I echo the sentiment of Peter Nation on Dr. Julia Sadusky’s talk, which seems insufficient at best, and misleading at worst. (Letters to the Editor, June 5)
Dr. Sadusky suggests that a gender-questioning student would benefit from an educator who prioritizes comfort over truth. “Mirroring the student’s language” and focusing on the “caring” aspect of the interaction is not enough for a Catholic educator who has an additional duty of leading that student in faith.
Dr. Sadusky’s suggestion that a teacher should refrain from using “same-sex attraction” instead of “gay” goes against Church teaching on homosexuality, which does not refer to “LGBTQ+” when offering pastoral care to those who may identify under that term. Instead, the term “homosexual inclination” and “same sex attraction” actually celebrates a person as a whole, instead of resorting to labels that contribute to what Dr. Sadusky herself calls a “linguistic mess.”
Moreover, Dr. Sadusky sounds unfairly biased against Catholics who speak out the truth, based on her recommendation that teachers put aside “angst” and “inner cultural warriors.” The “cultural-political lecture” that Dr. Sadusky seems keen on preventing from happening may well be the first and only truth that the gender-questioning student ever hears about his or her precious body that is shaped in the image of God.
Lastly, her notion that Catholic schools can encourage vocations to gender-questioning students just because they do not see marriage and children in their future is outrageous. That would hardly be an ideal way to increase religious vocations. I urge bringing in another speaker whose position is more clearly aligned with Catholic teaching. Several names come to mind, but one is Jason Evert of the Chastity Project.
Sophia Lee
Vancouver
In her May 22 column “On being Catholic, and why,” Julie VanSpall writes, “but only the Catholic Church offers the richness of communion: both in the worldwide unity of the Mass and in the Eucharist.”
It should be corrected that the Orthodox Church also offers the richness of communion, both in the worldwide unity of the liturgy (Mass) and in the Eucharist.
We had three Eastern Orthodox monks living on the Sunshine Coast for many years. They married one of our daughters and baptized their three boys. So we have become familiar with their church and quickly realized how close we are in our theology, Mass/liturgy, Eucharist, confession.
We would like all Catholics to know that and to be grateful to our close Orthodox brothers and sisters. We loved their prayers, chanting, and icons and miss them now.
Lucette Brind
Gibsons
How many of us adults notice and are often distracted by the behaviour of children in church? Smug in our pews we silently tell the parents to do something, or we sympathize with them for having to deal with often boisterous toddlers.
Most parents bring a few toys or books to amuse the energetic child, distracting those who cannot ignore the colourful menagerie lying on the pews and floor.
Let’s think of a new twist. Many children collect cards (hockey, music, wildlife). How about developing a set of cards incorporating educational and religious themes. Focus on parental love, arithmetic, geography, climate, food preparation, gardening, sports, anything that might interest an eager mind. Work with early childhood educators to develop a variety of relevant themes and collections. Print them on coated, durable card stock. Make these cards available through each parish for a reasonable price. Illustrate through these modest and easy to use and preserve cards the value and fun of going to church.
Not only would this project raise important funds for every parish, it would generate more interest and appreciation for the celebration of the Eucharist. By the time children reach the age when confirmation is conferred, their candidacy and experience would be more relevant and enduring. And countless adults would be able to draw a breath of relief.
Bob Scott
Chilliwack
