Last Updated:Friday - 09/24/2010

WCR Letters to the Editor

Fund Camp Encounter

Re: Camp Encounter is going broke (WCR, June 5).

I am a convert of almost 50 years and even though I have had my differences with the Catholic religion I was never ashamed of being a Catholic until I read the above article.

Are the people that look after the funding for the archdiocese that narrow minded and plagued by the Midas touch that they do not realize that our youth are the future of our family, country and Church? Youth should be our number one priority, not how much gilder we can accumulate. Even the Church can't take it with it.

We in Devon are doing alterations on our church. We have to borrow our money from the Church. Pay interest back to the church on our money. And if by per chance the church gets sold, guess where the money will go? Just ask Stony Plain and Spruce Grove.

Talk about having it both ways. The archdiocese owns and operates Camp Encounter but they don't financially back it. Shame! Shame!

It is not that hard to guess what these financial people are thinking. Some person or organization will step up to the plate and bail Camp Encounter out. If they don't, too bad because we don't want to get saddled with this expense.

The truth of the matter is that this project should have never been allowed to run down. In fact this program should have been improved and expanded. Get off your duff Archdiocese. Step up to the plate and do what is right. Not one child should be left out due to lack of funding.

The fact is they are the ones that need our compassion most as these children are usually from one-parent families or broken homes. "Love the neighbour as thyself" but love your children more.

When Jesus said " Let the children be, and do not hinder them from coming unto me, for such is the kingdom of heaven," (Matthew 19:14). I don't think he meant leave them alone and don't take an active part in their well-being.

W. Dale Morrissette
Devon

Thoughtful praise of Bro. Paul Voisin

It was wonderful to see the face of Brother Paul Voisin in the May 29 WCR ("Paratrooper felt God's protection"). I had the pleasure of observing Brother Paul and his ministry while working at the cathedral in Victoria.

I cannot say I knew him as he was such a quiet and private person, although always pleasant. He personified humility, charity and devotion by his presence.

One experience I will never forget. I was in a coffee shop on Fort Street, known as Antique Row. Very yuppie, very secular, very rich. Suddenly there was Brother Paul, returning to the Friary in his well-worn brown robes.

The window was large and he was in our view for some time. It was surreal. Something from a time past suddenly thrust into our 21st century. The caf‚ was silent. He gave witness simply by his presence and attire.

It made me wonder if the clergy and religious really did the world a favour by choosing secular clothing. It also reminded me that it has been brothers of religious orders who have had an impact on my spiritual life by their witness.

I was also privileged to know and work with the brothers at the Augustinian monastery in Ladner, B.C. They worked the farm and were some of the happiest people I have ever met. Again, devotion and humility.

Bertha McLaughlin
Sherwood Park

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