WCR Letters to the Editor

Right-brain activity priority for Cassidy

Mary-Jo was a good friend of mine. At two times of deep crisis in my life she came to my rescue.

She was a charismatic Christian. I feel your account left out this very important influence on her life and lifestyle.

She wooed the "gifts of the Spirit" in every sense of its charismatic endowment.

Her whole work of spiritual retreat at her Way of Holiness was just and foremost governed by the "leading of the Spirit" and its welcome gentle anointing.

In this way she strove to develop and establish "right brain" activities in all her work. She was not ashamed of this stand, neither was she confounded by the "frowning" of others upon her stand.

She has entrusted her work into the hands of a prominent charismatic lay person, a man who is as open and fervent in seeking the Holy Spirit, unafraid of emotionalism or the opening up of new forms of worship and blessing, "The Lord's right hand is on high."

Virginia Rodrigues
Banff

Parish restructuring means annihilation

When we were presented with a list of names for this new cluster, my sadness was profound.

Here are some of the name suggestions put forward: (a) Southwest Trinity, (b) South Saints Triarch, (c) Community of Mary and Martha, (d) Unity of Christians, (e) AAT Cluster. The three saints representing our individual parishes are totally wiped out.

There were several parish meetings during the summer and the presentations of various parish members were well researched and thoughtfully presented.

Dr. John Acheson sat in on some of the meetings but remained silent as it was obvious that those present did not accept his restructuring concept with open arms.

Even the hiring of the business manager drew unfavourable comments.

One point brought out was that more effort could have been made to procure immigrant priests as there are priests available and a committee has looked into it but were told to keep quiet as their findings were not welcome.

Several articles in the Aug. 23 WCR indicate similar views of frustration in other parishes as people are being forced to adapt to these very unpleasant changes in their community parishes.

The input of the grassroots parishioners does not seem to have any impact on these preordained restructuring concepts and their effect on regular parishioners.

Myrtle Seguin
Edmonton

ToPs prepares soil for small communities

The Church is definitely in a state of flux, and change as we all know can stimulate tremendous pain. Perhaps more importantly though, change indicates growth.

Yes, we need to take time to mourn our losses. Personally I have learned that this is an essential step in the process of living.

Then, however, it is time for the Church, "the people of God," to examine our own needs within our particular jurisdictions, reflect on those needs in the light of the Gospel message and take action to answer those needs.

Perhaps the soil has never been so fertile for the establishment of small Christian communities in whatever shape they take in order to answer the specific needs of a particular community.

We are familiar with the term "unity in diversity." It is an exciting time in Church history.

Are we "the people of God" empowered enough by the Spirit to take up the challenge? I hope and pray so.

Marian Lord
Sherwood Park

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