May 15, 2009

Letters to the Editor

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The ‘vine’ was missing part of its ‘branches’ at 175th anniversary Mass celebration on May 3

I was filled with joy, peace and wonder as I participated in the 175th anniversary Mass at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis on May 3.

For me, it was an affirmation of the love of our Lord for his Church and, hopefully, an inspiration for our youth to see the mega-church assembled together under one roof.

I also, however, was saddened by the number of parishes that chose not to participate in this uplifting event.

In my deanery alone, less than half of the parishes sent candidates to be confirmed.

Some of the reasons I heard were: “Too much of a hassle,” “It’s going to be a fiasco,” and “Why do we have to drive all the way to Indianapolis?”

Several parishes stated that they confirmed two classes last year so that they wouldn’t “have to be bothered with it this year.”

The Catechism of the Catholic Church states that one of the three aspects of the Church as the Body of Christ is “the unity of all her members with each other as a result of their union with Christ.” I believe that it would be prudent for some of the parishes in the archdiocese to re-examine this explanation of Church.

The “vine” was missing some of its “branches” on May 3, and they were in my prayers.

- Bill Unruh, Director of religious education, St. Mary-of-the-Knobs Parish, Floyds Knobs

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