She is mistaken in two allegations: that the archdiocese has directed any parish to give promotion of Share Lent "a back seat to the Cornerstone of Faith," and that this demonstrates the archdiocese "has lost touch with the message of the Gospel."

Of course, any parishioner who picked up the Share Lent brochure on Solidarity Sunday, opened it to see a message from Archbishop Richard Smith, encouraging us to support Development and Peace and noting that Share Lent provides an opportunity for all of us to respond to the teachings of the Lord Jesus concerning solidarity and the sharing of goods.

As for promoting the Cornerstone of Faith as an alternative to regular charitable giving, I would quote from the Cornerstone campaign manual given to all pastors: "We are asking that Cornerstone gifts remain separate from other donations given in support of parish needs or other Catholic endeavours. . . . It is suggested that you not show the DVD on First Communion Sunday or any other day of significance in your parish."

The generous response of parishioners to the Cornerstone of Faith campaign to date indicates to me that, unlike the letter writer, most can appreciate the significance of building a seminary and theological college without losing sight of their Gospel calling to feed the hungry, clothe the naked and shelter the homeless.

Lorraine Turchansky
Director of Communications and Public Relations
Archdiocese of Edmonton

Priest's comments downgrade value of foster care

I am deeply appalled at Father Holland's comments on foster care ("Oblate pastor issues impassioned plea for foster children," WCR, March 15). I understand his emotion, having to bury foster children who die while in care. But as a professional he should be looking at this issue objectively.

Does Father Holland realize how many good foster homes exist? Has he spoken to the many children who have been saved from abuse and neglect or rescued from drug houses? Has he spent nights and days in a hospital with a child who is battling psychotic episodes - residual effects from enduring abuse at the hands of a biological parent?

Remember foster parents did not put these children into care.

Does he realize how difficult it is to find good homes because people such as himself sound off when a tragedy happens and paint all foster parents with the same brush?

Yet everyday kids are thriving in good homes all over Alberta, but we cannot tell these stories because of privacy issues. Only the tragedies make the headlines.

Who would want to become a foster parent when this type of vitriol is spewed towards foster parents in general? Father Jim, wittingly or not, you may well have contributed to the harm of children by this article which may frighten good people in the Church from stepping forward to become foster parents.

Children die in the care of biological homes, kinship homes, adoptive homes - all types of homes. It is a tragedy when a child dies from the neglect of an adult under any circumstance. Young children are placed in group homes, because we do not have enough foster homes.

For the record, we are an aboriginal home and we have attended many services at the Sacred Heart First Nations Church with our aboriginal children.

Randy and Theresa Nault
Legal

Letters to the Editor

The WCR welcomes your letters. Please write 300 words or less and tell us your name, address and daytime phone number. All letters are subject to editing.

Opinions expressed in letters to the editor do not necessarily represent the views of the WCR.

Deadline for letters to be considered for publication is Friday noon, 10 days prior to the date of the issue.

The WCR's policy for letters to the editor is available online at www.wcr.ab.ca/letters-policy.shtml.

Last Updated: Friday - 09/24/2010

WCR Letters to the Editor

Archdiocese continues strong support for Share Lent

Priest's comments downgrade value of foster care

Letters to the Editor

Copyright © 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 -- Western Catholic Reporter