Church leaders remain deaf to the cry of the faithful
The following letter to the editor appeared in the Wilkes-Barre Citizens' Voice, Juen 24, 2008:
Church leaders remain deaf to the cry of the faithful
Editor:
As a diocesan teacher in the “system” for the past 37 years, it was heartening to see the support for our cause evident on Public Square on Saturday afternoon. In a movie, such a scene would suggest an inevitable victory for the teachers over the Bishop’s refusal to allow us the chance to choose our form of representation.
Later in the movie, perhaps we’d have a scene where the Bishop and his advisors would see that such overwhelming support could very well turn out to be a valuable resource for the Church itself. Such enthusiasm might easily be harnessed to promote Catholic values to thousands of youngsters in the decades ahead in schools re-structured and named by Bishop Martino. Such an uplifting movie would then conclude with this Bishop, stern, but finally having learned the wisdom in bending just a little.
We live, alas, in a very real world where Church leaders remain deaf to the cry of the faithful, forcing us instead to put our faith in the political process. With the help of Representatives Kanjorski and Pashinski, a solution may indeed finally present itself. And maybe that’s what’s needed these days: a happy ending without cheap sentimentality - and with politicians as heroes. Now there’s a surprise ending!
John Holmes
English teacher, Holy Redeemer High School
Church leaders remain deaf to the cry of the faithful
Editor:
As a diocesan teacher in the “system” for the past 37 years, it was heartening to see the support for our cause evident on Public Square on Saturday afternoon. In a movie, such a scene would suggest an inevitable victory for the teachers over the Bishop’s refusal to allow us the chance to choose our form of representation.
Later in the movie, perhaps we’d have a scene where the Bishop and his advisors would see that such overwhelming support could very well turn out to be a valuable resource for the Church itself. Such enthusiasm might easily be harnessed to promote Catholic values to thousands of youngsters in the decades ahead in schools re-structured and named by Bishop Martino. Such an uplifting movie would then conclude with this Bishop, stern, but finally having learned the wisdom in bending just a little.
We live, alas, in a very real world where Church leaders remain deaf to the cry of the faithful, forcing us instead to put our faith in the political process. With the help of Representatives Kanjorski and Pashinski, a solution may indeed finally present itself. And maybe that’s what’s needed these days: a happy ending without cheap sentimentality - and with politicians as heroes. Now there’s a surprise ending!
John Holmes
English teacher, Holy Redeemer High School
posted by SDACT at
7:36 AM
1 Comments:
Mr. Holmes,
You totally, as usual, rock! Thanks for sharing your intelligence and wit. You just have to read your letter to know that it is clear why and how you have properly educated the students of Bishop Hoban High School and now, Holy Redeemer High School! It is clear why we need teachers like you. Keep the faith, Mr. Holmes. The good will win at some point and God does bless those who really care about the important point in all of this - the great education of the students in your care. No bishop can take that away from you. Of course, he can reduce your wages, increase your hours, reduce your benefits, and increase your stress level!!!
We are with you all the way.
Students from
Bishop Hoban/Holy Redeemer High School
By
Concerned Parent, At
June 26, 2008 at 12:24 AM
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