Editorial

Put your faith into action: Help the poor

How sad! In this world of so much wealth, there continues to be poverty. Children still go to bed hungry. Unemployed fathers and mothers seek food, clothing, and shelter for their families.

While nations spend millions of dollars on weapons, their people starve. In some countries, the wealthy few live in opulence while the many barely survive in shacks with rags to wear and little food to eat. We may say, "What can we do? It's too big a problem for us to change."

Mother Teresa would not agree. She reminds us of Jesus' words: "I was hungry and you gave me food. . . . I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me. . . ." (Matthew 25: 35-36)

"Our work is based on these words of Jesus," said Mother Teresa of the Missionaries of Charity. She explains that they give "material and spiritual help to the poorest of the poor, not only the ones in the slums but those who live in any corner of the world as well."

We, too, can follow Mother Teresa's example and reach out to the poor. Here are a few suggestions:

 Through Catholic Charities in the Diocese of Madison. The agency recently held its annual Awards Dinner with the theme, "Faith in Action!" Through its staff and many volunteers, Catholic Charities helps the poor in mind, body, and soul. It assists alcoholics to recover, provides counseling for the hurting, and reconciles family members. Those interested in making a donation may send it to: Catholic Charities, Diocese of Madison, 702 S. High Point Rd., P.O. Box 46550, Madison, WI 53744-6550. To find out about volunteer opportunities, call 608-821-3100.

 By supporting the Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD). For the past 30 years, the CCHD has worked to end poverty and injustice in our country. CCHD has supported some 4,000 community programs since its inception in 1969, including some in the Diocese of Madison. The most recent grants were distributed for housing and community development; family issues; and jobs and economic development. Make a contribution to the "Share Your Faith Campaign" in your parish the weekend of Nov. 16 and 17. It supports the CCHD and the church's communication efforts.

 Through the St. Vincent de Paul Society. The society's resources are being stretched to the limit as more and more people are seeking help with the current economic downturn. Contributions of food, clothing, household items, and money are needed. Drop off items in the blue St. Vincent de Paul boxes; at local thrift stores; or call the district office in Madison, 608-278-2920.

We can't end poverty throughout the world, but we can take small steps right in our own back yards. Put your own faith into action by supporting one or all of these church efforts to help the poor. Working together, we can make a difference.

Mary C. Uhler, editor

Mailbag

To the editor:

	Mailbag policy We reserve the right to edit or reject letters. Limit letters to 200 words or less. All letters must be signed. Send letters to: Mailbag The Catholic Herald P.O. Box 44985 Madison, WI 53744-4985 Fax: 608-821-3071 E-mail: info@madisoncatholicherald.org

Bishop Bullock, in the Nov. 7 issue of The Catholic Herald, states that he is pleased with the revised norms for dealing with the allegations of sexual abuse of minors by priests or deacons. I must respectfully disagree with his assertion that all key provisions of the U. S. bishops' charter are left intact. Anyone can view and compare the old and new versions side by side on the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) Web site. The changes are significant.

The June norms said, "each diocese . . . will designate a review board . . . composed of at least five persons of outstanding integrity and good judgment . . . whose functions include the assessment of allegations of sexual abuse of minors . . . in order to advise the diocesan/eparchial bishop on whether or not the allegations appear to be credible." The revised norms say "each diocese/eparchy will . . . have a review board . . . composed of at least five persons of outstanding integrity and good judgment in full communion with the Church . . . the functions of this board may include advising the bishop/eparch in his assessment of allegations . . . ."

The June norms say, "The diocese/eparchy will report to the public authorities any allegation . . . of sexual abuse of a person who is currently a minor and will cooperate in their investigation." The revised norms say, "The diocese/eparchy will comply with all applicable civil laws with respect to the reporting of allegations of sexual abuse of minors to civil authorities and will cooperate in their investigation." In many states, church personnel are not mandatory reporters of child abuse. In those states, according to the revised norms, the church would not be required to report allegations to authorities.

I do agree with Bishop Bullock when he states that the revised version strengthens the hand of a bishop dealing with alleged sexual abuse, but isn't that what we want to avoid? I believe that strong bishops acting without input from lay people is what caused this problem in the first place. I urge Bishop Bullock and all bishops to reject these revisions at their November meeting in Washington.

Joan Weiss, Prairie du Sac

Breastfeeding should be celebrated

To the editor:

I was disappointed with the cover picture on the Nov. 7 issue of The Catholic Herald to celebrate "November Family Month." While God has blessed this family with four lovely babies, he has also blessed them with a wonderful way to feed them. Breastfeeding is our gift to babies - provided by God's plan.

Breastfeeding is truly a special and wonderful process and provides bonding that is very strong. Mothers who choose to bottlefeed for various reasons still love their children. And I am sure the Stingley family is extremely thankful for the blessing of their children and the help the community is giving to care for them.

I think we could celebrate families by helping to support the best and most healthful way to feed our babies as designed by God. There is often so little support or knowledge for, and about, breastfeeding, in this day and age. We need to support this most special plan that God has designed. Exposure to nursing babies is the way to start.

Jeannie Manthe, Madison

Deepening sense of vocation

To the editor:

Concerning evangelization discernment in the promotion of vocations, Pope John Paul II speaks of "that transformation of society in accordance with God's will which is the essence of the lay vocation." He adds "Experience has shown that the more the lay apostolate develops, the more strongly the need for priests is felt; and the more the laity's own sense of vocation is deepened, the more deeply is the unique role of priests appreciated."

Fr. Robert Buholzer, Stoughton