mask policy which is based on medical and scientific research and a commitment to the health and safety of all God’s children.

Ted May
St. Maximilian Kolbe, Delano

Christian approach
I do not understand anyone who is opposed to wearing a mask especially those calling themselves Christians. I always felt that if you are a Christian, then you would most certainly care about others. This does not seem to be the case. When you wear a mask, you are protecting others from getting the virus. When others wear a mask, they are protecting you. There is nothing that says God does not want you to protect yourself. He gave you a brain to make smart decisions. There are doctors and nurses at hospitals that are flooded with people dying. Do you not have compassion for our healthcare workers? It’s sad when people only think of themselves in this time of need.

Roxanne Sandquist
St. Pius X, White Bear Lake

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