Last Updated:Friday - 09/24/2010

WCR Letters to the Editor

Newman grad senses growth in clericalism

Re: "A seminary for the ages" and "Funding crunch leads Newman to cut 3 faculty positions" (WCR, June 16).

I have a bachelor of theology degree from Newman Theological College. It was once my proudest achievement.

After working for the Church for most of my adult life, I believed that once I had my degree, I would continue to be one of the "workers in the vineyard" for a long time to come.

However, my employment with the Church ended about a month ago and I know that I will never go back. Why? It's simple - the Church doesn't want people like me.

These two articles, when read together, confirm for me that lay people are, and will continue to be, second-class citizens in the Catholic Church.

The Archdiocese of Edmonton has worked very hard over the last 10 years to promote the priesthood (and other "clerical" ministries like the permanent diaconate), while at the same time, discontinued programs for the laity like Formation for Pastoral Service.

It's no wonder that lay enrollment has gone down to the point where the BTh and certificate programs are being cut. This makes me very sad.

Newman Theological College was created because of a dream that came out of the Second Vatican Council, a dream that lay people would experience "full, active, participation" in the Church. That dream is being slowly, quietly snuffed out.

I have a feeling that the Vatican II dreamers, like our Archbishop Anthony Jordan, would be deeply saddened by this as well.

Lynnell Prediger
Edmonton

Letter to the Editor - 07/14/08
Letter to the Editor - 07/14/08
Letter to the Editor - 07/21/08
Letter to the Editor - 07/21/08
Letter to the Editor - 08/25/08
Letter to the Editor - 08/25/08
Letter to the Editor - 08/25/08
Letter to the Editor - 09/08/08

Cuts put end to vibrant Newman programs

Just finished reading "Funding crunch leads Newman to cut 3 faculty positions" in theJune 16 WCR and the quote: "The restructuring follows a board of govenors decision earlier this year to phase out the bachelor of theology and certificate programs."

Sad, sad, sad. St. Joseph's Seminary and Newman Theological College were a vibrant place of study in the 1990s when the laity was involved in various programs of study and formation such as: Training for Pastoral Services, certificate in liturgical studies, diploma in theology, bachelor of theology, etc.

These programs were especially designed for the laity in the outlying rural areas of the diocese. Because of the shortage of priests, parishes needed informed and qualified people to assist with RCIA, sacramental preparation, pastoral care, etc.

Being a summer school student at NTC during the 1990s was a wonderful experience of sharing with other students from the diocese and western Canada.

"Formation is not just for an elite. It is intended for everyone, and everyone has a right to it" (Christifideles Laici).

I just can't understand how those wonderful years of summer school at NTC will be no more, except for the laity and seminarians in graduate programs.

Caroline Doetzel
Provost

Letter to the Editor - 07/14/08
Letter to the Editor - 07/14/08
Letter to the Editor - 07/21/08
Letter to the Editor - 07/21/08
Letter to the Editor - 08/25/08
Letter to the Editor - 08/25/08
Letter to the Editor - 08/25/08
Letter to the Editor - 09/08/08

Letters to the Editor

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