Letters: Having writ, moves on

The
Catholic Weekly
Online

Sydney
16 November 2003

Pill ‘cop out’, says bishop

Dinner to aid homeless, orphaned kids in Iraq

Charity status doubt

Sisters elect new leaders

Manly dinner to honour cardinal’s 80th birthday

Souvenir Edition

Gold coin appeal

Pregnant pause: Discovering the person inside me

Daughters at beatification

‘Think, live peace ...’

Commissioning Mass for Vinnies

Editorial: A healthier way

Letters: Having writ, moves on

Conversation: Fr Paul Gardiner, postulator for the cause of Blessed Mary MacKillop - Lack of ‘miracle culture’ delays Mary’s sainthood

St Pat’s, a new beginning

Dedication Mass

Disability not a problem

Answering the phone and packing cards

‘Riches come together’ in joint liturgy degree

Mission theme in action

St Mel’s harmony project wins award

Founding principal returns for McAuley presentations

Pigment of imagination

Letters: Having writ, moves on

EJ Baulman
Northbridge, NSW

This name and address will be familiar to readers of the Letters page of The Catholic Weekly.

But the letters of EJ Baulman, which have graced the Letters page so often, will appear no more. Having faithfully fought the good fight in a devoted life, Eddie Baulman went prayerfully to the Lord on November 3.

His friends have long admired him as a husband, father and man of faith. Eddie blended these roles so well in a life characterised also by his charm, conviviality and humour. He was ever a delight on social occasions.

Eddie with his pen and St Michael the Archangel with his sword - they made a pretty good team. Now side by side in Heaven, we may be sure they will continue to defend us, prayerfully, here on earth.

Farewell, good Eddie, and thank you. May flights of angels sing you now also to your well earned rest.

Ernest Mullins
Umina Beach, NSW

CRITIC CRITICISED

I wish to express my disappointment about the review written by Fr Peter Malone on Swimming Pool (Intelligent adult thriller, CW 5/10).

Nothing was said about any scenes offending people. I only decided to go with another lady after reading

Fr Malone’s comments. Yes, the acting was good, the French director had “impeccable craftsmanship” and it was set in beautiful French countryside, etc.

But satisfying adult entertainment it was not, certainly not for us.

I have since read two reviews in daily papers, both of which clearly stated that the film had “erotic mystery territory” and “bares more flesh than many less-French actresses would contemplate”.

I would never follow Fr Malone’s reviews again and I would appreciate it if you told him my opinion.

(Mrs) Margaret Weeks
Beverly Hills, NSW

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

There is a crying need for all concerned Catholics, not only the parents of students, to come together periodically (say annually), to review religious education in Catholic schools in the parish (and diocese) and also to voice concerns and make any recommendations they may wish to.

This could be undertaken in the parishes of each diocese, in an atmosphere of prayer, frankness, sincerity and charity with representatives of the local Catholic schools, the Catholic schools office, the parish priest, parish council and, if possible, the bishop.

I believe that the outcomes from such discussion are likely to be very positive for all concerned.

Bernard Swan,
Armidale, NSW

BIBLICAL MYSTIQUE

I can’t agree with Frank Mobbs of Gosford (Biblical errors, Letters CW 2/11) that “it would save a lot of bother if one decided that the Bible contains supremely important truths mixed with errors and trivia”.

It may be that no particular importance is placed on biblical mystique in Gosford, but it is treasured up the highway in Wyoming .

Because its essence is essentially mysterious, and because that essence deals with God’s relationships with man, in a particular but singularly important way, the popes have had a good deal to say about it .

Whether it was Abiathar or Abimelech who was high priest when David entered the sanctuary to eat what was reserved for the priests because he and his followers were hungry, is surely beside the point.

The point seems to be that Christ is saying that the sabbath was made for man, not man for the sabbath.

One should take trouble to read the Bible slowly if mystery is difficult, but most people of spirit find it refreshingly invigorating .

John F Heesh
Wyoming, NSW

RECIPE FOR DISHARMONY

There could be few actions more selfish than abortion, in which parents have their own child killed because it could cause them some expense, inconvenience or embarrassment.

Abortion is a recipe for social disharmony and Australia has too much of that already.

Litigation and insurance costs place sporting events and even essential medical services at risk, unemployment and poverty are far too prevalent, pollution, salinity and other environmental problems exist and around 40 per cent of marriages end in divorce.

These problems will only be overcome through widespread consideration for others and a willingness to work together for the common good.

They can only worsen if contraception and abortion continue at their present rates.

Dr Les Hemingway
Warrnambool, Vic

SINGING OF PRAYER

Regarding Arthur Negus’ letter (New Mass, CW 19/10), it must be pointed out that Fr Sean Cullen did not say in the original article (Hopes that new Mass will avoid the sounds of silence in Wollongong, CW 5/10) that the new setting features the singing of the Eucharistic Prayer by parishioners.

Given Fr Cullen’s extensive experience, I would be very loath to attribute to him the lack of knowledge suggested by Mr Negus. Fr Cullen credits his listeners/readers with the absolute knowledge of who sings what at any Mass; hence the lack of minute demarcations in his comment.

However, I would like to thank Mr Negus for going to the trouble of researching the appropriate documents. Before his very exact explanation I took a lot for granted.

T Bell
Wollongong, NSW

PEEVED RESPONSE?

Arthur Negus (New Mass, Letters CW 19/10), I applaud you. It takes a lot of courage to challenge anyone in his or her own territory, let alone a priest.

Fr Cullen’s rather peeved response in defence of himself shows how risky the challenge is, even when made in good faith.

Dana Carey
Croydon Park, NSW